Walk of the Week: Exploring Hyde Park
Published on Tuesday 26th April, 9.09am, Written by Kelly Pentland
After a relaxing Easter weekend, why not burn off all the chocolate eggs eaten and enjoy a delightful stroll around Hyde Park?
The sun has been shining of late and London is looking fresh and alive, so make the most of Spring and explore the city in all its glory.
1. Take the Hyde Park exit from Marble Arch Underground and admire Marble Arch on your right. Designed in 1828 by the prolific architect John Nash, the arch actually has three small rooms inside that were used as a police station until 1950.
Marble Arch. Image Copyright of R Sones and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence
2.Turn left out of the station, go over the crossing and make your way towards Hyde Park and Speaker’s Corner.
An important part of London’s history, Speaker’s Corner has been a public speaking point for over 150 years and has attracted people from al over the world. Many historical figures including Karl Marx and George Orwell have voiced their opinions and have played their part in this oral tradition.
3. With Speaker’s Corner on your left, take the path around the edge of the park opposite the prestigious Park Lane and admire the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings.
4. Continue forward and look out for a the Joy of Life fountain on your left, originally sculpted by T.B Huxley-Jones in 1963, but recently rebuilt. A great place to sit and relax, the fountain depicts small children diving and splashing about in the water and is a sight to behold.
Joy of Life Fountain. Copyright Mike Smith and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence
5. When you are ready, continue on your way before spotting the 7 July Memorial on your left, nestled between Lovers Lane and Park Lane. The memorial is made up of 52 pillars, paying tribute to the 52 Londoners who lost their lives during the terrorist attack on the city which took place on July 7, 2005.
6. Head back to the main path and continue through Hyde Park Corner, before passing the Statue of Achilles on your left, crossing Serpentine Road and making your way into the beautiful Rose Garden. Here you will discover a fantastic array of roses, shrubs and herbaceous plants offering a delightful mix of colours and scents.
Admire a selection of fascinating sculptures including Alexander Munro’s Boy and Dolphin statue constructed in 1860, as well as the beautiful nude carving of Artemis — the Olympian goddess of hunting, wilderness and wild animals. Shooting an arrow from the top of a fountain, the sculpture dates back to 1906 and perfectly compliments the beautiful surroundings.
7. Continue past the two fountains and leave the tranquil setting of the Rose Garden. Make your way straight ahead and on your left you will see the Holocaust Memorial Garden constructed in 1983.
8. Carry on along the path before turning right and then left where you will come across the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen. If you are feeling peckish at this point why not pop in for something to eat and enjoy wonderful views over The Serpentine lake? Open 8am — 8pm, the restaurant has been recently refurbished and serves hot and cold meals, snacks and plenty of drinks.
Serpeninte Lake. Copyright Tony Atkin and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence.
9. After a little rest, make your way along the path making sure The Serpentine lake is on your right. Carry on straight ahead until you reach Rotten Row, a former royal carriage route running all the way from Kensington to Westminster. The path is lined by 300 oil lamps and runs alongside a sandy track which is used as a horse ride for the Household Cavalry.
10. Turn back around and continue along the path winding around the edge of the lake until your reach the Lido restaurant and bathing area. People have enjoyed splashing around in the lake for over 250 years and public swimming still runs from June to September.
Since 1864 members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have raced in the water every Christmas Day and have been awarded the Peter Pan cup since 1904 — the first cup was even presented by J.M. Barrie, author of the popular novel .
11. Continue straight ahead until you reach the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2004. A reflection of the late Princess’s love of children, the fountain is designed for people to play in and is the masterpiece of Kathryn Gutafson and Neil Porter. If the sun is shining, take a moment to enjoy this spectacular attraction and make the most of your time in the park. Dip your feet in the water, but please be respectful of the memorial.
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Copyright David Smith and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence
12. At your leisure, carry on along the path to the top of the hill, before turning right and heading over the Serpentine Bridge. Built in 1820, the bridge offers fantastic views of the Houses of Parliament and divides Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
13. Make your way across the bridge, before turning right and following the path around the lake until you reach the row of boathouses on your right. Here you can hire pedalos and rowboats to enjoy a delightful afternoon on the water.
The island in the lake is the famous Bird Island mentioned in the Peter Pan story and is where Peter Pan lived after he flew from home. He later sailed from the island and made his way to Kensington Gardens.
14. After enjoying the water, make your way a little way past the second boathouse and before you reach the third boathouse take a left off the lakeside path towards Serpentine Lodge and several other buildings. Make your way up the path until you reach the Old Police House on your left, currently the headquarters of The Royal Parks.
15. Continue until you reach a whole junction of paths and take the second one on your right. Enjoy a leisurely stroll until you come to the Reformers Tree Memorial, an impressive mosaic created to commemorate the Reformers Tree that was burnt down during reform league riots in 1866.
Reformers Tree. Copyright David Smith and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence
16. Make your way along the path bearing left through the Parade Ground towards Marble Arch and Speakers Corner. Enjoy a refreshment and a sandwich at the cafe located at the site and even treat yourself to a cake or an ice cream after a long walk.
17. Leaving the park at Cumberland Gate, go under the crossing and continue to Marble Arch underground station.
18. If you have the energy, why not carry on past the tube station and finish your day off with a spot of shopping along London’s famous Oxford Street? Home to an array of fabulous high street shops, it is the perfect place to buy a new outfit or a souvenir of your trip. If you are feeling a bit tired then stay close to Marble Arch Underground, however, if you are still alive with energy continue all along the street to Oxford Circus Underground and make the most of your day out.
Explore the best of the city and enjoy a wonderful adventure.
