Hyde Park is the perfect place to while away the afternoon. Come rain or shine, there is lots to see and do in this part of London. You’ll be joined in your quest to explore it all by visitors and locals alike. Whatever your plans while you’re in the area, here’s our guide to the best things to see in Hyde Park.
Visit Speaker’s Corner
This is one of the most fascinating parts of Hyde Park; a space where you can see talks on anything and everything and a haven for lovers of free speech. Since the 1800s, Speaker’s Corner has been a space for debates and speeches, and its illustrious history continues to this day. Protests have also traditionally gathered in this space, so it’s not always a peaceful spot.
Prominent figures from history including Karl Marx and George Orwell were known to use Speaker’s Corner as a sounding board for their ideas. Sunday mornings tend to feature the most speakers and the largest crowds. Anyone can talk here, on any topic, so if you feel like hearing some new ideas while visiting the Park Grand Hotel Kensington, this is the space to do it.
Enjoy the Rose Garden
Opened in 1994, the Rose Garden is situated in the south east corner of Hyde Park. It was designed by Colvin and Moggridge Landscape Architects, and is filled with an array of rich and vividly coloured plants which have proven particularly appealing when in full bloom in the summer months. Locals and visitors to the city alike come here to relax and unwind. With new flower beds planted twice a year, there’s always something fresh to see. If you’re staying at our hotels near Earls Court London, you’ll be ideally situated to see the garden for yourself.
See the Local Wildlife
Hyde Park is teaming with stunning wildlife, so it’s a delightful place to visit for animal lovers. The meadow area is filled with birds and squirrels, but the wildlife which lives here is often unnoticed by visitors. To get the most of your visit, it pays to take a closer look – you could even find some more exotic examples, as Egyptian geese and buzzards have been spotted in recent years. You might even be the first to notice some new visitors to the area during your stay at the Park Grand Hotel Kensington.
Observe Hyde Park Statues & Memorials
The park has many statues and memorials dotted throughout, and some of them have particular significance, both artistically and culturally. As might be expected for a national park, there are donations and artworks by some of the world’s finest sculptors, as well as commemorative status designed to tell the world about major events and people who have helped shape history and the city of London itself.
Enjoy Some Boating
During the warmer months, the Serpentine in Hyde Park becomes a hub of boating activity. You could rent your own boat, or simply enjoy the scenery by the water’s edge. There’s also a lido and pool where you can swim, rounding out the perfect afternoon in this beautiful part of London.
