Speakers Corner
Speakers Corner
3.5
About
Speakers Corner in London's Hyde Park is the oldest free speech platform in the world. People won the right to speak in mass protests in the 1860s and early 1870s. Some people believe the tradition is connected to the right of the condemned to a last speech before being hung at the Tyburn gallows, a practice that stopped at the end of the 18th century. Every Sunday people from all sorts of convictions come to Hyde Park in the afternoon to spead their message or to have fun.
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- Marble Arch • 3 min walk
- Bond St • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.5
320 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
107
Average
93
Poor
28
Terrible
21
Cucchlain O
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
No longer fun or interesting. 100% religious extremists now.
This used to be a quirky, interesting and fun part of the London experience. Now it's just aggressive religious extremists, spouting borderline hate-speech.
90% Islamic fundamentalists and 10% Christian fundamentalists. Anyone else is intimidated, threatened and bullied out.
Very sad to see what this has become, a sad indictment of British society.
This used to be a quirky, interesting and fun part of the London experience. Now it's just aggressive religious extremists, spouting borderline hate-speech.
90% Islamic fundamentalists and 10% Christian fundamentalists. Anyone else is intimidated, threatened and bullied out.
Very sad to see what this has become, a sad indictment of British society.
Written 12 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMa1983
Massachusetts472 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Having visited 20-30 years ago, I suggested this as a fun stop on Sunday afternoon. What we found was angry zealots surrounded by cameras and videos (not sure why). We were also accosted by some men who were pushing pamphlets etc - seems like a good place if you want to be radicalized. Not our cup of tea and I was embarrassed for having suggested it.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pete f
Bermuda3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Full of religious aggressive preachers with not much to say except race hate theory. Where did the amusing intelligent speakers go, I guess that was a time long gone. Not worth the shoe leather from Marble Arch unfortunately
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tjjohnsonn
14 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
I remember going to speakers corner as a child with my grandpaperent. I used to love attending and listening to people speak.
I can not believe how much something can change over time.
It's a hostile place now, I didn't feel safe.
There was many many Muslims praying; I always thought religious prayers weren't permitted at speakers corner??
Every spot their is a muslim with their face covered shouting and arguing and I heard them verbally abusing a gay man. Calling him vulgar names.
It's quite heated and hostile at speakers corner now. Police seem to just walk past Muslims praying and ignore them.
As an British citizen who has attended speakers corner since a child it has changed. It looks more like a pilgrimage from Mecca.
Very disappointed. I didn't feel safe at all there.
I can not believe how much something can change over time.
It's a hostile place now, I didn't feel safe.
There was many many Muslims praying; I always thought religious prayers weren't permitted at speakers corner??
Every spot their is a muslim with their face covered shouting and arguing and I heard them verbally abusing a gay man. Calling him vulgar names.
It's quite heated and hostile at speakers corner now. Police seem to just walk past Muslims praying and ignore them.
As an British citizen who has attended speakers corner since a child it has changed. It looks more like a pilgrimage from Mecca.
Very disappointed. I didn't feel safe at all there.
Written 9 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debi D
1 contribution
Apr 2018 • Friends
Might as well go to a local mosque 😡 and the law doesn't seem to apply to worshippers, especially the local ones.
Written 22 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Smith
1 contribution
Sept 2018 • Solo
The action takes place only on Sundays starting at around 10:00am and can go on into the night weather permitting. The time it is busiest is in mid afternoon. If you want to get an idea for the kind of environment and topics that are often discussed, I would suggest you look up videos from "Content Over Everything" on Youtube. Topics can vary from politics, religion, veganism, current events, history, and so on. Of course, religion is always a dominant player with mainly Muslim and Christian speakers.
It terms of quality, it can vary from Sunday to Sunday depending on which speakers are present. For example, there were a couple negative reviews for this past Sunday here (March 17th) but the Sundays prior were far better. Some current speakers to look for on a variety of topics include Heiko, Bob The Builder, Pavlov, Ralph, Sheikh Danjuma, and Muhammad Hijab. The environment of the talks is not like a Ted Talk but is a more rowdy environment where speakers can often get heckled and asked questions throughout. It is usually all in good fun but sometimes things will get heated as men can get very competitive in debates. Also, sometimes the talks will take the form of a discussion with 3 or 4 speakers.
One thing I would suggest is that travelers also come ready to make a speech. This will scare some but really it is a great way to get involved in the process and share something you know. If more travelers did this, the quality of speakers and topics would rise further and encourage more to follow suit. All that you need to give a talk is maybe a sign or just the ability to call some people over. Women are also more than welcome to give speeches even though the bulk of the speakers are male.
A second thing I would suggest is that you start up conversations with other people in the park. Outside of the speeches themselves, these informal conversations can turn into interesting discussions of their own where you can meet people from all over the world. Since people are coming to this place to listen and talk, it is perfectly natural to engage people in this manner and is very different from the usual disinclination by some English people to engage in small talk elsewhere in London.
In terms of logistics, Speakers' Corner is nearby some great places to picnic or play with families. You could easily make a day of it where you get to enjoy some speeches and the beauty of the park itself. There is also a nearby refreshments stand where you can buy ice cream, coffee and some other smaller items. Plus, there is a McDonalds across the street and several ice cream trucks in the Park itself. People do film a lot of the speeches and as a consequence, don't be alarmed if you see some people covering their faces as a result. Some folks are camera shy for various reasons.
In terms of safety, this area is generally very safe. Sometimes you will have some arguments and some pushing and shoving but usually that is the end of it as there is typically a police van with officers present. I have seen people walking their dogs, bringing babies in strollers, or riding bicycles while listening to speeches. This is a very casual environment where you can wear what you like.
Finally, I really like this place and find it to be a truly unique place in the world. I strongly recommend you make the time to add a trip to the park and Speaker's Corner to your itinerary. Other folks may bemoan that the speakers aren't what they used to be. But those are the words said of older folks who wax nostalgic about the past. Really, if you aren't giving talks yourself, IMO you lose your right to complain too much. I saw go with the idea that you will participate and add to the experience.
It terms of quality, it can vary from Sunday to Sunday depending on which speakers are present. For example, there were a couple negative reviews for this past Sunday here (March 17th) but the Sundays prior were far better. Some current speakers to look for on a variety of topics include Heiko, Bob The Builder, Pavlov, Ralph, Sheikh Danjuma, and Muhammad Hijab. The environment of the talks is not like a Ted Talk but is a more rowdy environment where speakers can often get heckled and asked questions throughout. It is usually all in good fun but sometimes things will get heated as men can get very competitive in debates. Also, sometimes the talks will take the form of a discussion with 3 or 4 speakers.
One thing I would suggest is that travelers also come ready to make a speech. This will scare some but really it is a great way to get involved in the process and share something you know. If more travelers did this, the quality of speakers and topics would rise further and encourage more to follow suit. All that you need to give a talk is maybe a sign or just the ability to call some people over. Women are also more than welcome to give speeches even though the bulk of the speakers are male.
A second thing I would suggest is that you start up conversations with other people in the park. Outside of the speeches themselves, these informal conversations can turn into interesting discussions of their own where you can meet people from all over the world. Since people are coming to this place to listen and talk, it is perfectly natural to engage people in this manner and is very different from the usual disinclination by some English people to engage in small talk elsewhere in London.
In terms of logistics, Speakers' Corner is nearby some great places to picnic or play with families. You could easily make a day of it where you get to enjoy some speeches and the beauty of the park itself. There is also a nearby refreshments stand where you can buy ice cream, coffee and some other smaller items. Plus, there is a McDonalds across the street and several ice cream trucks in the Park itself. People do film a lot of the speeches and as a consequence, don't be alarmed if you see some people covering their faces as a result. Some folks are camera shy for various reasons.
In terms of safety, this area is generally very safe. Sometimes you will have some arguments and some pushing and shoving but usually that is the end of it as there is typically a police van with officers present. I have seen people walking their dogs, bringing babies in strollers, or riding bicycles while listening to speeches. This is a very casual environment where you can wear what you like.
Finally, I really like this place and find it to be a truly unique place in the world. I strongly recommend you make the time to add a trip to the park and Speaker's Corner to your itinerary. Other folks may bemoan that the speakers aren't what they used to be. But those are the words said of older folks who wax nostalgic about the past. Really, if you aren't giving talks yourself, IMO you lose your right to complain too much. I saw go with the idea that you will participate and add to the experience.
Written 20 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There4TheFood
Brantford, Canada31 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Hubby and I stumbled upon Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park while we were waiting to transfer buses. I have to say it was the highlight of my visit to London. There were several animated speakers, some with no audience, and others with large audiences. They seemed to be focused on religious views, but I didn't care, I was entertained by the constant chatter back and forth. We witnessed a few hecklers, and learned later that heckling is welcomed. It seems to be the true example of freedom of speech. When we were leaving the park, we spoke briefly with a police officer who confirmed that rarely does any violence break out. Truly an interesting cultural experience.
Written 13 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenda A
Palmetto, FL194 contributions
Apr 2016
Hyde Park Speaker's Corner is a must see for anyone visiting London. Various speakers discuss various topics including religious views, and politics. For a visitor from the US, it is very refreshing to see an organized free speech outlet. The speakers and the audience are so passionate and stir up back and forth debates. Truly a unique experience.
Be sure to visit Speakers Corner on Sunday 11AM-3PM. We visited at 1PM and there were several speakers. It is located in the Northeast corner of Hyde Park. Best access is from the Marble Arch Tube or Bus Stop. There is a small concession stand with average priced food, drinks, and coffee. And there are porta pottys on site if needed. While you are there, take a walk through the park. There are also people just enjoying the day - riding horses, skating, bicycling, etc.
Be sure to visit Speakers Corner on Sunday 11AM-3PM. We visited at 1PM and there were several speakers. It is located in the Northeast corner of Hyde Park. Best access is from the Marble Arch Tube or Bus Stop. There is a small concession stand with average priced food, drinks, and coffee. And there are porta pottys on site if needed. While you are there, take a walk through the park. There are also people just enjoying the day - riding horses, skating, bicycling, etc.
Written 18 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macsursu
Cyprus2 contributions
Visited Speakers Corner during June after an absence of 30 years , what a disappointment , in my youth it was a highlight of the weekend to visit SC , great speakers , great banter , wonderful hecklers and great fun all round .
Now , just a place for weirdos to congregate and to compete as to who can be the most rude and use the most dreadful language i have ever heard in a public place . I must add i am certainly not a prude having travelled the world and seen and heard it all .
Sadly the demise of another great British Institution .
Now , just a place for weirdos to congregate and to compete as to who can be the most rude and use the most dreadful language i have ever heard in a public place . I must add i am certainly not a prude having travelled the world and seen and heard it all .
Sadly the demise of another great British Institution .
Written 21 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaggPie
USA1 contribution
The famed Speakers Corner has lost its luster, direction and focus on what it was originally intended to be; a forum of public awareness, open discourse and enlightenment. It has evolved into a freak show circus more to the likening of Jerry Springer, The View and Geraldo Rivera. It is a rare treat to be around Islamic Fascists and Radicals, Evangelical Christians, Acetic Jews, disenfranchised Palestinians and staunch non-believers including the "devil" himself!
Transvestites, janitors from Ghana, and an 80+ yr. old psychotic Socialist Party member will keep you laughing, or crying, for hours! Seriously don't come to learn, come to be entertained! I literally spent hours there one Sunday and was laughing until my stomach cramped up!
I know some of these kooks are trying hard to be serious, but most others are just acting the part. One guy will argue for hours on the merits of Socialism contrasts with the evils of capitalism then will try to sell you a CD of their earlier performance at the end of the session! A couple of these "speakers" even have a stooge that comes in to "heckle" them and it soon becomes a Vaudville act.
Not informative, not newsworthy and not new; but hilariously funny!
Transvestites, janitors from Ghana, and an 80+ yr. old psychotic Socialist Party member will keep you laughing, or crying, for hours! Seriously don't come to learn, come to be entertained! I literally spent hours there one Sunday and was laughing until my stomach cramped up!
I know some of these kooks are trying hard to be serious, but most others are just acting the part. One guy will argue for hours on the merits of Socialism contrasts with the evils of capitalism then will try to sell you a CD of their earlier performance at the end of the session! A couple of these "speakers" even have a stooge that comes in to "heckle" them and it soon becomes a Vaudville act.
Not informative, not newsworthy and not new; but hilariously funny!
Written 15 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time do speakers normally start? Some comments here say afternoons, another says 8am- so which is it?
Written 4 August 2019
From midday onwards when I have been there but there are usually a few by 11 am
Written 4 August 2019
Speakers Corner best time is summer time.. March on wards weather forecast permitting.
Written 17 January 2019
Speakers corner is open to the public daily. However Sunday would be the best time to go if you want to see lots of muslim speakers, arguments and praying in mass.
Written 20 April 2018
petitefleurenpot
Paris, France
Faut-il s'inscrire? Nous sommes un groupe de 35 et aimerions faire un discours sur la démocratie avec une anecdote de chacun. Serait-ce trop long?
Written 7 March 2016
No you can just turn up any Sunday afternoon. It is probably best to have two, three or more platforms to make sure you all get a chance to speak
Written 7 March 2016
Jennifer, did you go on a Sunday afternoon, when the speakers are there?
Written 8 January 2016
Hi I am heading to London this weekend and wondered what sort of time the 'speakers' are at speakers corner. I have a train to catch early afternoon on Sunday
Written 17 February 2015
The best time to be there would be between 8 & 11 am.between these times you will get to hear a complete range of speakers . From the sensible to the utterly comical !!
Written 18 February 2015
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