Saint James’s Park, London
St James’s Park
London
SW1
+44 (0)20 7930 1793
St James’s is one of the nicest Royal parks in London and lies between Westminster and Buckingham Palace, in one of the most prestigious parts of London. The most unusual thing about the park is the Pelicans, which are fed daily at 3pm.
With its royal, political and literary associations, St James’s Park is at the very heart of London and covers 23 hectares (58 acres). With a lake harbouring ducks, geese and pelicans. St James’s is also home to the Mall, the setting for many ceremonial parades and events of national celebration.
St James’s Park is a very popular park, with tourists and workers alike. It is famous for its views, waterfowl and flower displays and reflects the English picturesque style of landscaping which was prominent in the 19thC. Along with Green Park and Hyde Park, St James’s Park provides the backdrop to British ceremonial life with The Mall, linking Buckingham Palace and the government offices of Whitehall, the venue for major ceremonial occasions.
History
In the 17th century, Charles II commissioned a French landscape gardener, André Le Nôtre, to convert the deer park into a garden. Charles II also had an aviary built along the southern edge of the park, hence Birdcage Walk, the street where the aviary was located.
Further landscaping by John Nash, the Prince Regent’s favourite,took place in the early-19th century.
The area now covered by the park was originally a swamp, subject to flooding by the Tyburn stream which still flows through the lake. The land was drained by Henry VIII in the 15th century to provide a deer park for St. James’s palace. Two centuries later Charles II had the 40 hectares converted into a garden including a long canal containing geese, pelicans and waterfowl which are still here today.
St. James’s Park and Green Park lie next to each other to the north and east of Buckingham Palace. The view from the bridge towards Whitehall (pictured) is particularly pleasing and the lake is famous for its waterfowl, especially the black swans. With its well-groomed flowerbeds and summer concerts, the park remains a big favourite with Londoners and tourists alike. Office workers swarm into St James’s on fine summer days to eat their lunch and enjoy the sunshine. Henry VIII acquired the land in the early 16th century at the same time as Hyde Park.
It’s next to the lake in St. James’s Park, just a few minutes from Trafalgar Square. Inn the Park has contemporary British cuisine in an al fresco setting. The rooftop terrace bar is a popular option.
