Hyde Park is London’s largest open space covering 350 acres of land with 4,000 trees and a lake.
The Grand Entrance has fluted columns, three carriage entrances, two pedestrian gates and a lodge. The frontage is 107ft wide and the gates are made from bronzed iron and the fittings are of gunmetal.
Henry VIII seized the park from the Westminster Abbey monks in 1536 to use as a deer and wild boar hunting ground. It was later used for horse racing, duels and executions.
In 1665 at the time of the Great Plague people camped in the park hoping by doing so they would avoid catching the disease.
Hyde Park was first opened to the Public in the 17th Century by King James.
During WWII the park was turned into a vast potato field.
Hyde Park is used for many sports such as cycling, roller skating, jogging, boating and swimming in the lake. For the brave or maybe foolhardy there is always the Christmas Swim in the Serpentine, a tradition that has been upheld for many years.
Rotten Row is a five mile track of bridleways and many London horse riders us this daily including the Cavalry whose barracks are close by.
There is also a children’s playground in the park and the Diana Memorial Fountain, a stream that divides in two and then comes together in a pool.
Near Marble Arch in Hyde Park is Speakers Corner where everyone has had the right to speak to the public since 1872.
The park is well known for its concerts and 150,000 attended the Queens concert in 1976. Some of those who have given a concert in the park include The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Queen and Pavaroti.
There are several places to eat and drink in Hyde Park including The Dell that offers a wide selection of food and drink, The Lido Café a licensed premises with an al fresco area with wonderful views along the Serpentine and The Tennis Centre café serving snacks.
Opposite Hyde Park is the Lanesborough Hotel, one of London’s finest, offering their top suite at a cost of £8,000 per night.
There is plenty of property for rental at a cost of around £2750pw for a 5 bed house, £1950-£2800pw for a 4 bed house, £995-£2500pw for a 3 bed flat and £1100-£1800pw for a 2 bed flat.
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