What To See And Do Near The Serpentine

The Serpentine lake is one of London's most popular boating lakes, home to a wide variety of wildlife including the resident swans of Hyde Park. If you're looking for things to do in the local area after enjoying the water, you're in luck – here's our guide to the best sights to see and activities to enjoy nearby the next time you find yourself at the park.

Visit the Serpentine Galleries

The two Serpentine Galleries provide a fantastic space to find out more about London's art scene, and they're located within easy reach of the Park Grand London Hyde Park. The galleries are open from Tuesday to Sunday each week, and set within the delightful surroundings of Kensington Gardens in the heart of the city.

As well as displaying incredible contemporary art, the galleries – titled the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery – are only a five-minute walk from each other, connected by a bridge. There are regular events throughout the year sure to impress any art fan.

Take the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

Princess Diana remains one of the most beloved figures in British history, and this seven-mile-long walk was designed to help commemorate her. Along the way, you'll find 90 plaques which all tell you something about the various locations which are widely associated with the princess.

The walk provides both a delightful stroll through London's scenery, and a way to remember a prominent royal figure. The Princess Diana Memorial Walk takes in four Royal Parks (St James's Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park) as well as passing by five palaces and a former London residence of the Spencer family.

Explore Hyde Park

One of the most prominent Royal Parks, Hyde Park provides a staging ground for numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. Yet it is also a haven of natural beauty, with acre upon acre of delightful green space and manicured gardens. The park is also where you'll find the Serpentine, so if you're in the area it makes sense to spend a little more time taking in the local surroundings. Hyde Park is right on the doorstep while you're staying at the Park Grand London Hyde Park, so you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with all it has to offer.

Take a tour of the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is one of London's most popular concert venues, as well as being a historic centre of culture in the heart of the city. During your stay in the capital, be sure to head here – whether that's to see a show, or simply to enjoy one of the backstage tours which are on offer throughout the year. A trip to the Royal Albert Hall provides a fantastic precursor to visiting bars near Hyde Park, and the hall has hosted some of the most significant figures from the world of music.

Discover the Peter Pan Statue

A highlight of Kensington Gardens, this statue is dedicated to the beloved J.M. Barrie character, Peter Pan. The statue was commissioned by Barrie himself, designed by George Frampton, and cast in bronze.

It is one of the most popular sights in the gardens, and its placement is significant – the statue stands in the space where Peter Pan appears in 'The Little White Bird', a J.M. Barrie novel. Great for getting a few photographs, it's located to the west of the gardens, close to the author's former home.

Visit Kensington Gardens

Another of the most beautiful green spaces in London, Kensington Gardens are close to the Serpentine, providing a gentle stroll through beautiful surroundings. Not only are there great gardens to explore, but Kensington Gardens adjoins the magnificent Kensington Palace – home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and famed childhood home of Queen Victoria.

If you're in the mood for an extended trip, take a journey here and enjoy a full day out. There are regular exhibitions, as well as access to some of the rooms within the palace.

See the Albert Memorial

One of the other great sights in Kensington Gardens, the Albert Memorial is dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. It is a particularly ornate addition to the gardens, and commemorates a figure who died in 1861, yet had significant influence over the monarch's life. Queen Victoria commissioned the statue herself, and it was placed in the gardens in 1872. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the memorial is designed in a Gothic style which was popular during the era, and makes a striking addition to the space.

Check out the V&A

A prominent museum covering the history of textiles and design, the V&A (short for the Victoria & Albert Museum) is home to a wealth of incredible items from all over the world, and regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions.

Here you'll find everything from designer clothing to ornate pottery, and each piece receives the recognition it deserves, with highly detailed information on all the offerings on display. It's easy to while away a few hours here, and you're close enough to the Serpentine to reach the museum quickly and simply.

Head for the Natural History Museum

Another incredible London museum in easy reach, the Natural History Museum contains everything from dinosaur bones to insects, and promises a one-of-a-kind experience. The museum can get pretty busy during the summer months, so we recommend arriving early to get a good look at everything that's on offer. Alternatively, look out for one of the ongoing 'Museum Lates' events which give you the chance to see the museum come alive after dark.

Shop at Harrods

Shopping in London is always a fun experience, but shopping at Harrods is in a league of its own. With floor upon floor of incredible finds, this is one of the city's most historic department stores, and provides plenty of opportunities to find almost anything you're looking for, all under one roof.