Explore Hyde Park

Atkinson Field makes Hyde Park interesting for two distinct chapters in aviation history. During the Second World War, the airfield was established here as a US military base; commercial air traffic began at Atkinson Field in October 1946. Together, these two milestones show the journey from military origins to the start of commercial aviation.

Known as “The Base,” Atkinson Field was also visited to see travellers off or welcome returning travellers. This custom was considered a Guyanese tradition and is now a thing of the past. Alongside the airfield’s history, it represents a travel custom passed down through the generations, associated with the arrivals and farewells of its time.

The valley area of Hyde Park

For the valley area of Hyde Park, a local report dated 27 November 2022 described no roads passable year-round, only small paths and steep footpaths. If you are planning to visit this particular area, check current accessibility. When choosing a holiday rental, it is therefore worth considering not only the place name but also the specific area you want to stay in.

Regional culture and nature in Demerara-Mahaica

The wider destination of Demerara-Mahaica stretches along the coast from the east bank of the Demerara River to the west bank of the Mahaica River, and extends south to the Moblissa River. The region covers 835 square miles (2,165 square kilometres). Within this broader regional setting, the places described offer different points of interest for nature, history and culture.

The Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, Region 4, are regarded as a place where nature and people come together. Their pond is home to two species of water lily, including the Victoria Regia lily, Guyana’s national flower. The Kissing Bridges are also located in the gardens: the two iron bridges were brought from England to Guyana in 1884; at least one had been installed and was in operation by January 1885. The natural world and architectural history meet here in a specific place.

Other historical landmarks in Georgetown offer different points of interest. The 1763 Monument commemorates the first blow for freedom on 23 February 1763. Stabroek Market is a cast-iron market hall whose history dates back to the 19th century. Hibiscus Plaza is in the city centre and is a street market; shops there offer handmade goods made from leather, cane, balata and fabric.

A tour programme from 2024 described a historical city tour of Georgetown that included a visit to St. George’s Cathedral, a walk along tree-lined Main Street and a visit to Hibiscus Craft Plaza for Guyanese souvenirs. The cathedral is one of the tallest wooden structures in the world. If you would like to include a tour like this in your plans, check for current dates.

The same tour programme presented the Bimichi Experience in St. Cuthbert’s Mission as a day tour offering insights into Indigenous culture. Since this description dates from 2024, check whether the tour is currently available before making specific plans. The different highlights can help guide your choice of location: the information about Hyde Park concerns the history of Atkinson Field and the valley area, while the gardens, markets and tours mentioned are part of the wider Demerara-Mahaica region.

Discover more destinations: Georgetown

For the wider travel overview: Demerara-Mahaica.