Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London, spanning over 350 acres. Once a hunting ground for King Henry VIII, it’s a popular location for days out and events, including British Summer Time Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland.
Outside its vibrant event calendar, Hyde Park offers a peaceful retreat from the city, with grassy areas spanning for miles and over 4,000 trees. Its rich history gives visitors plenty to see, with beautiful gardens, ancient statues and impactful memorials ideal for whiling away the hours. It’s one of the best free things to do in London.
Are you considering a day out at Hyde Park? Our guide will help you plan the perfect day, from things to see and do to how to get there.
Things to do at Hyde Park
From sports to relaxing, there’s plenty to do at Hyde Park. Here are our top recommendations.
Picnic
Nothing beats a picnic on a sunny day, and Hyde Park is a perfect setting. Are you searching for the best picnic spot? We’d recommend the large grassy and shaded area on the bank of the Serpentine, or you can find picnic benches near the 7 July Memorial.
Wildlife and gardens
A visit to the Rose Garden shows why Hyde Park is one of London’s best parks. Located in the southeast corner, you’ll find rich, seasonal flowerbeds in beautiful pastel shades, spanning as far as the eye can see. The flowerbeds and yew hedges are shaped to resemble a horn with musical notes coming out of it. It’s best to visit in early summer to enjoy the flowers in full bloom and smell the floral scents.
Lovers of birdwatching and the natural world should visit the LookOut, an eco-friendly building deep in Hyde Park’s heart. Offering well-being activities and learning experiences, it’s an excellent place for the whole family to escape the bustle of the city.
Sports
Sports fanatics will find several options at Hyde Park, from tennis courts to football pitches. Open water swimming is available at the Serpentine Lido in spring and summer, or you can hire a pedalo boat for year-round fun on the lake. Afterwards, the Lido bar and café is a fantastic place to enjoy refreshments.
The sports and leisure amenities on land include AstroTurf football pitches, tennis courts, lawn bowling and horse riding arenas, which must be booked in advance.
Kids' playgrounds
On the Southern boundary of Hyde Park, South Carriage Playground is the perfect place for little ones to let off some steam. The recently refurbished playground contains climbing frames, swings, slides and benches for parents to take a break.
Memorials, fountains and statues
There are 19 memorials, fountains and statues to discover in Hyde Park, the most notable being the Diana Memorial Fountain. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 6 July 2004, the fountain symbolises Diana’s quality and openness.
Other significant monuments include the Holocaust Memorial, the 7 July Memorial and the Hudson Memorial Bird Sanctuary.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is at the east end of Hyde Park, near the Princess Diana Memorial Garden. It was once Princess Diana’s home, where William and Harry were raised, and it’s the official London royal residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Much of Kensington Palace is now public. Discover over 300 years of royal history through the State Rooms, exploring the Queen’s and King’s Rooms and the surrounding gardens.
Events
Hyde Park is known for its world-class events taking place throughout the year. Over three weeks in June and July, it hosts the British Summer Time Festival, where you can enjoy performances from worldwide artists, arts and cinema and workshops at this famous annual festival.The Royal Parks Half Marathon, one of the best half marathons in the South West, runs through Hyde Park every October. From November to January, you can visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, one of the top Christmas attractions for kids in the South West, featuring fairground rides, food stalls, ice skating and more.
Things to do near Hyde Park
There’s plenty to do near Hyde Park. Head to London’s museum district, Exhibition Road, home to the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the V&A Museum, where you’ll find some of the best exhibitions in London. Catch a show at the Royal Albert Hall or enjoy retail therapy on Kensington High Street.
Tips for enjoying Hyde Park
- Check the Hyde Park website before your visit for any events.
- Dress for the weather – you’re at the mercy of the seasons, so if it’s raining, pack a kagool, and if it’s sunny, wear a cap.
- Bring a reusable water bottle – water fountains are positioned throughout the park for refills.
Food and drinks
Hyde Park has plenty of food and drink options to explore, whether it's a scenic lakeside meal, a casual outdoor picnic, or a tranquil garden setting.
The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, overlooking the Serpentine Lake, provides a sophisticated setting for indulging in modern British cuisine. For those seeking a more casual atmosphere, The Magazine, near the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, offers a range of delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. Meanwhile, the Italian Gardens Café, nestled amid the Italian Gardens, provides a charming spot to enjoy light bites, tea and coffee.
If you’d rather explore further afield, you're spoilt for places to eat and drink near Hyde Park. Read on to discover the best bars and restaurants within walking distance of the park.
The best restaurants near Hyde Park
Hungry? Here are the best restaurants to satisfy your appetite near Hyde Park.
The Victoria – a pub serving traditional British dishes, alcohol and soft drinks
The Shed – a shabby-chic British restaurant serving a farm-to-fork menu
Bizzarro – an authentic Italian restaurant established in 1957
Halepi – family-run Greek restaurant and kebab house in a cosy taverna
The best bars near Hyde Park
Whether you’re looking for a pint or a cocktail, there’s plenty to choose from near Hyde Park.
Nine Lives Bar – a tropical-themed cocktail bar serving cocktails and craft beers
Rupert Street Bar – an LGBTQ+ bar serving cocktails, shots and small plates
Smith & Whistle Bar & Terrace – expertly crafted cocktails and the finest draft beers in the heart of Mayfair
Paxton’s Head – a traditional pub built in 1632, serving pub food and drinks
Hyde Park accessibility
Green Park is the closest step-free station, at the park’s north entrance. Hyde Park is wheelchair accessible and has several accessible toilets. Disabled parking is available for Blue Badge holders.
Hyde Park is easy to get to by train, so why not plan your travel with South Western Railway? To ensure you’re prepared for your visit, book your train tickets in advance to get the best price. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and see if you can save with a Railcard or GroupSave.
