Hyde Park - one of London's eight magnificent Royal Parks
The best that London has to offer…..
With its thousands of stunning trees and plants, Hyde Park is a wonderful place to stroll with family and friends throughout the year and enjoy the natural London vibe. With the adjoining Kensington Gardens, these two magnificent spaces form one of London’s largest green areas. Perfect for jogging and meandering alike, Hyde Park offers you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and return to nature.
The Serpentine
Boating on The Serpentine: in Hyde Park there is a fleet of rowing and pedal boats for visitors to enjoy gliding across the lake. A great way to spend an afternoon…..
For refreshments, the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, inspired by English country living, is a retreat for Londoners and visitors alike serving a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks, sandwiches, salads, cakes, puddings and drinks.
The Lido Bar and Cafe offers stunning views of The Serpentine and has a large alfresco dining area – a wonderful space to relax and enjoy Hyde Park with your family.
The Diana Memorial Fountain
The Diana Memorial Fountain: Built from 545 pieces of Cornish granite, the design reflects the mercurial Diana’s nature and life with water flowing in two directions, cascading, swirling and bubbling before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. There are three bridges where you can cross the water and go to the heart of the fountain.
The Serpentine Galleries
In the Kensington Gardens area of the Park, The Serpentine Galleries comprise two contemporary art galleries – The Serpentine Gallery and The Serpentine Sackler Gallery, both within five minutes’ walk of each other and linked by the bridge over the Serpentine Lake from which the galleries get their names. And of course the Princess Diana Playground is great for families with young children.
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground children’s wonderland opened on in June 2000, in memory of the late Princess Diana. Located next to the Kensington Palace home she occupied during her marriage, a huge wooden pirate ship is the amazing centrepiece of this fitting tribute to the child-loving Princess. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, the design includes an area where less able and able-bodied children can play happily together. The playground encourages children to explore and follow their imaginations and learn whilst they play. It is estimated that over 70,000 children enjoy this free playground each year, playing, exploring, dashing about, and letting their imaginations soar in this magical space. There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach and various toys and play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There’s also plenty of seating so the grownups can relax too and enjoy a coffee in the playground while their children rush around and use up their energy in imaginary games!
Speakers’ Corner
Speakers’ Corner: a famous, traditional site for public speeches and debates since the 1800’s when protests and demonstrations took place in Hyde Park. Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell were known to often use the area to speak to the gathered crowds and exercise their right to free speech. On a Sunday morning, it is not unusual to see hordes of people converging on Speakers’ Corner to listen to enthusiasts expounding their views on the latest issues of the day. Anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful.
Wildlife
Hyde Park provides a unique habitat for a diverse variety of species of flora and fauna and positive changes in management practices have encouraged new species to adopt the park as their home! The creation of the meadow area gives a flavour of how Hyde Park looked in the past and has become more diverse year on year since its creation and of special delight to visitors is the sight of butterflies feeding from the native wildflowers in the meadow.
Trees, shrub beds and and an abundance of herbaceous plantings provide rich habitats for song birds including robins, dunnocks and tits. Look out for small groups of long tailed tits that hop from tree to tree looking for insects and nesting materials. Sadly, over feeding of aggressive feral pigeons and squirrels threatens the native song birds as they are not able to compete with these robust pests.
Goose Duckling: The Serpentine attracts a large number of wildfowl, many of which are winter visitors to the park. Look out for the exotic looking great crested grebes and their spectacular mating rituals. The lake also attracts a large number of insects that and thereby provides a perfect feeding ground for bats. The best place to view bats is on Dell Bridge around dusk and also close to Serpentine Bridge.
Much of the wildlife in the park goes unnoticed by the majority of visitors. This includes a host of ‘minibeasts’ such as beetles, bees and other varieties of ground foraging insects. These insects are a vital component of the park ecosystem and the creation and protection of their habitats is very important for the overall health of the park.
Look out for other exotic and unusual visitors which descend on Hyde Park from time to time. Recent sightings have included a black swan, a buzzard and egyptian geese.
Sports
Sports: The Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre is located at the western end of the Sports Field at the junction between West Carriage Drive and South Carriage Drive. There are 6 tennis courts, 6 rink lawn bowling green and a 9 hole putting green, a cafe and changing facilities.
Tennis: There are 6 high-quality tennis facilities, accredited by the Lawn Tennis Association, at the Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre. Visitors to the park are encouraged to turn up and play while for regular players who live nearby, a range of membership options are available. Coaching courses are run for children and adults. Tournaments
are organised and teams can also play in local tennis leagues.
Lawn Bowls: The Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre has a well-maintained 6 rink flat green bowling green. The bowling green (or an individual rink) is available from May-October (weather dependent) to individuals, families, groups of friends or established clubs to hire on request and can be pre-booked.
Putting Green: The Centre has a challenging and well maintained 9 hole putting course, popular with both groups and families.
Getting to Hyde Park
Hyde Park is highly accessible by public transport, both by underground and by bus. There is also limited car parking available but we recommend that visitors come to the
park by public transport. The general postcode for the park is W2 2UH, but it covers a large area so we suggest you plan your journey carefully.
By Tube
Tube stations close to Hyde Park are:
Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Hyde
Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line).
By Bus
- North : C2, 6, 7, 10, 16, 19, 23, 36, 52, 73, 82, 98, 113, 274,
390, 414 - South : 2, 36, 137, 148, 159, 436
- West : 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 94, 148, 414
- East : 8,15, 23, 30, 38,274
London's Top Tourist Attractions
The Coca-Cola London
Eye
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, a flight on the iconic London Eye is essential for all visitors – enjoy a 360 degree view round the London skyline from your pod! Bring your camera with you and spot London’s major landmarks from this stunning 135m cantilevered observation wheel. The wheel is operational throughout the year – times vary according to season – so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance. The slow rotation of the 32 capsule wheel takes approximately 30 minutes and gives you an ever changing perspective of London. Underground stations nearby include Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth North. If you would like to stay near the London Eye we have some lovely apartments for you to consider…..
Tower Bridge
One of London’s timeless landmarks! Take a walk across the glass floored upper walkway and enjoy magnificent views along the Thames and across the City of London from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and beyond. Inside the bridge you can explore the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms that house the beautifully maintained coal-driven engines that once powered the Bridge Lifts. If you get your timing right you can view the Bridge Lifting below from the glass walkway overhead. Nearest underground station at Tower Hill. Some of our luxury apartments overlook London’s tower – imagine enjoying lovely views from your own terrace as the glowing evening sun sets over the River….
Sea Life London
Just across the River from the Houses of Parliament, the London Sea Life Aquarium is a must visit for families. Located in the magnificent old County Hall, former home of London’s council, this classic building is a joy to visit. Children marvel at the sea life on display – there is lots to see and plenty of enjoyable hands on stuff. Sea Life London is an enjoyable, educational experience for all ages and the aquarium boasts a huge range of fish and sea creatures for you to explore. Nearest underground at Waterloo and Westminster. One of our favourite hotel/apartment residences nearby is….
Madame Tussauds
Close to Baker Street Station, you can rub shoulders with an amazing array of wax models of the rich and famous of today and yesterday – all displayed in their own fabulous costumes. Sporting heroes, politicians, celebrities and stars…and of course the British Royal Family are all there! The exhibition has over 250 characters on display! And you have a chance to star in immersive experiences where you can have your photo taken alongside a whole host of famous people. This attraction is particularly fun for older children. Nearest underground at Baker Street. We have some competitively priced apartments nearby….
The Science Museum
Lots of hands on fun for children and adults alike at London’s iconic science museum. Visitor participation and interactive exhibits ensure that the Science Museum experience is enjoyable for all. The IMAX Theatre shows an ongoing programme of educational science movies. Welcoming over 3 million visitors a year, the museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. This world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from around the globe. See hotels and apartments nearby…..
The View from The Shard
Superb 360 degree views of the amazing London skyline from London’s iconic Shard reaching some 800ft or 244m above the city. On a clear day visitors can see up to 40 miles away into the English countryside! It is the only place that offers visitors a view of the entire city. Designed by master architect Renzo Piano, the Shard is a dynamic symbol of London. Nicely iluminated at night. Apartments nearby…..
The London Dungeon
Explore the ancient capital’s most horrible history at the London Dungeon and experience live actors, thrilling rides and exciting special effects taking you back into the darkest of times… Are you brave enough? Enjoy Vengeance: the UK’s first 5D laser ride unleashed at the London Dungeon – just for you! A Victorian séance gone wrong… Spin around in the darkness and duck, dive, dodge and shoot your way out… A high speed, high adrenaline ride, this is the ultimate ghost hunt with you at the heart of the action. Nearest underground station at Waterloo. See the apartments we are offering nearby….
Hop on hop off bus tour
This is the best way to get a glimpse of the best sights of the streets of London It is recommended that you take this tour in the early part of your weekend or vacation to enable you to decide which parts of our lovely City you wish to return to and visit at your leisure. There are bus stops at all major landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and many more! During you trip, hop off the bus to see the London points of interest that appeal to you. Then, hop back on and skip the ones that don’t. The London bus tour has never been this simple. Book an apartment in central London…..
The British Museum
Located in London’s Bloomsbury, the British Museum was founded in 1753 and houses a most remarkable collection spanning over two million years of human history. You can enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of various world cultures under one roof, centred around the magnificent Great Court. World-famous objects on display include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies….. In addition to the vast permanent collection, the museum’s special exhibitions, displays and events are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent. Nearest underground stations at Russell Square, Holbon and Goodge Street. Stay in this lovely area…..
The Tower of London
From the Crown Jewels to guided tours and the infamous Tower ravens, this is your opportunity to experience history where it happened in this charming royal palace. You can discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. Nearest underground station Tower Hill. See accommodation nearby…..
Westminster Abbey
Initially built by Henry III in 1245 Westminster Abbey is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. In the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey’s Triforium you can explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor. Apartments nearby…..
The Victoria & Albert
Museum
Offering an amazing permanent collection of art, photography and design throughout the ages, this major museum runs a wide and varied programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Enjoy coffee or a lunch here with friends and rest your weary bones in the grassy quadrangle. The closest underground station is at South
Kensington. Apartments and hotels nearby…..
The National Gallery
Explore the story of European art at the National Galley, masterpiece by masterpiece, with its collection which includes a lovely collection of works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh. There are free guided tours, audio guides available in multiple languages and free family activities for children of all ages. Nearest underground stations at Charing Cross and Leicester Square. Accommodation nearby – ideal for weekends and vacations…..
Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of His Majesty The King is open to tourists during each summer. You can take a tour – highlights of the Buckingham Palace tour include the 19 beautiful State Rooms used for official functions, the Throne Room, the magnificent Grand Staircase and fine art including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer. Nearest underground station is St James’s Park. Accommodation close to Buckingham Palace…..