Hyde Park
All photos of Hyde Park dated 2015-2016 are the actual ones and were taken with iPhone 5s.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 proved to be a fruitful year for the royalty when Henry VIII seized the grounds which belonged to Westminster Abbey and used for his hunting habits. Hyde Park is one of the Royal Parks. James I opened it to the public in early 17th century. The park is famous for Speakers Corner which is located near Marble Arch tube station. In 1872, law was passed to make it legal to assemble an audience and since then that part of the Park has been a frequent venue for orators and various eccentric personalities.
There is a restaurant “Serpentine Bar and Kitchen” overlooking an artificial lake, The Serpentine. You can hire paddling or row boats and take a trip around the lake or just walk around it and admire many birds, including majestic swans that float around the lake. If you are feeling a little more courageous you can swim in the specially designated area Serpentine Lido with refreshment not far away in the Lido Café.
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There are a number of structures including Diana Memorial Fountain, 7 July Memorial, Statue of Achilles, Joy of Life Fountain, Holocaust Memorial, The Hudson Memorial Bird Sanctuary, Cavalry Memorial, Norwegian War Memorial, Boy and Dolphin Fountain, Animals in War Memorial, Pan Statue, Queen Caroline Memorial, Freeman Family Drinking Fountain, The Bandstand in Hyde Park, Isis and The Reformers' Tree. You can read more about these on Hyde Park’s website.
Hyde Park, like any large park, is a host to many sporting activities and there are a number of football pitches, tennis courts, 9 hole putting course and 6 rink flat green bowling green. Notably, there is a special track for the horses, so you can organize a riding lesson which will take you around the park.
During the summer season, Hyde Park has proven a popular venue for some festivals and marathons. Whilst, during the winter season, Hyde Park hosts “Winter Wonderland”. Then, the park is transformed to host many rides, shops, cafes and an ice-rink.