The oldest of London’s Royal Parks, St James’s Park is also one of its prettiest — a perfectly manicured ribbon of green right in the ceremonial heart of the city. Bordered by Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, and the grand Mall, it offers some of the finest views in London, a charming lake full of waterfowl, and a famous colony of resident pelicans. It’s the ideal spot to relax between the big sights of Westminster.
The Lake and its Pelicans
At the park’s heart is a beautiful lake, home to ducks, swans, geese, and its celebrated pelicans, which have lived here since 1664 when they were first gifted by a Russian ambassador. They’re fed by the park’s keepers each afternoon, a quirky daily spectacle. From the elegant Blue Bridge crossing the lake, you get postcard-perfect views — toward Buckingham Palace one way, and the fairytale towers of Whitehall the other.
A Royal Setting
St James’s Park sits at the very center of royal and ceremonial London. Buckingham Palace stands at its western end, behind the grand Victoria Memorial, while at its eastern end lies Horse Guards Parade, the setting for Trooping the Colour. The park is the perfect place to watch the pageantry, with mounted soldiers and marching bands often passing by.
Flowers and Wildlife
Beautifully landscaped, the park is famous for its spectacular flowerbeds, which burst with color through spring and summer. It’s a surprisingly rich wildlife haven too, with the lake’s islands providing sanctuary for nesting birds. The deckchairs dotted across the lawns are a lovely (if seasonal, paid) way to sit back and soak up the surroundings.
Perfectly Placed
Few parks are so central. St James’s Park links many of London’s must-see sights in one pleasant green corridor — you can stroll from Buckingham Palace through the park to Horse Guards, Downing Street, and on to Trafalgar Square in minutes. It makes the perfect breather, picnic spot, or scenic route between attractions.
Planning Your Visit
The park is free and open daily from early morning until midnight. The nearest station is St James’s Park, with Westminster and Charing Cross also close by. Visit in the late morning to catch the pelican feeding (usually mid-to-late afternoon, but check current times), bring a picnic, and combine it easily with Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Changing of the Guard.
More London guides: explore the full London Travel Guides series.
