Boat Rentals
Dividing Hyde Park into two parts is the Serpentine, a 28-acre lake. From Easter to October, the Boat House at the Serpentine rents boats. The Boat House has rowing boats and pedal boats available. As of 2009, rentals run about $6.50 (4 pounds) for a half-hour rental for an adult in a row or pedal boat. Or for about $5 (3 pounds), you could take a ride on the SolarShuttle, a pontoon boat made from glass modules that collect solar power to power the boat. The SolarShuttle ride begins at the Boat House and ends at the Lido.
Boat House
Hyde Park
London
W2 2UH
011 (+44) 207 262 1330
Swimming
Swimming is another summertime activity at Hyde Park. The Serpentine Lido and the paddling pool are open to swimmers between June and September. However, if you happen to be visiting in the winter, you might still see people in the water because the Serpentine Swimming Club is allowed to swim in the morning, even in the winter, in preparation for its famous Peter Pan Christmas Day race.
Serpentine Lido
Hyde Park
London
W2 2UH
Tennis
If you enjoy tennis, you could bring your racket to Hyde Park. The park has a tennis center that features six tennis courts, as well as changing rooms, a café and even a bowling green.
Tennis Center
Hyde Park
London
W2 2UH
011 (+44) 207 262 3474
Walking
Hyde Park sits on 350 acres, making it one of London's biggest parks. It's an interesting place to explore on foot. Park attractions include the Diana Fountain, which opened in 2004 as a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. There is also the July 7 memorial, which features 52 pillars erected in memory of the victims of the July 7, 2005, London bombings. If you enjoy horticulture, stop by the Rose Garden, which has beautiful roses and shrubs that grow year-round.
Hyde Park
London
W2 2UH
Horseback Riding
Another great way to see Hyde Park is on horseback. The park has both a horse-riding arena as well as two dedicated horse-riding routes. Hyde Park stables also offers both group and private riding lessons in Hyde Park as well as at the Arena. Riding lessons are available to children as young as 5.
Hyde Park Stables
63 Bathurst Mews
London
W2 2SB
011 (+44) 207 723 2813
http://www.hydeparkstables.com
