St James Park

St. James's Park is bounded by palaces, old and scenic roads such as The Mall and Birdcage Walk. There are shrub and flower beds to provide more planting variety than the neighbouring Green Park. There are a number of monuments,

If the right viewpoint within the park is selected, it can look very rural. For such a central park, it contains a lot of wildlife. The lake supports a lot of waterfowl. This includes pelicans, and many other less usual species, and they are a major attraction.

There is an interesting collection of trees, including some very large plane trees.

A number of major and state events take place in the area and surrounding roads such as Horse Guards.

First acquired by Henry VIII, St. James's Park was repeatedly changed and landscaped. It was first laid out in a formal manner by Charles II> The most recent major change was the landscaping by John Nash, in the 1820s (which also included the nearby Green Park). This resulted in the present layout of paths and lake.

The park is managed by the Royal Parks Agency. Telephone 020 7930 1793.

Features and facilities

• Cafe
• Toilets

• Lake
• Gardens
• Wildlife, of especial interest because of the park's central location.

• Playground

Getting there

• Tube and rail; St. James's Park station and Charing Cross station are close to the park. Westminster and Embankment stations are a short walk away.
• Bus; all routes to Trafalgar Square and to Parliament Square can be used to reach the park.
• Car; access is difficult, parking very limited, and the park is in the Central London congestion zone.