The Royal Hyde Park
Something for everyone
HYDE PARK
There’s something for everyone in Hyde Park, from swimming and boating in the Serpentine to concerts and exhibitions. Hyde Park is open all year round, is readily accessible by public transport and has car parking. Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind. Dip you toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, brave an open water swim in the Serpentine, or just admire the views across the lake from a waterside café. Have a go at boating, tennis, horse riding, or join the many joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoying the open air.
Did you know? Hyde Park has a long history as a site of protest, and still hosts rallies and marches today. Visit Speakers’ Corner on a Sunday morning to hear people from all walks of life share their views. Accessibility information for visitors to Hyde Park including independent audits of Hyde Park’s facilities and the free mobility service for people who find it difficult to see all of the park. Open from 5am to midnight all year round.
Couple of minutes walk
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BOATING ON THE SERPENTINE
Rowing and pedal boats are available to hire on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. You can also take a ride on the UK’s first Solarshuttle, powered only by the sun.
SERPENTINE LIDO
Daily public swimming in The Serpentine from June – September. Serpentine Swimming Club swims every day, including the famous race on Christmas day. The Lido and accompanying paddling pool are great for adults and children.
THE HYDE PARK TENNIS AND SPORTS CENTRE
The Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre has tennis, lawn bowls and putting facilities available to hire. There is also a cafe for players and spectators.
HYDE PARK PLAYGROUND
The Hyde Park Playground is an exciting and adventurous play space that sits on the southern boundary of Hyde Park.
FOOTBALL
The Old Football Pitches located on the south side of Hyde Park are available to hire through the Will to Win Tennis and Sports Centre.
HORSE RIDING
Hyde Park has two specialist horse riding arenas, or manèges, as well as two designated routes for horse riding (North Ride and South Ride).
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
The walk is a seven-mile-long walk, charted by 90 plaques set in the ground, that takes you within sight of famous buildings and locations associated with the Princess during her life.
THE LOOKOUT
The LookOut, Hyde Park is a unique, eco-friendly building nestled in an acre of enclosed grounds in the heart of the park. It enables people of all ages, abilities and communities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and; learn about the natural world, take part in family and wellbeing activities, hire our venue for private celebrations and events.
THE ROSE GARDEN
A spectacular garden featuring rose planting mixed with herbaceous planting to create rich seasonal flower beds and strong scents. The Rose Garden is located in the south east corner of Hyde Park, south of Serpentine Road near Hyde Park Corner.
SPEAKERS CORNER
Speakers’ Corner is a traditional site for public speeches and debates since the mid 1800’s when protests and demonstrations took place in Hyde Park. Speakers’ Corner is located on the north-east edge of Hyde Park, nearest Marble Arch and Oxford Street. Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell were known to often use the area to demonstrate free speech. In 1872, an act of parliament set aside this part of Hyde Park for public speaking. Even today, on a Sunday morning, it’s not unusual to find crowds gathering at Speakers’ Corner to listen to enthusiasts expounding their views. Anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful.
MEMORIALS, FOUNTAINS AND STATUES
Numerous works of art and areas commemorating and celebrating historic events and famous people can be found in the park.
EVENTS IN HYDE PARK
You can enjoy a wide range of events in the parks, from high-profile music concerts like Barclaycard British Summertime, to local community events and the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Any income raised from hosting events goes back into caring for the parks. The Royal Parks have charitable status.