Surrounded by three of the most important royal residences, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James’s Palace, as well as the Houses of Parliament, St James’s Park is truly at the epicentre of London’s ceremonial traditions.
It’s the oldest of the eight Royal Parks, dating back to the purchase of the land in 1532 by King Henry VIII. Although it has undergone many transformations, the park you see today is little-changed from the design initiated by John Nash in 1827, as part of a huge project that created many of London’s famous landmarks, including Regent Street and Regent’s Park.
Explore the winding paths on foot or on two wheels, or just lay back on a hired deckchair looking out over the serene lake? The two islands serve as important bird sanctuaries for woodpeckers, owls and robins. And if you are around in the early afternoon, you may even catch a glimpse of the pelicans, fed each day by the park’s Wildlife Officers.
Starting at the west border of the park, head to the Queen Victoria Memorial which commemorates the monarch’s death in 1901. This 25-metre high white marble statue stands in front of Buckingham Palace, and is surrounded by the colourful Memorial Gardens.
Do not miss the world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony, which takes place each day both at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade at the east end of St James’s Park. If you are lucky enough to be in London in June, nothing will provide you with a more vibrant picture of Britain’s royal pageantry than Trooping the Colour, a ceremony to mark the Queen’s official birthday, also on Horse Guards Parade. You’ll have the opportunity to see the monarch herself inspecting the troops of the Household Division in all their traditional finery. Also in June, you will be treated to the musical spectacular of Beating Retreat featuring the UK’s finest military musicians.
St James’s Park is open all year round, and the closest Underground station is St James’s Park.
