Best for the outdoorsWATTB92/100

Hyde Park

We score Hyde Park in the context of this guide. For our primary assessment, see our main Hyde Park review.

Our verdict · Acres of free, beautifully kept green space at the heart of the city, with free galleries, memorials and royal London on the doorstep.

Visit if

You want fresh air, royal London and a free picnic spot right in the centre of the city.

Skip it if

You are visiting in poor weather or prefer indoor attractions.

Plan your visit

Hyde Park

WATTB Score

92/ 100

Our research-based editorial assessment.

How we score →

Free (indicative; deckchairs and boating extra)

Indicative price at the time of review.

Get directions

Hyde Park is free to enter and among the finest urban green spaces anywhere, flowing seamlessly into adjoining Kensington Gardens. Between them you get the Serpentine lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Speakers' Corner and the free Serpentine Galleries. It makes an ideal no-cost day: picnic, walk, hire a deckchair (small charge) or just people-watch. For royal London, neighbouring St James's Park — a short walk east — has resident pelicans and arguably the best free view of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, which is free to watch but runs on a seasonal, not daily, schedule. The park itself never charges; only deckchairs, boating and refreshments cost extra.

The good & the bad

Pros

Genuinely free with no ticket or booking required
Boating and swimming on the Serpentine, plus Speakers' Corner
Free Serpentine Galleries, the Diana Memorial Fountain and open space to roam

Cons

Weather-dependent and less rewarding in winter
Very large — popular lawns and the Serpentine get busy on warm weekends

How it compares

Pick	WATTB Score	Price	Best for
1.The British Museum	98/100	Free (indicative; special exhibitions charge)	overall
2.Natural History Museum	94/100	Free (indicative; some exhibitions charge)	families
3.Sky Garden	90/100	Free (indicative; food and drink extra)	free view
4.Tate Modern	90/100	Free (indicative; special exhibitions charge)	modern art
5.Hyde ParkThis pick	92/100	Free (indicative; deckchairs and boating extra)	the outdoors

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Good to know

4.7 ★Google · 143,230 reviews

Address: London
Phone: +44 300 061 2000
Price: Free (indicative; deckchairs and boating extra)
Booking: No ticket needed; free to enter
Highlights: Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner, Diana Memorial Fountain, free Serpentine Galleries

Opening hours