St James's Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through St James’s Park in central London, which is also home to The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.

The park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and its 57 acres are bordered by famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

What is there to see at St James’s Park?

Take in the spectacular views across St James’s Park lake from the Blue Bridge. From this spot you can see famous London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye. The lake is home to ducks, geese and even pelicans, which were first introduced to the park in 1664 as a present from the Russian Ambassador.

Make your way along The Mall, a grand processional route which has seen many historic ceremonial parades over the years.

Get a close-up view of a contemporary ceremony from Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade where you can watch the different stages in Changing the Guard, when the soldiers protecting Buckingham Palace stand down and are replaced by a new group.

Once a year, to mark the Queen’s official birthday, Horse Guards Parade hosts Trooping the Colour. Trooping the Colour dates back to the early eighteenth century and is when the Queen personally inspects the troops. At the end of the ceremony the Queen leads the troops down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

There are plenty of memorials, fountains and statues to discover as you make your way around the park. One of the most recognisable is the Queen Victoria Memorial, located in front of Buckingham Palace. This marble monument, 25 metres high, commemorates the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.

At the very heart of the park is the Tiffany Fountain, a striking 20ft water plume.

Can I get food and drink in St James’s Park?

There are two cafes and four refreshment points in St James’s Park.

Enjoy beautiful views of the lake and fountain from St James’s Café which includes a contemporary roof terrace.

Storey’s Gate Café was once the home of the “Keeper of the King’s Birds” and is decorated with plenty of bird-inspired artwork.

Where is St James’s Park?

St James’s Park is in central London, bordered by The Mall and Buckingham Palace.

How do I get to St James’s Park?

The closest Tube station to St James’s Park is St James’s Park (District and Circle lines), which is a five-minute walk away. Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines), Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria) are all within a 12-minute walk away.

There are plenty of bus routes with stops close to St James’s Park.