Usually we go outside London to enjoy some greenery and fresh air but I like to revisit and appreciate the open spaces right in the centre of our great City.
So, after being busy in the West End (Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly), we escaped from Pall Mall into St James’ Park – where the daffodils in full bloom suggested that Spring had spring. The “Inn the Park” café is currently being refurbished (due to open again on 1st April) but there are numerous kiosks selling coffee, ice cream and snacks if you are peckish.
We started at the Swire Fountain end of the lake – near Duck Island. Everyone was feeding the rather plump squirrels – driving the dogs on leads (as they must be on the lake side paths) wild - and the geese and ducks (there are over 20 types here) pottered around with the pigeons.
We didn’t cross over to the National Police Memorial but strolled along the lakeside – and smiled at all the people seated on the benches which line the walk. Plenty of people were sitting in the sunshine – many were admiring the banks of flowers on the grass and in the beds.
This space has a long history – from pig farming, to a leper colony, for Royal deer and for ducks. The architect John Nash is responsible for the natural lines. As we reached the end of the lake – where there is another fountain coming out of the wall – there were lots of trees in blossom.
We crossed over the Mall – waving at Her Maj in Buck House – and entered Green Park. We stopped briefly for a coffee and dodged the cyclists to have a look at the Canada memorial – its angular metal lines glinting in the sunshine. There are lots more trees here and more open space. We strolled across the paths towards the tube station and admired the small sculpture just near Piccadilly.
We had thought of continuing our journey over to Hyde Park but we were pretty tired. One day we’ll manage to walk through all of London’s connected parks…
