London presents a great range of tourist attractions that range from skyscrapers to mega malls and magnificent heritage buildings. But what if you get tired of all these building and just need some peace and quiet with nature? Enter the beautiful St. James’s Park.
About the Park
The parkland was first bought by Henry VIII in 1532, but after James I’s came to the throne he ordered the park to be landscaped and filled it with a range of exotic animals such as camels, crocodiles, birds and even an elephant. The park underwent many renovations through the years and today it’s listed as a Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of London.
Where is it?
Covering a total of 23 hectares, the St. James’s Park is located within the heart of London with The Mall to the north, the Buckingham Palace to the west, and many a Belgravia hotel in London the likes of COMO The Halkin, London within 5-10 minutes away. St. James’s Park is the most easterly of a near-continuous chain of parks that consist of Hyde Park, Green Park, and the Kensington Gardens.
Much to Enjoy
In addition to the lush greenery and beautiful water bodies, there is much to be experienced at the St. James’s Park. If you visit the park at 14:30 you’ll be able to see the pelicans being fed. Other aviary residents of the park include woodpeckers, owls and many species of water birds. The park has a children’s playground as well as four refreshment kiosks as well as a contemporary British restaurant/ café called ‘Inn The Park’.
Changing the Guard
The St.James’s Park is an excellent location to enjoy watching the Changing the Guard ceremony as its situated right opposite the Buckingham Palace entrance. Don’t know what the ceremony is about? The Changing of the Guards is a special tradition of a New Guard exchanging duty with the Old Guard. Both Guards belong to the Queen’s Foot Guards. This handover of duty is accompanied by the Guard’s band which plays military marches as well as songs from familiar pop songs and songs from musical shows!
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
