Hyde Park is a Royal Park in central London, known for the Serpentine, historic monuments and open parkland. From Kensington, you can reach an entrance near Hyde Park Corner or connect by Tube, then choose a walk, a lakeside stop or an activity in the park.
- Park size: approximately 142 hectares, with a perimeter of about 3 miles.
- Tube access: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge.
- Swimming: in a marked 100-metre lido at the Serpentine’s south-west corner.
Choosing a Hyde Park entrance from Kensington
Apsley Gate at Hyde Park Corner is a named access point on the Kensington side, while four Tube stations serve different edges of the park.
If you’re coming from Kensington, Hyde Park Corner is a straightforward point to aim for on foot; the hotel is about a 1.2-mile walk from the park. Apsley Gate provides access from Hyde Park Corner.
For the Tube, use Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line, or Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch on the Central line. Pick the station that best matches the part of the park you want to reach. The hotel offers a Double Room (BST).
London Paddington is approximately 500 metres north of West Carriage Drive. It is served by GWR, Heathrow Express and TfL’s Elizabeth line. If you arrive there, you can use it as a transport connection before heading into the park.
Hyde Park sits beside Kensington Gardens, but the two are separate parks. The neighbouring green space has its own character and attractions; find what to know about Kensington Gardens.
Kensington Palace is another stop worth considering on a visit to the area.
This guide to visiting Kensington Palace covers that attraction.
Routes, landmarks and places to pause
Hyde Park’s perimeter is about 3 miles, and its best-known landmarks include the Serpentine, Speakers’ Corner, Rotten Row and historic monuments and memorials.
The park covers approximately 142 hectares, so it helps to choose a destination before setting off rather than treating a walk around the whole boundary as a short stroll. You could head for the Serpentine, pause at a monument or memorial, or make Speakers’ Corner part of your route. Rotten Row is among the park’s attractions.
Henry VIII acquired Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536. Charles I opened it to the public in 1637. The Serpentine was created in the 1730s by Queen Caroline, wife of George II.
Cycling is allowed on signed or otherwise designated routes, including Serpentine Road and The Broad Walk. Pedestrians have priority at all times, so keep to the permitted routes and give people on foot space.
Facilities and activities in the park
Hyde Park offers boating, a designated swimming area, cafés, toilets and organised sports, with opening patterns that vary by activity and season.
Boating on the Serpentine is usually available from late March to October and from November to March, weather permitting. Queues can close earlier on busy days, and boating may pause if conditions make it unsafe. Available boats include rowboats, traditional pedal boats and electric pedal boats. Accessible boats and a crew-lift hoist are available, and carers go free.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5:00–24:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Public swimming takes place in the marked 100-metre lido at the Serpentine’s south-west corner. The rest of the lake is reserved for boating and wildlife, and swimming there is not allowed. The lido usually operates on weekends from mid-May, then daily from June to mid-September, from 10am–6pm.
Four main cafés are in the park: Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Serpentine Lido Café, The Lodge Café and Park Sports Café. Smaller refreshment kiosks are also available. Public toilets cost 20p per use; payment is by contactless card or mobile wallet, with cash not accepted.
The Courts at Hyde Park offers tennis, padel, netball, football, table tennis and lawn bowls. It is open Monday to Sunday, 7am–9pm.
Planning around events and seasonal conditions
Hyde Park hosts events throughout the year, while boating and swimming follow seasonal schedules and can be affected by conditions.
The Royal Parks hosts hundreds of small and medium events each year across its parks, including walks, runs, concerts, picnics and community sports. That regular programme means activity can vary across the park; check the official site before you go for current access, schedules and seasonal details.
For boating and swimming, plan around the seasonal patterns rather than assuming every activity runs daily. Weather can affect boating, and queues may close before the end time on busy days. If you’re cycling, remember that designated routes are the permitted option and pedestrians have priority.
FAQs
Which Tube stations serve Hyde Park?
Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch are on the Central line. Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge are on the Piccadilly line.
Can you swim anywhere in the Serpentine?
No. Public swimming is in the marked lido at the south-west corner; the rest of the lake is reserved for boating and wildlife.
When is boating available?
It is usually available daily from late March to October, then Wednesday to Sunday from November to March, weather permitting. Opening and closing times vary by season.
How large is Hyde Park?
The park covers approximately 142 hectares, and its perimeter is about 3 miles.