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St. James, Green, and Hyde Parks, London, England
If you’re wondering where Londoners go when they need to unwind…it’s the pub. But when they’re done there, they’ll head over to the three giant parks to enjoy the few days of nice weather per year. Located in the heart of the city near Buckingham Palace, St. James, Green, and Hyde Parks offer a piece of nature to locals looking to relax.
We strolled for hours through these three parks and still didn’t cover every part! I recommend packing a picnic lunch with wine and cheese, settling in, and people watching for the better part of an afternoon. Or, if you’re looking for exercise, there are plenty of jogging paths and open fields for football (soccer!). These multi-functional parks would keep me sane if I lived in London. Make sure to go during the summer to experience the bloom of all of the manicured grounds.
Here’s some additional info about the parks if you’re looking for a history lesson: (All of the following information is quoted from Royalparks.org.uk)
St. James Park:
Three royal palaces skirt St James’s Park. The most ancient palace is Westminster, now known as the Houses of Parliament. 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.
Green Park:
The Green Park was first recorded in 1554 as the place where a rebellion took place against the marriage of Mary I to Philip II of Spain. It was also a famous duelling site until 1667 when Charles II bought an extra 40 acres and it became known as upper St James’s Park.
The Park’s primary role is as a peaceful refuge for people living, working or visiting Central London, and is particularly popular for sunbathing and picnics in fine weather. It is also popular as a healthy walking route to work for commuters. The paths are used extensively by joggers and runners.
Hyde Park:
When King Henry VIII and his court were thundering across Hyde Park in 1536 in pursuit of deer and wild boar, it would have been difficult to visualise that years later the noble art of tai chi would be peacefully performed among the trees in the early morning, and the Italianate tenor of Pavarotti would echo across the park, applauded by vast audiences.
For more information visit the parks’ website: Royalparks.org.uk
Contact:
The St James’s Park Office,
The Storeyard, Horse Guards Road,
St James’s Park, London. SW1A 2BJ
T. +44 (0)20 7930 1793
F. +44 (0)20 7839 7639
stjames@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
London Underground Stations:
St. James Park:
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
Green Park:
Green Park - Jubilee, Victoria & Piccadilly Lines
Hyde Park Corner - Piccadilly Line.
Hyde Park:
Lancaster Gate & Marble Arch (Central Line) or Hyde Park Corner & Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line)
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