For the best views in the park, walk over the Blue Bridge across the lake – looking west, you can see Buckingham Palace, and to the east the top half of the London Eye.
As London’s most central park, St. James’ is an ideal spot to come for a couple of hours’ rest and relaxation in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing. Buckingham Palace stands proudly at its western tip, Downing Street on the opposite side, St. James’ Palace to the north and the Imperial War Museum at its most southeasterly corner. Continuing in that direction, it’s a five-minute walk to Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and the London Eye beyond.
The French Connection
It is no small compliment to the park itself, then, that it is able to hold its own in the face of such prestigious company. It was originally laid out by Charles II, who sought to mimic the world-famous gardens of the Palace of Versailles that he had seen during his exile in France. It was during this time that the long lake, the park’s centrepiece, was dug out of a former marsh. The lake is now home to fifteen different species of waterfowl, including pelicans, which were a gift from the Russian ambassador in the 17th century.
A Romantic Redesign
The park you can see today is largely the result of John Nash’s extensive 1828 redesign, which made it less grandiose and more romantic, with winding paths, shady copses of trees and pretty little flowerbeds. Overlooking the Horse Guards parade ground on the park’s eastern edge is the impressive Guards Division Memorial, which commemorates soldiers of the Guards regiments who lost their lives during the first and second world wars.
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
Explore the hub of British politics, power, and royalty on this two-hour private driving tour of Westminster and Central London in an iconic London Black Cab. With your expert private driver-guide, you will pass by all of Westminster’s historic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.
On your private tour, you will:
Discover the real history of power, politics, and monarchy in London on this express two-hour private tour of iconic London landmarks with an expert Cabbie who not only knows London like the back of their hand but is also a historian... with many royal and historic secrets to share with you!
Whether you are interested in the British monarchy's royal palaces or the historic UK Parliament based at Westminster for over 1000 years, your expert guide is more than happy to spill all the gossip, alongside the history of any topic which may interest you.
Learn about the ancient coronation rituals that have been taking place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 up to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and King Charles III. Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Abbey that has stood the test of time for over 1000 years.
Your guide is ready to discuss anything you throw their way - including filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, and Downton Abbey, among many others. In short, for any curiosity, you may have about London today and British history as a whole, you're in great hands!
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets.
Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included
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