An Insider’s Guide to Hyde Park

As one of London’s 8 Royal Parks, Hyde Park is visited by millions of Londoners and tourists every year. Covering 350 acres in Central London, it is home to a number of famous landmarks, and also a few hidden gems that are perhaps a little less well known. With Summer just around the corner, there is no better time to visit Hyde Park, and we’ve rounded up some of the best must-see attractions to make sure you don’t miss out!

The Lido

The famous Serpentine Lake has been used for swimming for over 250 years, and is still open to brave open water swimmers today. Between June and September every year you can take a dip in the stunning lake and enjoy the beautiful park surroundings. The Lido building was built in 1930 as a changing facility and has since been renovated into a delicious bar and café, offering alfresco dining on the water side.

Rose Garden

This collection of roses, shrubs and herbaceous plants offers beautiful colours all year round, but the Rose Garden is particularly nice during the Summer months. Located in the South East corner of the park, the Garden has been open since 1994 and offers a perfect quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets.

Speakers Corner

In 1872 an act of Parliament set aside the Speakers Corner area of Hyde Park for public speeches and debates. It is widely used, especially on Sunday mornings, and anyone can turn up and speak on any subject, as long as the speech is considered lawful. An interesting place to spend an afternoon and hear a debate or two.

Sports in Hyde Park

Hyde Park is home to leisure facilities and activities of all kinds, from rollerblading to horse riding. The dedicated Tennis and Sports Centre offers tennis courts and other sports, and if you are looking for somewhere for a game of footie, then head to the football pitches for a kick around. Designated cycle tracks throughout the park are open to cyclists, skate boarders and rollerbladers. Little ones can enjoy the playground, and there is even a Senior Playground full of exercise equipment to help improve balance, core strength and flexibility. Hyde Park also offers a specialist horse riding area and two designated riding routes. And of course, we can’t forget the famous boating in the Serpentine.

Rotten Row

Rotten Row is a track that runs for 1,384 metres between Hyde Park Corner and Serpentine Road. It was established by William III in the 17^th Century as a safe way to travel between Kensington Palace and St James’s Palace. It was lit by 300 oil lamps in 1960, making it the first artificially lit highway in the country. Today it is a popular horse riding track and is known as one of the most fashionable bridle paths in London.

Serpentine Bridge

The bridge crossing the Serpentine to the West of the park offers stunning views across the water and Kensington Gardens, and in clear weather you can see all the way to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. A good spot to relax and watch the world go by.

The Albert Memorial

One of London’s most ornate monuments, this memorial commemorates the death of Prince Albert in 1861. It is located directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall and makes for a stunning place to chill out in the sunshine. Grab a picnic and sit on the nearby grass or benches, and enjoy the view!

However you choose to enjoy Hyde Park this Summer, be sure to join us at The Rembrandt, just a 15 minute stroll from The Serpentine. Dine in the 1606 Lounge Bar, where you can indulge in a delicious lunch or a Traditional Afternoon Tea. Or why not relax your feet after a long day of exploring? Book a beauty treatment at Aquilla Health and Fitness to unwind after a day of sightseeing. To book The Rembrandt or find out more, call us on 020 3740 7145 or email [email protected].