Last Updated on 26 August, 2022
Hyde Park is one of London’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. This royal park is over 350 years old and boasts more than 4,000 acres of land for visitors to explore. Whether you want to go for a stroll, have a picnic, explore some of the gardens or try your hand at one of the many sports on offer, there’s something for everyone in Hyde Park.
If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Hyde Park, here are some of the best things to do;
Cool Activities In Hyde Park
Hyde Park is among experiences not to be missed when exploring London attractions. To save money on some of the additional expenses like cruises, afternoon tea, cocktail experiences, consider getting tickets in advance via Red Letter Days, Viator or Get Your Guide.
Take a Stroll Around Serpentine Lake
Strolling around Hyde Park is one of the best things in London – it’s enormous, picturesque, and accessible. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the quieter north side of the park, where you’ll find the beautiful Serpentine Lake. Here you can hire a rowboat or enjoy the views with a picnic.
Visit Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner
Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner has been a place for public speaking and debate since 1872. It is estimated that over 35,000 people visit the corner each week to listen to the speeches and debates. If you’re looking for something different to do in Hyde Park, this is it. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while you listen.
Have a Picnic in the Park
One of the best things to do in Hyde Park is to have a picnic. The park has plenty of green space to set up a blanket and enjoy a meal. There are also several food vendors in the area, so you can grab something to eat if you don’t want to pack your lunch.
Go for a Bike Ride
Hyde Park is a great place to go for a bike ride. There are plenty of paths to explore, and you can even rent bikes from some of the local shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try cycling on the Serpentine. You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to enjoy a ride in Hyde Park. If you want to explore the hidden corners of the park as well as many other parks in London, consider doing a Royal Parks Bike Tour.
Play Some Tennis
Hyde Park is home to some of the best tennis courts in London, so why not bring your racket and have a game? If you don’t have a racket, you can hire one from the park’s tennis center. There are also other players if you have no one to play with.
Try your Hand at Boating
One of the most popular things to do in Hyde Park is to go boating. You can hire a boat or bring your own and explore the Serpentine. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. This is one of the activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Explore Kensington Gardens
Home to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens is the perfect place for a family day out. There’s plenty to explore, including the Peter Pan statue and the Albert Memorial. For example, the Italian Gardens are perfect for a picnic, while the Serpentine Gallery is ideal for art lovers.
Go Horse Riding
Horse riding is a great way to explore Hyde Park and get some exercise at the same time. There are several stables around the park, so finding a place to rent a horse is easy. The prices are reasonable, and you can usually ride for an hour or two.
Visit the Petting Zoo
If you’re traveling with young children, they’re sure to love visiting the petting zoo. This zoo is in Hyde Park and is home to various animals, including goats, sheep, and llamas.
Serpentine Lido / Boat Rental
The Serpentine Lido is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and paddle boating in Hyde Park. You can rent a boat from the Boathouse Café, which also offers refreshments. Swimming is free, but there is a charge for renting a deck chair or sun umbrella. One of the best things is that the prices are very reasonable that you may decide to hire a boat more than once during your stay in Hyde Park.
Take a Ride on the Hyde Park Carousel
Hyde Park Carousel is one of the oldest operating carousels in the United States. The hand-carved horses and other animals are from Coney Island, and the carousel has been designated a New York City landmark. When you are done riding, walk to the nearby Central Park Zoo.
Serpentine Gallery
The Serpentine Gallery is one of London’s most famous art galleries. Located in Hyde Park, this gallery showcases a variety of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. It doesn’t matter if you’re an art lover or not; a visit to the Serpentine Gallery is a must-do when in Hyde Park.
Hyde Park Playground
The Hyde Park playground is great for young children to let off some steam. Plenty keeps them entertained with various climbing frames, swings, and slides. Add this stop to your list if you have kids because they’re sure to love it.
Serpentine Bar and Kitchen
The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to refuel after a day of exploring Hyde Park. This stylish restaurant offers a range of British classics and a selection of international dishes. There’s also an extensive wine list, so you can enjoy a glass or two while taking in the stunning views of Hyde Park.
Hyde Park Rose Garden
The Hyde Park Rose Garden is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers. With over 12,000 roses, this garden is home to various species. The best time to visit is between June and July, when the roses are in full bloom.
The Hudson Memorial Bird Sanctuary
The Hudson Memorial Bird Sanctuary is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Located in Hyde Park, this sanctuary is home to various species of birds. You might even spot a rare bird or two if you’re lucky.
Serpentine North Gallery
The Serpentine North Gallery is located in Hyde Park and showcases a range of contemporary art exhibitions. This gallery is smaller than the Serpentine Gallery but is still well worth a visit if you’re an art lover.
Must-Sees In Hype Park
There are many must-see attractions in Hyde Park. Here is a compilation of some of the most popular ones;
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is a must-see for anyone visiting Hyde Park. This memorial fountain was built in memory of Princess Diana and is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
Statue of Achilles
The Statue of Achilles is located in Hyde Park and commemorates the Greek hero of the Trojan War. This statue is one of the most popular attractions in Hyde Park and is a must-see for anyone interested in Greek mythology.
Norwegian War Memorial
The Norwegian War Memorial is located in Hyde Park and commemorates the Norwegian soldiers who fought in World War II. This memorial is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Attractions Near Hyde Park
Above are some of the best things to do in Hyde Park. Below are other free attractions and things to do in and near Hyde Park for children, kids and adults. From biking, boating on Serpentine, and cafes to Princes Diana Memorial Fountain for children and adults. There are many attractions located near Hyde Park. Here are some of the most popular ones;
Peter Pan Statue
A statue of Peter Pan is located in Hyde Park, close to the Kensington Gardens. It was erected in 1912 and designed by Sir George Frampton. The statue attracts many tourists and is a popular spot for photographs.
Kensington Palace
Located in Kensington Gardens, next to Hyde Park, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence home to the British Royal Family since the 17th century. One of the most popular tourist attractions in London, the Palace is open to the public and features several exhibitions throughout the year. For example, the Fashion Rules exhibition showcases several royal outfits from different eras.
Kensington Gardens
Do you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful greenery? If so, you’ll want to check out Kensington Gardens. This stunning royal park is next to Hyde Park, perfect for a stroll or picnic lunch. There’s also plenty of history to explore, as the gardens were once part of Henry VIII’s hunting grounds.
Diana Memorial Playground
Hyde Park is home to the Diana Memorial Playground, which was opened in 2000 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. The playground is designed for children aged 2-12 and features several unique play structures, including a pirate ship, giant slides, and swings. There is also a sensory garden for children with disabilities.
Victoria And Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest decorative arts and design museum, housing a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s located in Hyde Park, so it’s easy to get to if you stay in the city center. The museum contains exhibits on animals, plants, and the environment. There are also interactive displays and a planetarium.
Where To Stay Near Hyde Park
There are many accommodation options located near Hyde Park. Here are some of the most popular ones;
The Lanesborough is a luxury hotel just a short walk from Hyde Park. This hotel offers a range of different room types, as well as a variety of other amenities.
The Mandeville Hotel is a luxury hotel just a short walk from Hyde Park. This hotel offers a range of different room types, as well as a variety of additional amenities.
The Hilton London Hyde Park is a luxury hotel just a short walk from Hyde Park. This hotel offers a range of different room types, as well as a variety of additional amenities.
Hyde Park is a great place to visit for both locals and tourists alike. There are many different things to see and do in Hyde Park, so be sure to add this to your list of places to visit. Whether interested in art, history, or just wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, Hyde Park has something for everyone.
How To Get To Hyde Park
Getting To Hyde Park couldn’t be easier. Hyde Park is surrounded by many underground stations. You have Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge.
You have a choice of Central and Piccadilly Line stations. You also have the option of Notting Hill Gate and Bayswater on the Circle or District Lines but just factor in a few minutes walk from those stations to Hyde Park.
You can also get to Hyde Park by buses. Buses 9, 23, 52, 70, 452, 94, 149 and many other will get you to Hyde Park from a number of directions in London. For a specific route plan check out the TFL website.
