St James's Park is a Royal Park in Westminster, beside Buckingham Palace and close to Horse Guards Parade. Its lake draws pelicans, swans, ducks and other waterfowl, while the Blue Bridge frames views of the palace and, in the other direction, the London Eye and Big Ben. Walk the flower beds and paths, pause on a bench or bring a picnic. The park also contains The Mall, the ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace, and grounds associated with public events such as Trooping the Colour.
A royal park in Westminster
St James's Park lies between Buckingham Palace, The Mall, Horse Guards Parade and Birdcage Walk. It is the oldest of London’s Royal Parks, set among the ceremonial routes and landmarks of Westminster. The Mall runs through the park towards Buckingham Palace, while Horse Guards Parade, where the annual Trooping the Colour takes place, sits beside it.
The park began as a deer park for the royal occupants of St James’s Palace. The area was later reshaped under Charles II as a formal garden. Architect John Nash remodelled it on the orders of George IV, giving the grounds a more relaxed layout. Today, the lake, gardens and paths provide a green route between nearby sights.
The lake, birds and Blue Bridge
The central lake is the park’s main focus for birdlife. Pelicans have lived here since 1664, when the first birds were presented to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador. You can watch them being fed near Duck Island Cottage daily between 2:30 and 3pm. Ducks, swans and other waterfowl also gather around the water.
Cross the Blue Bridge for views across the lake towards Buckingham Palace. From the bridge and the park’s eastern side, you can also see landmarks including the London Eye and Big Ben. The lake has two islands, West Island and Duck Island, and paths around its banks give you different angles on the birds and surrounding gardens.
Gardens and ceremonial landmarks
Flower beds and mature trees line the park’s paths. In spring, cherry blossoms near Buckingham Palace and daffodils bring seasonal colour. Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, near the palace gates, is another spot to seek out for its flower beds.
The park’s setting connects green space with public ceremony. The Mall is a tree-lined processional route used for historic parades, and Horse Guards Parade hosts Trooping the Colour each year. Statues and monuments are dotted around the grounds. St James’s Palace is close by, though it is not open to the public; you can see the building from outside.
Planning a walk
St James's Park works well as a pause between Westminster and Buckingham Palace, or as a destination for a slower walk around the lake. Benches and lawns make room to stop, and the grounds are also suited to a picnic. If you want to see the pelican feeding, plan to be near Duck Island Cottage between 2:30 and 3pm.
For a quieter stroll, arrive early in the morning. The park also connects with neighbouring green spaces: Green Park meets it near the Buckingham Palace entrance, and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk links it with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Its central location makes it easy to include on a day exploring Westminster, but the paths can feel busier later in the day.
Preguntas frecuentes
When are the pelicans fed at St James's Park?
The pelicans are fed near Duck Island Cottage between 2:30 and 3pm each day.
What can you see from the Blue Bridge?
The bridge looks across the lake towards Buckingham Palace. Views from the park also include the London Eye and Big Ben.
What is the history of St James's Park?
It began as a deer park for the royal occupants of St James’s Palace. Charles II reshaped it as a formal garden, and John Nash later remodelled it on the orders of George IV.
Is St James's Palace open to the public?
No. The palace is not open to the public, but you can view it from outside.
