William III bought this park in 1689 and annexed it from the adjacent Hyde Park. An asthma sufferer, he wanted to create an area in central London where he could relax and smell fresh air amongst grass and trees. The park is particularly popular for sunbathing and sports in the summer, but all year round is a wonderful place to go for a stroll, a jog, walk the dog or simply get out of the hustle and bustle of central London life.