Overview

Hype:

St James's Park is one of London’s oldest and most iconic royal parks, celebrated for its harmonious blend of water, wildlife, and urban scenery. Its central lake, divided by the Blue Bridge, provides memorable viewpoints of Buckingham Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other. The park is also home to famous pelicans, a tradition dating back to the 17th century.

Visitors often come to stroll along flower-lined paths, watch waterfowl, or relax amid carefully maintained lawns and gardens. Its location makes it a popular stop between major landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and Horse Guards Parade. Despite being surrounded by bustling city life, the park retains a peaceful atmosphere.

With its seasonal floral displays, gentle water features, and historic significance, St James's Park remains a beloved natural retreat and an essential part of any London visit, offering moments of calm and beauty throughout the year.

Time:

Fees:

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_James%27s_Park

Location

Closest City or Region: London, England

Coordinates: 51.502032, -0.135047

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June 21, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

Saturday, June 21 - We woke at 7:00 a.m. London time (midnight Utah time). I picked up McDonald’s  for breakfast by myself with no navigator, then we got everyone showered and left by 9:00. We caught a bus from our hotel to the Underground, which was much faster and cheaper than driving.

We went to Buckingham Palace first to watch the Changing of the Guard. The palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London. We got there early for a good spot—right at the top of the stairs—and waited along with huge crowds. By 11:15 we were wondering why nothing was happening. People started leaving. We Googled it and discovered that the Changing of the Guard doesn’t happen on Saturdays—wrong day, whoops. Everyone was disappointed.

Pictures