| ranked #1 out of 10 attractions | rated 2.77 out of 5 | total 102 votes |
Speaker’s Corner
Why Speaker’s Corner is one of the worst London tourist attractions
It is said that Speaker’s Corner in London’s Hyde Park symbolizes democracy in the world. It’s been in existence since 1872, and everyone who wants to speak there can do so - even those with absolutely no talent for public speaking.
Be aware, however, that this spectacle only takes place on Sundays. During the week, you will probably find one or two speakers at this tourist attraction and they seem to have mental problems. In a way, all speakers (even those on Sundays) seem to be mentally ill, but reportedly most of them are not.
You will, of course, be subjected to the extremist religious and political dogma that places like this seem to attract. It’s a lot of shouting and screaming and for a while it’s mildly amusing, but after a time it gets pretty boring. You won’t be missing much if you don’t see the so-called “grassroots democracy” that is London’s Speaker’s Corner.
Address
Hyde Park - Oxford Street,Nearest Tube Station - Marble Arch (Central Line),
London, W22UH
Opening times/Cost
Every Sunday morning.No entrance fee.
Related links
Read the history of Speaker’s CornerRead more about Speaker’s Corner
January 25, 2005 @ 5:56 am
Peter said,
I was there on Sunday morning, but there were just a few speakers and most of them were fanatic Christians. It was absolutly not like I had expected. […] more
January 25, 2005 @ 8:40 pm
Louise said,
I was very disappointed of Speakers Corner. I got up early on Sunday morning and there were only 3 speakers. And as you said I really doubted their me […] more
February 23, 2005 @ 9:15 am
Jenny Windham said,
Speakers corner is not so bad as it is in a beautiful park. If you are there just sit and have lunch and enjoy the scenery while you are listening.
February 26, 2005 @ 10:50 am
Alix said,
I saw a fellow dressed up as the devil who claimed Jesus had come to him in a vision and played with his private parts. He was drinking a full litre o […] more
August 8, 2005 @ 8:19 am
Oli said,
I thoroughly disagree. It’s not only about the content of the discussions (and there are some incredibly educated speakers there if you care to look), […] more
August 22, 2005 @ 5:15 am
Dan said,
Well said Oli. Its just a shame there aren’t any well educated speakers that run this site. Clearly they are a bunch of boring ginger tossers.
October 19, 2006 @ 4:10 pm
bill keitel said,
Speakers Corner was an absolute blast! Folks that show up early Sunday morning just don’t know any better. Sunday AFTERNOON is the time to be there. […] more
July 7, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
JT from Norway said,
When I were at Speakers corner, although on a Monday morning, it wasn’t even one single person standing there… I would expected speakers on the Spea […] more
July 19, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
David said,
I completely agree with Bill and Oli. I have also been to Speakers Corner a few times both Sunday morning and afternoon. In the morning sessions you […] more