Named after a leper hospital dedicated to the St James the Less that was disbanded in 1532, the property a marshland called Eton College was commissioned by Henry VIII and converted to St James Park and Palace. After the English Commonwealth period and after Charles I spent his last sleepless night in St James Palace before his execution to which later his son Charles I refurbished the palace along with its park. St James Park is 23 hectares (57 acres) and one of the oldest Royal parks in London. To the west of the palace is the Buckingham Palace, St James Palace and The Mall at the north, Birdcage Walk to the east and Horse Guards to the east.

London is adorned with many parks for strolls, entertainment and amusement. Amongst other parks in the same vicinity,Apartments West London recommends some other parks that can give you similar delightful experience are Hyde Park, Battersea Park an ancient duelling park now famous for its crops and Holland Park. London is packed with interesting historical marks and stories, hence whilst browsing through our five star self-catering accommodation.

There is quite a lot of breath taking views to take in at St James Park. The park has a small lake called St James Park Lake that has two islands namely, West Island and Duck Island. Duck Island receives it names for the large collection of waterfowls. The first gift of birds to the St James Park was a colony of pelicans by the Russian Ambassador in 1664 – the famous colony still exists. St James Park Lake has a Blue Bridge that showcases a spectacular west view of the Buckingham Palace framed by trees. The east view from the Blue Bridge looks upon the Swire fountain north of Duck Island, past the lake and upon the grounds known as Horse Guards Parade along with the Horse Guards Building and the Old War Office whilst the Whitehall Court is at the back.  The south of the Duck Island is the Tiffany fountain situated on top of the Pelican Rock and when past the lake is the famous London Eye and The Shard. Apartments West London suggests visiting the London Eye to experience spectacular views of London at great heights.  St James Park is close to a chain of parks; Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Henry VIII bought the land initially Eton College for Cardinal Wolsey with intentions to turn Whitehall then called as York Palace into dwelling of extravagance for the king. On the accession of James I to the throne the park was ordered to be drained and filled with exotic animals including camels, elephants and crocodiles. The park was opened to the public when Prince Charles II returned from France after his exile. The park had a formal and French allure as he was taken up by the extensive French gardens during his exile in France, it was speculated that the park was designed by Andre Mollet. Charles II added a feature by adding extra 38 meters to entertain guests and mistresses, this brought about a lot of mischief to the park as the poet, John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester wrote in his poem, A Ramble in St James Park. Just as many London’s famous tourist attractions find its way into movies, books and poems, St James Park played its part.

Apartments near Westfield London is close to many tube stations, the ones closest to the park are St James Park, Victoria and Westminster. Be it a transit, business or family trip that brings you to London, our self-catering accommodation is equipped to suit any type of travel.