St James's Park, London - a view of a park with a pond and trees
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St James's Park London

4.7
·60k reviews·, United Kingdom

London's oldest Royal Park, offering serene lake views, abundant wildlife, and iconic vistas of Buckingham Palace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St James's Park, London - a view of a park with a pond and trees

St James's Park London

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

London's oldest Royal Park, offering serene lake views, abundant wildlife, and iconic vistas of Buckingham Palace.

4.7
(60k reviews)

"A truly beautiful and peaceful escape in the heart of London, with stunning views and fascinating wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Westminster

Easily accessible from Westminster, combine with other sights. A great starting point for a park exploration .

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Bring your own food! Many visitors enjoy picnics on the grass. Grab supplies beforehand.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Buckingham Palace Views

Buckingham Palace Views

The Mall side of the park

Iconic vistas of Buckingham Palace framed by trees and the park's greenery. A must-see for royal enthusiasts.

Pelican Feeding

Pelican Feeding

Near the lake

Witness the fascinating daily feeding of the park's resident pelicans. A unique and memorable wildlife encounter.

The Lake and Bridges

The Lake and Bridges

Central lake

Stroll across the bridges for stunning reflections and diverse birdlife. Peaceful spots for relaxation.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Prime Views

St. James's Park is a popular spot, especially for its views of Buckingham Palace. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Consider weekdays over weekends for fewer visitors.

Picnic Perfect & Pelican Feeding

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, a favorite among visitors.Reddit Don't miss the daily pelican feeding, a unique spectacle that delights all ages. Check the exact feeding times upon arrival.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
During pelican feeding
Why
Unique wildlife spectacle
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Places in London you must go to at least once ♥️ 📚 Daunt Books 🍷 Gordon’s Wine Bar 🐙 Joia Battersea 💘 Millennium Bridge 🧹 Maggie Jones’s 📖 Word on the Water 💰 The Royal Exchange 🍃 St James’s Park ⛪️ ...
@pretty.little.london
405.3K likes • 4.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Westminster

Easily accessible from Westminster, combine with other sights. A great starting point for a park exploration.Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Bring your own food! Many visitors enjoy picnics on the grass. Grab supplies beforehand.

reddit.com

Park Life! St James's Park - what's good?

reddit.com

If only ONE park

🦢 Birdwatcher's Delight

Spot swans, geese, ducks, and of course, the famous pelicans. A haven for bird lovers.Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

The Cafe at Storey's Gate offers a pleasant patio and convenient location.Reddit

reddit.com

London Itinerary Advice

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Westminster

Easily accessible from Westminster, combine with other sights. A great starting point for a park exploration.Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Bring your own food! Many visitors enjoy picnics on the grass. Grab supplies beforehand.

🦢 Birdwatcher's Delight

Spot swans, geese, ducks, and of course, the famous pelicans. A haven for bird lovers.Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

The Cafe at Storey's Gate offers a pleasant patio and convenient location.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(60k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. James's Park for its stunning beauty, abundant wildlife, and iconic views of Buckingham Palace. It's a peaceful oasis in the city, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Some find the cafes a bit pricey, and it can get crowded during peak times, especially around the pelican feeding.

"I wish more parks in the United States were like this. Respectful people. No litter. Just nice people walking about sitting around enjoying themselves. Beautiful places to walk, sit, and look around and even people watch. On the border of the park is Horse Guards, and you’ll see some photos here juxtaposing it with the London Eye. I want to come back and picnic there."

David Stejkowski

"This place is so calm, it's so refreshing to take a break in this park especially if you're visiting London. London can be very crowded everywhere so it's really cool to have a place where you can be calm and where it's silent and not over crowded
There also are squirrels and gooses so it's really cute !! (Gooses won't attack you if you're not attacking them and squirrels are actually very friendly)"

Aleksander

"A very beautiful park in the centre of London! Lots of ducks, squirrels, parrots, herons and swans with chicks. Cosy alleys, green lawns and a pond with islands. In summer you can hide from the heat in the shade of trees. Great views of Buckingham Palace, a place for picnics and walks. Nice to watch the birds, feed the squirrels and relax on the benches. One of the best parks in the city!"

Ольга Турченко

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Pelican feeding
Buckingham Palace views

What People Dislike

Cafe prices
Crowds at feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. James's Park is centrally located and easily accessible. The nearest Tube stations are Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) and St. James's Park (District, Circle lines). Many visitors also walk from nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.Reddit Buses also frequently serve the area.

Yes, St. James's Park is adjacent to Buckingham Palace, offering fantastic views of the palace from within the park.TikTok It's a popular route for those visiting the palace.

Cycling is generally not permitted within St. James's Park to ensure a peaceful environment for pedestrians. Stick to walking to explore the park's beauty.

On-street parking is very limited and expensive in this central London area. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk to reach the park.

The closest Tube stations are Westminster and St. James's Park. Both are within a short walking distance of the park entrances.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, St. James's Park is a public park and entry is completely free for everyone. You can enjoy its beauty and amenities without any cost.

The park is open daily from early morning until late evening. The exact opening and closing times vary slightly with the seasons, but it's generally accessible from around 5:00 AM until midnight.

No, the pelican feeding is a free daily event and does not require any booking. Just arrive at the designated spot near the lake a few minutes before the scheduled time.

Dogs are welcome in St. James's Park but must be kept on a lead at all times. This is to protect the wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

While generally open, there might be temporary closures or restricted access for special events or ceremonies. It's always a good idea to check the Royal Parks website if you're planning a visit during a significant date.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll, admire the lake and its diverse birdlife (including pelicans!), take photos of Buckingham Palace, have a picnic, or relax on the lawns. The park offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape.

The pelican feeding typically happens once a day, usually in the afternoon. The exact time can vary, so it's best to check the notice boards at the park or ask a park ranger for the most up-to-date schedule.

Yes, there are public toilet facilities located within the park, including accessible options. They are usually found near the cafes and main pathways.

Yes, the main paths in St. James's Park are paved and generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it easy to navigate.

St. James's Park is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, including swans, geese, ducks, and of course, the famous pelicans. You'll also see various other bird species.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes within St. James's Park. The Cafe at Storey's Gate is a popular choice with outdoor seating,Reddit and there are other smaller kiosks offering refreshments.

Absolutely! Picnicking is a very popular activity in St. James's Park. You'll see many people enjoying their own food on the lawns, especially on sunny days.Reddit

The cafes typically offer a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. They are convenient for a quick bite while enjoying the park.

Yes, the park is surrounded by many restaurants and pubs in areas like Westminster and St. James's, offering diverse dining options from casual to fine dining.

Alcohol consumption is generally permitted in public parks in London, but it's advisable to consume it responsibly and be mindful of others. There are no specific restrictions mentioned for St. James's Park, but always check local bylaws.

📸 📸 Photography

The bridges over the lake offer stunning reflections and views of the London skyline. The Mall provides a grand perspective towards Buckingham Palace.TikTok Look for the flower beds in bloom for colorful shots.

Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful soft light and fewer crowds. Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic skies over the lake.

Drone usage is strictly prohibited in all Royal Parks, including St. James's Park, for safety and privacy reasons. Please adhere to these regulations.

A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife and distant palace shots.

While specific photography tours for St. James's Park might not be common, many general London photography tours include this location due to its iconic views.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. James's Park is a fantastic destination for families. The pelican feeding is a guaranteed hit with children, offering an exciting and educational experience.Reddit The open lawns are perfect for kids to run around and play, and the abundance of ducks and swans on the lake provides endless fascination. Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the park's beautiful setting, turning a simple outing into a memorable family adventure. The park's accessibility also makes it easy to navigate with strollers.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

St. James's Park is a dream for budget travelers as entry is completely free! It offers world-class scenery and iconic views without costing a penny. To save money, pack your own picnic and enjoy it on the grass, rather than purchasing from cafes.Reddit You can easily spend hours here, enjoying the sights and sounds of London's most beautiful Royal Park, making it an excellent value-for-money activity.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, St. James's Park is a goldmine. The views of Buckingham Palace from the Mall are iconic,TikTok especially during sunrise or sunset. The bridges over the lake offer stunning reflections and opportunities to capture the park's wildlife. The golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon can transform the park into a magical setting. Don't forget to capture the unique character of the pelicans during their feeding time.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Royal Oasis: History and Significance

St. James's Park is London's oldest Royal Park, with a history stretching back over 500 years. Originally a deer park for St. James's Palace, it was transformed into a public pleasure ground by King Charles II in the 17th century, who famously strolled through it with his mistress.Reddit The park's design has evolved over centuries, with significant landscaping by John Nash in the 19th century, who created the iconic lake and its bridges, shaping much of its current picturesque appearance.

Today, St. James's Park serves as a vital green lung in the heart of the city, offering a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. It's a place of ceremonial importance, often used for royal processions and events, and provides a stunning backdrop for iconic London landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. Its rich history is palpable as you wander its paths, connecting you to centuries of royal and public life.TikTok

Wildlife Wonders: Birds of St. James's Park

St. James's Park is a haven for birdlife, renowned for its diverse waterfowl population. The central lake is a focal point, attracting numerous species of ducks, geese, and swans. Visitors are often delighted by the sight of these graceful birds swimming and gliding across the water, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

The park's most famous residents are undoubtedly the pelicans. Introduced in 1956, these magnificent birds are a unique attraction, and their daily feeding is a highlight for many visitors.Reddit Watching the pelicans being fed is a fascinating spectacle, offering a close-up view of these impressive creatures. Beyond the pelicans, keep an eye out for other species like coots, moorhens, and various gulls, making the park a fantastic spot for casual birdwatching.

Navigating the Park: Paths and Amenities

Exploring St. James's Park is a straightforward and enjoyable experience thanks to its well-maintained paths and accessible amenities. The main pathways are paved and wide, making them ideal for walking, jogging, and navigating with strollers or wheelchairs. The park's layout is intuitive, with the lake at its center and paths radiating outwards, connecting key viewpoints and facilities.

Key amenities include the cafes, offering refreshments and a place to rest, as well as public restrooms. Benches are dotted throughout the park, providing ample opportunities to sit, relax, and soak in the atmosphere. Information boards are also strategically placed, offering insights into the park's history, wildlife, and notable features. Whether you're seeking a brisk walk or a leisurely afternoon, the park is designed for easy exploration and enjoyment.

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