Lancaster Gate

Lancaster Gate station sits on the north side of Hyde Park along Bayswater Road, in a location that is genuinely useful for anyone wanting to explore the park's western reaches and Kensington Gardens. The station's immediate neighbourhood is mostly hotels - this stretch of Bayswater is one of London's hotel districts - but across the road is the park gate, and from there the Italian Gardens, the Long Water, the Serpentine Gallery and Kensington Palace are all within a pleasant twenty to thirty minute walk through the park. Lancaster Gate is often quieter than the more tourist-heavy stations nearby, which makes it a relaxed entry point to the park.

Station Overview

Lancaster Gate station opened in 1900 as part of the Central London Railway. It sits in Zone 1 and is served by the Central line only. The station does not have step-free access. It is between Queensway to the west and Marble Arch to the east.

Lines and Connectivity

The Central line (red) connects west to Queensway and Notting Hill Gate, and east to Marble Arch (one stop), Bond Street and Oxford Circus. Journey time to Oxford Circus is approximately four minutes eastbound.

Facilities

Lancaster Gate station has free TfL Wi-Fi and ticket machines. The surrounding Bayswater Road area is primarily hotels with some cafes and convenience stores. The park itself has a cafe at the Serpentine Gallery and the Lido cafe.

Accessibility

Lancaster Gate does not have step-free access. There are stairs to the deep-level platforms. The nearest accessible Central line station is Bond Street (two stops east, step-free).

Travel Tips

• Hyde Park's Lancaster Gate entrance is directly opposite the station - cross Bayswater Road carefully and enter through the gate for immediate access to the park.
• The Italian Gardens - an ornamental water garden inside Hyde Park, near the Long Water - are about ten minutes walk west from the station entrance into the park.
• The Serpentine Gallery is approximately fifteen minutes walk through the park. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions with free entry to the permanent spaces.
• Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is about twenty minutes walk through the park heading west and south.
• The Bayswater Road art market (Sunday mornings) runs along the park railings between here and Notting Hill Gate.

Nearby Attractions

Italian Gardens - ten minutes walk through Hyde Park. An ornamental water garden with fountains at the northern edge of the Long Water. Free.

Serpentine Gallery - fifteen minutes walk through the park. Contemporary art gallery in Hyde Park with free entry. Annual summer pavilion is a major architectural event.

Diana Memorial Fountain - twenty minutes walk. An oval fountain in the park dedicated to Princess Diana. Free.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Central line services at Lancaster Gate run from approximately 05:30 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 07:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Night Tube operates on the Central line on Friday and Saturday nights. Hyde Park is best visited on a clear day; the park is free and open from 05:30 to midnight.