Hyde Park was a favourite venue for duellists in the 18th and 19th century, including the brutal 1712 duel between the Duke of Hamilton and Lord Mohun in which they hacked each other to death.
The first nude statue in London was erected in the South-East corner of Hyde Park in 1822. After the pleas from 'country women' a fig leaf was later added to save their blushes.
Originally a deer park for Henry VIII, so he could hunt while staying at Whitehall Palace, the park was laid out in a formal style by Charles II, when Pepys came here to watch ice skating.
Behind the Pump House is a statue of a brown dog. In 1985 it replaced the original, removed in 1910 when it became a focus of riots between medical students and animal rights campaigners.
The Mall took on its current form as a royal processional route around 1912. The palace approach was widened, and Admiralty Arch was built at one end and the Victoria Memorial at the other
In the 18th century the park was notorious for highwaymen and Horace Walpole was one of many robbed here. Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ was composed for an event here in 1749.
Hampstead Heath was a favourite outing for Karl Marx and his family, and held a popular fair in the 19th century. Like the Guy Fawkes night bonfires held here, it oftern turned drunken and violent.
Take a few minutes, even in winter, to explore the central Rose Garden. Lots of flowers with silly names, and plenty of sculpture.
Best way to enjoy and see all the park? Have a run! Much more enjoyable than a pic nic! And you feel reborn!
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain was opened in 2004, and is made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite. The design is intended to reflect the Princess’s openness.
Look out for the 'empty bench in Soho Square' dedicated to singer Kirst MacColl, at the southern end.
In 1768 Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and Founding Father, conducted experiments in Mount Pond including pouring oil onto the water to examine how liquids behave. Anglers were not amused.
Public speaking on any subject has been officially tolerated here since the 1870s. Marx, Engels and Lenin are amongst those who have come to listen to the radical and often eccentric speeches.
Forget the view from the top. Head a little down the southern slope where you get still-good views but far fewer people.
If the city's making you lose your cool, head to this urban oasis for a Park Life (vodka, fresh pear, lemon and Chapel Down sparkling wine). En savoir plus .
This was once the grounds of Holland House, famous for its literary salons in the early 1800s and for its lavish society balls later in the century. The house was destroyed in the Blitz.
‘Billionaires Boulevard’ tells you all you need to know about local property prices. Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the richest man in Europe, bought Nos.18-19 for £70 million in 2005.
The park cafe is at the bottom by Thicket Road. Past the children's playground.
