London
Town Guide


London Parks Divider, 5K
St James's Park

The Mall, SW1
Nearest Tube: St James's Park


This park started life as the deer park for St James's Palace, and is the oldest of London's Royal Parks. Then in the 19th century Charles II (1660-85) employed the French gardener Le Nôtre to convert in into a landscaped garden. It was further landscaped in the 19th century by George IV's (1820-30) favourite gardener, John Nash.

This 90 acres is one of the most beautifully laid out of London's parks with the carefully tended flower beds reflecting Nash's original lay out.

There is also a lovely lake in the middle of the park, which is now a waterfowl sanctuary. As well as swans, geese and ducks there are even pelicans, which are descended from a pair of pelicans that were presented to Charles II (1660-85) in the 17th century as a gift from the Russian ambassador.

And from the bridge that goes over the lake you can get some of the best views of Buckingham Palace. You can also see great views of Westminster and St James's Palace from this park.

St James's Park is open daily from dawn until dusk. Feeding of the pelicans on the lake takes place at 3pm daily. Next to St James's Park is Green Park. Nearby attractions include St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

London Parks Divider, 5K


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