Hyde Park is the largest of the Royal Park’s in London. Covering over 350 acres this magnificent green area was acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 from the monks of Westminster. The park has for centuries been a place for the people of London to relax, to celebrate and enjoy country life within the city. The park has a large man make lake known as the Serpentine which is home to unusual wildlife and migrating birds. The park is often used for staging large-scale events and rallies, most notably in recent years the Live 8 concert.