Hyde Park, London – Royal Park Walks and Open Water Landscapes

Tree-Lined Avenues, Broad Lawns, and Paths Through Central London

Hyde Park is one of London’s most distinctive places for self-guided travel, shaped by walking routes, open landscapes, and historic green space at the centre of the city. Broad paths circle lawns and lakes, linking Kensington Gardens, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Thames Path, allowing walkers to move gradually between parkland, river routes, and surrounding neighbourhood streets rather than treating the park as a single stop.

The landscape feels wide and open despite its central setting. Long tree-lined avenues frame broad grassland, the Serpentine and Long Water create reflective views across the park, and gentle paths weave between gardens, monuments, and shaded woodland edges. Movement here is easy and level, with space for longer circuits as well as shorter everyday walks.

Despite sitting beside some of London’s busiest streets, Hyde Park often feels calm at ground level. Entering through one of the gates quickly softens the sound of the city, replacing traffic with water, trees, and open sky. Exploring on foot reveals how closely the park connects with neighbouring green spaces and forms part of a continuous network of central London walking routes.

About Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers around 350 acres of protected parkland. Originally created as a royal hunting ground in the 16th century, it later became a public landscape shaped by formal avenues, water features, and civic gathering spaces.

Together with adjoining Kensington Gardens, it forms one of the largest continuous green areas in central London. Over time, the park has hosted public events, celebrations, and everyday recreation, balancing historic design with open access for walking and relaxation.

Today, it remains one of the most walkable and accessible green spaces in the capital.

Where to Walk

Serpentine & Long Water Loop

‍‍A level circuit around Hyde Park’s central lakes with open views, waterside paths, and connecting bridges.

Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens

‍‍Seamless walking west into quieter landscaped gardens, tree avenues, and palace grounds.

Hyde Park Corner to Green Park

‍‍Routes linking the park with Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and central London landmarks.

South Carriage Drive & Rotten Row

‍‍Broad, straight paths ideal for steady walking across the length of the park.

Thames & Westminster Links

‍‍Easy connections south toward the river and west toward Paddington Basin and Little Venice.

Highlights

• One of London’s largest central Royal Parks
• The Serpentine and Long Water lakes
• Broad, traffic-free walking routes
• Tree-lined avenues and open lawns
• Direct links to Kensington Gardens and Green Park
• Easy access to Buckingham Palace and the Thames
• Excellent Underground and rail connections
• A rare sense of space in the centre of the city