About Hyde Park A park originally created for Henry VIII (1509-47) in the 1530s for the use of royal hunting grounds. At an astounding 360 acres, it is no wonder Hyde Park is the largest of London’s Parks. You can rent a boat and row or pedal on the Serpentine, you could ride horses along the Rotten Row or listen to music played in the bandstand. If that’s not enough, there are several restaurants on offer, Speakers Corner with random discussions, feed the ducks, take the dog for walk, have a picnic or simply wander with friends or a serene ponder on ones own. Nearby, in Kensington Gardens are the Serpentine Gallery and the Albert Memorial. Hyde Park is open from 5am to midnight, but as with most city parks it is probably best to avoid it during the night-time.