Speakers' Corner
stand up and say your piece
The historic home of free speech at the corner of Hyde Park, free to watch, where anyone can climb up and hold forth.
Free to visit · Hyde Park · Marble Arch · W2 2EU
Opening: Liveliest Sunday mornings · park open daily
The north-east corner of Hyde Park has been the home of free speech in Britain for more than a century and a half, and watching the spectacle is completely free. Anyone can turn up, stand on a box and speak their mind on absolutely anything, and the crowd is more than welcome to argue right back.
It is at its best on a Sunday morning, when a row of speakers hold forth on religion, politics, philosophy and conspiracy all at once, fielding heckles with practised wit. The right to gather and speak here was hard won, on a spot that was once the public gallows at Tyburn, which gives the whole place a charge of history.
You do not need to say a word yourself, just join the crowd, pick a speaker and enjoy one of the last great free shows of pure, unfiltered London argument. Marx, Orwell and Lenin all spoke here, and the tradition rolls on.
Getting there: At the north-east corner of Hyde Park, right by Marble Arch station.
Best time to go: Sunday morning, when the speakers and hecklers are out in force.
Insider tip: Come on a Sunday morning, the only time it really fires up, and do not be shy about heckling, it is part of the ritual and the speakers expect it. The rest of Hyde Park is right there for a free walk after.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide