For anyone planning an outdoorsy trip to London, one of the first green spaces that’s likely to spring to mind is the majestic Hyde Park. Included within our list of must-visit parks in the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this sprawling area.
In this article, we’ll share information about the popular park to help you plan your next trip. This blog covers everything from highlighting what attractions are available to sharing the best area to stay in London if you want to easily reach Hyde Park.
Keep reading if you want to learn all there is to know about this special green space in London.
What’s Special About Hyde Park?
Hyde Park is one of the most popular green spaces in central London, attracting more than 13 million visitors annually. Although Hyde Park is known for attracting a large number of tourists and visitors every year, it still remains a relaxing place to visit with pockets of calm as it spans an impressive 142 hectares.
The park first gained notoriety as an important location in history books, as it was noted in the Domesday Book that the area was a royal hunting ground used by Henry VIII. It was then later officially opened as a public space by King Charles I. As well as being a famous royal London landmark, Hyde Park is also known for being the location for many free speech events, with the likes of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, who have adorned the famous grounds.
Hyde Park is also special as it includes a number of monuments, including the Diana Memorial Fountain and The Reformers Tree, and a selection of elegant gardens that can transport even the busiest of minds to a relaxing countryside escape. With attractions for the whole family, Hyde Park is one of the most diverse green spaces in London, which is why we always recommend it as a visit if you are in the area.
What Is There to Do in Hyde Park?
Whether you are planning a day trip to London, a weekend getaway or a longer break, Hyde Park is always worth a visit. Here are a list of the things there are to do in this impressive park to help you best plan your trip:
Stroll Around and Relax
If you are looking for some zen time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then taking a stroll around the park is a great way to unwind. This can be done as part of some official London walking tours or by yourself.
The park includes manicured gardens, wide open spaces, lake-side views and plenty of benches and paths to ensure anyone can get around easily. You can also find lots of quiet areas, meaning whether you want to sit and absorb the culture or have some time just for yourself, there is a place for everyone.
Have Fun on the Lake
A popular attraction within Hyde Park is Serpentine Lake, which offers 40 acres of open water. Not only is this the home of popular swimming and boating clubs, but visitors can also rent a pedalo or boat to explore the water-filled oasis. The lake is also home to the iconic Serpentine Bridge and has plenty of stunning views adorning its banks, meaning there is plenty to see during a visit.
Hyde Park also includes the start of The Long Water Lake, which leads directly into Kensington Gardens.
Visit a Sporting Area or Playground
If a more active trip is more for you, Hyde Park doesn’t disappoint. The green space includes an array of sporting pitches, horse riding routes, play parks for younger visitors and professional-sized tennis courts.
Most of these activities are managed via Park Sports Hyde Park, and sports are offered, including padel, football, lawn bowls, and tennis. These spaces can also be hired for corporate events and other special occasions or for regular visitors to enjoy.
Plan a Trip to a Seasonal or Special Event
One of the main reasons why tourists and local visitors flock to the park throughout the year is because the large space is used to host a selection of special events. Recurring events include the ultimate Christmas Market and Fair, Winter Wonderland and the popular British Summer Time music festival.
Hyde Park is also the chosen location for many other events including open air cinemas, concerts, speaking events, fitness classes, meet-ups and pop-up roadshows. With something on throughout most of the year, it’s always a good idea to check out what’s on during your visit to see if something takes your fancy.
Are There Places to Eat Near Hyde Park?
Another reason why people love to visit Hyde Park is because there are also places within the space and nearby to grab an iconic London bite to eat.
Within the park, popular choices include The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen and The Lido Cafe. Both eateries offer a wide selection of culinary delights to satisfy any palette. There are also plenty of food carts and pop-up vendors available if you simply fancy picking up a nice warm drink.
Hyde Park is also near many brilliant places to eat, with a selection of chain restaurants and high-end eateries within a short walking distance.
What Other Attractions Are Located Near Hyde Park?
Something else that first-time visitors may not be aware of is that Hyde Park is located near plenty of other popular attractions.
The closest tube station is Marble Arch, which is at the end of the world-famous shopping area, Oxford Street. As well as having easy access to this popular street, which includes Selfridges, other popular shopping areas including Carnaby Street and Bond Street are also within walking distance.
Other attractions near Hyde Park, which can be reached either by foot or via public transport, include The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, Serpentine Galleries and the V&A Museum. Additionally, if an outdoorsy trip to London is the reason why you are visiting Hyde Park, there are also other popular green spaces nearby including Kensington Gardens and St. James Park.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay When Planning a Visit to Hyde Park?
If you are planning a trip that includes some time exploring Hyde Park, we have the perfect hotels available for you. Both our Hotel Cavendish and Arran House Hotel stays are just a 14-minute drive away from this popular green space. All of our other stays (Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel) are also within close reach of Hyde Park, and all are served by various forms of public transport. Getting to Hyde Park is simple, whether you want to hop onto the tube or bus or travel in a cab, which our team has arranged. The benefit of staying in any of our centrally located hotels is that other attractions are nearby, meaning you can explore various parts of the city with ease. Whether this includes attractions like The London Eye and royal landmarks, notable places to eat or other green spaces, our hotels are the perfect place to call home whilst in the city.
Other reasons to stay with us include:
- A selection of room types and special offers available to suit the needs of anyone from tourists to business travellers
- Cosy decor and spaces allow the perfect way to relax after a busy day in the city
- Help from our knowledge staff and support from a 24/7 manned reception
- Free guest WiFi in all hotels
- Central locations that put you in the heart of a truly authentic London city experience
Are you now ready to visit all of the attractions that Hyde Park has available throughout the year? Contact us now to learn more about our hotels, or click here to make a booking.
