Hyde Park was a royal hunting ground until Henry VIII enclosed it in 1536. It was opened to the public in the early 17th century and has been a place of public recreation, protest, and spectacle ever since. It covers 350 acres, making it one of the largest parks in London.
Speakers’ Corner
Speakers’ Corner, in the north-east corner of the park near Marble Arch, has been the site of public oratory since 1872. Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, and Marcus Garvey all spoke here. On Sunday mornings, a rotation of orators — passionate, ridiculous, inspired — hold forth on any subject they choose. Heckling is encouraged.
The Serpentine
The Serpentine is an artificial lake created in 1730. You can hire rowing boats and pedaloes, swim in the Lido (year-round, open to members in the winter), and watch the Serpentine Gallery’s annual Summer Pavilion on the south bank. The Christmas Day swim by the Serpentine Swimming Club, founded in 1864, is one of London’s great eccentric traditions.
Hyde Park Concerts
Hyde Park hosts some of London’s biggest outdoor music events. British Summer Time concerts in July bring major artists to the Great Oak Stage. The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Elton John and Stevie Wonder have all played here. Getting in and out on public transport means arriving early — the nearest Tube stations are Hyde Park Corner and Queensway.
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