Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park is the broad historic Royal Park spread across Westminster, with the Serpentine and Long Water shaping its landscape. It covers 350 acres, or 140 hectares, and holds Grade I status as a historic park and garden. The ground became Henry VIII’s hunting preserve in 1536, after he took it from Westminster Abbey.

Charles I opened the park to the public in 1637, and May Day gatherings soon made it a lively meeting place. Queen Caroline directed major improvements in the early 18th century, including the division between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The park also gained a darker reputation: 172 duels took place here during the 18th century, with 63 deaths.

Free speech has a permanent home at Speakers’ Corner, established in 1872. Chartists, the Reform League, suffragettes and the Stop the War Coalition all held demonstrations here. In 1851, the Great Exhibition brought Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace to the park.

Later, its concert lawns hosted Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Queen, followed by Live 8 in 2005. The blend of water, open grass and public debate is what gives this park its particular character.