St James's Park lies in juxtaposition to Buckingham Palace and interconnects with Green Park and Hyde Park, like a small line of steps from an ariel view point. At the most western point of the park, back to the palace, you can see all the way to Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade. It's a winsome view from the end of the pond presenting a very different perspective of how one might expect parks in central London to look. The lake stretches almost the entire length of the park, void of paddle boats and the like, which also enables photographers unobstructed views of the overhanging willows and birdlife. In my minds eye this pretty patch of land is always smaller than the reality. The 23 hectares of well tended lawns and fauna is not so much about displaying grandeur but more about togetherness. It has a presentable, welcoming edge whereby families and tourists can enjoy its footbridges and grassy slopes for picnics, romancing and strolling. Picnicking here however may therefore be a frustration given the volume of people and their dogs but is certainly worth bringing a camera. When the park first opened by Henry VIII it was nothing but a Marsh. The two successors to follow began some serious work on the gardens. They were redesigned and for a period of time home to some wild canines and exotic birds. James II brought about further change during his reign in 1630 having it landscaped like those of Royal gardens in France. Directions: Green Park is most accessible from other stops and connects to the Piccadilly, Waterloo and Victoria line. From there you can walk south through Green Park for 10 minutes and enter the park from the north. Alternatively jump on the Circle and District line and get off at Westminster or St James and walk towards Birdcage Walk. #history #free #photography #views