Hyde Park, London (must see)
Hyde Park stands as one of London's most expansive Royal Parks, offering an array of attractions to explore. Among its notable features is Speakers' Corner, located on the northeastern side near Marble Arch. This iconic platform has served as a forum for campaigners, preachers, and individuals looking to express their views on various subjects, with one notable exception: criticizing the Queen. This tradition dates back to the mid-1800s and has hosted historic figures like Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and George Orwell.
The roots of public speaking in this location extend centuries into the past, harkening back to the infamous Tyburn Gallows that once stood nearby. Between 1196 and 1783, over 50,000 people faced execution at Tyburn Gallows, each granted a final word before their hanging. Some confessed, others proclaimed their innocence, and some openly criticized the authorities. The spectacle of these executions drew crowds, and tickets were even sold. While the gallows have long since disappeared, the tradition of protest and expression in Hyde Park endures.
Not far from this area is Rotten Row, renowned as Britain's first illuminated street. King William III, who commissioned the road to link Kensington Palace and Saint James's Palace, installed 300 gas lamps along the route in the 1690s to ward off highwaymen. The name "Rotten Row" is a mispronunciation of the French "Route du Roi", meaning King's Road.
Another prominent site within the park is Apsley House, originally constructed for Lord Apsley in 1778. What makes it significant is its association with the first Duke of Wellington, who resided here after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. Positioned on the north side of Piccadilly, it was the first landmark that travelers from the west would encounter upon entering London, earning it the playful nickname "Number 1, London". While its official address is 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, there's a persistent rumor that letters addressed to "Number 1, London" will still find their way here.
Hyde Park is divided by the Serpentine, a picturesque body of water cherished by nature enthusiasts and photographers. It's also a popular outdoor swimming destination in London, with the Serpentine Swimming Club holding the Peter Pan Cup here every Christmas, an event organized by "Peter Pan" author JM Barrie in 1904.
Why You Should Visit:
A multitude of activities to enjoy, making it a versatile and welcoming destination.
Tip:
If you're unfamiliar with the park, consider taking a map with you or renting a bike to explore its vast expanse. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts should make sure to visit Serpentine Lake.
The roots of public speaking in this location extend centuries into the past, harkening back to the infamous Tyburn Gallows that once stood nearby. Between 1196 and 1783, over 50,000 people faced execution at Tyburn Gallows, each granted a final word before their hanging. Some confessed, others proclaimed their innocence, and some openly criticized the authorities. The spectacle of these executions drew crowds, and tickets were even sold. While the gallows have long since disappeared, the tradition of protest and expression in Hyde Park endures.
Not far from this area is Rotten Row, renowned as Britain's first illuminated street. King William III, who commissioned the road to link Kensington Palace and Saint James's Palace, installed 300 gas lamps along the route in the 1690s to ward off highwaymen. The name "Rotten Row" is a mispronunciation of the French "Route du Roi", meaning King's Road.
Another prominent site within the park is Apsley House, originally constructed for Lord Apsley in 1778. What makes it significant is its association with the first Duke of Wellington, who resided here after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. Positioned on the north side of Piccadilly, it was the first landmark that travelers from the west would encounter upon entering London, earning it the playful nickname "Number 1, London". While its official address is 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, there's a persistent rumor that letters addressed to "Number 1, London" will still find their way here.
Hyde Park is divided by the Serpentine, a picturesque body of water cherished by nature enthusiasts and photographers. It's also a popular outdoor swimming destination in London, with the Serpentine Swimming Club holding the Peter Pan Cup here every Christmas, an event organized by "Peter Pan" author JM Barrie in 1904.
Why You Should Visit:
A multitude of activities to enjoy, making it a versatile and welcoming destination.
Tip:
If you're unfamiliar with the park, consider taking a map with you or renting a bike to explore its vast expanse. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts should make sure to visit Serpentine Lake.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hyde Park on Map
Sight Name: Hyde Park
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
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On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" 鈥� John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr 鈥� all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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London Introduction Walking Tour
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With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
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The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The arrival of Harry Potter books, followed by tremendously successful Hollywood adaptation, has made London an even more popular destination now with the Harry Potter fans all over the world. The list of attractions in the city associated with Potter鈥檚 journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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