5 Things to Do This Autumn in London’s Royal Parks

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london fall

London isn’t just all bustling streets and thriving business districts; there are no less than eight Royal parks dotted around the city to offer an oasis of calm and greenery for visitors and locals alike.

During the autumn months, the parks offer an amazing place to watch the changing of the seasons and grab a little fresh air. If that sounds like a must do, here are a few of the many events coming to the Royal parks this year that you won’t want to miss during your stay at our Grand Royale London Hyde Park hotel.

Walking Tour: Autumn Trees in Colour

Hyde Park – 5th October 2019

One of the most popular parks in the whole city, Hyde Park is home to the Princess Diana Memorial Garden, the Serpentine Gallery and lake plus the would-famous speaker’s corner which draws crowds from all over the world every Sunday.

However, the real stars of the show during the autumnal months are the many beautifully maintained trees that flank the park and give off an impressive display of rich reds, burnt oranges and warm browns to signal the change of the season.

This October, visitors staying at our hotels near Bayswater station can enjoy a guided walk of the native and exotic trees that call Hyde Park home while mulling over a series of interesting and informative facts from resident tree expert, Greg Packham.

Reaching Hyde Park from the Grand Royale London Hyde Park takes no time at all as the hotel is located just a short stroll from the park’s meeting point. Just make sure that you pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes and enjoy a good breakfast at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park Restaurant as this walking tour takes around two hours.

Royal Parks Half Marathon 2019

13th October 2019 – Hyde Park; Kensington Gardens; St James’s Park; Green Park

Not a marathon for the fainthearted, the Royal Parks Half Marathon is a popular event for those who love to run in beautiful surroundings.

Taking in some of London’s most iconic landmarks as well as journeying through four of the eight Royal parks, this half marathon has been arranged by the Bank of Canada and is an important event on any running enthusiast’s calendar. The annual challenge is also fun for spectators too, but make sure that you have an early breakfast at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park Restaurant if you want to catch the beginning of the race as the starter pistol gets fired promptly at 7:30 am.

Discovery Day – Hair-Raising Halloween

23rd and 24th October 2019 – Hyde Park

Staying at our hotels near Bayswater station gives you quick access to Hyde Park, so you won’t want to miss this amazing free event happening in the park on the run-up to Halloween this year.

Bring the little ones for a stay at Grand Royale London Hyde Park and enjoy an afternoon of potion making using the herbs and plants found in Hyde Park. You’ll also get the opportunity to build your own bat box and take a turn in the witches den filled with feely boxes. There will be a spooky storyteller on hand during the entire event, so settle down and listen to some child-friendly yet chilling tales to help the whole family get into the Halloween spirit.

Organisers are also encouraging visitors to dress up for the event to give it a really Spooktacular feel, so make sure you pack a few fancy dress outfits before heading to the Grand Royale London Hyde Park. Alternatively, just ask the concierge where you’ll be able to pick something up when you arrive in London.

Walking Tour: Hidden Stories of St James’s Park

25th October 2019 – St. James’s Park

The oldest Royal Park, St James’s is steeped in history and is also home to some rather unusual residents.

This walking tour is designed to help visitors to the city uncover some of the hidden history surrounding the park. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will be able to fill you in on some of the iconic locations such as The Mall and The Guard’s House before you head towards the lake to hear from the park’s resident wildlife officer.

After the talk and tour has come to an end, you can say hello to the resident pelicans who have called the park home for many years and watch as they enjoy their daily feed given by the wildlife officers on hand year round to care for their every need.

To reach St. James’s Park from the Grand Royale London Hyde Park, take the Tube from Paddington station – you’ll find it located just a short stroll away from the hotel. Hop on the Piccadilly line, and you’ll arrive at the park in just under twenty minutes.

Walking Tour: The Secret Pet Cemetery of Hyde Park

2nd November 2019 – Hyde Park

If you want to uncover a little-know piece of London history during your stay at our hotels near Bayswater station, then this walking tour is certainly not one to miss!

Rarely open to the public and unheard of by a lot of visitors to the city, Hyde Park is home to one of the UK’s only pet cemeteries. It dates back to the early Victorian period. The cemetery contains the remains of over 1,000 beloved pets, all marked by tiny headstones with inscriptions that are still legible to this day.

Carrying on with the slightly spooky tour, you’ll also be guided to nearby Tyburn where thousands of criminals were executed over the centuries as well as being enthralled by other spooky tales from Hyde Park and the surrounding areas.

This tour is one for the grown-ups and slightly older children due to the nature of the walk and subjects discussed, but as the pet cemetery is very rarely open to members of the public, it is sure to be a popular event that will sell out fast.