In 1536 King Henry VIII confiscated Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey. It was used primarily for hunting. King Charles I opened the park to the public in 1637. The current park layout was planned by architect Decimus Burton in 1825. It is the largest of several royal parks in London.
The Serpentine, a large artificial lake, is located at the south end of the park and extends northwards into the neighboring Kensington Gardens, where it is called the Long Water.
There are masses of beautiful flowers throughout the park.
Monument to Queen Caroline, wife of King George II, who had the lake constructed. Gardeners joined six existing fish ponds & dammed the Westbourne Stream which flowed through the park.
Gorgeous purple flowers.
Black Headed Gull.
The park supports a wide variety of birds, these are Egyptian Geese.
A great place for a family outing.
Mute Swan - So named because overall, they don't make very much noise, especially when comparing them to other swans such as trumpeter swans.
Mute Swan and Eurasian Coot.
This one put on quite a show!
Interesting that mute swans are not native to North America. They were brought to the US from Europe to adorn city parks and large estates and are considered invasive in some areas.
Boating and swimming are popular.
Greylag Geese.
Female Tufted Duck.
Juvenile Mute Swans and two Egyptian Geese.
The Serpentine Bridge between the Serpentine and the Long Water.
The Serpentine looking east from the Serpentine Bridge.
The Long Water on the other side of the Serpentine Bridge.
The Long Water on the other side of the Serpentine Bridge.
Wildflower Meadow.
Francie Stoutamire Photography
