We look at the most interesting things for visitors to do in and around Hyde Park during the summer months.

Go swimming at the Serpentine Lido

Great Britain’s oldest swimming club is based at the Serpentine and the Lido itself was opened to the public back in 1730. It has many facilities including a sunbathing area with sun loungers to rent for the day, a small cafe serving teas, coffees and snacks as well as the main open water swimming area and the children’s paddling pool. The Lido gets very busy on warm summer days, but there is more than enough open space in the rest of the park if you want to soak up the sun and have a break from walking through the park. The Lido is open from 10am until 6pm (the last entry is at 5.30pm), every weekend throughout May and every day from 1st June onwards.

Have a wander around Lancaster Gate

Known as Upper Hyde Park Gardens in the past, the beautiful area boasts some of the most quintessentially London houses in the city. The terraced buildings, that are mostly now divided into flats or used as offices and embassies, are stuccoed and were designed by F & H Francis. There are also remains of an old church, Christ Church in the area. Only the spire remains to this day, but it is a quaint part of London’s history and well worth visiting. The streets back on to the park, making the properties some of the most desired in the area and walking along the nearby streets offers some excellent people watching opportunities.

Afternoon tea at Royal Lancaster London

The Royal Lancaster London is a historical hotel located near Hyde Park. Build in the 1960s, the hotel has long been at the forefront of accommodation and dining trends in London. Using the knowledge they have gained over the years, the Royal Lancaster offers one of the best teatime experiences in the city. The modern offering from the hotel includes seasonal specials during local events such as the Chelsea Flower Show. Expertly mixing the traditions of a British staple and modern culinary techniques, tea at the Lancaster is a cut above the rest. Dainty patisseries, scones and even hand-made lollipops all grace the menu making for an enchanting experience for all members of the family, they also have a children’s special. A perfect way to refuel after a long stroll in the park and through the surrounding area.