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Hyde Park is perhaps the most famous major park in central London and the largest of the eight Royal Parks. Like Central Park is a top free attraction in New York City, Hyde Park is a top free attraction in London, so one needn't blow all one's money while in the city. Hyde Park is full of history and has long been a center of British discourse and major British events. It is a park that combines modern attractions with history.

Entry to Hyde Park is free, and there are seasonally free tours of the park. Another of the must-see free attractions in London is the British Museum which is home to countless priceless artifacts (as well as the Natural History Museum of London). London is notoriously expensive, but it also has a number of free attractions that can make budgeting much more manageable.

Hyde Park - The Largest Royal Park Of London

Hyde Park is set in the heart of London and encompasses 350 acres of green land with sports facilities, a large lake, cafes, and more.

  • Size: 350 Acres

Hyde Park was first established by King Henry VIII in 1536 (yes, that King Henry with the six wives). King Henry took the land from Westminster Abbey and used it as a hunting ground. King Henry loved it so much that he built a fence around it to keep visitors out. He created drinking ponds for the deer and used the park for royal hunts and to entertain various dignitaries.

The park has been open to the public since 1637 and is popular for May Day parades. It has been used for major British events - like the Great Exhibition of 1851.

  • Established: By King Henry VIII in 1536
  • Open To The Public: Since 1637

In more modern history, it have been used for events like large-scale free rock music concerts (including Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Queen).

Related: History Of The Tower Of London, Where You Can See The Crown Jewels

What To See At Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the most tranquil retreats from the hustle and bustle of London, with 400 trees and a large lake.

Hyde Park is full of history - from being a medieval royal hunting ground to a historic site of public protest and public speeches. Hyde Park's Speaker's Corner was used by the likes of Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and George Orwell.

If one is a sports fan, then make use of the Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre. There are even two horse riding stables in the park, along with open-air swimming and the Hyde Park Playground for the kids.

Restaurants In Hyde Park:

  • Serpentine Bar and Kitchen
  • The Serpentine Lido Café

Hyde Park hosts festivals and large-scale events all through the year - so be sure to check the calendar to see what's going on. Royal Parks puts on regular public events in Hyde Park. Most of these events are not free - they are ticketed and need to be booked in adventures. In the winter, one of the main attractions is Winter Wonderland.

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland:

  • Date: 18 November 2022 to 2 January 2023
  • Features: Ice Rink, Giant Observation Wheel, Winter Themed Activities
  • Experience: The Best of The British Christmas Spirit

Related: Your Most Pressing FAQs About Visiting England

Visiting London's Hyde Park

The park is large. To have enough time to get a feel of the park and to stroll around it, allow at least two or three hours for one's visit. There are two large cafés (and some small kiosks) in the park.

  • Admission: Free (Facilities May Not Be Free)
  • Opening Times: Daily From 5.00 am to 12.00 am Year Round
  • Closest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner And Marble Arch
  • Time Needed: 2-3 Hours

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Tour

If one would like a tour of Hyde Park and the Kensington Gardens, consider joining the Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Tour. The tour starts at Hyde Park Corner station and is a free walking tour offered by Wonders of London. The walking tour lasts for 2.5 hours and goes through two of London's most stunning city parks.

  • Cost: Free (Pay What You Can)
  • Duration: 2.5 Hours
  • Type: Free Walking Tour
  • Age Group: All Ages
  • Season: Offered In Spring And Summer

Along the way, visitors will see famous statues, rose gardens, Holocaust Memorial Gardens, the Serpentine lake, and more. In the Kensington Gardens, visitors can even see Prince William and Duchess Kate's London residence.