Hyde Park

Before you attend an event at Hyde Park, make sure you’re aware of the venue’s policies. Here are a few things you should know:

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any buildings or playgrounds within the park. Specific events may have additional rules.⁴
• Payment Options: Payment options will depend on the event, so always check the FAQs before the day.
• Prohibited Items: Event organisers will have their own policies, but you can expect a list of prohibited items, including weapons, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and illicit substances.⁵
• Age Restrictions: Most events are family-friendly. You can find any exceptions on the event listings.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations, including bag policies, check the official Hyde Park policy page.

If you’re in London, there is a long list of venues worth visiting. Here are some of the top spots to consider.

• OVO Arena Wembley: This famous venue has a capacity of 12,500 and sees over a million visitors each year. Events include concerts, comedy shows, and sporting matches.⁸
• Royal Albert Hall: This venue has stood since the 1800s and hosts a range of events, including film screenings, concerts, bands, and exhibitions.^9.10
• The O2 Arena: As one of the largest indoor venues in the UK, this arena holds up to 20,000 guests. Expect everything from music to comedy to sport.¹¹

There are two public car parks at this venue, and it is accessible via public transport. Here are a few options to help you get there:

Public Transportation: London Paddington station is within walking distance, served by GWR, Heathrow Express, and TfL’s Elizabeth Line. Hyde Park is also accessible by the Central and Piccadilly underground lines.⁶

Driving: Hyde Park is located in central London, and there are plenty of car parks nearby, including:

• Serpentine Car Park: 395 W Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH
• Triangle Car Park (with Santander Cycles docking station): Triangle Car Park, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Hyde Park has a range of cafes and kiosks on-site with hot and cold food, coffee, and ice cream. There are vegan and vegetarian options, with a focus on sustainably prepared food.

Hyde Park has indoor and outdoor seating available for visitors. If you attend an official event, alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and cider may be available. Concerts and festivals may have restrictions on outside food, so check the event’s policy page before the day.⁷

In 1536, King Henry VIII acquired land from the monks of Westminster Abbey to use as his own personal hunting grounds. In 1603, King James I took the throne and opened up the grounds to his socialite friends.

King Charles I opened the space to the public in 1637, and it became Hyde Park. In the 1700s, the park was cared for by Queen Caroline, who had a passion for gardening. She also created the Serpentine Lake, which is now an iconic feature of the park.

In 1851, Hyde Park hosted The Great Exhibition, with more than 15,000 contributors and six million attendees. Since then, a plethora of monumental events have taken place there, including the free Rolling Stones concert in 1969 and Live 8 (2005).^2,12