Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit takes place within its 625 acres (275 of which belongs to Kensington Gardens) all year round. Horse-riding, rollerblading, swimming, boating, tennis, cycling, bowling and putting are just some of the formal activities catered for, while informal games of cricket, football, rugby and rounders regularly sprout up in the 'Sports Field' on the south side of the park. A number of famous London attractions are also housed within this central, sporty park. Hyde Park boasts the Speakers' Corner and the Serpentine Boating Lake, lido and art gallery, while Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Albert Memorial and Diana Memorial Playground characterise Kensington Gardens. Both spaces have strong royal associations. In 1536, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Henry VIII recalled Hyde Park back from the monks of Westminster Abbey, and began using it for hunting. In 1728, George II's wife Queen Caroline engineered the introduction of water to the park by channelling a stream to create the Long Water and Serpentine. Public use of the park was banned in the 18th century and then only introduced years later to a contingent of "respectably dressed" folk. The situation now couldn't be more different. From formally dressed horse-riders to scantily clad sunbathers, this area attracts and welcomes everyone. Its central location means it lures in folk from every walk of life and, as a result, is one of the most colourful, dynamic and fascinating green spaces in London. A full complement of events including free guided walks, concerts, workshops and entertainments complete the picture.
Best for: Sunbathing and swimming, horse-riding and rollerblading, ducks, deckchairs, monuments and galleries.
(Image: Peter Pan statue, Kensington Gardens - by Anne Marie Briscombe)
Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race
Serpentine, W2 2UH
Christmas Day, 25th December 2008
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the ... More
Running
British Military Fitness & Serpentine Running Club
It may seem perverse but some people find being shouted by an army officer a great motivator when it comes... More
Sloane Square to Camden Town
Distance & Difficulty - 7 miles. Long but leisurely.
Highlights - Harrods, Serpentine, Camden Lock Market.
Overview - Starting... More
St James's Park
Park Office, The Store Yard, Horse Guards Approach, SW1A 2BJ
Colourful, central park with thriving bird population and lake
St James's Park with Green Park,... More
The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,Mayfair,
London,
W2Map
Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ... More
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical terms one huge, merging expanse. The 'split' dates back to 1728 when Queen ... More
With artworks dotted around the hotel and a huge, bright, modern reception filled with sculptures and stark, overhead pools of lighting, first impressions are more ... More
Located at one end of Oxford Street, one of London's most famous shopping districts, with Bond Street not far and Hyde Park opposite, this Art ... More
Throughout December a section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with fairground rides, giant wheel, circus, Christmas ...More
Keys legend Jools Holland returns to the Royal Albert Hall with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for two nights of boogie-woogie, swing and ska. Performing ...More
A year in the construction, this £3.6 million attraction opened in a blaze of farcical incompetence, as the architects discovered two shocking things: kids play ... More
If you're feeling flush and flashy then Cutler & Gross in Knightsbridge is a very exclusive place to invest in eyewear. They stock a selection ... More
Quintessentially English, this pretty al fresco spot, attached to the Mandarin Oriental hotel and overlooking Hyde Park, offers a real summer treat. Enjoy a light ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Technically two different parks, 
