London has a large number of parks and open spaces and St. James’s Park is right in the centre.
What is St. James’s Park London? A Royal Park in the centre of London including The Mall and Horse Guards Parade. And free to use.
One of eight Royal Parks, St. James’s (sometimes spelt St. James) is close to Buckingham Palace and makes an ideal stopping point on a tour of the area.
Top Attractions at St. James’s Park, London
1. Wide open space in the heart of London
2. Feeding of the pelicans
3. The Blue Bridge
4. Playground for up to age 11
5. St. James’s Park Cafe
6. Covers 57 acres (23 hectares)
7. No keep of the grass signs!
All About St. James’s Park, London
| ST. JAMES’S PARK | |
|---|---|
| KIDS FRIENDLY? | Yes |
| HOURS | 0500-midnight, daily |
| LOCATION | St. James’s Park SW1A 2BJ |
| WHAT'S THERE | 57 acres of open park, with lakes and a playground |
| UNDERGROUND | St. James’s Park (Circle, District) |
| BUS | Over a dozen routes serve the park area |
| TRAIN | Victoria 12- minute walk |
| VISIT TIME | Allow two hours |
| ENTRY COST | FREE |
| FEATURED ACTIVITIES | Pelicans to picnics. |
| SELFIE TIME | From the Blue Bridge. With the pelicans. |
| WHEELCHAIRS | Fine on the paths in and around the park |
| FACILITIES | Cafe, toilets |
Is It Just a Load of Grass?
Far from it. St. Jame’s Park in London covers some 57 acres (23 hectares), right in the very heart of the capital.
The park is close to Buckingham Palace in the City of Westminster.
St. James’s Park is famous for its pelicans. They were introduced to the park in 1664, as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to London, to King Charles II. Over 40 pelicans now call the park their home. The pelicans are fed fresh fish each day at 2:30 pm, next to Duck Island. Although the pelicans are free to roam, they tend to stay close to the lake. You can tell male and female pelicans apart, as the larger males have a long beak which curves downwards, whereas the smaller female has a shorter and straighter beak.
Trees in the park are mostly Plane, seen alongside The Mall, Horseguards Parade and Birdcage Walk. Other trees found, include oak and black mulberry.
The secluded woodland and shrubberies on the islands are home to many breeds of birds, including robins, blue tits, blackbirds, wrens, woodpeckers and owls.
Mallard ducks can be seen year-round on the lake. Other breeds visit the lake at certain times of the year. Canada geese and Graylag geese can also be seen around the lake.
The Blue Bridge above the lake has been featured in many films over the ages. There are splendid views of Buckingham Palace from the bridge and you can also see Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall Court.
One of eight Royal Parks in London includes The Mall, where the annual Trooping of the Colour takes place.
St. Jame’s Park in London is free to enter and open daily from 5 am to midnight. During the year, parts of the park may be closed for concerts and other events.
There are two public toilets in the park.
What is There for Children to Do?
Plenty of space to run and work off that lunchtime picnic. There is a gorgeous playground suitable for up to age 11. Sandy areas, rocks, swings, slides and bridges can be found and there is a cafe right next door for then grownups to relax.
Selfies and Pictures
Keep an eye for the pelicans and other birds which inhabit the park. Pictures from the Blue Bridge, of Buckingham Palace are another favourite.
Food and Drink
There is a cafe in the park.
You are welcome to bring in your own food and drinks to enjoy a family picnic on the grass in the centre of London. If you like to take it easy, deckchairs can be hired during daylight hours.
Disabled Facilities
Wheelchairs can navigate the paths through and around St. James’s Park.
How to get to St. James’s Park
The formal address is St. James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ.
The closest underground is St. James’s Park which is a two-minute walk. Victoria mainline rail is a 12-minute walk. A dozen different busses serve the area around the park. There are no car parks.
CLOSE TO ST. JAMES’S PARK
Buckingham Palace
Downing Street
Horse Guards Parade
The Mall
Westminster Abbey