Hyde Park

What was once a private hunting ground for Henry VIII is now a favorite destination for London locals and visitors alike. One of the eight Royal Parks, Hyde simultaneously serves as a natural oasis and civic hub. A day on the green has endless possibilities: unpack a picnic at Serpentine Lake; take a stand at Speakers’ Corner; reflect at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain; ride horseback or attend a rock concert. However you choose to watch the world go by here is guaranteed time well spent.

All around London you’ll find Barclays bike stands. These automated rental stations are really easy to use. While I don’t recommend riding downtown (I can barely cross the street let alone cycle down it), there are bike lanes in all the major parks. Also, the first 30 minutes are free! When you rent one don’t forget to take your ticket with the numeric pin you’ll type into the bike stand you want to use.

Hyde Park in London has something for everyone. And because of its beautiful landscape, there’s a good chance you’ll forget you are right in the center of London! Living in a tropical country all my life, I have never seen anything quite like this before. The leaves were starting to change color and the green of the grass was just lovely. It was a shame I didn’t get to lie on the grass and watch the beautiful sky and the world go by; something which I told myself I would do when I’m in London. Well, next year perhaps! I’m pretty sure Hyde Park is awaiting my return.

An excellent place for an afternoon or morning stroll. The park is massive and is very well manicured. If you ever get “museum out” in London; go to a nearby deli and bakery. Pick up some picnic goodies and just enjoy your afternoon people watching in Hyde Park.

Whatever time of year it is, if the sun is out, the Serpentine shines. It’s a beautiful lake in the middle of London‘s largest central park, and it’s a great place to find tranquillity. Not to mention that the last time I went, there was a mammoth statue of Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy rising out of the lake—unpredictable things can happen here!

Walking home after tea at The Berkeley.

All Londoners know that one way to peace in our high-pressure city is the park; such a huge green space in a major capital is a rare treat. Perfect for dog spotting, pottering, reading, a meander on a first date, a run on the one day of summer we’ll get that year. Hyde Park is also home to one of the most romantic sights London town can offer, that of the Household Cavalry on drills of a morning. Manes and plumes flying, the shine and clank of metal on metal, flashes of red in the January grey. Here’s a moment of relaxation between drills snapped a couple of weeks ago. Wrap up warm and grab a bacon sandwich from one of the snack booths.

Located in London‘s Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is a festive holiday playground. Just like the German christmas markets, London’s Winter Wonderland offers the same carnival rides, delicious foods, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and amazing handmade crafts and gifts. I was amazed on how large the Winter Wonderland grounds actually were (it covers a substantial amount of Hyde Park!). Open from 10 am to 10 pm from the end of November to the beginning of January. There is plenty to do and see!

There’s no visitor of London that hasn’t visited Hyde Park at least once during his stay! It’s one of the 8 royal parks of the city and one of the largest parks available worldwide, rightfully one of the most visited sites of the United Kingdom’s capital city! The morning hours is the best recommended time to visit Hyde Park. Its beautiful Lake, the gardens and open areas are ideal for exercising or taking a long relaxing walk. Whenever you are in London, don’t miss to pay a visit at Hyde Park. Get to know it better, discover its beautiful countryside corners and forget completely you are within the heart of one of the most busy cities of the globe!

Hyde Park is the perfect setting for an afternoon of effortless pedaling and pottering around. Pick up one of the hire bikes from Hyde Park Corner, Speakers Corner or Albert Gate and ride past Hyde Park’s rolling lawns, pretty lakes and expansive gardens. A slow circle around the Park’s perimeter takes about 30 minutes without stops for ice cream, people-watching and picnicking in the grass. If you want to ride farther, you can add a loop to Buckingham Palace or Kensington Gardens. Or stop for ice cream more often.