Hotels near Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Spanning 350 acres across two connected royal parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens form the green lung of central London. Hyde Park features the Serpentine lake with rowing boats for hire in summer (£14/hour), Speakers' Corner where anyone can address a crowd on Sunday mornings, and the Diana Memorial Fountain - a circular stone channel designed as a living memorial to Princess Diana.

Kensington Gardens, on the western side, is home to Kensington Palace (open to visitors for around £23/~€27), the Serpentine Gallery showing free contemporary art exhibitions, and the ornate Albert Memorial. The entire area is perfect for a long walk, a picnic, or simply sitting by the water watching Londoners at play. On sunny days, the parks fill with joggers, sunbathers, and impromptu cricket matches.

Pro Tip: Rent a deckchair near the Serpentine for £2.50/hour on a sunny afternoon - it is one of London's most relaxing experiences. The Italian Gardens at the north end of Kensington Gardens are a hidden gem rarely visited by tourists.