Hyde Park is the largest park and oasis of green space in central London and, together with Kensington Gardens which directly adjoins Hyde Park, forms a natural area of over 2.5 square kilometres.
The boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is formed by West Carriage Drive, which is a street that can be used by cars. However, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens form a single area and the whole area is often referred to as Hyde Park.
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Squirrels, ducks and walks
The whole of Hyde Park and the surrounding area is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in central London. Keeping you company on long walks will be the ubiquitous tame and sometimes very cheeky squirrels, who are so used to humans that you can often touch them.
Conversely, after a while you are more likely to run away from the intrusive begging squirrels than they are from you.
At the central ponds, you will be attacked by flocks of ducks, barnacle geese and many other water birds that are hungry for any morsel.
On the lake, you can rent a pedal boat and refresh yourself at several restaurants along its shores.
A walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens can shorten your journey between Buckingham and Kensington Palace.
Speakers' Corner
Hyde Park is not only an oasis of calm in the middle of London, but is often seen as a symbol of free speech and debate. It is particularly famous for the so-called Speakers' Corner,, a speakers' corner that has a tradition in British society dating back to the 19th century.
Over the years, areas were set aside in various places, mainly parks, where anyone from any social class could speak publicly on any topic without announcement or permission.
This tradition continues to this day, and you will find at least one speaker at Speakers' Corner almost every day discussing global human problems, politics, or just local issues.
Although there is a belief that you can legally speak about anything in Speakers' Corner without penalty, this is not true and if the police deem your speech to be outside the law, it will be dealt with as from any other venue.
Many tourists visiting Speakers' Corner mistakenly head to Hyde Park Corner tube station, but it is on the other side of the park and has nothing to do with Speakers' Corner. The original one is located on the north-western edge near Marble Arch tube station on the Red Line.
Prince Albert Memorial
In the very southernmost part of Kensington Gardens, don't miss a visit to the beautiful Prince Albert Memorial.
It is dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and was built in 1872. The memorial itself is in the shape of an ornate tower, which is surrounded by up to 200 smaller statues depicting famous poets, architects, painters or sculptors.
Accommodation around the park
The south and west of Hyde Park are surrounded by the affluent and fairly quiet neighbourhood of Kesnington, while the north and east are alive with the neighbourhoods of Mayfair and Paddington. Cheaper hotels directly adjacent to Hyde Park can be found on the northern edge of the park. The best value accommodation is Hotel 63 or The Columbia.
How to get to Hyde Park
The Red Line of the Central Tube runs along the northern edge of the park, with Marble Arch, Queensway and Lancaster Gate stations.
On the southern edge of Hyde Park, use the dark blue Piccadilly line and Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge stations.
What to see around
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