St James's Park: St James's Park is the oldest Royal Park in London and is surrounded by three palaces. The most ancient is Westminster, which has now become the Houses of Parliament, St James's Palace and of course, the best known, Buckingham Palace. St James's Palace with its Tudor style still holds the title of the Court of St James despite the fact that the Monarch has lived in the third palace, Buckingham Palace since 1837.
The Park was once a marshy watermeadow. In the thirteenth century a leper hospital was founded, and it is from this hospital that the Park took its name. Charles II redesigned the Park with avenues of trees planted and lawns. The King opened the park to the public and was a frequent visitor, feeding the ducks and mingling with his subjects.
Outside Buckingham Palace is the Queen Victoria Memorial, which celebrates the days of the British Empire. The memorial includes not only the marble statue of Victoria and the glittering figures of Victory, Courage and Constancy, but also the ornamental gates given by the Dominions. These are the Australia Gate, South Africa Gate and Canada Gate.
Wildlife: Duck Island is the home to many wild breeds of beautiful ducks and bird life. There are many ducks; gulls; swans; geese; pelicans. Other rarer visitors are the golden eye, carrion crows, grey wagtail and shovelers.
Opening hours:
The park is open from 5am to midnight all year round.
Getting there:
Tube:
St. James's Park - District,Circle Line
The Park is also easily accessible from Charing Cross Station - Northern, Bakerloo, BR lines
Westminster - Jubilee, District & Circle Lines
Green Park - Piccadilly, Victoria & Jubilee Lines
Victoria - Victoria, Circle & District, BR lines
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