St James’ Park
Britain’s Working Palace:
Where Majesty Meets History
St James’s Park, the oldest of London’s Royal Parks, offers a tranquil oasis nestled between Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. This 57-acre park has been charming visitors and locals alike since the 16th century, when Henry VIII first claimed it as a deer park for the nearby Palace of St James.
Today, the park is renowned for its resident pelicans, a tradition dating back to 1664 when the Russian Ambassador presented Charles II with a pair of the remarkable birds. The lake at the park’s heart creates a stunning reflective surface, offering picture-perfect views of Buckingham Palace from the Blue Bridge, whilst Duck Island serves as a sanctuary for the park’s waterfowl.
Throughout the seasons, the park transforms: spring daffodils give way to summer flowerbeds, whilst autumn paints the trees in brilliant colours. The Horse Guards Parade ground, on the park’s eastern edge, hosts ceremonial events including Trooping the Colour. The tree-lined Mall, which forms the park’s northern border, serves as the ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace, particularly spectacular during state visits and royal celebrations.
For refreshments, the lakeside St James’s Café offers delightful treats with a view, whilst the deck chairs scattered throughout provide perfect spots for people-watching or peaceful contemplation. Early mornings bring local office workers power-walking through its paths, whilst afternoons see tourists and royal enthusiasts gathering to watch the pelicans’ daily feeding ritual. In every season, the park serves as a breathing space in the heart of ceremonial London, offering moments of serenity amidst the capital’s grandeur.
