Say ‘Hyde Park‘, and different people will think of different things. It’s an immense park, slap bang in the middle of London, and it’s full of memorable features. Some might think of the Speaker’s Corner; others might think of the Diana Princess Of Wales Memorial. And for some, the likes of the Peter Pan statue, the Albert Memorial, or the Rose Garden might come to mind first.
Some people might even think of New York’s Hyde Park first – or perhaps even the Hyde Park in Sydney, Australia. But almost no one thinks of the Hyde Park waterfall. In fact, many aren’t even aware that it exists!
The Hyde Park waterfall
Found at the eastern edge of the Serpentine, straight up from the Albert Gate entrance, is the Serpentine Waterfall. Formed by the water that flows out from the Serpentine via a sluice in the dam, the waterfall cascades down into a small landscaped garden.
The waterfall fell into disuse, though, and wasn’t maintained properly. As such, in the past, you might walk past to see nary a drop of water falling from the lake. However, restoration work and new re-circulation pumps brought the waterfall back to life. It now courses down the side of the Serpentine as it was originally designed.
Around the waterfall, the foliage is particularly lush and green. Visitors can spot a variety of plants and trees in the special garden, which was originally designed back in the 1870s.
No matter how charming the Hyde Park waterfall may look, though, you can’t use it for swimming or photo opportunities. The area is fenced off, allowing visitors to enjoy the sight without disturbing the carefully maintained garden and waterway.
đź“Ť Serpentine Waterfall, Hyde Park, opposite the Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial, London, W2 2UH.
🚇 The nearest station is Knightsbridge.
