The largest of London's Royal Parks, Hyde Park has long been at the very heart of London life, with its 350 grassy acres providing a natural venue for a spot of sunbathing, as well as national celebrations, protests, rallies and rock concerts. There are a number of marvellous Hyde Park hotels dotted around the perimeter, some bordering Kensington Gardens, which sits adjacent to the park.
Potted History of Hyde Park
Hyde Park's royal history begins with Henry VIII, who purchased it from Westminster Abbey's monks in 1536 and used it as a hunting ground. Monarchs continued to do this for the next hundred years, before Charles I granted the public full access to the park in 1637. It has experienced many highs and lows since then.
In 1814 Hyde Park was the setting for a great celebration to mark the end of the Napoleonic wars, while 1977 saw a Silver Jubilee Exhibition held in honour of the Queen. However, it has also been the scene of violent clashes between the police and the Reform League in the 1860s.
These days, people visit for a restful walk or a pedal-boating trip across the Serpentine Lake. Streets such as Park Lane and Knightsbridge run along the edges of the park, while Bayswater is to the North, meaning the range of Hyde Park hotels available has the potential to suit all tastes.
Getting to Hyde Park
The reason Hyde Park is such a popular location is because it is so central, and due to its size it borders many areas of London, including Kensington, Mayfair, Bayswater and Park Lane. You can find out about this in more detail on our
blog. What this means is that your chosen Hyde Park hotel will influence where you need to be, so rather than just guide you to the park, here are the various tube stations found around the edge.
Running along the north side of the park on the Central Line, Queensway and Lancaster Gate provide access to Bayswater, while Marble Arch leads into Marylebone and the West End. Paddington rail station is your nearest overground service. Down on the south border, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge are both on the Piccadilly Line and are close to Mayfair, Belgravia and Buckingham Palace.
Hotels in Hyde Park
With a border to Bayswater and Paddington in the north and Knightsbridge in the south the choice of accommodation around Hyde Park is naturally going to vary. To the north, you have a choice of marvellous hotels such as
The Lancaster London,
Corus Hotel Hyde Park or
Thistle Hyde Park. Along the south border, options include
The Capital and
The Levin.
Hyde Park Pubs and Bars
London's most famous brewery, Fullers, has a number of atmospheric inns across the city, and one of them,
The Swan, enjoys a prime location on the north border of Hyde Park, and is a marvellous destination for a pint. If you are looking for cocktails, Capital Hotel's Challenge Bar covers all bases, while Olio's at Corus Hotel Hyde park offers a welcoming atmosphere and a good range of wines, beers and spirits.
Hyde Park Restaurants
Naturally, with a border passing through so many areas of London, dining options are varied around Hyde Park.
La Porte des Indes offers a fascinating culinary experience, where a familiar Indian menu is supplemented by classic dishes from the Indian-French colonies, all just a short walk from Marble Arch. The Orangery Restaurant near Kensington Palace is a superb venue for an elegant afternoon tea, while
The Lancaster London's excellent Nipa Thai is the best venue for Asian flavours.
Of course, if you really want to treat yourself, it would be hard not to notice
Le Gavroche just off Park Lane. The double Michelin-starred restaurant was world renowned even before owner Michel Roux Jr began appearing on our television screens, with the Roux family enjoying one of the most prestigious reputations in the culinary world. Unsurprisingly, a meal here will certainly make your wallet a lot lighter, but it will be worth it.
Hyde Park Parking
There are plenty of
NCP car parks to use around the edge of Hyde Park, ranging from £4 to £10 an hour depending on where you want to leave your vehicle. To the north, Marble Arch (postcode W1H 7LB) is the best option, while for an equally convenient but slightly more expensive option, Pavilion Road (SW1X 0HH) on Knightsbridge is a safe place to leave your car.
There are a couple of hotels that provide parking, a real extra convenience for anyone staying in such a central area of London. Visitors to
The Levin can park for £30 a night, while
The Capital costs £28 a night.