Hyde Park

Hyde Park is possibly London's best-loved greenspace; its 350 acres of land is made up of everything from manicured lawns, lakes, playgrounds, trees and fountains.

King Henry VIII acquired Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536 during the reformation, he and his court could often be seen hunting for deer, and it remained the private hunting ground of the monarch until James I allowed limited access to those other than himself appointed a ranger to look after the park. However, it was Charles I who really changed the nature of the park, when in 1637 he opened the park to the general public.

Throughout the years the Park was still under the control of the reigning monarch many of whom added to the park, in the 1730s Queen Caroline carried out extensive renovations, transferring land from the park to create Kensington Gardens and created The Serpentine Lake. During the 17th Century Hyde Park became a venue for national celebrations, fireworks were set off, exhibitions were held and people took to the grass during marches to express their often controversial points of view; in 1872 the Prime Minster created Speaker's Corner where members of the public are entitled to rant away about any subject they wish.

Since the 19th century many architectural additions have been made to the park including the monumental entrance at Hyde Park Corner, the Wellington Arch and the Crystal Palace that was later transferred to Sydenham; the most recent addition to the Park is the memorial fountain to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Even today Hyde Park is a popular place to partake in sport, though it goes without saying that the sport takes a very different form to that which Henry VIII would have enjoyed. The main sporting pursuits taking place in the 21st century include cycling, football, rounders, crickets and tennis.

Walkers are likely to spot a variety of ducks, swans and birds enjoying the water of Hyde Park, foxes and squirrels are also know to reside in the park so keep you eyes peeled for some very active nature! The park is a popular venue for outdoor concerts and events; past events have including Live 8 and the annual London to Brighton road race.

Find out more about Hyde Park.

How to get there

Hyde Park is open from 5am until midnight all year round.

The closest tube stations are located at Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge.

If travelling by bus 6, 7, 10, 16, 52, 73, 82, 390, 414, 2, 36, 137, 436, 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 148, 414, 8, 15, 30, 38 and 274 all serve the area.