In this article, I present Hyde Parkthe largest park in central London!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Hyde Park
- What you can see and do in the park
- How to reach Hyde Park easily
- Practical information and tour tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Hyde Park, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Hyde Park: article summary
Hyde Park: an immense green space in the heart of the capital Â
London is home to many parksand 8 of them belong to the British crown, earning them the appellation of Parc Royaux. Such is the case of Hyde Park, which I present to you below!
Introducing Hyde Park
Hype Park is located in the heart of the city of Westminster and is the largest park in central London. This immense green space extends over over 140 hectaresnot to mention the neighbouring gardens of the Kensington that surround it, making it 250 hectares of greenery.
Originally, it belonged to at Ebury Manor and covered an area of 1 hidea unit of measurement used in the Kingdom in the Middle Ages. That's how it got its name! Before Henry XVIII reclaimed the space, it was the property of Westminster Abbey nearby. The king used it mainly for hunting.
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Considered one of London's oldest parksIt's a place that has always hosted major events. For the 1851 Universal Exhibition, the Crystal Palacean architectural marvel that was later dismantled and rebuilt in the neighborhood of the same name, before being burned to the ground. in 1936. You can see it on period documents (and via an augmented reality app) and admire the major work it was for the period.
From numerous concerts take place in Hyde Park, but it's also one of the most popular places for Londoners and tourists to come for a breath of fresh air between visits. When you come visit Londondon't miss it!
Facts and figures about the park  Â
- The Charles I who opened the park to the public in 1637
- There are more than 4,000 trees in Hyde Park
- Iconic concerts held in Hyde Park include those by the Rolling Stones in 1969, by Pink Floyd the following year, or the Queen concert in 1976
- The album cover Beatles for Sale from Beatlesrepresenting the 4 members of the group, was taken in this park.
- Serpentine is an artificial lake in which you can swim; it separates Hyde Park from Kensington Gardens.
What can you see and do in Hyde Park?
During your visit to London, you'll certainly be tempted to take a break from the crowds. The English capital is very lively and the main monuments are crowded. In fact, a walk in Hyde Park can do you a world of good.
Here are a few things you won't want to miss!
Its monumental entrance
The main entrance to Hype Park is called Apsley GateIt was built just a stone's throw from Apsley. It was designed by Decimus Burton, the architect responsible for the park as we see it today.
It dates back to 1825 and extends over a length of 32.5 meters. Look up to see the beautiful engravings of a naval procession at the top.
Activities in Hyde Park
Hype Park offers a wide range of activities. Some are completely free, such as a family picnic or Frisbee; others, for a fee, if you'd like to hire a boat to cruise the Serpentine, ride a bike or climb a horse.
It's possible to simply stroll around, to see the squirrels, the abundant local flora and the many English people who lead their daily lives.
The speaker's corner
A particularly atypical area can be found in the north-east of the park, known as speaker's corner. speakers' corner. Since 1872It's a place where everyone can speak out and express their opinions, freely (in accordance with the law, after all!).
Many famous orators have debated here, including such greats as Karl Marx, Lenin and Orwell. At the turn of the century, many women came here to campaign for the right to vote. obtain the right to vote. And today, every Sunday morning, you have the opportunity to speak face-to-face with listeners, if you feel like it.
If you see a crowd, you'll know why!
Lady Di's memorial fountain
Visit Princess of Wales is commemorated in the store HarrodsA statue of her as Dodi Al-Fayed's companion has been erected, but the official tribute monument is in Hyde Park.
It was inaugurated in July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II and takes the form of a oval fountainaccessible to all, to recall the kindness of the late Lady Di. The two sides that meet symbolize the two aspects of the princess's life: the happy days and the troubled ones.
The rose garden
Stroll through Hyde Park and discover this magnificent, colorful and perfectly maintained rose garden. The paths are lined with beautiful statues, including that of the Garçon et du Dauphin directed by Alexander Munro. Munro was a close friend of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland!
The Wellington Arch
A beautiful triumphal arch, named to pay tribute to the 1st Duke of Wellingtonwho emerged victorious from the famous Battle of Waterloo against the French. It was completed in 1830 and it's possible to climb to the top for a view of London, if the trees don't obscure it.
How do I get to Hyde Park?
Hyde Park is right in the center of London, and is easy to get to on foot as you stroll around the area. Or take one of the following means of transport:
- By metroCentral line, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, and Marble Arch stops; Picadilly line, Hyde Park Corner stop
- By busvia the many bus routes serving the park, such as routes 2, 6, 13, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 137, 148, 390, 452, N2, N19, N22, N32, N38 or N137
- By taking a London cab
Hyde Park: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to help you visit Hyde Park without a hitch!
Rates and booking
No reservation is required by Hyde Park and its activities.
It's free; you'll only be charged for the activities you decide to take part in.
Opening hours
The park is open to the public from 5 a.m. to midnight throughout the year.
Allow two hours for a partial tour. More if you wish to visit it in greater depth.
Practical information
6 cafés and kiosks are spread throughout the park. You'll find it easy to eat and buy snacks in the green spaces provided.
For parents, there's a play area made from natural materials, where you can let your toddlers loose before continuing their tour!
What to see and do in the area?
Hyde Park is in in the heart of the City of Westminster and the surrounding area is bursting with activity. Here are a few suggestions:
- Kensington Palace to the west, a magnificent royal residence with a fascinating history
- Buckingham Palace to the east, where you can watch the changing the guard
- The Natural History Museum, to the south, with its superb dinosaur bones (and lots more!).
- Oxford Street to the north-east, for an unforgettable shopping experience!
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