Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London. It’s easy to get there because there are a lot of bus
stops and tube stations nearby. It is divided in two parts by a large artificial lake called The
Serpentine, which separates Hyde Park from Kensington Gardens. You can see ducks and geese on
the Serpentine during the day while bats fly over the water at dawn. There are some monuments in
the park too. For example, next to the lake, on the right of the Serpentine bridge you can see Diana’s
Fountain, a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales died in a car accident, or the 7 July Memorial, in
the east, which consists of 52 pillars representing the people killed in the bombing of London in
2005.
Different activities can be done in the lake as there is a swimming area called Lido, and rowing boats
are available for hire from Easter to October. The Boat Hire is on the river bench next to the island
and the swimming area is situated along the river bench, coming from the bridge, and pass Diana’s
fountain. Apart from swimming, you can also play other sports in the park like tennis. The tennis
centre is behind Diana’s fountain, on the right of the path that heads for the bridge.
In the northeast corner of the park you can find a very original place called Speaker’s Corner. People
there are allowed to speak about nearly every topic. The police are very tolerant with the speeches if
they are respectful. That place is especially lively on Sunday mornings. Of course the park also
offers the possibility of having something to eat. One of the restaurants is in the eastern corner of the
lake and is called Serpentine Bar & Kitchen.

Read the text and write the name of each place:

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Answer the questions:

1. Can you play any sports in the park?
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2. Name two animals you can see in Hyde Park.
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3. Can you hire a boat in February?
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4. Can you swim in the Serpentine?
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5. Can you visit any monuments? Name one.
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6. How can you get to the park?
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