St James's Park

St James's Park is a very popular park, with tourists and workers alike. It is famous for its views, waterfowl and flower displays and reflects the English picturesque style of landscaping which was prominent in the 19thC. Along with Green Park and Hyde Park, St James's Park provides the backdrop to British ceremonial life with The Mall, linking Buckingham Palace and the government offices of Whitehall, the venue for major ceremonial occasions.

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This is one of the smallest but most gorgeous of London's parks. It has brilliant views of the London Eye, Westminster, St James's Palace, Carlton Terrace and Horse Guards Parade, and the view of Buckingham Palace from the footbridge spanning St James's Park Lake is the best you'll find (get those cameras out). The central lake is full of different types of ducks, geese, swans and general fowl. Rocks on its southern side serve as a rest stop for pelicans (fed at 15:00 daily). Some of the technicolour flowerbeds were modelled on John Nash's original 'floriferous' beds of mixed shrubs, flowers and trees, and elderly squirrel feeders congregate under the trees daily, with bags of nuts and bread. Spring and summer days see Londoners and tourists alike sunbathing, picnicking and generally enjoying the sunshine, though sometimes in annoyingly large numbers. Nearby the popular cafe & restaurant Inn the Park stands the National Police Memorial, one column of marble and another of glass. Conceived by film director Michael (Death Wish) Winner and designed by architect Norman Foster and artist Per Arnoldi, it pays tribute to 1600 'bobbies' who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Traveller Rating:

Based on 4 reviews

Ranked #25

Latest 3 reviews of St James's Park

What a beautiful place - especially in Springtime.

Just returned from a trip to London where I spent much time in this lovely park. It is very central to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and others. I have been here so many times before but I forgot how beautiful this park becomes in the springtime. All the Cherry trees are in bloom and the place is awash with colour. I always feel safe wandering around too as it is usually very busy with people and all of it is fairly open plan. All the birds and ducks are out and about and this place really has something for everyone. I got great photographs and have now got some extra great memories too.

30 March 2007

by Tellte, Ireland

Beautiful in spring

I work very near to this park and recommend that any visitor to London should put this on their itinery. The main features are a lake which has a large collection of ducks and geese and others birds including pelicans. During spring and summer the flower beds are absolutely stunning with large swathes of colour. The parks also has a cafe where you can but food and drink or there are a number of smaller vendors which sell snacks. As I am a resident I have not used either of these facilities so I cannot help advice on price or quality.

The parks is very near Buckingham Palace which means at lunch times you can also get to see the changing of the guards which normaly march past the park along The Mall.

And finally, there are the squirrels. If you have a tasty nut and a bit of patience they will feed from your hand.

1 December 2006

by Semiquaver, Ware, United Kingdom

A classic

On my many visits to London, I've always enjoyed St James Park. A lovely place to have a strole any time of the year, with its British trees, statues and lake, it's definately London's best park and...

21 October 2006

by DeepBlue7, Bristol, UK

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Location Information St James's Park

Address:	St James's Park, London London SW1A 2BJ
Telephone:	+44 (0)20 7930 1793
Email:	stjames@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Website:	www.royalparks.org.uk/stjamess
By road:	Tube: St James's Park