Hyde Park, London

An oasis of tranquility in central London, Hyde Park, together with Kensington Gardens to the west, is the largest of the three royal parks. On the north-east side is Speakers' Corner, a traditional haven of free speech. The Serpentine Lido (a designated swimming area of the Serpentine Lake) and the Serpentine Gallery are famous tourist spots. The Albert Memorial and the statue of Peter Pan, housed at the Kensington Gardens, also attract a crowd. Many visitors to the park choose to see the Isis statue or to sunbathe near Diana Fountain or simply dip their feet into the water. There is also a memorial site in the south-east corner of the park to commemorate the July 7, 2005 bombings in London. Head a little more south, and you will find yourself in the midst of the Rose Garden between Serpentine Road and Rotten Row. If you are feeling like fitting some activity into your visit, head on over to the Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre, which is open to all. Also important to note is that the park was chosen as a temporary venue for the Triathlon and Marathon Swimming competitions for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Overall, it's a fantastic place to spend the afternoon and a must-visit during your sojourn in London.