Hyde Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks and the largest green space in the centre of the city, covering about 350 acres between Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Kensington Gardens. It is free to enter and open every day, and it offers everything from boating on the Serpentine to open-air swimming, summer concerts and a long tradition of public speaking at Speakers' Corner.
Why visit Hyde Park
Henry VIII took the land for hunting in the sixteenth century, and it was later opened to the public. Today Hyde Park is where Londoners walk, run, cycle, picnic and sunbathe, and it is a welcome break between busy shopping streets and museums. The park joins seamlessly with Kensington Gardens to the west, so together they make a huge stretch of open space.
The park also hosts large events, including major summer concerts and, in recent years, the Winter Wonderland fair over the festive season. During those events, parts of the park are fenced off and ticketed.
How to get to Hyde Park by Tube
Hyde Park has several Tube stations around its edges, so pick the one closest to what you want to see:
- Marble Arch (Central line): the north-east corner, by Speakers' Corner and the end of Oxford Street.
- Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line): the south-east corner, by Wellington Arch, Apsley House and the Rose Garden.
- Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line): the south side, a short walk to the Serpentine and the Diana Memorial Fountain.
- Lancaster Gate (Central line): the north-west side, close to the Italian Gardens at the head of the Long Water.
Marble Arch is a good starting point if you are combining the park with Oxford Street shopping, while Knightsbridge is better for the lake.
Hyde Park opening hours and entry
Hyde Park is free to enter. It usually opens early in the morning and closes around midnight, but times and access can change for events and maintenance. Some activities inside are paid, such as hiring a pedalo or rowing boat on the Serpentine, swimming at the Serpentine Lido in summer and ticketed concerts and fairs. Check the official Royal Parks website, royalparks.org.uk, for current times, events and closures.
Things to do in Hyde Park
The Serpentine
The curving lake runs through the middle of the park. You can walk its banks, hire a boat in the warmer months or watch the swans and ducks. Hardy members of a long-established swimming club swim in it year round.
Speakers' Corner
Near Marble Arch, this corner has long been a place for public speeches and debate. Sunday mornings are traditionally the liveliest time.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
An oval stream of water set in granite, near the Serpentine's south bank, designed for people to sit beside and cool their feet in warm weather.
The Rose Garden
Near Hyde Park Corner, the Rose Garden is at its best in early summer.
Cycling and riding
Designated cycle paths cross the park, and Santander hire bikes can be picked up from docking stations around it. Horses still use the sand track known as Rotten Row.
Eating and practical tips
There are cafes and kiosks around the park, including lakeside spots by the Serpentine, and picnicking on the grass is part of the fun in good weather. Public toilets are found near the main facilities. Paths are mostly flat and suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Note that cycling is only allowed on marked routes, and some paths are shared with horses.
In winter, the park gets dark early, so plan longer walks for the middle of the day.
Best time to visit Hyde Park
Hyde Park is enjoyable all year. Spring brings blossom and daffodils, summer is ideal for boating and picnics, and autumn colour is lovely along the paths. Early mornings are peaceful and good for a run or walk. Plan an hour for a stroll, or half a day if you want to cross into Kensington Gardens or spend time on the water.
Nearby around the park
- Oxford Street: London's main shopping street starts at Marble Arch.
- Marble Arch: the white marble arch that gives the station its name.
- Apsley House and Wellington Arch: at Hyde Park Corner.
- Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace: across the Serpentine to the west.
- Harrods: a short walk from Knightsbridge station.
Find more places near Marble Arch on the Hyde Park page, or explore the London guide by Tube station.