London area of Hyde Park guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Hyde Park neighbourhood

Hyde Park is among the best city centre parks in the world, all the more awe-inspiring because it creates a virtually unbroken line of green space with Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James's Park across the capital. Being slap-bang in the middle of town, it's surrounded by a vibrant collection of areas from plush Kensington on its south-western tip to the end of Oxford Street in the northeastern corner; with many luxury hotels dotted around the perimeter. Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit takes place within its 625 acres all year round. Horse-riding, rollerblading, swimming, boating, tennis, cycling, bowling and putting are just some of the formal activities catered for, while informal games of cricket, football, rugby and rounders regularly sprout up in the ‘Sports Field’ on the south side of the park. A number of famous London attractions are also housed within this central space. Hyde Park boasts Speaker's Corner and the Serpentine Lake, Lido and Gallery, while Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Albert Memorial and Diana Memorial Playground characterise Kensington Gardens. A full complement of events including free guided walks, concerts, workshops and entertainments complete the picture.

See our recommended nearby Hyde Park Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.