Why go
Features The park has a small lake, St James's Park Lake, with two islands, West Island, and Duck Island, named for the lake's collection of waterfowl. The park is the most easterly of a near-continuous chain of parks that comprises (moving westward) Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
What to look for
- The closest London Underground stations are St James's Park, Green Park, Victoria, and Westminster.
- St James's Palace is on the opposite side of The Mall.
- The Blue Bridge across the lake affords a view west towards Buckingham Palace framed by trees.
The full story
The park is bounded by Buckingham Palace to the west, The Mall to the north, Horse Guards to the east, and Birdcage Walk to the south. A resident colony of pelicans has been a feature of the park since pelicans were donated by a Russian ambassador in 1664. Looking east the view includes the Swire Fountain to the north of Duck Island and, past the lake, the grounds of Horse Guards Parade, with Horse Guards, the Old War Office and Whitehall Court behind. To the south of Duck Island is the Tiffany Fountain on Pelican Rock, and past the lake is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with the London Eye, the Shell Tower, and the Shard behind. In 1532, Henry VIII bought an area of marshland through which the Tyburn flowed from Eton College.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 10–25 min
Public-space walk and exterior observation only; no interior, garden, tower or ticketed admission included. Durations and walking are estimates. Check temporary restrictions and park or market opening times.
Outdoor visit · 45–90 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.