St. James’s Park, the oldest of London’s parks

For us, this is the most beautiful park in London, even more beautiful than Hyde Park, although it is more famous and more extensive.

But what you find in St. James’s Park is a true pleasure for all the senses and being in it immerses you in the closest thing to paradise that you can find in London.

It is the oldest royal park in London and today it is one of the busiest places in the city.

The History of St. James’s Park

The origins of this beautiful park date back to the times of Henry VIII when the famous King bought these marshy lands in 1532 from the prestigious Eton College.

It was in 1603 that St. James’s Park became a park. It was a very peculiar park in which there were exotic animals such as camels or crocodiles.

But its great transformation came with Charles II who modernized it following the style of the great French gardens and opened it to the public.

He created a channel that later became the lake that we can see today.

With the remodeling of subsequent years, it was shaped so that today we can enjoy one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

What to see in St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is in one of the most central locations in London, next to Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade and St. James Palace.

As you enter St. James’s Park the squirrels, flowers, trees and birds take center stage.

Inside we have a lake where we can see a wide variety of birds and two islands, West Island and Duck Island.

In that last list is where we can see the greatest variety of ducks while you can find squirrels anywhere.

And of course, if something also stands out in this park, it is the flowers, which you will find surrounding all the walkways. If you like gardening you will not be able to stop taking photos.

If you visit St. James’s Park, we recommend you see Buckingham Palace from the bridge over the lake, you have spectacular views.

After visiting the park you can go to Green Park, which is located on the other side of The Mall, a totally different park.

Practical information for visiting St. James’s Park

• How to get
  • Underground, St. James’s Park and Westminster stations.
  • Bus, lines 3, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 148, 159, 211 and 453.
• Schedules
  • 5 a.m. – midnight.
• You can find more information on the official website of St. James’s Park.