Visiting London’s Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park

A local’s visit to London’s Duck Island Cottage in St James’s Park, minutes from Piccadilly Circus – a cute hidden gem to see while visiting London!

I vividly remember the first time I saw the Duck Island Cottage nestled in a corner of St James’s Park in London, minutes from Piccadilly Circus.

I was just making my way from Central London towards Victoria, and happened to feel like I needed to see some nature – which is why I entered the park in the first place.

I do love seeing the London sunset in parks, like Primrose Hill, and was definitely not disappointed with the immaculate view I got from St James’s Park.

And I thought that whether you’re living in London, traveling solo or with kids, you may love to including the Duck Island Cottage on your bucket list – it’s one of those quirky sights that make London what it is.

Visiting London’s Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park

Duck Island Cottage might seem a little unassuming in a big park like St James’s Park, but it’s actually a historic place.

It was built in 1841, designed by architect John Burges Watson for the Ornithological Society of London and made to seem like a Swiss cottage, almost straight out of a fairytale.

Duck Cottage Island was originally home to the park’s bird keeper, and today, it serves as headquarters for the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust.

The cottage garden is designed in Arts and Crafts style, maintained by the same trust – it’s a really quirky little sight that feels a little Alice in Wonderland-like.

You just wouldn’t expect such a cute little house only minutes away from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square; it feels like you’ve taken a day trip from London, and yet!

London’s Duck Island Cottage Photo Gallery – St James’s Park

Visiting London’s Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park

Even if Duck Island Cottage is located in the very heart of Central London, minutes from Mayfair and Green Park, it feels miles away from London.

It’s a perfect sunset spotting place, and makes for a great backdrop for a romantic date with your other half, or a lazy moment with friends.

If you’re a lover of secret gardens and pocket parks, these are a few other hidden gems I’ve gotten to know in London, that you may love to add to your bucket list:

• London’s Kyoto Garden: Visiting a Hidden Gem in Holland Park
• City of London’s Secret Gardens: Postman’s Park and Memorial
• City of London’s Hidden Gems: St Pancras Church Gardens
• London’s Secret Gardens: Mark Street Gardens, Shoreditch
• London’s Secret Gardens: Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf