St James Park

St James’s Park and Green Park are almost adjacent to each other, and just from a geographical sense need to be mentioned together. St James Park is the oldest of London’s eight Royal parks dating back to the 1660s, and the epicentre of many ceremonial occasions. Great Britain has no equal when it comes to royal pomp and pageantry, whether celebrating Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday at the annual ‘Trooping of the Colour’ in Horse Guards Parade, or the daily sight of the Changing of the Guard. Inside the park, paths circuit the lake, so make sure to stop at both ends of the water as there are wondrous photo opportunities for budding photographers. There are all sorts of flora and fauna to spot and maybe the most notable are the pelicans, first introduced in 1664 when the Russian Ambassador presented some to King Charles II. It is worth being part of a Royal Park’s Foundation tour of St. James’s Park, which culminates in witnessing the Royal Parks’ Wildlife Officer, feeding the Pelicans by tossing mackerel, whiting, and sardines straight into their gullets. Stepping across ‘The Mall’ and next to Buckingham Palace is Green Park. It is the smallest of the Royal Parks, but quite possibly the most popular when the sun decides to shine, and for those wishing to picnic in the heart of the city. There are also plenty of green and white striped deck chairs for hire. The open grassland mixed with mature trees covers this 40 acre park, it is the link between St James’s and Hyde Parks; your feet need hardly touch any tarmac if you take the time to explore them all.