Hyde Park is a Grade I listed urban park in the borough of Westminster. The ‘People’s Park’ is one of central London’s most beautiful green spaces, featuring plenty of cafés, wildlife and the glistening Serpentine Lake.
It’s a place etched into British history. Iconic artists, including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Queen, have headlined concerts in Hyde Park, while Live 8 took place here in 2005. Nelson Mandela and the suffragettes gave memorable speeches in the park, and it’s also the site of the UK’s first-ever Pride march.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Hyde Park in our guide, including:
Explore a range of activities inside Hyde Park, from picturesque walks to boating on the Serpentine Lake.
Since opening in 1994, the Rose Garden has offered a tranquil escape from London’s city centre. Located in the southeast corner of Hyde Park, it’s a picturesque setting packed with roses, herbaceous plants, and seasonal flowers.
Continue walking through, and you’ll find two beautiful fountains. The fountain statue of Diana the Huntress was commissioned to Hyde Park in 1906, while Alexander Munro’s Boy and Dolphin fountain returned to the park in 1995 after 33 years in Regent’s Park.
The Serpentine is a 40-acre lake which was created in 1730. Take a dip in the summer months at the Serpentine Lido (a marked swimming area for the public) or hire a rowboat or pedalo anytime during the year.
Once you’ve finished, head to the Serpentine Lido Café, where you can grab various drinks and snacks while soaking up lake views from an alfresco dining area.
Nestled deep within Hyde Park and just by the Serpentine Lake is the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Since being opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, the fountain has become a popular place for visitors to relax and pay their respects to the life of the ‘People’s Princess.’
There’s a flat path around the fountain, making it wheelchair accessible, and you can dip your feet in and cool down on a hot day.
Hyde Park is a fantastic place to play sports, thanks to the Park Sports Hyde Park facility. Located on the park’s south side, the facility is open to everyone and offers various sporting activities, including tennis, padel, table tennis, football, netball and lawn bowls.
Due to its central London location, Hyde Park is near many of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions.
No trip to London is complete without visiting Buckingham Palace. Take a 15-minute walk down Constitution Hill and marvel at the palace known for being the royal residence of the British monarch.
Book a guided tour and walk the same halls as British royalty. Enjoy access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, where you’ll find some of the finest pieces from the Royal Collection, including Sèvres porcelain, Antonio Canova’s ‘Mars and Venus’ sculpture, and the Shipbuilder and his Wife by Rembrandt van Rijn. Step out onto the Palace Gardens and soak in beautiful scenery before checking out the fantastic Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Explore the wonders of the natural world with a visit to the Natural History Museum. Prepare to be dazzled in the dinosaurs gallery with star specimens, including the first T-rex skeleton discovered and the skull of a Triceratops. You’ll also find many other extraordinary exhibits that dig deeper into planet Earth’s history, including volcanoes, earthquakes, marine reptiles, and creepy crawlies.
There’s a selection of on-site cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a break and tuck into savoury and sweet snacks. And don’t forget to pop into one of the museum’s shops before leaving!
Well known for being a foodie’s paradise, you’ll be treated to a diverse range of restaurants when you grab a bite to eat in Soho. Find cuisines from around the world. From Michelin-starred Spanish tapas and Sri Lankan street food to traditional British dishes and fantastic vegetarian and vegan options, there’s food for all tastes.
The best restaurants in Soho include:
Soho is around a 25-minute walk from Hyde Park. Alternatively, jump on a tube from Hyde Park Corner to Piccadilly Circus, and you’ll be there in 15 minutes.
Learn more about hotels near Hyde Park and make the most of your trip to London.
The Dilly is one of the best hotels near Hyde Park in London. It is a 20-minute walk away and offers spacious rooms, an on-site gym with a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
Other fantastic options include NYX Hotel London Holborn, a 10-minute tube ride from Hyde Park, and Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, 15 minutes away via the London Underground.
Tubes on the Piccadilly line take you directly to Hyde Park. Exit at Hyde Park Corner station, and you’ll find yourself at the park’s southeastern corner, where Aspley House and the Wellington Arch are located.
Hyde Park is also well-served by the Central line, with two nearby stations. Marble Arch is a 1-minute walk from the park’s northeastern entrance, while Lancaster Gate leaves you near the Italian Gardens and Serpentine Lake.
Many popular areas of London flank Hyde Park. Directly to the east, you’ll find Mayfair and Soho, with Covent Garden just a little further along. Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and Westminster are to the south, while Kensington is west of the park.
Most Royal Regions in the UKMaking up a large and significant part of the ...
MORE +The Second Names of Cities in the UK and Around the WorldThe Big Apple, The City...
MORE +Widely considered the beating, bustling heart of the North of England, Mancheste...
MORE +
