One of the few things I enjoy while in London is relaxing in St. James park. This is one of the few places where I find relaxing in the midst of a fast-paced, noisy yet exciting city. To me, St. James is the Eden of peace, amidst the chaos and frustration that accompanies city life.
It is right in front of Buckingham Palace, or should that be round the back of the palace? I have always been under the impression that St. James is towards the back of the palace but because that part of the palace is always the favourite, it has now become the default front!?
Anyway, its is not very big and can get quite crowded during the summers. It is rectangular in shape, with a lake in the middle surrounded by luxurious trees and shrubs. Its is a sanctuary to birdlife as well as the mischievous squirrels I've seen scrambling around.
What is it about St. James that makes me take the journey there so frequently? Well, I enjoy relaxing there. I could lay back on
the grass and watch the sky and the surroundings without being disturbed. During the summer, it can get quite crowded. On weekends especially, I have seen people practice juggling, reading, having a picnic or just dozing off.
Inevitable, at around every mid mornings, crowds of tourists make their way to the park. The fuss about the changing of the guards ... I mean they are just guards going about their duty. But as usual, the tourists insist on clicking their cameras, crowding around the poor guys, flashlights into their eyes. Sometimes I really feel sorry for them, especially when every move they make is accompanied by commentaries given by the local tour guides. I've always wondered whether the tales they tell are true.
What else do I enjoy at St. James? The squirrels. There have been days when I will see a man walking around the park during lunch time. Several squirrels run towards him when he whistles. These squirrels will stand in front of him, waiting for a couple of nuts. I am fascinated by this act. To me, one squirrel looks identical to another, how does he know he isn't feeding the same one again and again and again?
Then, there are the birds living in the park. The ducks and swans occupy mainly the area around the lake which means I do not end up sitting on bird poo!:) There are other form of birdlife in the Park, but being a simpleton, I do not know what type of birds they are.
Last of all, its the view around the park that really draws me there. I must say that the Park is well situated and well designed. Standing on the bridge across the lake and facing east, I can see the London Eye in the distance. But closer towards the park, one could command a splendid view of the surrounding buildings such as the Admiralty building. Just imagine what the view of the park will be like from one of the windows of the building?
I had the opportunity to experience such a view recently. I visited the Royal Society which happened to be in the Carlton house Terrace. From the balcony, I was able to enjoy a wonderful view of the park and the Palace. The park stretches from left to right, the trees comes across as a protection over the lake. I think my favourite view was either during the early mornings or evenings, when it is quieter and a bit misty.
I enjoy walking along The Mall in the evenings. The lamps cast a romantic glow on the road. I was once told that the lamps are powered by the sewerage system of London (from an unnamed tourguide)!?! The echoes of hoofs on the red tar takes me to the days of Sherlock Holmes ... but I digress.
How to get there ================ On really beautiful days, I walk, Either from Pall Mall or from Victoria Station. On lazy days, the closest underground station is St. James Park (surprise!).
Changing of the guards ====================== The changing of the guards start with the foot guards leaving from Horse Guards Parade. Some guards on horseback and the guard band seem to appear from Wellington Barracks. But guards and troops eventually end up on Buckingham Palace where the ceremony of changing takes place. This really consists of an arm-shake! But the entire ceremony is accompanied by the band, horses and plenty of on-lookers, really makes it exciting and quite funny to watch too. Especially when the tourists attempts to chase the guards and horses for a good photo ...
I'm not sure of the times but it last a good part of an hour. According to the Royal Park website, the ceremony occurs at 11.30 am but be early and watch the crowd. The ceremony takes place on alternative days during Autumn and Winter months (according to the Royal Park website).
Verdict ======= I always enjoy a peaceful day in the park. Especially on warmer days, I like the sunlight shining on me while I read or write on my computer. I enjoy watching the people around me, each enjoying their fair share of the sun and greenery. The colder months allow me to reflect on the beauty of the park. The mist in the early mornings reminds me of fresh beginnings while the romantic glow in the evenings reminds me of sanctuary. All in all, St. James park has everything for everyone.
Facilities ========== I have found washrooms at all corners of the park.
Further Information =================== www.royalparks.gov.uk/james.htm www.royalparks.gov.uk/output/Page378.asp
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
More is 25% off online and Ģ75,000 contents cover as standard. Get 1/3 off our Buildings Cover, when you take Combined Cover and up to Ģ2,000 Garden cover should you suffer theft or vandalism of your plants and up to Ģ2,000 Garden Equipment cover.
Ecalor stands for the best quality at the lowest prices possible for direct electric heaters, heat pumps, solar covers, sand filters & our constantly growing product line up including a wide range of spas and Above ground Pools.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Nov 5th, 2003
very helpful by (100%):
