If you’ve got some time before you join us for your visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, why not explore Hyde Park itself – we’re so lucky to call this beautiful place home!
Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner might be the nearest tube stations to our gates but they’re also the busiest. So you could head to Lancaster Gate, Green Park or Knightsbridge and take a scenic stroll through a glorious green space on your way. Enjoy some quiet corners, historic memorials and iconic views of the Royal Parks, before you step through our gates for some festive fun.
WALK FROM LANCASTER GATE
Arrive at Lancaster Gate on the Central line before heading for a 30 minute walk past The Italian Gardens where you can snap a photograph of the iconic Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason fountain in this Instagrammable water garden which was created in the 1860s, before continuing on to the Peter Pan Statue which author J.M. Barrie had created to commemorate his beloved boy who couldn’t grow up – something you can embody when you step through the Winter Wonderland gates.
Continue the western stretch of the Serpentine which is a haven for winter birds, look out for coot, moorhen, cormorants and great crested grebe before wandering up to the Reformers’ Tree and admiring the striking mosaic on the ground, reminding visitors of the Victorians who came to the park demanding a vote for all adult men.
WALK FROM GREEN PARK
Green Park is the closest step-free station and you’ve got heaps of options to arrive, with the Jubilee, Picadilly and Victoria lines all serving the station. Start your walk at the Bomber Command Memorial which commemorates 55,573 crew members who died while serving in Bomber Command during the Second World War, then walk underneath the Wellington Arch that commemorates Britain’s victory in the Napoleonic Wars, as well as taking in the other well-known memorials at Hyde Park Corner. Then stop by the Rose Garden to admire some landmark Hyde Park fountains (and make a note to revisit when the Garden is in full bloom) before finishing up at The Dell, a cascading waterfall and a true garden-lovers delight.
WALK FROM KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Arrive at Knightsbridge on the Picadilly line and start your journey with a play at the South Carriage Drive Playground, complete with climbing frames, a swing set and a slide, overlooking tree-lined avenues and the famous Serpentine. The world-famous Serpentine Lake was designed in 1728 by Queen Caroline and her gardener Charles Bridgeman and was a first in England due to its winding, naturalistic shape.
The Diana Memorial Fountain is your next stop where you can watch the water flow from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool, reflecting the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. Finally, have a browse in the brand new The Royal Parks Shop to start your Christmas shopping.
THE ROYAL PARKS SHOP
The Royal Parks shop opened this summer and you can find traditional and premium product ranges with a modern twist including homewares, books, toys and so much more, all underpinned by a sustainable focus. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, want a souvenir to remember your trip to Hyde Park or fancy treating yourself, The Royal Parks Shop will have something for you. Check out their Festive Gift Guide for inspiration for what to gift your loved ones.
Head to their website for the latest opening hours.
