St. James's Park
St. James's Park, one of the most famous Royal Parks, is located in close proximity to many famous London landmark
When touring London, it would be highly unlikely that you won't stumble upon St. James's Park while exploring all of the city's landmarks and attractions.
This jewel of a park stretches between the Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace alongside the Mall, which is the Queens' ceremonial route from Buckingham Palace. It is also not far from Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. You can take advantage of this fact and enjoy a stroll through St. James's Park while you are visiting some of these other famous sites.
St. James's is the oldest of The Royal Parks, its origins going all the way back to 1532 when the area was purchased by Henry VIII. It inspired the development of many other urban parks and green spaces, both in London and in other major cities around the world.
The park features a small lake containing two islands that are home to a large collection of waterfowl including a colony of pelicans that were introduced in 1664 as a gift from a Russian ambassador.
Other park amenities include a bandstand, a children's playground, a couple of Refreshment Points offering hot and cold snacks and drinks, and Inn The Park which features a full licensed restaurant and take-out.
You can find out more about St. James's Park, its features and amenities from the official website linked above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSt. James's Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Address: London SW1A 2BJ, UK
Phone: 0300 061 2350
Official Website: St. James's Park
St. James's Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
St James's Park feels gentle, open and quietly ceremonial at the same time.
I enjoy walking through it without haste, following the paths around the lake, watching birds, pelicans and people sharing the space naturally. There is always movement, yet it never feels rushed. The park has a softness to it — water, trees, flowers and sky working together in calm balance.
What makes St James’s Park special for me is its setting. With views towards Buckingham Palace on one side and Whitehall on the other, it carries a subtle sense of history and state, yet remains entirely accessible and human. Benches invite you to sit and observe, not just the landscape, but London itself.
For me, St James’s Park is a place of quiet continuity — elegant without being distant, lively without being loud, and always reassuring in its calm presence.
Araz N. Imanov - 3 months ago
A beautiful morning exploring the park today. Lots of spring flowers in bloom! So nice to be able to walk through in the middle of London.
Elisa Winstanley - 2 months ago
Absolutely beautiful park. You can see the London Eye and Big Ben from here, and it’s very close to Buckingham Palace. There are lots of squirrels, a wonderful lake, and many ducks, swans, and pelicans. A perfect place for a relaxing walk.
Mia Selena Lerch - 3 months ago
A masterclass in urban tranquility, St Jame's Park is nestled between iconic landmarks, and it offers a lush, immersive landscape that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle.
I adored the lake, with its elegant pelicans and swans, and mirrored reflections. If time permitted, I could sit and watch them the whole day! Another lovely sight was the distant silhouette of the London Eye amidst the lush greenery.
The park’s layout invited slow wandering: deck chairs scattered across sunlit lawns, winding paths shaded by trees and quiet corners where wildflowers bloom. The park is simply a place where nature, history and city life converge with grace.
Josephine W - 5 months ago
The perfect park in Central London to appreciate the joy and splendour of autumnal colours at their finest. The Blue Bridge spanning St. James’s Park Lake, offers a stunning partial backdrop of The London Eye, Whitehall and the City’s Towers. On a clear blue sky Sunday afternoon in October, the lake was stunningly blue with a near perfect reflection 💯in places.
Simon Castle (iPhoneSimes) - 6 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circle Line | St.James's Park | 2 Minutes |
| Circle, District and Jubilee Line | Westminster | 6 MInutes |
| Northern and Bakerloo Line | Charing Cross | 7 MInutes |
How to get to St. James's Park by Tube
From St. James's Park Station exit north onto Queen Anne's Gate and follow it north to the Park.
From Charing Cross Station exit to Trafalger Square and exit the roundabout onto The Mall and follow it to the park.
From Westminster Station take Exit 6 and go left out of the underpass, then go right on Great George Street and follow it to the park.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near St. James's Park:
Photo Gallery
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Lake and Island in St. James's Park -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: sergei.gussev - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sergei.gussev - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sergei.gussev - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sergei.gussev - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ccs89.euro - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: oatsy40 - cc license via Flickr
