Hyde Park

If you find yourself traveling to Sydney, you should plan on visiting Hyde Park. Henry VIII enjoyed hunting for deer on the land that makes up the park but in the first part of the 17th century, King James I allowed access to the public. You can enjoy nature, boating, sports and riding or you can visit the better known Speakers Corner. There you can let your views be known to the crowd while standing on a soapbox.

Purchased from the monks of Westminster Abby back in the 1500's and situated on 350 acres of land, there are many activities available to the public, including walks through the beautiful gardens and boating on the lake. You can even bring your own horse and enjoy horseback riding. You will also find 6 tennis courts to play on, or you may prefer getting into a pickup soccer game. Why not experience the Bowling Green, you might be really good at it! Here you can take in a game of tennis on one of the 6 courts, try your hand on the Bowling Green or even take part in a pickup soccer game. During the summer it's a wonderful place to enjoy a concert, which is held on most Sundays.

Since the park is so big, there are a great many things to see within it. Make your way to the northeast corner to behold the marble arch that was originally part of Buckingham Palace but relocated to Hyde Park in 1851. A monument honoring Princess Diana is one of the latest additions to the park. It is a fountain that is circled with over 500 pieces of granite. It even has 3 bridges that go over water that flows through it, so you can see that it's very elaborate. Hyde Park is very accessible from the tube. It's between Bayswater Road, Park Lane, Knightsbridge and Kensington Gardens. You may have to stop in at one of the local pubs after spending a full day at the park. If you fancy an upscale atmosphere, then try the Four Seasons Hotel bar. Stop in at the Conservatory located in Lanesborough if you enjoy listening to a piano.

If you still have the energy, try the Met bar inside the Metropolitan Hotel where it's lively and you could see various celebrities. If your feeling rowdy, head over to the Rose and Crown pub in Mayfair where you'll have a great time.