No one told me that exploring Hyde Park would be one long arduous walk we had to endure from Hyde Park Corner to the Serpentine Bridge. The map we got did not mention that we are about to cover a 350-acre green land by foot under a freezing midday sun. There is no doubt that Hyde Park is one the biggest parks in London, maybe 10 times larger than the diminutive Luneta Park.

Hyde Park was managed by monks of Westminster Abbey until 1536 when Henry VIII acquired the land to be his private hunting ground. When James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots, ascended the throne, the park remained as a hunting ground but the king allowed limited access to the park. In 1637, Charles I finally opened Hyde Park to the public.

The Serpentine, an 11-hectare lake cutting through the park, was created in 1730’s by Queen Caroline, wife of George II. The picturesque view of the river against an extensive green landscape of towering trees is one of Hyde Park’s best attractions. You’ll find ducks and swans populating the river and joggers on path walks. The Diana Memorial Fountain can be found at southern part of the park.

The Winter Wonderland carnival fair inside Hyde Park opened last November 2007 and will run until first week of January 2008. There are shops selling chocolates, food and souvenir items and amusement rides open to adults and children.

Hyde Park is open all year round from 5am to 12am. Commuters may take buses going to Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch or tube trains that would take them near the gates – Picadilly Line (Hyde Park Corner & Knightsbridge) and Central Line (Lancaster & Marble Arch). Limited parking slots are available near The Serpentine bridge.