London Visit: Ten Things to do in Hyde Park. If you’re looking for something to do in London, this London Park is worth exploring. I went for a stroll last weekend and have compiled my list of Ten Things to do in Hyde Park. Acquired by Henry VIII in 1536, the park was opened to the general public in 1637, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since. Wander through the Rose Garden, listen to a lively debate at Speakers’ Corner, contemplate at the Diana Memorial Fountain or go for an open-air swim at the Serpentine Lido … what will you do?
Wild Flower Meadow
Ten Things to do in Hyde Park List
10 Things to do in Hyde Park List
- Enter through the Apsley Gate
- Wake up and smell the roses in the Rose Garden
- Admire the many statues
- Stand inside a tree
- Eat a hearty breakfast and relax by the Serpentine Lake
- Say hello to the swans and ducks
- Listen to debates at Speakers’ Corner
- Contemplate at the Diana Memorial Fountain
- Take a dip in the Serpentine Lido
- Nod off in a deckchair
Ten Things to do in Hyde Park Information
Enter through the Apsley Gate: Exit Hyde Park tube station, and you can walk through this grand classical stone gateway designed by Decimus Burton. It’s made from Portland stone with friezes by John Henning, which were inspired by the Elgin Marbles on the Parthenon in Athens.
Aspley Gate
Wake up and smell the roses: After passing through the Aspley Gate, you can stroll through the Rose Garden, which is a beautiful way to start your day. Here you can enjoy a colourful array of roses and flower beds. You can also take a leisurely stroll under the metal pergola. The garden was designed by Colvin and Moggridge Landscape Architects and has been open since 1994.
Rose Garden Boy and Dolphin Fountain Statue
Admire the many statues: In the Rose garden, you can see the Boy and Dolphin Fountain by Alexander Munro (1862) and the fountain statue of Diana the Huntress by Lady Fedora Gleichen (1899). As you walk through this park, you will also find many more statues to admire.
Diana the Huntress Fountain Statue
Stand inside a tree: Just past the Rose Garden, you will see a large tree with branches drooping down to the ground. The branches have formed a natural tent; you can bend down to enter the tree via a small gap and stand up inside, which is an amazing experience.
Drooping Tree
Eat a hearty breakfast and relax by the Serpentine Lake: Treat yourself to breakfast at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, which is served from 8 am until 11.30 am daily. We tucked into a Big Veggie Breakfast and French Toast with Greek yoghurt, red berry fruit compote and maple syrup. Also on the menu is a Full English Breakfast, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale and more. You can enjoy your food on the terrace overlooking Serpentine Lake. Alternatively, you can try the Lido Bar and Café instead.
French Toast
Say hello to the swans and ducks: After breakfast, you can walk very close to the swans and ducks who like to hang out at the Serpentine Lake.
Swans and Ducks
Listen to debates at Speakers’ Corner: If you want to hear some passionate speakers and lively debates, wander over to this corner of the park where the tradition has been going since the mid-1800s. An act of parliament designated this portion of Hyde Park for public speaking in 1872. Karl Marx, George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin have all stood on their soapboxes at this corner. Anyone can rock up and give a speech, just as long as it’s about a lawful topic.
Speakers’ Corner
Contemplate at the Diana Memorial Fountain: Kick off your shoes and refresh your feet in the fountain designed to reflect Diana’s quality and openness.
Diana Memorial Fountain
Take a dip in the Serpentine Lido: If you fancy an open-air swim, you can head to the Lido, which is open from May during the weekends and then from June until mid-September from 10 am until 6 pm. It costs £4.80 for adults and £1.80 for children with concessions.
Deckchairs
Nod off in a deckchair: From March until October, you can pay for the use of a traditional striped deckchair which is £1.60 for an hour. Buy a newspaper, have a read and then snooze!
Ten Things to do In Hyde Park Further Research
To find out more, visit the Royal Parks Website. You can also print off a PDF map from the website. Opening hours are 5 am until midnight. You can access the park at different entrances. The best tube stations are Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), Lancaster Gate (Central Line) and Marble Arch (Central Line). Make sure you visit this park next time you’re in the area or find yourself with a spare half a day in London! Should you need refreshments once you’ve explored everything Hyde Park has to offer, be sure to visit one of Cubitt House’s London Pubs (sponsored link) located in the areas surrounding the park.
Kensington Gardens was once part of Hyde Park but now has its own status although they blur into one. In Kensington Gardens, you will find the stylish royal residence of Kensington Palace. To view art exhibitions visit the two Serpentine Galleries which are free. The Albert Memorial is well worth admiring. Read my Ten Things to do in Kensington Gardens feature for more information.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy for visiting with me. This is a Sponsored Post/Advertising.
