At its heart is the Serpentine, boasting panoramic lake-side paths, waterfront cafes, the official Royal Parks shop, and an abundance of wildlife to spot. Look out for the heron under the bridge – and hardy swimmers at the Lido, home to the oldest swimming club in Britain.
After serving as a royal hunting ground for Henry the Eighth, Hyde Park was opened to the public by King Charles I in 1637. It soon became a renowned place for parades and excursions and as it started to gain more popularity, Queen Caroline redesigned the park in the 18th century.
420 at Hyde Park is a cannabis rally that has been held every year on April 20 since 1968. It is part of an international movement to protest against cannabis being illegal with Royal Parks saying they “anticipate that thousands of people will turn up to take part”.
A Met spokesperson said: “The Met is aware of the 420 Day rally, also known as the cannabis day event, in Hyde Park on Sunday, 20 April and have a policing plan for the day. “Using cannabis and other recreational drugs is illegal. Officers will intervene and use enforcement options where proportionate and necessary.
The parks are owned by the Crown with their responsibility resting with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks charity manages the parks on behalf of the Government.
Hyde Park was formerly a royal hunting preserve. It was opened to the public in the early 17th century. In 1851 it was the location of the Great Exhibition, which was held in the newly constructed Crystal Palace, a massive greenhouse-style exhibition hall that incorporated many of the park's trees under its roof.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Rotten Row was a fashionable place for upper-class Londoners to be seen horse riding. Today it is maintained as a place to ride horses in the centre of London, but it is little used as such.
Hyde Park in west London is a popular setting for some of the best films in the world. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. Bridget Jones's Diary is one of the most iconic movies filmed in London, with many locations across the capital.
Kensington in London has long been an enclave for the rich, powerful, and creative. This elegant district – centered around Kensington High Street, the gardens and palace – has been home to royalty, politicians, writers, musicians, actors and more.
Hyde Park was created for hunting by Henry Vlll in 1536 after he acquired the manor of Hyde from the Abbey. It was enclosed as a deer park and remained a private hunting ground until James I permitted limited access to gentlefolk, appointing a ranger to take charge.
BST Hyde Park 2025: More acts added to Stevie Wonder night - headliners, line-up, tickets & more. Find out who's playing headline shows at the London festival with Jeff Lynne's ELO, Sabrina Carpenter, Zach Bryan, Neil Young, Noah Kahan and Olivia Rodrigo. plus how you can buy tickets.
In the United Kingdom, events have been held in Hyde Park in London. Events have also been held in Brighton, Bristol, Durham, Glasgow, Leeds, and Plymouth. The Teesside Cannabis Club also holds an annual event.
“Officers will enforce legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 through community resolution orders, penalty notice for disorder, postal charge requisitions and arrest, particularly if there is associated anti-social behaviour, disorder or crime.
The pedestrian and vehicle gates open from 5am and close at midnight each day throughout the year. Any public notices relating to temporary closures (due to park events or maintenance, for example) can be found on the Hyde Park web page.
David and Victoria Beckham's London property is a charming townhouse in Holland Park they've owned since 2013. With an eye-watering price tag of £31 million, the house, naturally, has some impressive features, and the interiors are nothing short of spectacular.
If you know London, it's hardly surprising news. Both west London boroughs are home to the vast majority of the most expensive streets in the whole of the UK, in the likes of Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Belgravia.
