The park was originally a marshy burial ground for the lepers of St. James’s Hospital until it was enclosed by Henry VIII in the 16th century.
It was once known as Upper St. James's Park and was a notorious location for dueling in the 17th and 18th centuries.
King Charles II is credited with turning the area into a royal pleasure ground for walking his dogs.
Unlike other Royal Parks, Green Park features almost no flowerbeds, with the exception of the Canada Memorial garden.
The park contains the Canada Memorial, which features a sculpture of 33 bronze maple trees.
The land remains under the ownership of the Crown.
It is a primary site for ceremonial gun salutes marking royal anniversaries and state occasions.
The park has no public toilets located within its boundaries.
The Green Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks, covering 40 acres between St. James's Park and Hyde Park. It is distinguished by its lack of lakes, flowerbeds, and formal statues, focusing instead on mature trees and expansive grass lawns. The park creates a tranquil green corridor connecting Buckingham Palace to the Piccadilly area. It is managed by The Royal Parks charity and maintains a naturalistic aesthetic compared to its more ornamental neighbors. Visitors frequent the space for the iconic deckchairs placed throughout the lawns during warmer months. The park serves as a key ceremonial route for state events and military gun salutes.
The view looking toward Buckingham Palace from the raised path near the Canada Memorial.
Bring a picnic blanket as there are no permanent benches in the center of the large lawns.
Use the park as a cut-through to travel between Buckingham Palace and the shops of Piccadilly.
Watch for signs during state occasions as parts of the park may be restricted for gun salutes.
Looking for flowers or ornamental gardens, as this park is intentionally minimalist.
Respect the lawns; avoid climbing trees. General public park conduct applies.
