Hyde Park

About four centuries ago, Hyde Park was first opened to the public having previous being used as a hunting ground. Originally, Hyde Park was far larger and included what we now know as Kensington Gardens, but when Queen Caroline resided in Kensington Palace, she took part of Hyde Park as her gardens and redesigned them. Back then the Park was notorious for highwaymen and thieves, so much so that for safety, Rotten Row became the first lighted public street in England.

Today it provides both an opportunity for a bit of peace and quiet and also a range of outdoor activities for both the tourist and the resident.

The Park itself is essentially many acres of grassed areas, accessible to all. Within the park you will find a bird sanctuary, monuments and memorials, walkways and waterways. Activities available in the park include horseriding on Rotten Row, boating on The Serpentine Lake, tennis and bowling.

Marble Arch stands in the North Eastern corner, and the nearby Speakers Corner was opened in 1872 after numerous riots and protests proved the necessity for a public speaking area, today speakers still use this facility, sometimes drawing quite large audiences.

Opening Hours
Dawn until dusk

Location
Hyde Park
Marble Arch
London
SW1

Location Map

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7298 2100

Nearest Tube / Rail Station
Hyde Park Corner