Hyde Park - Sightseeing, Monuments, Parks & Gardens, London Parks

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Hyde Park

Description

At 390 acres, this is the largest park in central London. It used to belong to the church but has been a royal park since Henry VIII seized it in the 1530's.

The Serpentine, a large lake in the middle for boating and bathing, was created in the 18th century, by damming the Westbourne River.

Speakers' Corner at the Marble Arch corner of the park is an area set aside for anyone who wishes to speak or preach about anything. Always highly entertaining, speakers vary from the serious to the completely wacky. Sunday is the busiest and best day to visit Speakers' Corner.

Throughout the year Royal Gun Salutes are performed in the park to mark special occasions, such as the Queen's birthday and state visits.

A charge is made for deckchairs, boat hire, and entrance to the bathing lido.