St. James's Park
St. James's Park
4.5
05:00 - 00:00
Monday
05:00 - 00:00
Tuesday
05:00 - 00:00
Wednesday
05:00 - 00:00
Thursday
05:00 - 00:00
Friday
05:00 - 00:00
Saturday
05:00 - 00:00
Sunday
05:00 - 00:00
About
This 90-acre park, the oldest Royal Park in London, features a large lake that is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Charing Cross • 9 min walk
- Green Park • 10 min walk
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Best nearby
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See what travellers are saying
- BluebellplasnewyddCardiff, United Kingdom2,053 contributionsRelaxing strollThis is one of the loveliest Royal Parks and is best visited in March/April when the spring flowers are out and the early leaves are bright green. Also walk through in the morning to see the military bands and guards outside Buckingham Palace. There is a large lake and plenty of swamis, geese and ducks. Not much in the way of benches however.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2024
- Dawn H-MEpsom, United Kingdom528 contributionsYou can while away many a happy hour hereWe have spent many an hour sitting in St James’s Park. On many different occasions. There is always something to see no matter what time of the day you go. As the time passes, you can actually see the difference in those walking through the park, the daytime rush starts to slow as those that are out for the evening arrive and pass through. Time allowing don’t forget to take a little duck food with you and relax as you feed the ducks there.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 April 2024
- AndreaTuscany, Italy514 contributionsSo beautifulFor me the most beautiful park in the city center! Full of ducks, fish and squirrels who are accustomed to approaching people. Well-kept English lawn with many benches where you can admire the flowers, with a beautiful view of Buckingham Palace. I really recommend a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2024
- Franziska DietrichQuedlinburg, Germany30 contributionsA lovely parkThere is something for everyone to do in London. But it's also a big, busy, noisy, and not always clean place. That's where St. James Park comes in. It's right across the street from famous places like Buckingham Palace and a great place to get away from the noise and chaos of the city. The park is a lovely haven with winding paths, pretty ponds full of birds, and beautiful trees. You can plan your visit around the fact that it has many entrances and exits. I really think you should plan to spend a few hours here while you're in London. In the middle of the city, it's a nice change of pace.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 May 2024
- FLnurseERBoca Raton, Florida5,702 contributionsLake and the Blue BridgeWonderful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lots of greenery, assorted paths and many benches to rest on under large shady trees. Friendly squirrels and pigeons are everywhere, ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans gather in and around the lake. I recommend visiting the Blue Bridge spanning across the lake. Even on a cloudy drizzly day, the bridge provides a great photo opportunity of the London Eye on one side and the Buckingham Palace on the other. The only negative was endless procession of large groups of school children posing for photos.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 May 2024
- Joshane615Australia613 contributionsBeautiful!The St James Park near Buckingham Palace is absolutely gorgeous. The gardens were so pretty to look at. It was so relaxing and peaceful walking through the park after the crowds at the palace. Thoroughly enjoyed. FYI. We had to use the bathroom facilities there and it cost .20p to use the toilets.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 May 2024
- gfsc5Perth, Australia1,815 contributionsRelaxing strollThis fairly large park runs parallel to The Mall from Buckingham Palace. It has a lake which makes it quite peaceful. Other than the geese and ducks who had chicks when we visited. You'll also find a fountain, pelicans, cottage, roses, large trees and squirrels. A lovely stroll on a sunny day.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2024
- zoltan168Szentendre, Hungary238 contributionsPerfect location gardenPerfect location, good atmosphere, nice garden. Squirrels all around, ducks, pigeons nice plants, organise and disorganised garden parts.perfect walk with a child. Some parts are left weedy, I had allergy walking by...this is new for me in London . I saw more grass places are not handled just left weedy. Strange after my last visit 20years ago to see that. I know it costs a lot but please!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 June 2024
- BOFA BOYBridge of Allan, United Kingdom1,439 contributionsBeautifulAmazingly beautiful park right in the centre of London, which is really well kept with an abundance of wild life on offer. This must be the most expensive piece of “Real Estate” in the country? Thoroughly enjoyed our visit.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 July 2024
- Moe_IpakUnited States438 contributionsBeautiful ParkI like gardens and parks so we really enjoyed our time here. Great for walks and relaxing. I would have loved to rent and ride a bike here. We got beautiful weather which made the park even better for strolls and relaxing.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
19,272 reviews
Excellent
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5,310
Average
539
Poor
34
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abzee
5 contributions
May 2023
I had a wonderful time at the St James Park yesterday. The view of the lake was breathtaking, especially when the sun was setting and the water was shimmering like a million diamonds. I saw some ducks and swans swimming peacefully, and a couple of squirrels running around the trees. I also met a friendly old man who told me some interesting stories about the history of the park. He said he used to come here with his wife when they were young and in love. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs a break from the city life.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmet Ozerek
Rainham, UK68 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
St James’s Park is said to be “the most royal of London's Royal Parks”. Although visiting Buckingham Palace can be prohibitive with respect to the cost of entry one could still savour the splendour of the architecture from afar. With its quaint walkways, tranquil lake, age old flora and pleasant fauna this park in the middle of the concrete jungle is a breath of fresh air. Although one needs to pay to sit on the deckchairs there is nothing to stop you sitting on the benches provided or on the grass for that matter to enjoy your lunch and the occasion. If you are in the area this oasis is well worth the visit.
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seattle
Coventry, UK180 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
St. James's Park is a serene oasis in the heart of bustling London. The lush green lawns, sparkling fountains, and beautiful flower beds provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, with people strolling, jogging, feeding the ducks, and enjoying picnics. The views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye across the lake are stunning. It's also a great place to spot wildlife, including ducks, swans, and even the occasional pelican. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature in the city.I bought a railcard on trainpal and got a 20% discount when I entered the RC777E code! Hope to help those who come to the UK to play~
Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lorenzo290664
Loreto, Italy236 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Much smaller in size than His Majesty Hyde Park, it is located in a strategic point a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. The internal lake is crowded with aquatic animals, while among the meadows it is very easy to find squirrels always looking for something to eat (it would be forbidden, but no one follows the rules!). The view of Buckingham Palace from the bridge in the center of the park is stunning.

Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
St. Albans, UK7,155 contributions
Sept 2022
I visited St James Park twice during the period of mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth 2: the moving of the coffin to lay-in-state and also the after funeral procession. On both occasions the park looked beautiful in the autumn sunshine. The addition of flowers adorning the park gates, and all statues within, just added to the beauty.
The organisation for the two processions, and crowd control, was exceptional, but then it had been in planning for years! To be able to see the processions from the park you had to arrive at least three hours in advance (once crowd levels reached a certain level the entrance to the park was closed – there was a separate opening for those wishing to leave – for the processions there was only a single entrance and single exit to / from the park accessible only from the direction of Victoria tube / rail station).
Having arrived more than three hours early the time went by very quickly as there was always plenty of activity around the park, and much camaraderie between those waiting. Food, water and toilets were easily available (albeit sometimes with a short wait) and people would save your space when you needed the facilities.
The organisation for the two processions, and crowd control, was exceptional, but then it had been in planning for years! To be able to see the processions from the park you had to arrive at least three hours in advance (once crowd levels reached a certain level the entrance to the park was closed – there was a separate opening for those wishing to leave – for the processions there was only a single entrance and single exit to / from the park accessible only from the direction of Victoria tube / rail station).
Having arrived more than three hours early the time went by very quickly as there was always plenty of activity around the park, and much camaraderie between those waiting. Food, water and toilets were easily available (albeit sometimes with a short wait) and people would save your space when you needed the facilities.
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DunelmArts
Aberdeen, UK1,215 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Situated in the heart of central London, St James’s Park is a beautiful, tranquil space popular with tourists and office workers. There is an abundance of wildlife here from the inquisitive squirrels scampering up the tree trunks, the waterfowl on the lake, and of course the famous pelicans. There is a cafe in the centre of the park. If you fancy a rest on one of the numerous deckchairs, be aware there is a fee!
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel_Louise_2013
Quebec City, Canada28,261 contributions
Apr 2023
Covering an area of 23 ha, St James's Park, the oldest of London's nine royal parks (land acquired in 1532 by Henry VIII), is in our view the most beautiful of them. Each sovereign made personal modifications which led to this embellishment. Touches of the French garden (rectilinear plan with large canal by the French gardener André Mollet, at the request of King Charles II, upon his return from his exile in France) to the English garden of the architect and landscaper John Nash ( commissioned by George IV around 1828), the park was transformed with the digging of a long lake with its two islands and the tracing of winding paths along its banks. The footbridge (The Blue Bridge) allowing you to cross from one bank to the other in its center, offers magnificent views both of Buckingham Palace to the west and of Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and the London Eye to the west. 'East. A magnificent 8 m high jet of water (Tiffany Fountain) emerges from the western section of the lake, allowing the lake water to be aerated, to the great benefit of the wildlife.

Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China181,056 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
This is one of the Royal Parks in London, taking up 23 hectares of space to the immediate east of Buckingham Palace, south of The Mall and west of Horse Guards. The park grounds are very nicely landscaped and manicured and revolve around a lovely lake which has birdlife nearly year round. Have enjoyed seeing geese, pelicans, ducks and other waterbirds enjoying time on the waters over the years.
Walking paths through St. James Park are really nice. There are grassy spots throughout if you want to lay out a blanket and relax. You'll find several small food kiosks as well as a fairly large cafe on the north side of the lake as well. The Park is also centrally located and convenient to include in sightseeing plans if visiting places nearby.
Walking paths through St. James Park are really nice. There are grassy spots throughout if you want to lay out a blanket and relax. You'll find several small food kiosks as well as a fairly large cafe on the north side of the lake as well. The Park is also centrally located and convenient to include in sightseeing plans if visiting places nearby.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon M
Kendal, UK214 contributions
Jun 2022
A beautiful park with the centre piece of the lake. There plenty of space to stop and chill out for a while. The mature trees and the wild areas are great for wild life. The waters birds had a lot of young just waiting to be photographed. The squirrels are always around as well. The pelicans on the lake are adorable, amazing to be in the centre of London. The cafe on the side of the lake has reasonable coffee and cakes, it serves hot meals too. It's a great connection between the Palace and House Guards.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carlesterraza
Teia, Spain458 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
In my way, the most beautiful park in the city. Located in the heart of the city, it links Westminster with Buckingham Palace. Very well maintained and with beautiful views (the London Eye from the lake bridge is one of my favorites in the entire city). It is home to many species of birds and a large colony of squirrels. Ideal for walking, sitting and resting or simply crossing it while avoiding traffic, it has become a mandatory stop every time I return to the city.

Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is the best spot for a picnic, that would be easy for people to find? I would like to organise a family and friends picnic in the park, in the summer for my daughter who will be graduating from uni .
Written 19 April 2024
I would say pretty much anywhere in the park. You will need to take a blanket or something to sit on, as I don't remember there being any picnic tables.
Enjoy
Written 29 May 2024
Is there around a parking place??
Kind regards..
Written 27 December 2018
Por ficar diante do Castelo de Buckingham não deve ser possível estacionar muito fácil.
Written 8 April 2019
Does anyone know where in the park to go to rent a deck chair? The chair rental website doesn’t say specifically, so I’m curious if someone could give me an idea...
Written 30 July 2018
Just grab an available chair and the collectors will soon arrive - sometimes they are not around so that would be some spare cash to spend on a charity
Written 30 July 2018
Does anyone know where in the park to go to rent a deck chair? The chair rental website doesn’t say specifically, so I’m curious if someone could give me an idea...
Written 30 July 2018
hello dear friend
I'm going to travel to Morocco with this company Visit-Morocco-Sahara,com
did you have experience with this tour Company?
Written 17 December 2017
No , I would research the company before booking, not just on here.
Happy holiday to Morocco .
Written 18 December 2017
Can i see the change of guards in buckingham palace from this park ?
Written 16 November 2017

A Tripadvisor member
Dubrovnik, Croatia
1 contribution
Not really, you'll have to get closer to get a good view.
Written 16 November 2017
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