What is it? St James's Park was founded as a deer park for the royal occupants of St James's Palace, and remodelled by John Nash on the orders of George IV. The central lake is home to numerous species of wildfowl, including pelicans that have been kept here since the 17th century, when the Russian ambassador donated several of the bag-jawed birds to Charles II. The bridge over the lake offers very snappable views of Buckingham Palace (head that way and you'll see Green Park, the beginning of a relaxing stroll that will take you under trees as far as Hyde Park Corner).
Along the north side of the park, the Mall connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. It looks like a classic processional route, but the Mall was actually laid out as a pitch for Charles II to play 'paille-maille' (an early version of croquet imported from France) after the pitch at Pall Mall became too crowded. On the south side of the St James's Park, Wellington Barracks contains the Guards Museum; to the east, Horse Guards contains the Household Cavalry Museum.
Why go? Vying for the title of London’s prettiest Royal Park, St James’s, with its tree-lined walkways and wildfowl filled lake is one of the capital’s best patches of green.
Don’t miss: The park’s idiosyncratic pelicans are one of London’s best hidden gems. Over but at the moment you‘ll find Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, and recent new additions Sun, Moon and Star in residence. Show up at the lake between 2:30pm and 3:00pm to see them being fed next to Duck Island Cottage, though they have been known to supplement their diet at other times of the day with the occasional pigeon.
When to visit: Daily 5am-12am
Time Out tip: The Institute of Contemporary Arts and The Mall Galleries, both situated in St James’s Park if you fancy adding a dose of culture to your visit.
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