Hyde Park and Serpentine Gallery, Westminster

There’s a reason why Hyde Park was once the stomping ground of Kings and Queens and now welcomes millions of visitors every year. Yet, it’s not down to the wild boar – they died out years ago.

Occupying 350 acres of prime real estate, it’s a green oasis in the middle of the West London grey.  But it’s got more to it than grass, after almost 500 years of hard work, it’s host to a world-famous gallery, a public lido, a man-made lake as well as a stables in case you fancy a spot of horse riding. A date at Hyde Park has more to offer than just a picnic and a stroll – which is probably why eHarmony’s Martin and Rosie recommended it as a great place for a first date.

Martin made a special mention of The Serpentine Gallery too. Home to some of the most ground-breaking exhibits of art and architecture in the world, and named ‘the most beautiful gallery in London’ by The Observer, it’s well worth a visit. And if you’re lucky enough to go during the summer you’ll catch their Pavilion programme – where they invite an internationally acclaimed architect or designer to create a unique, one-off structure on the Gallery’s lawn.

“We love our local pub, the Serpentine Cafe in Hyde Park is great on a warm day at any time and Victoria Park by Parliament is a favourite as well. The former is nice and relaxed, great for people watching, nice and food and a little oasis in the middle of London. The park isn’t really used by anyone other than tourists and people walking their dogs.”

If you’re peckish after your art-gazing, horse riding or just wandering around the park, you can always finish at the Serpentine Café for something warm, something refreshing, or even something quick – depending on what you’re after. “It’s nice, relaxed and great for people watching,” says Martin, “it’s a little oasis in the middle of London.”

They’ve got a website if you’d like to find out what’s on and plan your route – www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park. And discover more about the Serpentine Gallery here – www.serpentinegalleries.org.

Hyde Park
Westminster
London
W2 2UH

Click here for the full downloadable guide (pdf).