Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the most recognizable names on an tourist map of London, and quite rightly. As well as being one of the largest parks in London, it has a rich and varied history that dates back hundreds of years as well as having an extreme modern day significance.

Hyde Park is divided into two by the Serpentine, a recreational lake spanning some 28 acres. The lake was created in 1730, and is relatively shallow – around 12 meters – hence its predominant use for leisure and recreation. In 1930, a swimming area of the Serpentine was opened and is partioned off from the rest of the lake. For the London 2012 Olympics, this area will be used for the swimming stage of the triathlon.

There is some confusion of the boundaries of Hyde Park, due to it being contiguous with Kensington Gardens. The two have been technically separate since 1728 since such a move was requested by Queen Caroline, but confusion continues. The main difference between the two areas is their opening hours; where Kensington Gardens closes at dusk, whereas Hyde Park is open year-round from 5am until midnight.

Hyde Park itself is around 350 acres, which is equivalent to 1.4 square kilometers, and when combined with the spread of Kensington Gardens covers a land mass larger than that of the Principality of Monaco.

The park has a fascinating history, often used as a site for the public to come together and protest. Many famous protests have taken place within Hyde Park, including demonstrations during the Suffragette movement – when women fought for the right to vote – and the Stop The War coalition. The somewhat controversial nature of Hyde Park is continued with the famous – and some would argue infamous – area known as Speakers Corner.

Speakers Corner is an interesting and oft-referred to as quaint a part of Hyde Park, which many – usually American – tourists like to refer to as charmingly English. The area is on the north east of the park, and is traditionally used for public speaking. Anyone is allowed to come and speak at Speakers Corner and is tolerated, as long as their speeches are deemed to be lawful; lawful not being the same as politically correct, making it an area famed for free speech.

There is plenty to see and do within the boundaries of Hyde Park. The memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, is a popular visiting site for tourists and can be found to the south of the Serpentine. There is also London’s memorial to the Holocaust, on the east of the Serpentine. There is also a history of the park being used for rock concerts; it was the venue of Live 8, a huge charity concert to highlight the plight of third world debt.

Hyde Park is easily accessible, and can be reached with ease from five London Underground stations. These are: Hyde’s Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Queensway, Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch. The park is also well served by bus connections.