St James's Park in London
Regarded as one of the most beautiful and intimate parks in London, St Jame's Park is a popular haunt for many tourists wanting to enjoy its tranquil sights and sounds. What was once a swamp has now been transformed into a stunning haven of greenery, breathtaking views and waterfowl, many of which have chosen to make this park their permanent home.
St Jame's Park is a 58 acre park situated in Westminster, London, and is the oldest of the Royal Parks of London. St Jame's Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Garden all form part of an unbroken chain of lush greenery, stretching from the Houses of Parliament to Olympia. St Jame's Park boasts a world class location, ideally set between Buckingham Palace to the west, The Mall and St Jame's Palace to the north, Horse Guards to the east, and the Birdcage Walk to the south.
The Park also features a small and tranquil lake - St Jame's Lake - which houses two islands, namely Duck Island and West Island.
A bridge running across the lake offers wonderful views of Buckingham Palace, one of the most popular attractions in London. The view is even more spectacular at night when the Palace is floodlit. Originally a swamp, the land was drained by Henry VIII in the 15th century to provide a deer park for St Jame's Palace. About 200 years later, Charles II commissioned French landscaper Andre Le Notre to transform the 40 hectare park into a lush garden. This garden included a long canal which housed geese, pelicans and waterfowl, all still there today. Le Notre also added an avery to the southern edge of the Park - an area which is now known as Birdcage Walk. In 1828 the Park had a complete overhaul by famed architect John Nash, who based his design on a traditional English style. These days, the Park is home to numerous winged waterfowl, including geese, ducks, pelicans and even black swan. Many tourists visit this park every summer, not only for its wonderful atmosphere and scenery, but for its close access to many other popular attractions, most notably Buckingham Palace. Summer is a great time to visit the Park. During this time visitors can enjoy the mischievous activities of the waterfowl, catch an open air concert, dine al fresco with a picnic or at the Park restaurant, or simply relax in deckchairs and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Park.