Central London is home to Hyde Park, London the citys largest park. Hyde Park which is made up of 350 acres was first purchased by King Henry VIII from the Westminster Abbey Monks in 1536, for the next 100 years the park was used mainly for hunting. In 1637 King Charles I opened the park to the general public.
During the plague of 1665, many of London's residences fled London believing they could avoid the plague by camping in Hyde Park. William III moved his residence to Kensington Palace towards the end of the 17 century. It was William III that constructed King's Road and installed 300 oil lamps along the route thus giving England it's first lighted highway. In the 1730's, Queen Caroline had Serpintine Lake created, a 28 acre lake that today marks the bountry between Hyde Park and Kensington Garden. Todays current park design was planned in 1825 by architect Decimus Burton.
Hyde Park offers several cafe, restaurants as well food carts throughout the park.
The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen
Location: Eastern side of the Serpentine
The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen serves a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, a daily selection of cakes and puddings from the bakery and hot and cold drinks from the bar.
The Lido Cafe:
Location: South side of the Serpentine, near the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7706 7098
Email: lido@companyofcooks.com
Web: http://www.companyofcooks.com
With stunning views along The Serpentine and a large alfresco dining area, the Lido is a great place to get refreshed and watch the world go by. The restaurant is licensed for alcohol; facilities include toilets, baby change, high chairs, newspapers, and outdoor seating.
The Hyde Park Tennis Centre Cafe:
Location: Off South Carriage Drive
Tel: +44 (0)20 7262 3474
Open: 9am-9pm in the summer, 10am-4pm in the winter
Located in the Tennis and Sports Centre, the caf� offers welcome refreshments for players and spectators alike. There are toilets, and a garden with seating.
Refreshment Points
Location: Serpentine Road, playground, Hyde Park Corner
Tel: +44 (0)7940 510 530
Open: 9am-8pm in the summer, 10am-4pm in the winter Bean to cup coffee, ice cream, snacks & freshly made sandwiches.
Hyde Park is open year round from 5am till midnight.
Getting to Hyde Park is made easy via London Underground or London Bus Service. London Underground Stations on the north side of the park are Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch Station's. On the south side of the park are Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge Stations.
Buses service is provided by several routes.
Northern London bus routes, 6,7,10,16,52,73,82,390 and 414
South London bus routes, 2, 36,137 and 436
West London bus routes, 9,10,14,19,22,52,74,148 and 414
East London bus routes, 8,15,30,38, 274
