Best Attractions in London-Hyde Park London

Hyde Park, which opened to the public in 1637, is the largest of several royal parks in London that are connected to each other, forming one large green lung in the centre of the city. The park is famous for its Speaker's Corner.

The other parks are the neighbouring Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St. James’ Park. Hyde Park covers more than 360 acres (142 hectares), and hosts many large events, including celebrations and concerts. It is also a popular place for jogging, swimming, rowing, picnicking and even horse riding.

History

In 1536, King Henry VIII confiscated Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey. King Charles I opened the park to the public in 1637. The current park, with its Serpentine layout, was planned by architect Decimus Burton in 1825.

Serpentine

The Serpentine, a large artificial lake, is located at the south end of the park and extends into the neighbouring Kensington Gardens, where the lake is called the Long Water. Queen Caroline, wife of King George II, ordered the construction of the lake in 1730. It is popular for boating and swimming.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

Just South-West of the Serpentine is a memorial installed in honour of Princess Diana. The modern fountain, which resembles more of an artificial stream than a fountain, was inaugurated in 2004 by Queen Elisabeth II.

The memorial was designed by the American landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, using computer modelling techniques. The circular fountain consists of 545 pieces of Cornish granite. Water flows from two sides at the top into a small pool at the bottom.

Rotten Row

At the south end of Hyde Park is Rotten Row, a famous bridle path. The road is almost four miles long (6,4 km), and is now used as a horse riding, cycling, rollerblading and jogging route.
In the 17th century, the road was often used by William III. The king found the walk from Kensington Palace to St. James’ Palace too dangerous, so he had oil lamps installed along the route, thus creating the first lit public road in England. The term 'Rotten Row' is derived from the French 'route du roi' or King's road.

Speaker's Corner

In the 19th century, Hyde Park had become a popular place for meetings. In 1872, in response to riots after police tried to disband a political meeting, Speaker's Corner was established to create a venue where people would be allowed to speak freely. Here, every Sunday, people stand on a soap box and proclaim their views on political, religious or other items, sometimes interrupted and challenged by their audience.

Marble Arch

At the North-East corner of Hyde Park is the Marble Arch. It was originally built in 1827, as a gateway to Buckingham Palace, but it was moved to its present location in 1851. The design by John Nash was based on the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

Wellington Arch

The Wellington Arch, can also be found on Hyde Park Corner, at the South-East corner of the park, connecting Hyde Park with Green Park. The arch was built in 1826 by Decimus Burton.

A statue of the Duke of Wellington was added later, in 1846. The statue was replaced by the Quadriga of War in 1912. Inside the arch are exhibitions and galleries open to visitors.

Are you considering visiting London and the U.K.? Then contact the London official visitor agency-Visit London and Partners at: 08701 566 366  visitorinfo@londonandpartners.com     

You can also contact the City of London Information Centre: Opposite St Paul's Cathedral:

City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJ     pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7606 3030

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