Hyde Park & Kensington
Hyde Park (142 hectares) is London's most famous and central park — a green oasis open to the public since 1637. Together with the adjacent Kensington Gardens, it forms the largest contiguous green space in central London.
Highlights
- Speakers' Corner: At the northeastern end (Marble Arch) — since 1872, anyone can speak, preach, or debate here publicly. Most lively and entertaining on Sundays. Karl Marx, George Orwell, and Lenin have spoken here.
- Serpentine: The lake in the heart of the park — rent rowboats (from £14/hour), the Serpentine Lido (outdoor pool, summer), and the Serpentine Gallery (free art exhibitions, each year a spectacular temporary pavilion by a star architect).
- Kensington Palace: The former residence of Princess Diana, now home to Prince William and Kate. Parts are accessible as a museum (entry: £21). The gardens around the palace are beautiful and free.
- Peter Pan Statue: J.M. Barrie's famous Peter Pan bronze statue (1912) in Kensington Gardens — placed where Barrie played with the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to create Peter Pan.
- Diana Memorial Fountain: A circular water feature in Kensington Gardens dedicated to Princess Diana. Children love to play in the water here (allowed!).
Museum Mile: South Kensington
At the southern edge of the park lies London's Museum Quarter: three world-class museums, all free:
- Natural History Museum: London's most beautiful museum building (Victorian terracotta cathedral), featuring the iconic blue whale skeleton "Hope" in the main hall, a dinosaur gallery, and a mineral collection.
- Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A): The world's largest museum of art and design — from medieval church treasures to fashion, jewelry, and furniture to David Bowie's costumes. The courtyard (John Madejski Garden) is a secret oasis of calm.
- Science Museum: Interactive science for the whole family — from Stephenson's Rocket to the Apollo 10 capsule to the IMAX cinema.
