What is Hyde Park for locals and tourists?

Hyde Park is the most famous royal park,which is located in the heart of the British capital. It stretches over a vast territory, almost one and a half square kilometers, and it is one of the largest and most interesting park areas in the capital.

The history of this park is quite interesting. What is Hyde Park now? Just a beautiful park. And before the 16th century, these were the landed estates of the famous Westminster Abbey. Only in the reign of Henry VIII, this property was taken from the church and turned into the possession of the crown. There they organized a hunting ground for the king. However, quite soon, in just a few decades, the park was opened for all comers. Named was Hyde Park in honor of the old unit of measurement, with which to measure the area.

What is Hyde Park? The main place from all the sights is a huge lake called Serpentine, named so because of its bizarre outlines. This artificial narrow lake stretched across the whole park. It allows visitors to ride on catamarans and boats if desired. You can swim in the lake. The swimming season ends in mid-September.

Tourists, asking what is Hyde Park, will find out,that in addition to natural beauties, there you can see unique objects that are of cultural and historical value. One of them is a vessel fully operating on the energy of the sun. It accommodates up to forty passengers. Even in the park there is an art gallery, which was opened in 1970. This is the famous Serpentine Gallery, which stores unique exhibits of art from the 20th to 21st centuries.

But, perhaps, the main attraction,which most often comes to mind at the thought of what Hyde Park is, is the unique Tribune of Speakers. This place exists from the end of the 19th century, a kind of corner, which gives the opportunity to speakers to express their thoughts. You can speak freely there, touching on any political issues and topics, without fear of any repressions.

This interesting park is also noteworthy,that in the beginning of the 19th century, or rather, in 1815, there was organized a historic parade in honor of the victory of the Duke of Wellington over the French emperor. In honor of this event, a museum and an arch of Wellington was built in the park, and eight years later a statue of Achilles was erected, made by sculptor Sir Richard Westmakott. I must say that this is the very first image of a nude in the capital of Great Britain. As soon as the townspeople saw him, even the bronze fig leaf did not help: a real storm of indignation arose.

It was in Hyde Park that Queen Victoria orderedhold and the first ever World Exhibition, which took place in 1851. For her was built a unique palace - Crystal, unfortunately, not preserved. In the same park there is another curious place - the cemetery of domestic animals, arranged by the Duke of Cambridge for beloved beloved animals spouses. It's about three hundred tombstones. This attraction is opened for visitors only once a year.

And in Hyde Park special tracks are madefor pedestrians as well as for cyclists with roller skaters. Here you can walk on the grass, walk, play volleyball, football, ride, play tennis and even bowling, make picnics. This park is very beautiful, cozy and well maintained.