Hyde Park

Hyde Park stretches across 350 acres (142 hectares) of lawns, the Serpentine lake, tree clusters, and paved paths running through central London. The water divides the grounds, while open grass and smaller gardens fill the space between the avenues.

Henry VIII acquired the land in 1536 from Westminster Abbey monks and used it as royal hunting ground before opening it to the public in 1637. Paths were later laid out and the lake was excavated, transforming the grounds into an urban park.

Speakers' Corner remains a gathering point where people stand on boxes to voice opinions on any topic, while listeners agree or argue back. Families spread blankets for weekend picnics across the lawns, and joggers loop the maintained paths circling the water.

The gates open at five in the morning and close at midnight, allowing visitors to use the park throughout the day. Boats can be rented on the lake, tennis can be played on the courts, or you can swim at the bathing spot.

The Serpentine Bridge divides the water into two separate sections: the Serpentine on the Hyde Park side and the Long Water on the Kensington Gardens side. This division created two distinct bodies of water with their own names and shoreline landscapes.

Location: City of Westminster

Part of: Royal Parks of London

Shares border with: Park Lane

Website: http://royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park

GPS coordinates: 51.50861,-0.16361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:38