Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London. It provides a valuable green space for the citys residents and visitors. A great place for a picnic or for taking a paddle boat out on the Serpentine.

Originally an enclosed deer park belonging to Henry VIII, the park was opened up to the general public by Charles I in 1637. Since then the park has played host to exhibitions, protests and concerts.

The Chartists, the Reform League and the Suffragettes have all held rallies in the park. The park was the venue for the Great Exhibition of 1851 when the Crystal Palace was erected in the grounds. The building was later moved to Sydenham Hill in south London.

Over the years many concerts have taken place in the park, including the Rolling Stones in 1969, the Live 8 series of concerts and the infamous Bruce Springsteen concert where the plug was pulled during the last set.

Sites of interest within the park include the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial, the Albert memorial and a memorial to remember the victims of the London 7/7 terrorist bombings.

Just outside the park to the north east,  close to Marble Arch and the site of the old Tyburn Gallows, is Speakers Corner. This area provides a platform for anyone interested in making a point to find a willing audience!