Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks and one of the largest green spaces in the centre of the city, stretching from Marble Arch and Park Lane in the east to Kensington Gardens in the west. Henry VIII took the land as a hunting ground in the 16th century, and it was later opened to the public. Today it is a place for walking, cycling, boating, swimming, sport and simply sitting on the grass, and entry is free.

The Serpentine lake runs through the middle of the park, with lakeside paths, wildlife and waterfront cafés. On its southern shore, the Serpentine Lido is used by swimmers, and it is home to the oldest swimming club in Britain. Close by is the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, a gentle oval stream in granite. In the north-east corner, Speakers' Corner has long been a place where anyone can stand up and speak, while the rose garden near Rotten Row, the historic riding route towards Kensington Palace, is lovely in summer. Meadows and quieter paths in the north of the park are good for a longer stroll.

The park suits every kind of visitor: families with picnics, runners and cyclists, couples looking for a quiet walk between museums and shopping, and anyone who needs a break from traffic. Sports pitches on the site of the former Crystal Palace can be booked for football, tennis and padel. In summer the park hosts large concerts, and in winter the Winter Wonderland event takes over part of the eastern side. Seasonal walking routes are published by the Royal Parks.

Pedestrian gates are open from 05:00 until midnight every day. There is no single entrance, as gates surround the park, and it takes a good half hour or more to walk from one end to the other. Paths are mostly flat and paved, making much of the park accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Food and drink are available at the cafés by the Serpentine.

Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Lancaster Gate Underground stations all sit on the edge of the park. Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace adjoin it to the west, the museums of South Kensington lie to the south, and the shops of Oxford Street and Knightsbridge are close by.