Green Park: A Royal park

Green Park is one of the four parks in the centre of London that are most commonly referred to as 'Royal', despite the fact that more than just four parks are officially owned by the sovereign. Green park, along with Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James's Park, form a stretch of green land throughout the centre of London over three miles wide. In fact, all four royal parks occupy land from Kensington to the Houses of Parliament; each of them offering a slightly different green escape in the heart of the city.

History

Green Park has a rather interesting and varied history. You wouldn't think, when looking at it now, that it actually used to be a very swampy stretch of land that was once used as a leper burial ground. A bit later on in its history - once it had firmed up a bit - Green Park was also used as a hunting ground for King Henry VIII.

It wasn't until the seventeenth century that the area was converted into a park. It was Charles II who converted the Green Park - along with St James's Park - into public land. Once the area had become a public park it was utilised for a wide variety of activities, such as some of the first hot-air balloon rides as well as public firework displays.

The area also became a popular venue for duels, one of the most famous of which saw the eighteenth century poet Alfieri being wounded by Viscount Ligonier after the poet was found to be having an affair with the Viscount's wife.

Attractions

Whether you're visiting London or planning to move to the area, Green Park offers a welcome escape from city living. So called Green Park because of its absence of all flowers, apart from its vast array of springtime daffodils, it offers a welcome, peaceful escape. It is in a prime location, surrounded by Piccadilly, the Broad Walk and Constitution Hill; meaning that it is the ideal place for people looking for city living with a country-like escape.

Green Park is a fantastic area for anyone with an interest in history. Surrounding Green Park is a vast array of historical places of interest, including Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, The Guards Museum and the Royal Academy of the Arts.

The area surrounding Green Park also boasts a variety of different attractions. It is not far to a selection of shopping destinations, good restaurants, theatres and pubs. Allowing residents and visitors alike the best of both worlds: city attractions and the green countryside. You don't have to travel far from Green Park to reach almost any type of destination.

Transport

Green Park has its own Tube station, making it an ideal location for commuting to other areas of London.

There are also buses available throughout the area, meaning that transport to the rest of London and to larger train stations is easy and regular.

As the park is open from 5am every morning, it is the ideal route for those who walk or jog to work as cutting through the park can offer several short cuts.

Published 17th June, 2013

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