Hyde Park in London is one of the largest parks in the city and is part of a collection of parks that together form a collective green area. The park has an ancient history that stems back to Westminster Abbey whose occupants were the original custodians. The grounds were eventually acquired by Henry VIII who kept it enclosed as a deer park and used it for hunts. It was only at a later date that the public was allowed to visit the grounds.

Though physically the grounds of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park appear as one they are actually two distinct entities and were declared as such by Queen Caroline in 1728. This point supported by the fact that Kensington Gardens closes at dusk while Hyde Park remains open from 5 am till midnight all year round.

The park has over the years become a traditional gathering ground for public demonstrations and has been host to the Suffragettes and the Chartists, and the Reform League.

One of the most important events that took place in the park was the Great Exhibition of 1851. For this event the impressive Crystal Palace was constructed but the public at the time did not want the building to remain in the park grounds and it was eventually moved.

The entrance to Hyde Park is an attraction in itself. An impressive structure acts as a gate that is approximately 107 feet long and consists of three arches and several impressive pillars that truly provide a grand entrance to the park.

Besides the lush and beautiful greenery, several attractions are housed in the park as well. The Serpentine is a large artificial lake that acts as the border between the neighbouring Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The Serpentine is also known as the Long Water and is popular for both boating and swimming.

Located at the south end of the grounds is Rotten Row which used to be only a bridle path but today the 4 mile long path is home to numerous joggers, cyclists, roller bladers and as well as serving its original purpose by being used for horse riding.

Located just outside Hyde Park is Marble Arch. This monument was originally constructed to serve as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, but during the expansion plans for the Royal Palace, the arch had to be relocated to the current position it now resides in.

Another arch is also housed in the park that is known as Wellington Arch. Located on the south east corner of the park the arch connects Hyde Park with the neighbouring Green Park. A statue of the Duke of Wellington was added to sit atop the structure but this was eventually replaced with a newer Quadriga of War statue. Also located inside the arch are art galleries and exhibits that guests can marvel at.

Another interesting attraction is the area known as Speakers Corner. Because of the park’s popularity for demonstrations, an area was created for public discussion. This tradition is still alive and well even today and every Sunday people stand up on a soap box and declare their views on religion and politics and sometimes a debate may even occur with the audience and the speaker.

When staying in a nearby London hotel, Hyde Park and the surrounding green areas can easily be accessed. Guests of the Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge are only 2 minutes away from this destination.