Relax in the two vast parks and visit the museum and various monuments that honor the first Duke of Wellington.
Hyde Park Corner is a busy junction of several important London roads at the intersection of Hyde Park and Green Park. This historic crossroads has several fascinating monuments that illuminate the rich tapestry of the city’s past. Inspect the various statues and plaques to learn about the Duke of Wellington and other significant figures.
Capture photos of the impressive 18th-century Apsley House, which was once the home of the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. He was a leading political and military figure, helping to defeat Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. Visit the museum in this aristocratic town house and browse some of more than 80 paintings from the Spanish royal collection in the art gallery.
Gaze up at the Wellington Statue that marks the entrance to Hyde Park. Adjacent is the Wellington Arch, a 19th-century monument supporting an equestrian statue of the duke. Pass through the large arch for a sense of the sheer size of the enormous gateway. Capture photos of the Hyde Park Screen, which comprises many Ionic columns and a large central arch.
Examine the various war monuments in this historic corner. These include the Australian War Memorial, the New Zealand War Memorial, the Royal Artillery Memorial and the Machine Gun Corps Memorial. Enjoy the serenity of the rose garden containing the Boy and Dolphin statue and gaze up at the sculpture of Lord Byron, an 18th-century poet and politician.
Make your way north to the northeastern part of Hyde Park for the Speakers’ Corner. This is an iconic area known for public speeches and debates. Listen to the discourses on a range of themes, including religion, politics and charity.
Hyde Park Corner is at the southeastern end of Hyde Park, a little west of central London. Take the London Underground to the area’s namesake Tube stop between Green Park and Knightsbridge. See nearby landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and St. James’s Park.