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Hyde Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Hyde Park Corner Grand EntranceLondon W2 2UH
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park
- Nearest Transit:
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Lancaster Gate
Knightsbridge
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
74 reviews for Hyde Park
74 reviews in English
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Review from Crysal V.
4/14/2012
Hyde Park will be my favorite thing in London. Not only was it unreal to be reading about it in my romance novels, yes, yes, shut it, but to be there in the flesh!! It truly is ginormous and beautiful and you go at your own pace, runners, walkers, dogs, horseback riders, and children. This was the first thing I did and the last thing and I could not be more happier about this, it truly was beautiful. It connects to Kensington Palace and the Serpentine is here and is just huge. Highly recommend!
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Review from Danielle S.
London
5/8/2012
i feel so lucky to live in london where there are so many beautiful parks. hyde park is one such. i enjoy it best when the weather is not so great, and the huge expanse of it feels like a really solitary place to be. beautiful lawns, lakes, statues, memorials, it's just a hive of outdoorsy joy.
sure on a beautiful sunny day, i am sure it is absolutely glorious, but i'm a bit of a princess and i like having places to myself ;) this weekend was one such time when my boyfriend and i took a late after dinner walk through the park on a cold, blustery and slightly rainy saturday evening. the park is open until midnight all year round, which is awesome in the summer months, and which seems slightly pointless in the winter?
the outdoor lido which just looks to be a cornered off section of the serpentine lake gave me the fear! so cold, and so dirty looking!
i'm minusing a point simply because in london i have two other parks that are dearer to my heart, but hyde park is no subpar effort, it is still an amazing place! also, the diana memorial playground doesn't let you in unless you have a child with you...no fair, you are never too old to play on the swings, especially when it's evening and there are no kids vying for a go!!!! -
Review from Bill T.
A real gem in the heart of London. If you want activity, there is plenty to be found. Plenty of spaces to run, play, workout, horseback ride, exercise your dog....all within minutes of the nearest Tube station.
If you want to relax with a quiet stroll or a sit on a bench, there's that too. Clean and safe, this is a true urban oasis, similar to Central Park in NYC. The interesting thing about Hyde Park is that portions of it are much less sculpted than parts of Central Park, so you get a more rustic feel in certain areas of the part.
Escape from the madness and the hustle and bustle of London by stepping into this amazing and beautiful space.Listed in: London Loverlies
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Review from Lizzy M.
3/9/2012
I love a walk in a park. It is a gentle escape from the urban relent that surrounds it. Many sights and sounds are here for the viewing. Do yourself a favor and relax here with some friends
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Review from Laura Kate S.
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I fell in love in Hyde Park. Over many walks and wanders and picnics. And then across many years I've still loved it. It's special. I prefer the Kensington Gardens side or the bits along The Serpentine to the big, tree-less fields near Park Lane. But if you wander through the meadow-y bits in the middle, you can find some really magical spots.
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Review from Gemma G.
This review will be mainly based on Hyde Park as a gig venue but let's not forget it is a pretty amazing park in it's own right, great for walking, jogging, swimming and picnicking as many others have mentioned.
I have seen two gigs here over the past couple of years - Blur and Kings of Leon, both were fantastic. I love an outside performance and Hyde Park does it particularly well. It's well organised and kept pretty clean and tidy, as much as possible with so many plastic cups floating around.
On neither occasion have I had to wait long to get in. In fact, on the last visit we were positively encouraged not to queue but to fill every available gap - a very strange concept for us Brits!
There are numerous bars that are exceptionally well staffed meaning you don't have to wait long for your pint. There are lots of food stands but I haven't tried these to date.
My only complaint would be the toilet facilities - endless, poorly defined queues that mean you end up wasting a lot of time that could be better spent watching the bands. Apparently not a problem for the boys who seem to think it is perfectly acceptable to wee where they are standing (!) but please, provide more loos for the ladies.
It's pretty easy to get out and it's much quicker to walk back to Victoria than to try and get the tube.
Sort out the toilet issue and it's an easy 5 stars.Listed in: Musical Madness, The Great Outdoors
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Review from Bruce K.
I love love LOVE Hyde Park. It's the perfect London park - with a simple twisting road that cuts through it, perfect for cycling or rollerblading or jogging (as if) or just walking and taking in the green grass and leafy trees. Or just sit near the side of the lake and watch the boaters and swans. Or wander over to the Diana Memorial fountain and take int he kiddies running and splashing and having a grand time. Or go over to the Serpentine Gallery and take in some art. Or just find a quiet shady spot for a picnic, followed by a nap.
There are a couple of Boris bike stands here and there and the park is surrounded by Tube stations, so you can get in and get out easily.
My favorite park in the city!Listed in: MUST SEE London
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Review from Gianna D.
8/6/2011
Hyde Park in the summer is a lot of fun in my opinion. When I was living in London we did so many different things here! I think it's a great place for everything from jogging, roller blading, walking the dog, biking, whatever you can think of. It is a huge place with so much space for just about everything. It's a place for tourists and Londoners alike.
One of my fondest memories was seeing a Jay-Z concert here. Well, technically we just sat outside the concert walls, jammed to his music, drank some beers and cider, had a picnic, and just chilled. It was really just a great time of bonding and friendship. And we met a lot of fun people doing the same thing around us.
Finding a spot to sit was one of the most interesting parts as walking around you have to be careful not to get run over by cyclists or rollerbladers. There is a specific walkway etiquette that you must follow and you will get hollered at. I was apparently not aware of this and got yelled at several times but I learned about it eventually-- sort of.
Also they have this very cool soap-box engagement (Monday's maybe?) that they have where you can have a conversation about whatever that comes to your mind. It draws quite a crowd and it is very interesting to hear everyone's opinion on so many different issues.
Hyde Park is quite the attraction and a great place for everyone to stop by and visit. -
Review from Courtney N.
3/25/2012
This was my favorite part of my London visit. Hyde Park is just awesome. Expansive with lots to see and even though there are many tourists you never feel crammed in. I felt like it was me and my friend and just a nice park that was all ours to enjoy. And, you can wander for hours. It goes on and on, and connects to many different parts of London. The park is well maintained which is quite a feat considering how many people must pass through daily. I saw a bunch of cute squirrels who were obviously spoiled by tourists and not afraid to take a piece of cookie from my hand! It didn't feel commercialized at all. In fact, I was very thirsty and it was hard to find anyone selling water so I would suggest bring some of your own before embarking. Outside one area, we saw a bunch of local artists selling their wares. If I wasn't traveling internationally, I think I would have picked one up but I feared it'd be destroyed en route to Norway then back to the US. I saw only happy faces there. A gorgeous summer day, a beautifully kept park and a lovely area to just wander around and enjoy being alive. It's a must do if you visit London.
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Review from Douglas O.
8/21/2011
I love Hyde Park, to stroll along the gardens and people watching. I stay in Paddington and always end up in that area. I started to jog a bit more and the paths throughout the parks make them perfect.
Hyde Park is beautiful in April, the flowers and trees come alive. Whether walking briskly to get to the other side of the park, or just leisurely stroll, a place that I like to visit on every trip.
Depending on the timing, they have some exhibits or large sculptures in to be showcased. Agree about the Diana fountain was a let down.... expected more then the story about the amount of granite pieces that went into it... -
Review from Jennifer S.
London
6/28/2011
Now where else would you spend your one day of summer... but at Hyde Park!
The only thing missing is a giant bouncy slide! ha ha. But you'll find lakes, plenty of grass area. Perfect for a picnic and wine!
And right in the middle of London! -
Review from Jason G.
7/18/2011
I came here as a tourist. I had a rough idea of what I was looking for, but needed to know more. I walked into the information booth, and there bumped into a lovely middle-aged English women. We had an amazing conversation involving the Russian revolution, British hygiene, and the alleged shadiness of North London. She gave me lots of info.
I walked around, and saw the Princess Diana memorial fountain. It was a cool concept. Also saw the Serpentine Gallery, which is a little to post-modern for my tastes. And I saw the Prince Albert memorial.
But that's when I got rained on. A lot. -
Review from Jeremy G.
8/25/2011
Forget about the rock concerts and the silly loonies by Marble Arch. This place is most important for hosting the Expedition of 1851 - specifically, Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace, one the great watershed buildings in the history of architecture. Because of its success, London was able to build several popular museums that sill exist today. Five stars for that fact alone.
And it's nice; not quite stunning, but very nice; I really enjoyed walking through here on the way to the city sights. And not only is it the biggest park in London, it's also the most well-rounded, in terms of features, landscaping and functionality. -
Review from Sheri C.
7/17/2011 7 photos
love love loveee Hyde Park. Perfect for walking through and just watching the scenery!
love that there were people and their dogs just wandering, and the dogs were so well-behaved!
interesting to see the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, but i really thought there would be more to it.
definitely check out the park! -
Review from Chris Y.
11/24/2011 4 photos
It's a huge park in the middle of London. Like Golden Gate Park or Central Park, and many others; a bit of a refuge from city life. Hyde Park, though, just didn't have any extra special appeal to warrant five stars. It's got a memorial fountain dedicated to Princess Diana, if you are into that, though it was definitely not a fountain like I was expecting. Hyde Park is so connected to Kensington Gardens that they are generally assumed to be the same park. Just lots of simple, green, open space for a city that needs it.
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Review from Courtney R.
8/24/2011
No matter what you come to Hyde Park for, it's a good place for it. Need to get away from the city and have a nap on a grassy bank? Plenty of shady trees to keep your face from getting too pink while you sleep. Going for a jog? The Serpentine provides a great circle track to go for a warm up, and paths wind through the park that keep the scenery interesting and beautiful. Hoping to take a boat out? Easy, just head to the boat house when the weather is nice and rent one. In desperate need of some fountains to stare at while you eat your lunch? The Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens is peaceful and lined with benches.
There are art museums and memorial fountains, gardens and sculptures, concerts and picnics, lakes and clean public restrooms.
If you're visiting London, a stroll through Hyde Park may not be on the top of your list, but it would certainly not go unappreciated! -
Review from Ed H.
This is such a great park for so many reasons. It is the Central Park of London. I love going for runs in the park since it is so relaxing and scenic. There are some great attractions in this park, including the crazies over at Speakers Corner near Marble Arch. There are also many events throughout the year in the park, such as concerts, sporting events and many others. If you are looking for a place to have a picnic and relax, rock out or just see the sights this park is for you.
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Review from Steph C.
11/17/2010
Okay, London, I get it. You have an overabundance of huge, beautiful parks and I, as a Los Angeles native, am insanely jealous. Not jealous enough that I'm about to pay for your cost of living, perhaps, but jealous.
I've been to Hyde Park a couple of times, and it's a splendid place, rife with greenery and lakes and all the gorgeous things you could want in a park. It's also gigantic, and if you feel so inclined, you can rent bikes to ride across it. I have opted for going about on foot, and strolling through Hyde Park is a pleasure matched only by strolling through the other amazing parks in London. I've spent time watching people and geese and taking in more fresh air than my body is used to.
I'm going on the record to say that of the few parks I've visited in London, Regents is my favorite, but who am I kidding? I love them all, and I would do wicked things to have Hyde Park in my neighborhood. -
Review from Julia L.
5/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Lovely and beautiful hyde park. There really is nothing better than going to Hyde park on a beautiful day with some friends and just sitting on the beautiful green grass, near the pond or just anywhere really.
This place is prime time for beautiful days with so much space that you can have your own personal area with your mates and it's gorgeous no matter where you go. I went there with a few friends, a few beers and a few hula hoops, to say the least it was one of my favorite days.
Do go to Hyde Park, Do go with friends or a nice book and Do lay in the sun and love every minute of it -
Review from Heather K.
9/25/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Such a pretty, calm space in the bustle of the big city! While in London, we were fortunate in that we came through the park regularly due to our location. I was really surprised at how big it is! Unexpected that such a large area if quiet can be set aside in a city that's packed with activity otherwise. If you want to get away from the concrete and see some grass, grab a blanket and come chill here for awhile!
Listed in: London Calling
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Review from Kate H.
12/22/2010
Hyde Park: It's a good time...
It's a giant grass-laden open space, some trees, and really big pond... profanity-laced tirades by local footballers, disrespectful ten-year-olds telling off their parents/nannies, and those insane enough to brave the hecklers at Speaker's Corner can all be found within a stone's throw of Marble Arch on the north end. But once you've ventured further south on the path, things calm down a bit. On Sunday's you can see a group of American guys playing American football. And in the summer, you can see Japanese tourists taking pictures of said American football players playing football on Sundays.
Other things that I've encountered and found amusing: a bulldog playing with a basketball; a father and daughter feeding the birds, and the father subsequently being attacked by seagulls; visibly intoxicated hipsters dancing to music that only they can hear (on their ipods); the guy who jogs in a Richard Simmons' style spandex jumpsuit. All of these amusing sights and many more can be yours for free... if you have the time and patience to wait for them to cross your path. I guess you could picnic or whatever, too. But the people watching is so much better than reading a book under a tree. -
Review from Ashley V.
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
great to make an afternoon of it here.
Grab a barclays rent-a-bike, let the wind blow through your hair as you ride down the lane under the beautiful big trees, stop and sit by the serpentine for a bit. Go back and park your bike, grab a cone at the little snack shack nearby, take pictures with said cones and friend you took to the park.
Aahhhhhh. good times. -
Review from Reuben H.
1/9/2009
Not as good as mine............ Not even close.
I've got the President to back me up on that too!Listed in: (Dr. Jekyll and Mr.) Hyde Park
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Review from Yee Gan O.
London
10/6/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of the best things about London has to be its many and varied parks, giving the capital vital green lungs. About the best known is Hyde Park though technically only the eastern part of this green area is Hyde Park with Kensington Gardens making up the western portion.
The park comes to life in the summer with the green areas and pathways being shared by picnickers, footballers, rollerbladers, riders and people out to make the most of the rare UK sunshine.
The Serpentine is the main body of water, which was created by Queen Caroline in the 18th century and you can hire boats to paddle. If you're brave enough, there's the Serpentine swimming club who go for a dip on New Year's Day!
There are various eating options around the park as well as vendors
Speakers' Corner is always good for a laugh, listening to the various arguments and heated debates going on.
A more poignant area is the July 7 memorial in memory of those who died in the bombings.
A big plus for London -
Review from Laura N.
10/11/2009
Ew. Of all of the amazing descriptions I've read about Hyde Park, I'd have to say that calling it the "large green lung in the centre of London" doesn't do it much justice.
What does do it justice, you dare ask?
The abundance of joggers, lovers, rollerbladers, squirrel chasers, sword fighters, nappers, horseback riders, wine drinkers, footballers, sunbathers, board game players, freedom fighters, soap boxers, concert goers, bike riders, poem readers, and tree climbers that descend upon the park on a daily basis.
I personally find perfection in Hyde Park via a warm fall afternoon picnic of white wine, cheese and crackers and an American football. -
Review from Santiago A.
8/12/2010
I love parks and really love this place. When your dollar takes a beating with the exchange rate into pounds, it's nice to have something nice like this that doesn't cost money.
It makes me a little sad that Chicago has so many diamonds in the rough like Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, and Douglas Park that could be as great as this park with a little TLC.
In any case, this place is amazing and beautiful. -
Review from Cheri. A G.
1/8/2009
I probably should not admit this but when I was in London with my son I was staying in Belgravia and we would wake up at some ungodly hour and my son was hungry and nothing was open so we would trek across Hyde Park to Park Lane at about 5am and head to Mickey D's which takes about 20 minutes at a very brisk walk.
Hey...it was cheap and he was happy with the pancakes and it was open.
It's a beautiful park especially as the sun rises. The first time we got up so early the park was locked up and we waited for them to unlock the gates.Listed in: I Yelp London!
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Review from Katya J.
1/3/2010
A nice place for a picnic. Great people watching, green as far as the eye can see, and a fine assortment of fauna on the Serpentine. Lovely.
The guy who goes around stacking up the extra chairs so that no one can sit in them without paying sure knows how to jar you out of your relaxation, though. -
Review from Leon C.
London
12/13/2008
This has to be London's premiere park. It is gargantuan in size. There are some stunning landmarks, and standing at 350acres it is the largest green space in London.
The Serpentine River runs through the park and attracts a wonderful array of wildfowl. There are also a diverse range of insects for enthusiasts. For those interested the large insect population that accompanies any river means there are many bats. The bats can be best viewed from the Dell Bridge at dusk.
Sport and activity are a big part of Hyde Park's character. All year round there are people getting involved in the different activities be it for fitness or social endeavours.
Hyde Park is a beautiful London landmark. In the summer it is a place alive with revellers enjoying the all too infrequent hot British day. -
Review from Denis K.
1/8/2009
While any reputable metropolitan has a respectable parks system, Hyde Park seems to be a cut above the rest, simply a gorgeous gorgeous park. The Serpentine river cuts through it providing a wonder water feature and scenic vista. Marble arches, areas for horse riders, and meadows galore span the park.
I used to go running through here, played American football, and even heard an outdoors Bon Jovi concert (granted I was on the wrong side of the barrier and was peering in through the cracks). Make it a point to check out Speaker's Corner; it should be on your checklist of 'things to see in London'. The Corner will get crowded and the speakers will be heckled mercilessly, but you'll get to hear interesting, crazy things. -
Review from Daniel J.
Ilford, London
7/15/2009
I gotta admit. Hyde Park is pretty great - especially when the girls of summer are out, there are lots of hot women there. It's great, if I really wanted too - I could strike up conversation and get dismissed by hundreds of hot women from all around the world.
Despite noticing mainly the women on a hot day, I think there is some grass there too and a few trees, not that I really look out for that stuff. You do also get the ocassional dribbling, stumbing, confused drunk guy who asks you "do you have the time?" - and your reply of "yeah, it's 2.15" is responded too with "Thanks, do you have £5?"
Confusing.
But yeah, it's a great park. And it's a great place for gigs. Well it's great if you're in the gig; because you get to see Springsteen on a stage singing 'Badlands' - but if you're outside the gig, then you just see big green boards everywhere and when you try to make your way to the station someone in a flourescent coat says 'Sorry, you have to walk the other way'. This wouldn't be so bad if the guy didn't have such a gleeful look on his face. -
Review from Brian L.
6/25/2009
Wonderful park. What's there to really describe besides that it is huge, you can find a spot where you won't see any buildings, the Serpentine is awesome (it's a lake), and there are plenty of people for you to people watch.
It's Central Park, but the people speak in a British accent. Wonderful! -
Review from CeCe C.
1/8/2009 2 photos
LOVE HYDE PARK!
It's so very green! Huge open spaces to run around! Lounge chairs you can sit on and read at! It's just a great place to relax and have a picnic lunch! -
Review from Ayman K.
Ilford, London
11/15/2008 2 photos
I have a wealth of memories associated with Hyde Park that pretty much define my lifetime... paddle-boating with my entire family as a baby, feeding the ducks with my favourite cousins at age 7, the birthday picnic I always desired at 15 and getting my heart broken by the first love at 20 - don't you just love when that happens in public spaces?!?!
Whatever my life experiences have been, Hyde Park is most definitely a cherished London monument! There's always something or another going on - whether it's Party in The Park with some of music's hugest names in attendance or charity Marathons, Hyde Park has always delivered a great experience.
Recently, the much-anticipated Winter festival of 'Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland' has taken London by storm. A massive ice rink is introduced in the centre of the park, with a huge observation wheel that lights up under the dark night sky and of course, a cosy German market for chocolate and hot tea...it doesn't get any better than that! Check out http://www.hydeparkwin... for more information. See you there for early Christmas Cheer!! :) -
Review from Maggie P.
7/1/2010
Coming from a beach town, it struck me that when the clouds that plague London skies part and sun comes out, urbanites don't have the choice to grab a towel and go hit the surf. Where do they go? Hyde Park, of course.
Last weekend happened to be one of the magical sunny days so after jogging around town collecting everything I needed for a solo picnic, I headed to the Park. It is a truly lovely atmosphere: kids playing football, friends congregating around a few bottle of wine, mothers pushing double strollers, fit joggers, sun bathers, and me. Sitting under a tree observing and semi reading a new book. I was a little worried about the crowds but the park is so large that it accommodates for many people comfortably.
Bring a blanket you don't mind spreading on the dirty grass and be aware - the bumble bees there must be on some kind of honey-steroid regiment because they are MASSIVE. -
Review from John R.
8/13/2011
Hyde Park is a big, green quiet space in the heart of London. When I have to go from Mayfair to Knightsbridge I always go through Hyde Park just for the relaxation of it.
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Review from Janeen D.
1/9/2009
Excellent park!
Fun to roam through during the day...many different things to check out. Much nicer than NYC's Central Park!
Love the fact that they have concerts here too. We didn't even have to buy a ticket to see Sting, and could still see and hear him wonderfully! -
Review from Reena M.
7/14/2009
This is a beautiful park. It's great to take a stroll through on a beautiful day and just relish on the fact that you're in London, and soak it in. I mean, it doesn't need to match other parks around the world does it? It's a beautiful park in London. Not a beautiful park in NYC. If you want Central park, go to NYC, not to London.
My recommendation: Pick up some sandwiches, drinks, fruits, chips (crisps to Brits) and have a picnic in the park. -
Review from Angela N.
7/16/2011 2 photos
Oohhh...all those head filler regent romantic novels I read as a young lass made a visit to Hyde Park a total must during my visit to London. Yet, I knew I wouldn't have seen dukes, lords nor debutantes accompanied by their escorts riding on horse drawn carriages...and really didn't know what to expect. I ended up take a brief stroll along the lake (didn't know there was one), came across the (small) Princess Diana memorial, iconic white and green striped lawn chairs, the Serpentine Gallery and the Summer Pavilion (what a drab bore...a black fenced in rectangle that lead to the garden space). If I ended up back in the park in the future I'd definitely make it a point to take a nice and leisurely bike ride.
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Review from Poma Celeste T.
5/12/2011
Best park in London to get a bike ride in, and/or take your dog for a walk. Plenty of space to sun and read a book, and even more sights to see!
