St. James Park Tours and Activities

St. James Park
St. James Park
St. James Park showing a garden and a sunset
St. James Park featuring a garden and autumn leaves
St. James Park showing a sunset and a statue or sculpture


The heart of ceremonial London, this Royal Park is the perfect location for an afternoon of pomp and pageantry, or an impromptu picnic on the grass.

St. James’s Park provides the perfect place to pause from your busy tourist schedule and experience London’s more leisurely side. The 57-acre (23-hectare) green space is within walking distance of three of London’s most treasured regal landmarks: Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster and St. James’s Palace.

London can thank the monarchy for its beautiful parks. Once reserved as the private hunting and riding grounds of royalty, today the Royal Parks of London are open to all. St. James’s Park is the oldest of this network of eight parks, which form the “green lungs of London.”

After watching the Changing of Guards at nearby Buckingham Palace, stop by the Queen Victoria Memorial and Gardens. The park proper lays just beyond, flanked by The Mall on one side and the Birdcage Walk to the other.

On summer weekdays, join office workers on the lawns and enjoy the free music concerts. Or, hire a deckchair and watch pelicans and waterfowl gliding by on St. James’s Park Lake. The lakes two islands also provide important sanctuaries for woodpeckers, owls and robins.

Explore the park’s tree-lined paths and avenues on foot or by bicycle, then refuel at one of the many cafes or pubs in the area.

If you are visiting in June, don’t miss Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade. During this annual tradition, which marks the Queen’s birthday, Her Majesty personally inspects the troops of the Household Division. June is also the time to catch the rousing musical spectacular Beating Retreat, presented by the Royal Marines.

St. James’s Park is located in the city of Westminster. It’s open daily, year round. The park is within walking distance to many other attractions, including the three palaces, Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, Admiralty Arch and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. The closest Underground station is St. James’s Park.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. James Park

Strand Palace Hotel

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Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

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Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
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Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
The Clermont London, Victoria

The Clermont London, Victoria

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Park Plaza London Riverbank

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The Royal Horseguards, London

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. James Park

When visiting St. James Park, don't miss out on its vibrant activities, including nearby theatre performances and unique shopping experiences. For those looking for adventure, consider city excursions to explore the local sights, or enjoy a day at the Soak City Water Park for some fun and relaxation. This blend of culture and recreation makes for a delightful getaway in the heart of London.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Burlington Arcade, only 805m away, offering a charming shopping experience. Harrods, just 1.6km away, is a must for luxury items, while Borough Market, 3.2km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere with local delicacies and artisanal goods.

Recreation

Explore the O2 Arena for exhilarating sports events and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy serene moments at Hampstead Heath, where nature offers tranquility and relaxation. For entertainment, visit the ABBA Arena to immerse yourself in a lively music experience that will uplift your spirits.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km from St. James Park, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 1.1km away, provides an exciting challenge. Enjoy adrenaline-pumping karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 3.2km from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. James Park! Enjoy thrilling views on the London Eye, just 805m away, or catch a captivating show at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, 1.1km away, or the Victoria Palace Theatre, 966m away. Culture and entertainment await!

Find the best attractions near St. James Park

St. James Park in London offers a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful urban park, which is home to iconic attractions such as Buckingham Palace. With its picturesque streets and vibrant piazzas, the park is an ideal starting point for discovering London's royal parks and enjoying leisurely strolls amidst stunning landscapes.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a perfect escape with its lush greenery, serene lakes, and family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or rent a paddleboat to experience this vibrant spot just 1.6km from St. James Park.
  • Buckingham Palace: The iconic residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is steeped in history and culture. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture, located a mere 805m from St. James Park, making it a must-see attraction.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and bustling energy, Piccadilly Circus is a lively street that embodies the spirit of the city. Just 805m from St. James Park, it’s the perfect spot for shopping, dining, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to St. James Park

Visitor numbers around St. James Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. James Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. James Park

St. James Park is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travellers, offering free entry and nearby attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between January and March when prices are lower, and book a month in advance for the best deals. Look for last-minute offers on Expedia, especially on Mondays, which typically have the best rates. Utilize Expedia's tools to compare room prices and combine bookings for hotels and flights to maximize savings. Remember to check for green banners indicating special deals to ensure you snag the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. James Park are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. James Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. James Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St. James Park is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel booking for St. James Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.