Looking for the best things to do in Hyde Park? Keep reading, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know!
If you’re visiting London, chances are Hyde Park is already on your itinerary, and it absolutely should be. It’s one of the most popular and beloved spots in the city, and no trip to London feels complete without spending some time there.
The park is massive, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do. After visiting London more than six times, I’ve had the chance to explore Hyde Park in every season, and I’m sharing some of my favorite experiences that I think you’ll enjoy too!
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WHERE IS HYDE PARK
Hyde Park is right in the heart of central London, in the City of Westminster, which makes it super easy to get to no matter where you’re staying. It stretches from Kensington in the west to Mayfair and Park Lane in the east. It’s huge and it’s one of the most beautiful Royal Parks of London. It’s also directly next to Kensington Gardens, so you can explore both in one go.
Getting to Hyde Park is simple with the Tube. Several Tube stations are just a short walk from different entrances to the park. The closest ones are Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate, and Queensway. Just pick the one closest to where you’re coming from, and you’ll be in the park in no time.
IS HYDE PARK WORTH VISITING
Yes, Hyde Park is absolutely worth visiting. I’d even say you shouldn’t make an itinerary without including it. It’s one of the most iconic green spaces in London and the perfect place to escape the city crowds while still being close to major landmarks and neighborhoods.
The park is full of beautiful scenery, with open grassy areas, tree-lined paths, peaceful lakes, and well-kept gardens. There’s plenty to do too, from renting a boat to horseback riding or simply enjoying a walk or picnic. The best thing is… it’s completely free and open to everyone, which makes it an amazing stop on any London trip.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED FOR HYDE PARK
How much time you spend in Hyde Park really depends on what you want to do. Here’s a quick overview of the best options to help you plan:
If you’re short on time, you can do a quick visit in about an hour. For a nice short walk, we usually go from the Albert Memorial to Hyde Park Corner. It gives you a good feel for the park, with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, without taking too long. You still get to see many highlights of the park in a really short time.
If you’ve got 2 to 3 hours, that’s enough to enjoy a more relaxed visit. You can walk around the Serpentine, check out Speaker’s Corner, stop at one of the cafés for a drink, and visit a few landmarks like the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
For the full experience, set aside 5 to 6 hours, but only if you’re visiting in summer when the weather is nice. That way, you can explore both Hyde Park and the neighboring Kensington Gardens, rent a boat, enjoy a picnic or lunch, and take your time soaking it all in. I also highly recommend renting a bike, it’s one of the best ways to explore the entire park!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HYDE PARK:
Stroll through Hyde Park
One of the most obvious and popular things to do in Hyde Park is simply walking. There’s really no better way to explore this large and beautiful park. You’ll find several scenic walking trails, along with two gorgeous lakes you can stroll around and enjoy at your own pace. If you’re planning to just walk through the park, make sure to set aside at least two hours for a more relaxed and enjoyable stroll.
Cycle through the Park
One of my favorite ways to explore Hyde Park is by cycling through it. You can easily rent a Santander bike from one of the many docking stations, all you need is a credit card. We usually pick them up near Hyde Park Corner and ride through the park all the way to Black Lion Gate. It’s such an incredible route, and along the way, you’ll pass by some of the park’s most beautiful landmarks. You’ll also get to cycle right by the Kensington Palace, which is stunning!
Read more >>> A LONDON CYCLING GUIDE FOR TOURISTS
You can’t cycle freely everywhere in the park. There are designated cycling paths, and it’s important to stick to those, otherwise you could get fined.
Spot Wildlife
If you’re an animal lover, Hyde Park will be a real treat for you. You’ll find plenty of wildlife roaming freely, making it a great spot for some casual animal watching. Around the Serpentine, there are hundreds of swans, ducks, and geese, and if you go into the quieter areas of the park, you’ll likely spot squirrels and songbirds too. Keep in mind that the squirrels can be surprisingly bold and might even climb on you if they think you’ve got snacks!
Relax in a deck chair
If you’re visiting Hyde Park in the summer, you’ll notice lots of striped deck chairs scattered around the park. They’re a great way to rest and enjoy the sunshine. You can take a short break or plan a full picnic, and these chairs will make it easy to relax. You can book them in advance too, right here on their website. They start at around £4 and go up to £14 for all-day use.
Rent a Boat on the Serpentine
For a truly stunning and unique experience in Hyde Park, rent a boat on Serpentine Lake. You have two options: a pedalo, which is easy and fun, or a rowboat, which is a bit more romantic. Depending on who you’re with, pick the one that suits your mood at the time. Renting either of the two for 60 minutes costs £13.15 per person, and you can book your spot right here!
Visit Speaker’s Corner
One of Hyde Park’s most popular attractions is definitely Speaker’s Corner, so be sure to stop by while you’re exploring the park. It’s located near Marble Arch, which isn’t close to the other main areas of the park, but if you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit. This historic spot has long been a place for free speech. Even speakers like Karl Marx and George Orwell shared their thoughts there! If you visit on a Sunday, you can often catch live debates and impromptu speeches happening right then and there.
See the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
If you want to pay your respects to Princess Diana, be sure to visit her Memorial Fountain. This modern, circular fountain is a peaceful spot where people often sit and relax. It’s a beautiful part of Hyde Park and well worth a visit. It’s located near Serpentine Lake, so it’s easy to include in your walk through the park.
Watch or Try Horse Riding
If you like horses, Hyde Park could be particularly interesting to you. For those who just like to watch, there’s a famous part of Hyde Park called Rotten Row where you can see riders on horses during the day. However, if you want to experience horse riding in Hyde Park, you can book a session with the Hyde Park Stables. Their prices start at £115 per lesson!
Enjoy a Café or Picnic
When you get tired of walking or cycling, stop by one of the bars or restaurants for a drink or some food. Some popular spots in Hyde Park are The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Friends of Ours Restaurant, and Lido Café. They’re all located around Serpentine Lake, so plan your walk accordingly if you want to visit any of them. Of course, you can always bring your own food and have a picnic on the grass. Grab some takeaway or a few meal deals and enjoy your morning or afternoon relaxing on a beautiful Hyde Park lawn.
Visit the Kensington Gardens
On the west side of Hyde Park, you’ll find Kensington Palace and its gardens. Originally, Kensington Gardens were part of Hyde Park but were later separated to serve the palace. The gardens are open daily from 6 a.m. until sunset, and entry is free. However, there is a fee if you want to visit the palace or any exhibitions taking place there.
Visit Winter Wonderland during Christmas Holidays
In December, Hyde Park hosts one of the biggest Christmas markets in London called Winter Wonderland. It is not your typical Christmas market because it feels more like an amusement park with festive food, drinks, and beautiful decorations. Entry is free during the day but after 4 p.m., when the busiest hours begin, there is a small admission fee. Inside, the rides and food can be quite pricey but it is definitely a unique and memorable holiday experience.
