Things To Do In Hyde Park, London

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities. Its rich history, culture, and architecture make it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. One of the most popular sights in London is Hyde Park, a large Royal Park in the City of Westminster. The park covers an area of over 350 acres and it is one of the largest parks in the city. Hyde Park is home to many attractions, including numerous monuments, sculptures, fountains, and other historic landmarks.

History of Hyde Park

Hyde Park has been part of London since the medieval period, when it was used as a royal hunting ground. The park was first officially established in 1536 by King Henry VIII. After Henry’s death, the park remained largely unchanged until 1637 when it was redesigned under the direction of Charles I. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Hyde Park became known as a place for public gatherings and demonstrations. It was also used as a venue for concerts, sports, and other events.

In 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park. The exhibition was an international showcase of modern technology and design, and it drew over six million visitors. Today, Hyde Park continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. It is home to several monuments and sculptures and it is popular for its beautiful gardens and lakes.

Things to Do in Hyde Park

There are plenty of things to do in Hyde Park. Here are some of the most popular activities:

Explore the Park

One of the best ways to experience Hyde Park is to explore the park on foot. The park covers an area of over 350 acres, so there is plenty to see and do. The park is divided into four main sections: the South Lawn, the North Lawn, The Serpentine, and The Long Water.

The South Lawn is home to some of the park’s most iconic monuments and sculptures, including the Albert Memorial and the Victoria Memorial. The North Lawn is a more natural area with plenty of trees and wildlife. The Serpentine is a large lake at the center of the park that is popular for swimming and sailing. The Long Water is a stretch of water that runs along the northern side of the park.

Visit Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is one of London’s most iconic royal residences. Located within Hyde Park, the palace is open to visitors from April to October and offers guided tours of the State Apartments and gardens. Visitors can also take a stroll in the palace’s elegant gardens or explore the Queen’s Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artworks from the Royal Collection.

Enjoy Some Sports

Hyde Park is a great place for sports enthusiasts. The park has two tennis courts, two cricket pitches, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, two bowling greens, and a skate park. There are also several running tracks, cycling paths, and jogging trails throughout the park. Visitors can also play a round of golf at the Hyde Park Golf Course or take part in one of the park’s many other sports activities.

Shop at Hyde Park Village

Hyde Park Village is a shopping center located within the park. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Visitors can browse through designer stores or pick up souvenirs at one of the many gift shops. There are also several street markets held throughout the year at Hyde Park Village where visitors can find unique gifts and local products.

Take a Boat Ride on The Serpentine

The Serpentine is a large lake at the center of Hyde Park. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the view from one of its many banks. Boats can be rented from the Serpentine Boathouse or visitors can take part in one of the park’s guided boat tours.

Attend Special Events

Hyde Park hosts several special events throughout the year. These include music concerts, film screenings, open-air theater performances, and more. Some of these events are free while others require tickets for entry.

Popular Tours in Hyde Park

In addition to exploring Hyde Park on your own, there are also several guided tours available for visitors who want to learn more about the history and attractions of the park. Here are two popular tours that offer an in-depth look at Hyde Park:

Guided Tour of Hyde Park

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore Hyde Park in depth with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into its history and attractions as well as some interesting anecdotes about its past. The tour will take visitors around some of the park’s most iconic sights such as Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, and more. At the end of the tour, visitors will have time to explore some of the park’s gardens or take a leisurely stroll around its lakes and ponds. Book this tour here.

Robots & Reptiles Tour

This unique tour offers visitors a chance to explore some of Hyde Park’s most interesting attractions as well as some off-the-beaten path sights that are often overlooked by visitors to London. The tour will take visitors around some of Hyde Park’s robotic sculptures as well as its various animal enclosures where visitors can see everything from giant tortoises to giant snakes. At the end of the tour, visitors will have time to explore some of its hidden gardens or take a leisurely stroll around its lakes and ponds.Book this tour here.

Hyde Park is one of London’s most iconic attractions and it is an ideal destination for visitors looking for an exciting day out in London. Whether you’re looking to explore its history or just enjoy its beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone in Hyde Park. With so many activities to choose from, it’s no wonder that people come back time and time again to experience all that Hyde Park has to offer!