Hyde Park

Despite it's central London position, Hyde Park, W2 and Marylebone, it's closest environ, are uniquely residential and surprisingly peaceful once the rush hour ends. These areas represent a diverse mixture of cultures and are well served by no less than five London Underground stations. The Heathrow Express train runs from nearby Paddington station (journey time 30 minutes).
Housing in Marylebone is varied, running from the bohemian to highly superior accommodation. There are many squares and tree-lined crescents here and whilst there are plenty of old mansion blocks and brand new developments, there are still many single family residences and quaint mews houses. To the west of Hyde Park, Bryanston Square and Montagu Square are much sought after because of their central communal gardens.

Properly, Marylebone should be known as St Marylebone after the church of that name, which was built in this part of north Westminster in 1400. Today, despite the busy Marylebone Road and the impersonal bustle along Oxford Street, this area can still offer perfectly distinct village centres. This is especially true towards St John's Wood High Street and Regent's Park, even though blocks of flats and the railway have replaced many pairs of semi-detached Georgian villas that were built here nearly 200 years ago. The area is becoming increasingly fashionable with many tranquil squares and back streets. Harley Street is famed for its medical specialists, who started to move in around 1845 offering access health care for almost every ailment to those who can afford to pay.

Despite for the most part being a quiet backwater there are a growing number of restaurants down towards Oxford Street. Marylebone High Street has several eateries, bars, cafes and delicatessens. Classical music can be heard at the Wigmore Hall, which has excellent acoustics and was built in 1901 by Friedrich Bechstein, adjoining his piano showrooms. Shakespeare is performed during the summer at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park with its big, formal gardens and a lake. London Zoo, also in the Park, is a marvellous place for the kids. Look out for the Penguin Pool, the Elephant House and the Aviary. The West End with its cinemas, theatres and other attractions is within easy reach.

Notable State schools include St Marylebone school, which achieves excellent results. The notable Independent schools are the selective Queen's College and Francis Holland schools.

Transport

Marylebone station provides access to Tube and mainline rail services to Birmingham and the Midlands. Taxis are plentiful. The Tube lines servicing the Hyde Park area and environs are the Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Jubilee, Circle, Hammersmith & City and the Central line.