A Walk Through Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a very different visit to what we can find in the always frenetic city of London. This huge park located in the very center of the British capital has many attractions that make your visit always interesting. Why? Now we will tell you.
Something about the history of Hyde Park
Like other large gardens in different European metropolises, its beginnings are linked to the monarchy, as for example in the Retiro in Madrid. In the case of Hyde Park, we have to go back to the first half of the 16th century. It was then that King Henry VIII acquired these lands to turn them into his particular hunting ground.
This is how he and his descendants would enjoy it until, in 1637, King Carlos I decided to turn it into a public park. In this way, with the passage of time more elements were incorporated, such as the Kesingnton residences at one end, The Serpentine lake or even the disappeared Crystal Palace that he built in 1851. In short, visiting Hyde Park is one of the best walks through London history.
London lung
To this day, Hyde Park is the great green area in the heart of the megacity; it’s like Central Park in the Big Apple in New York. It is the place where Londoners and their visitors can go to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. A place with countless routes for running, cycling, skating or simply going for a walk.
However, not everything has to be activity or sport when visiting Hyde Park. It is a great and very economical option to eat in London, as it is ideal to buy a sandwich or a salad and have an impromptu picnic on the lawn.
If the day is sunny, by the lake you can rent one of the famous striped loungers to enjoy a precious commodity in London’s weather as the rays of the sun.
Another alternative is to lie down to contemplate the panorama, the rest of the walkers, athletes and the thousands of people who enjoy the park. And it is even possible to see its rich fauna, such as its different birds, the lake ducks or the innumerable squirrels.
Finally, if you are looking for the most absolute relaxation in the city, Hyde Park is a great place to spend a few minutes meditating.
The Serpentine
Without a doubt, the most charismatic of all the extension is its great lake, called The Serpentine, thanks to its peculiar shape. There are always rental boats sailing around it, a great activity if you have taken a trip to London with children. Of course, the walk along its banks or crossing its bridge is a must, in addition to enjoying its typical coffees.
Art in the park
The Serpentine is also the name of two exceptional art spaces within Hyde Park. The Serpentine Galleries are considered among the best contemporary art galleries in the world, and each summer they offer fantastic shows that attract thousands of people.
Christmas in Hyde Park
Summer is a perfect time to visit Hyde Park, and not just because of the current art shows promoted by the Serpentine galleries. Besides that, there are also areas for outdoor concerts.
However, with the cold, you should not miss visiting the great London park. In fact, Hyde Park is one of its Christmas epicenters, since in its extension there is a fun amusement park called Winter Wonderland.
More reasons to visit Hyde Park
It seems incredible, but we can still give more reasons to visit Hyde Park on your next trip to London. For example, there you have to go through its main entrance, the Victoria Gate , with its large classic-looking columns. Once inside, you can visit the Memorial of Lady Di or the curious specimen of weeping beech, known as the ‘upside down tree’.
If it is Sunday, you can go to Speaker’s Corner to listen to curious speeches from citizens, even from yourself if you have something to say and you think it is interesting for other people.
You can talk about whatever you want: politics, sports, ecology, gastronomy, … whatever you like. Of course, as long as you do not go against the law. So that Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, is a good way to discover one of the highest expressions of the British extravagance.
