St James's Park
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Why go
- Explore the oldest of London’s eight Royal Parks.
- Walk through the eastern end of a central London green corridor stretching over four kilometres.
- At Queen’s Gardens, the park meets Green Park beside the Victoria Memorial, opposite Buckingham Palace.
Opening hours
Today05:00 – 00:00Show all
Don't miss
- Pelican colonyThe park’s pelican colony began with an ambassador’s donation in 1664.
- West Island and Duck IslandLook across the lake towards West Island and Duck Island, a waterfowl reserve.
What you see
- From the Blue Bridge, look west towards Buckingham Palace. The bridge also offers views of trees and fountains between the palace and the Foreign Office.
With kids
- The children's playground includes a large sandpit.
Photo spots
- Blue BridgeThe bridge frames a westward view toward Buckingham Palace.Blue Bridge
Shorts
History
Henry VIII had St James’s Palace built at the park’s northern edge. Charles II’s formal redesign was probably by André Mollet. The Mall became a fashionable walking avenue in the 18th century, then a formal avenue open to traffic in 1887. George IV commissioned Nash’s later transformation of the park.
- 1532Henry VIII bought the land from Eton College.
- 1530sHenry VIII enclosed the park for deer hunting.
- 1603James I ordered drainage and landscaping, brought camels, crocodiles and an elephant, and established an aviary.
- 17th centuryCharles II opened the park to the public and formed a canal from several ponds, nearly 800 metres long and about 40 metres wide.
- 1664An ambassador donated the pelicans that began the park's colony.
Show all
- 18th centuryPart of the canal was drained to create Horse Guards Parade.
- 1826–27John Nash transformed the canal into a natural-looking lake and replaced straight avenues with winding paths.
- World War IThe lake was temporarily drained, and government offices occupied the park.
How to get there
- TrainNearby Underground stations: St James's Park, Green Park, Victoria and Westminster.
Sources: St James's Park - Wikipedia · St. James’s Park - Wikipedia · St James's Park - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +44 300 061 2350
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
How large is St James’s Park?
It covers 23 hectares.
Which roads border St James’s Park?
The Mall runs along its northern edge, Horse Guards Road along its eastern edge and Birdcage Walk along its southern edge.
Which landmarks are near St James’s Park?
Nearby landmarks include Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Wellington Barracks, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade and the Cabinet War Rooms.
What are St James’s Park’s opening hours?
It is open daily from 05:00 to 00:00.
Which Underground stations are near St James’s Park?
Nearby stations are St James’s Park, Green Park, Victoria and Westminster.
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