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Hyde Park
Official Web Site |
Speakers Corner Hyde Park |
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Hyde
Park became a Royal Park in 1536 when the land, which was excellent
for hunting, was acquired by King Henry VIII. Over the years, Hyde
Park has developed a tradition of hosting both local and national
events, celebrations and performances.
There are links with the military through the presence of Knightsbridge
barracks on its boundary and the continuing practice of firing Gun
Salutes from the Parade Ground.
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The
two most famous features of the Park are the Serpentine, a lake much
used for boating and swimming, and Rotten Row, the world famous riding
track, which was the first public road to be lit at night in this
country.
There are almost four miles of horse rides as well as cycle, jogging
and roller-blading routes. There are also areas planted and managed
as meadowland to encourage a wide range of insect life and the ecological
chains they support. There is an education centre used by schools
from all over London
On the south side of the park you will find the Albert Memorial facing
the Victoria and Albert Hall, one of London's premier concert venues.
To the west the park seamlessly blends into Kensington Gardens, where
Kensington Palace
stands.
On a Sunday, Speaker's Corner at the north-eastern tip of the park
comes alive. Since 1872, people have been allowed to speak at Speaker's
Corner on any subject they want to. Anybody can bring a box, stand
on it and preach.
There is a wide range of subjects but you can always count on a good
proportion being religious and politically driven.
Much of it is good natured, much of it reflects minority thought.
Heckling provides more entertainment. If you are American, you may
not feel among friends.
Hyde Park is at the western end of Oxford
Street offering an oasis away from the serious business of shopping.
The park is big enough to find your own spot and relax on the grass.
Around you will be others passing the time away, reading books, playing
impromptu games of football and cricket. |
Getting
to Hyde Park:
There
are a number of Underground Stations that face Hyde Park.
Hyde Park Corner is at the south east corner, near Buckingham Palace.
Marble Arch is at the north east corner by Oxford Street and Speaker's
Corner.
Lancaster Gate and Queensway are along the northern border, convenient
for Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace |
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| Self
Guided Kensington Walk Including Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park |
Join
us on our step by step self guided walking tour of London's Kensington
district.
We start with a walk in the park, Kensington Gardens visiting Kensington
Palace then on past the Albert Hall to South Kensington Museums before
ending in Knightsbridge for Harrods and Harvey Nichols Department
Stores.
Simple to follow instructions and street map and best of all its FREE!
Kensington
Walk Details |
Harrods
Department Store |
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