Most people when visiting London will take in the big London parks like Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. But one of the nicest features of the city of Westminster are it’s tucked away garden squares.
Some are private and for residents only while larger ones like Grosvenor Square and Berkely Square are open to everyone. But the best thing is to find a London Garden square that is hidden away and offers a real delight.
Take pretty St James’s Square for example. Only 10 mins walk from St James’s Palace but how many people know it’s there?
Garden Squares were originally designed for the residents of the square to put on the finest gear, take a walk, do a bit of promenading and see and be seen. It was a place to catch up on the local gossip, see who was walking with whom and check out what people were wearing
Today, with most of the residents of St James’s Square corporations and companies rather than homes, it’s now more a place to walk through and clear your head after a busy morning or sit and eat your sandwiches amongst the lovely trees, shrubs and flowers.
In the centre of the gardens is a statue of King William II and the gardens are normally open to the public on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm, but are locked and accessible only to freeholders and residents at other times.
They are also used on an occasional basis as a venue for art exhibitions, weddings, and other functions.