Lifestyle

On our radar: Best things to do near Hyde Park

Hyde Park in London
Hyde Park in London

Hyde Park is one of London’s greenest icons – but step just beyond the gates and there’s even more to discover. Whether you’re in the mood for art, food, culture, or a relaxing stroll, the area surrounding Hyde Park offers a bit of everything.

Hop into these upcoming events at Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s top destinations for live events each summer. Here’s what to expect in 2025 – including confirmed performances, nearby happenings, and how to secure tickets.

BST Hyde Park 2025 – Full line-up

The BST Hyde Park summer concert series returns in June and July 2025, bringing some of the world’s biggest artists to Central London. This year’s programme features back-to-back weekends of live music in one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.

Confirmed Line-up:

  •   –  Friday, 27 June – Olivia Rodrigo
  •   –  Saturday, 28 & Sunday, 29 June – Zach Bryan
  •   –  Friday, 4 July – Noah Kahan
  •   –  Satutday, 5 & Sunday, 6 July – Sabrina Carpenter, with Clairo, Beabadoobee, Olivia Dean
  •   –  Friday, 11 July – Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, and Van Morrison
  •   –  Saturday, 12 July – Stevie Wonder
  •   –  Sunday, 13 July – Jeff Lynne’s ELO (final UK performance)

 

 

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Daily events line-up: What to expect

Between June 30 and July 10, Hyde Park will host over 60 free and ticketed activities as part of BST Open House and other summer programmes. Popular returning features include:

Event Dates Description
Captain Fantastic Wellbeing 1 July, 3 July Interactive wellbeing sessions introducing mindfulness to kids in a fun way.
DJ Kennedy Taylor 30 June, 1 July Live DJ set from Capital XTRA’s Kennedy Taylor.
DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape – Live 2 July A high-energy, retro-themed DJ set by world-class turntablist DJ Yoda.
Lord’s Community Cricket 30 June, 1 July, 2 July, 3 July Coaching sessions from Lord’s Cricket Ground for all age groups.
Official Pride Pre-Party 3 July Live performances and DJs celebrating Pride in London.
Outdoor Cinema 30 June–3 July (Garfield, Thelma, Goonies, Wicked) Evening screenings of family-friendly and cult-favourite films presented by British Airways.
Park Sports Tennis 30 June, 1 July Youth tennis sessions designed to teach basic skills and coordination.
Plant City 30 June, 1 July, 2 July, 3 July Hands-on experience for kids with real digger trucks and tractors.
South London Samba 30 June Carnival-style drumming and world rhythms from South London performers.
Tales From The Shed 1 July, 2 July, 3 July Immersive and empowering theatre performance for children.
Trojan Sound System (Live) 1 July Live music from iconic sound system performers with reggae roots.
West End Kids 2 July Musical theatre troupe performing live showtunes in the park.
Wimbledon Screenings 30 June, 1 July, 2 July, 3 July Live outdoor screenings of Wimbledon matches in Hyde Park.

How to attend?

Most activities under the BST Open House programme are free entry – just show up and enjoy. For special events like PDC Darts, Outdoor Cinema, and headline concerts, tickets are either:

  • Bookable online via the BST Hyde Park website
  • Available through official partners such as Ticketmaster or AXS

We recommend booking early, especially for film nights and live music, as capacity is limited.

Other events in Hyde Park and nearby

While BST is the headline attraction, Hyde Park and its surrounding venues also host a variety of other events throughout the summer.

All Things Orchestral – Thursday, 10 July 2025

A one-night classical music showcase featuring orchestral favourites, film scores, and family-friendly arrangements. Set within the BST site, this event offers a more relaxed and cultural experience.

PDC Pro-Am Darts Tournament – Tuesday, 8 July 2025

A unique crossover event bringing together celebrity guests and professional darts players like Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen.

Royal Parks Half Marathon – Sunday, 12 October 2025

This annual charity race draws thousands of runners through London’s most scenic royal parks, starting and finishing in Hyde Park.

 

 

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Explore the Serpentine Galleries

Location: Kensington Gardens (5 – 10 min walk from Hyde Park)

Split into two spaces – Serpentine South and Serpentine North – these free art galleries showcase contemporary exhibitions from world-renowned artists.

Explore more: Best free Central London activities

Visit the Royal Albert Hall

Location: Kensington Gore (10 – 15 min walk)

A short walk from the park’s south side, the Royal Albert Hall hosts concerts, talks, and film screenings in one of London’s most historic venues.

 

 

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Enjoy a pint at The Grenadier

Location: Wilton Row, tucked behind Hyde Park Corner

A historic (and rumoured-to-be-haunted) pub in Central London with loads of charm. Think old wooden beams, British ales, and low ceilings.

Explore more: 16 Best bars in Central London for a chill evening

Shop around Knightsbridge

Location: South of Hyde Park (10 – 15 min walk)

From Harrods to Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge is a luxury shopper’s dream. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s worth the walk

Discover The Wallace Collection

Location: Manchester Square, Marylebone (15-min walk)

An underrated gem, this free museum offers art, armour, and antique furniture in a beautiful historic townhouse.

 

Take a stroll down Exhibition Road

Location: South Kensington (10 – 15 min walk)

Lined with museums like the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum, Exhibition Road is perfect for a culture-packed afternoon.

 

Wander through Kensington Gardens

Location: West of Hyde Park

Formerly part of Hyde Park but with its own character, Kensington Gardens feels quieter and more regal, perfect for a couple activity to do in Central London. It’s ideal for a slower stroll with tree-lined paths, formal gardens, and lots of open space.

Visit Kensington Palace

Location: Kensington Gardens, near Lancaster Gate

Once home to Princess Diana, and still an official residence of the Royal Family. You can tour the public rooms, explore exhibitions, and walk the beautiful grounds outside.

Pause at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Location: Southwest side of Hyde Park

A serene, circular water feature that invites children to paddle and adults to reflect. It’s a modern, peaceful tribute to Diana’s life and legacy – perfect for a quiet break mid-walk.

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

 

Discover The Science Museum

Location: Exhibition Road, South Kensington

Hands-on and family-friendly, this famous museum in Central London is full of interactive exhibits, space tech, and engines, making it one of the best things to do near Hyde Park with kids. Great for family visits- and fun for grown-ups too. Free to enter.

 

Eat Persian food on Connaught Street

Location: Behind Marble Arch

Try Colbeh for fragrant rice dishes and grilled meats. This tiny local street is a go-to for Middle Eastern flavours.

 

 

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Discover more just around the corner: Explore Fitzrovia Quarter

If you’re enjoying Hyde Park and the West End, don’t stop there – Fitzrovia is just a short walk away and full of character. Tucked between Soho, Marylebone and Bloomsbury, it’s a vibrant mix of creative studios, cosy cafés, independent shops, and cultural spaces that offer something a little more local.

Whether you’re into architecture, food, art, or simply exploring new neighbourhoods, Fitzrovia Quarter is where London’s big ideas meet everyday charm.