HYDE PARK
Hyde Park is one of London`s largest Park`s. Located in central London, this famous park has over 625 acres of space for you to explore.
The Serpentine River separates Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Although most people presume, that the park is one. It has been technically separated since 1728, when Queen Caroline had them divided. Even though the two parks merge, they operate on different closing times.
Hyde Park is open from 05.00 till midnight daily, with Kensington Gardens open also at 05.00, but the park closes at Dusk.
Hyde Park was first opened to the general public in 1637. It was King Henry VIII, who first acquired the land, where the park stands today. Henry used the land for his favourite past time, hunting. He filled the park with deer and boar, and enclosed the park with a fence.
When James 1st came to the throne, he decided to give permission, to gentlefolk to use the park.
In the year 1689 William III, moved into Nottingham House in the village of Kensington, situated on the far side of the park. He re-named the house Kensington Palace, and had a drive put down, that ran along the south edge to St James Palace.
This drive would later be named Rotten Row, which still exists till today. The first landscaping of the park took place in 1773, and cost about £20,000 pounds. The park today, is one of Londoners favourite parks, with several interesting sites.
One of the tourist`s main attractions is Speakers Corner, situated in the North east corner, close to Marble Arch. South of the Serpentine, is the memorial dedicated, to the late Princess of Wales.
East of the Serpentine, just beyond the rivers dam, is London Holocaust Memorial. The park has become famous over the last thirty to forty years, with mass rallies, demonstrations and concerts.
Just a few of the performers, who have graced the stage in Hyde Park, include Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Pavarotti to name just a few. The Beatles used the park also, for photography shoots for the album, Beatles for Sale.
Hyde Park, can also offer you a view from one of London`s most expensive hotels, The Lanesborough. A top suite here, with a view of the park, will cost you £8,000.00 for the night. However, if this price may be more than you wish to pay, you can find many more cheap hotels near Hyde Park.
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