Hyde Park is just a 5 minute bus ride away from Monarch House executive apartments, or little more than a ten minute walk if you fancy a gentle stroll. The Park was originally created to appease royal hunting desires, but was opened to the public in 1637. It was divided in two in 1728, to form Kensington Gardens, but even after this division the park still covers an impressive 350 acres. As you enter through the Grand Entrance - or the Queen Elizabeth Gate as it is also known - wander the grounds, admire the ornamental flower gardens, and picnic alongside the beautiful Serpentine lake, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting you’re still in one of the busiest capital cities in the world.

There’s something for everyone here, whatever your hobby: go swimming in the Serpentine, or rowing if you’d rather stay dry; cycle, jog or skate around the Park; or enjoy the use of the tennis courts, horse riding tracks, and pitches designed for team games. If you fancy braving the cold between November and January, the Park opens its outdoor Winter Wonderland ice skating rink and Christmas attractions, which are always incredibly popular.

There are two lakeside restaurants within the Park, and both are fully licensed. Whether it’s a cup of a tea and a slice of cake you’re after, or a complete three-course meal, the restaurants cater for both.

There are several monuments to be found in Hyde Park, such as the Wellington Monument, the Boy and Dolphin Fountain, the Holocaust Memorial, the Joy of Life Fountain, the Reformers’ Tree, and many more; all have a different story to tell for the reason as to their being there. Perhaps most famous however, is the Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Fountain, which was constructed to commemorate the life of Diane Princess of Wales, following her death in a car crash in 1997. Finally, Speakers’ Corner is an area dedicated to open-air public speaking and debate; head to the north-east corner of the Park to engage in a variety of interesting discussions.

VIEW DIRECTIONS FROM MONARCH HOUSE TO HYDE PARK