Hyde Park: Tours and Guided Visits

Hyde Park is London's largest Royal Park and offers a tranquil urban oasis, covering more than 350 acres. The park offers a peaceful retreat to both locals and visitors and is a popular gathering spot on sunny days.

Home to several notable landmarks, features and sculptures, on a guided Hyde Park tour you will be able to get a better knowledge of its historical interest. From tranquil strolls to summer concerts, Hyde Park merges the serenity of nature with dynamic city life.

Here's your guide to visiting Hyde Park, one of the most incredible spots for sightseeing tours in London.

What are the best Hyde Park tours in London?

With Buckingham Palace clearly visible from the Mall that runs through Hyde Park, this central London green space is well worth a visit as an attraction of its own.

Guided walking tours of Hyde Park

Hyde Park is an expansive green space in the heart of London. It is home to magnificent botany exhibits, statues and sculptures. On a walking tour, you will be escorted and entertained as you wander through the park. You will be able to see some of the better known landmarks as well as some of the park’s more unknown locations.

London bike tours including Hyde Park

Join a morning or afternoon bike tour around central London accompanied by an experienced guide. You will pass by some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions and spend some time cycling through Hyde Park and the other Royal Parks; Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St. James Park.

Self-guided audio tours including Hyde Park

With a route that begins at Marble Arch, you can explore Hyde Park at your own pace. An advantage of this type of tour is that if there is inclement weather or your plans change, you can resume or begin your outing on a different day.

What do you see on a Hyde Park tour?

Tours of Hyde Park may also include attractions beyond the park, but within the park itself, you can expect to see a variety of natural and man-made features and learn more about the park’s history.

Tours begin at Marble Arch, where a fort once stood and winds its way to places such as Speaker’s Corner where, since 1872, people have been granted the right to exercise their freedom of speech (within the limits of the law) in a public place.

Rotten Row runs along the southern edge of the park and The Serpentine is a 40-acre lake at the heart of the park, transected by Serpentine Bridge which acts as a boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Along with the places of interest and scenic beauty, the park is home to many memorials, sculptures and water features. Some of these include the Achilles Statue, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, Serenity Statue, the Cavalry and Household Cavalry Memorials, and the Hyde Park Bandstand.

How much do Hyde Park tours in London cost?

Self-guided audio tours of Hyde Park and the nearby Kensington Gardens cost from £5 per person with the provision of lifetime access to the audio tour plus offline access to maps.

Guided walking tours start at £15 per person in small groups of up to 20 participants, while guided bike tours cost from £35 per person with a maximum of 16 participants per tour.

What do Hyde Park excursions include?

Audio tours include a guided audio narrative that is accessible via your mobile device as well as maps that can be downloaded for use offline.

Walking and biking tours include the company of a guide, with bike tours also including bicycle use and a helmet for the tour duration.

Where do you meet?

Marble Arch is a typical meeting point for a tour of Hyde Park. Bike tours often start at the tour operators offices or kiosks nearby to allow for bike and helmet collection before the tour begins.

How long do tours last?

A self-guided audio tour narration is 1-hour long although you can proceed at your own pace. Walking tours last roughly 2 hours and a guided bike tour which also includes many other famous London landmarks lasts around 4 hours in total.

Are Hyde Park tours wheelchair friendly?

You can adapt the self-guided tour to suit your accessibility needs and inaccessible parts of the tour can be bypassed. The walking tour and bike tour are not currently suited to wheelchair users due to the pace, terrain, and in the case of bike tours, the mode of transport.

When is Hyde Park open?

Hyde Park is open every day from 5 AM until midnight.

When is the best time for a tour of Hyde Park?

London's weather is known to be quite unpredictable, but from May to September the temperatures are usually pleasant. Keep in mind that rainfall is common, even in the summer, so always be prepared for a bit of wet weather.

Early morning is a wonderful time to visit if you enjoy peaceful, less crowded environments. During the afternoon or early evening visiting Hyde Park offers more lively experiences.

If you're interested attending concerts, festivals or sports competitions, it’s a good idea to check the event calendar on the park's official website and plan your visit accordingly.

Travel tips

• Check the forecast before your visit and pack an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• Due to the park’s dimensions, there will be a fair bit of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.
• If there are specific attractions within Hyde Park that you want to visit, check the specific operating hours and plan accordingly.
• It's always a good idea to bring a bottle of water and some snacks, especially if you're planning a long walk.
• or the enjoyment of everyone, follow the park's rules, such as disposing of litter properly, not feeding the wildlife, and keeping dogs on leads where required.
• Hyde Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. If you prefer quieter times, consider visiting early in the morning or on weekdays.
• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times to prevent theft. If you're visiting in the evening, stick to well-lit areas.
• Take the time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You'll find stunning gardens, a variety of bird species, and even some resident squirrels.