London Secret Lake Birdkeeper Cottage

Tucked away in St James’s Park is a historic cottage built specifically to house a professional birdkeeper. This charming building served as the official headquarters for the city's early bird experts.

Constructed between 1840 and 1841, the cottage was designed to watch over the lake's unique wildlife population. It originally functioned as the base for the Ornithological Society of London, helping to manage the park's famous waterfowl. Today, it remains an iconic landmark that continues to host the London Parks and Gardens Trust. It is a rare example of Victorian utility architecture still standing in the heart of the city.