10 things to do in Hyde Park

In the centre of Hyde Park (more or less), situated at opposite ends of the Serpentine lake are two art galleries dating back to 1970. Serpentine (formerly known as Serpentine Galleries) takes the form of a Grade II listed teahouse on the south side and, on the north, a more contemporary exhibition space including an extension by the late, great Zaha Hadid. Every summer since the year 2000, Serpentine commissions a temporary pavilion to sit alongside its exceptional programme of events and exhibitions. This year sees the turn of Beirut-born architect Lina Ghotmeh, whose creation, À table, takes inspiration from the French call to sit together at the table to share a meal and talk.

© Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture. Photo: Iwan Baan, Courtesy: Serpentine.

Hyde Park is home to a plethora of flora and fauna – as well as plenty of amiable dogs out on their daily stroll. But did you know that, once the sun starts to set, you can also find bats? This friendly monthly guided tour (the next is on Thursday 31 August) allows you to spot different species of bat in their natural habitat and it includes bat detectors, which make the creature’s echo-location calls audible to the human ear. The tour takes place from 19:45-21:15pm and is designed for people over the age of 18. Book your place here.  

Speaking of fantastic beasts… if you’re lucky, you may spot horses and riders from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment out for a practice trot in full regalia in Hyde Park. The ceremonial branch of the Household Cavalry is based in Hyde Park Barracks (sometimes called Knightsbridge Barracks), located on the south side of the park, and can regularly be spotted going about their daily business.

On a sunny day, there’s nothing quite like rallying the troops for a picnic in the park. But don’t settle for soggy sarnies and crisps; instead, treat yourself to luxury options from Knightsbridge’s finest. Sette restaurant, ideally located across the road from Hyde Park, has just released its seasonal picnic (pictured right). The Italian-inspired menu includes chargrilled seasonal vegetables, rosemary and parmesan focaccia, Italian cheeses, cured meats and traditional cakes. It’s priced at £105 for two people, or you can throw in a bottle of premium champagne for an extra £75. The best part is that the plates, cutlery and napkins are all biodegradable, and it even comes in a reusable tote bag with an organic cotton rug. Another option is Harvey Nichols, which sells three different picnic “gift bags” that include a range of sweet and savoury goodies and fizz, while Harrods is home to every picnic accessory you could possibly need – from classic wicker baskets and herringbone rugs to portable coolers and synthetic crystal champagne flutes. And you’ll be spoilt for choice at its legendary Food Hall, with takeaway deli treats, pastries, rotisserie meats and so much more.

In Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel The Wind in the Willows, Ratty tells Mole that there is ‘nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.’ If you couldn’t agree more, then you mustn’t miss the chance to take a punt on the Serpentine lake. More specifically, you can choose between a traditional row boat or a pedalo. Both are pretty strenuous exercise, so pick wisely between a half-hour jaunt or a full 60 minutes. This wholesome activity takes place throughout the year (weather permitting), Wednesday to Sunday. Afterwards, pop into the Serpentine Lido Café or Bar & Kitchen for a well-deserved snack and drink.

Photography: Andy Lane, © The Royal Parks

Speakers’ Corner, located at the north-east edge of the park, takes its name from its history as a safe space for public speaking and debates since the mid-1800s. Even today, you may spot an enthusiastic individual expounding their views to a crowd on a Sunday morning.

Did you know that the roots of the famous Crystal Palace in south-east London can be found in Hyde Park? That’s because it was the site of the original Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, commissioned by Prince Albert in 1851. The iconic glass and iron structure – which attracted an astonishing six million visitors in just five months in its heyday – was taken down and relocated to Penge Place (now known as Crystal Palace) a year later. You can still find plaques on the pavement that commemorate the original site near South Carriage Drive in Hyde Park. Even better, you can now visit the Great Exhibition – albeit virtually – with a free app that brings the original building to life in true size and form.

If the ongoing sporting season has inspired you or the little ones to take up a new hobby, chances are you can give it a go in Hyde Park. The expansive space is perfect for running or cycling (and you can even do a sponsored swim in the Serpentine on 16 September), but it also has a plethora of sporting facilities. These include floodlit tennis courts, AstroTurf football pitches, a lawn bowls green and padel courts (a cross between tennis and squash). There’s even a free-to-use Senior Playground with specially-designed equipment for elderly users to enjoy gentle outdoor exercise. 

Photography: Darren Williams & Phil Russell © The Royal Parks

It’s no secret that Knightsbridge is home to some of the world’s finest brands and boutiques, but now you can pick up a unique gift from Hyde Park’s very own store. The Royal Parks Shop opened at the Boat House near the Serpentine this summer and stocks a range of trinkets, homeware, accessories and picnic items. Every product is carefully and ethically sourced, with many made by UK-based artisans incorporating recycled materials.  

Keep the kids entertained and out in the fresh air over the school holidays with a range of free nature-inspired Discovery Days. Held at the LookOut Discovery Centre, these hands-on workshops range from storytelling sessions to creating clay animals and learning about pond-dwelling creatures – proof that educational definitely doesn’t have to mean dull. Register your interest here.