🌳NatureClosed · Opens 5:00 AMFree

St James's Park

Name: St James's Park
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ·

Discover St James's Park, London's oldest Royal Park, where a lake bridge frames views of Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Stroll past resident pelicans near Duck Island, fed daily since Charles II received them as a gift in 1664.

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Reasons to go

The park dates to Henry VIII and was later reshaped into an English landscape garden.
Pelicans have lived here since 1664, when a Russian ambassador gifted the first pair to Charles II, and they're still fed daily near Duck Island.
The lake's bridge frames a view taking in both Buckingham Palace and the Whitehall skyline.

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Full description

St James's Park dates back to Henry VIII and was later redesigned in the naturalistic English landscape style, giving it some of the finest views in the city — the lake's bridge frames both Buckingham Palace and the Whitehall skyline. Pelicans have lived here since a Russian ambassador gifted the first pair to Charles II in 1664, and they're still fed daily near Duck Island.

Despite sitting at the political and royal heart of London, reviewers repeatedly describe it as surprisingly peaceful, a green pause between palace, park, and parliament.

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Address

London SW1A 2BJ, UK · Victoria

Website

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

Intensity

Moderate walking

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Good to know

Free to enter
time a visit for the daily pelican feeding, held in the afternoon
walk to the lake's bridge for the classic Buckingham Palace photo.

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Reviews

A beautiful and peaceful park in the heart of London. Stunning flower gardens, picturesque lake views, and plenty of friendly wildlife make it the perfect place for a relaxing walk. A wonderful escape from the city’s bustle and a must-visit while exploring London. Pelicans and other birds are amazing

Natalia Myakova

3/5

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