Yesterday The Girl and I walked through Hyde Park and Kensington gardens. It’s our favorite park in the entire world. Even though it was just above freezing and tiny snowflakes were falling, we spent about 2 hours strolling {and later biking} through the park.
In about another month, the spring bulbs will be blooming like crazy.
In case you didn’t know, Hyde Park was originally a private hunting ground for Henry VIII. The park remained private until James I opened it to the public, and handed its care over to a park ranger {though, the manicured lawns and landscaping that it is known for today didn’t happen until much, much later}.
Hyde Park, as we know it today, is split in two by the Serpentine {a 40 acre recreational lake}. Hyde Park itself is 350 acres {think how many vegetables I could grow there!}. Kensington Gardens is next to Hyde Park and is an additional 270 acres.
Most people think they are all one in the same, but they were separated into two parks by Queen Caroline in 1728. With all of that space, it is soooo easy to find a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and some people watching.
The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight everyday, and is typically filled with people running or just taking a stroll. It has awesome bike paths and you can even rent paddle boats. {Sadly, we couldn’t rent a paddle boat because the boat house is only open from Easter to October 31st. Sniffle, sniffle.} If you are more adventurous, you can swim in the Serpentine after June or even ride horses on one of the designated paths.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are gorgeous. Even when it’s freezing outside and the blooms are far and few between.
Do YOU have a favorite park? If so, where is it, and why do you love it so?
~ Mavis
Jules says
That looks like so much fun! I want to ride horses in London – I think I’ll add that one to my wish list.
And I just had to let you know, we kept our grocery bill – for the 7 of us – under $450 this month; not quite at 100, but I’m working on it.
Heidi says
So much fun and wonderful memories for your and your daughter.
I had a flashback to last year when you took a holiday and your husband forgot to water your tomato starts……..Do you have a responsible party watering your plants???? Pleeeeease say “YES”
Mavis says
Just got back and the plants were totally dry, but have now been revived. 🙂 Phew!
Kelly R. says
If you are ever in Washington DC, I highly recommend the Enid Haupt garden behind the Smithsonian “castle.”. It isn’t particularly large, but it is beautiful, and so fun when you realise that this amazing little gem is literally in the center of the city. It is amazingly peaceful. (And, of course, right in the midst of all the Smithsonian museums.
Mavis says
Thanks Kelly. D.C. is on our list. I’m writing it down. 🙂
Lynn says
Love, love, love Hyde Park. Thanks for posting about London…you are bringing back some great memories for me.
Knitting with Olof says
I have to say Gardens and palace of Versailles, France is my favorite garden to walk around in for HOURS. Even if I have never seen it during a full on growing season since I am very frugal and only travel during off peak seasons. Put Paris is a place my husband and I really love to visit.
Kathy says
When I was in college, I spent a semester abroad in the UK. While in London, I went to Hyde Park one day and met the sweetest elderly man (90 y.o.) named Buddy. He and I sat together on a park bench and talked for a while. He assured me that after all his years, life was still great. I believed him, I still do.
Mavis says
Awwwww. 🙂
Margery says
It is making me so happy to see these pictures as my husband and I will be leaving for London at the end of April for a week. We are flying there and sailing home it’s a vacation we have been planning for years. Can’t wait.
Mavis says
Oh Margery, you will have so much fun! 🙂