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St. James Park

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St James's Park

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

London has the monarchy to thank for many of its most 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 together form the “green lungs of London”.

After the Changing of the Guard at nearby Buckingham Palace, pay a visit to the Queen Victoria Memorial and Gardens. Just beyond is St James's Park, flanked by The Mall on one side and the Birdcage Walk on the other.

On summer weekdays, join the office workers lazing on the lawns and enjoy the free concerts. Or you could hire a deckchair and watch the pelicans and waterfowl gliding by on St James’s Park Lake. The lake's 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, before refuelling at one of the area's many cafés or pubs.

If you are visiting in June, don’t miss the "Trooping the Colour" ceremony 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, all year round. The park is within walking distance of many other attractions, including the three palaces, the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, Admiralty Arch and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. The closest Underground station is St James’s Park.

Guide to Exploring St. James Park

Big Ben

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

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Buckingham Palace

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

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Covent Garden

Get lost in the cobblestoned labyrinth of boutiques and bars, or simply find a spot to enjoy the street performers in one of London’s most entertaining districts.

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Trafalgar Square

London’s great meeting place and the “front yard” of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

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Piccadilly Circus

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic intersection is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

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Westminster Abbey

The heart and soul of the nation’s spiritual life is also England’s finest example of ecclesiastic architecture.

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Hyde Park

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances. 
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Kensington Gardens

The former gardens of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born, continue to provide a picturesque area of trees and lakes in the center of the city.
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Victoria Palace Theatre

Attend a spectacular production in the large domed auditorium of this celebrated institution with a rich and eclectic theatrical history. 

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Lambeth Bridge

Discover memorial gardens, art galleries and historic buildings and admire the winding River Thames from this arched bridge.

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Victoria Embankment Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip to this scenic park in the heart of London.

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Hyde Park Corner

Relax in the two vast parks and visit the museum and various monuments that honor the first Duke of Wellington.

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National Gallery

This impressive neoclassical building displays one of the world’s finest collections of Western European paintings. 
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Houses of Parliament

Delve into British politics at this historic complex, the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

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Westminster Cathedral

Peer down over London from the summit of the tower and examine the intricate mosaics and exquisite marble designs of the cathedral interior.

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Parliament Square

Visit this grassy plaza for a view of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and other historic structures that are synonymous with London.

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Green Park

Less crowded than neighboring St. James’s Park, this triangular grassy space is known for its pretty walking paths and mature trees.

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London Palladium Theatre

Watch internationally acclaimed musicals, attend live music performances and learn about the rich history of this Grade II-listed West End theater.

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Marble Arch

Admire the intricate sculptures on this grand three-arched monument, which is modeled on Rome’s Arch of Constantine.

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Apollo Victoria Theatre

Watch acclaimed performances of world-famous musicals at this art deco-style venue set in the heart of London’s animated theater district.

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Westminster Bridge

Visit this historic bridge, which spans the River Thames and connects Westminster on the north side to Lambeth on the south side.
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Admiralty Arch

This grand structure marks the entrance to the Mall and was commissioned by King Edward VII as a memorial to his mother Queen Victoria.

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Leicester Square

Thrill to London's eclectic nightlife in one of its most famous locations, a vibrant square that's been an entertainment hub since the 19th century.

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Albert Memorial

Richly adorned with artistic and historical references, this tribute to Prince Albert represents Gothic Revival architecture at its most ornate.
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Wallace Collection

Peruse an assortment of antiques and artworks, including armory and French 18th-century paintings, across 25 galleries of this national museum.

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Prince of Wales Theatre

In the heart of London’s lively West End district is this 19th-century theater, which has a year-round schedule of popular musicals.

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Two Temple Place

Marvel at symbolic and cultural carvings adorning the façade and halls of this neo-Gothic masterpiece and browse eclectic art exhibitions.

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Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

See life-size wax sculptures of Hollywood celebrities, historical figures and sporting stars at this famous wax museum in London.

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Marylebone High Street

Browse upscale items in independent stores and people-watch from a café in this historic and fashion-conscious part of the city.

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Royal Arcade

Browse the elegant fronts of the luxury retail stores and learn the history of the city’s oldest purpose-built commercial gallery.

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Burlington Arcade

Admire the charming two-story shops that flank this roofed colonnade, known for its silver antiques, designer brands and delicious macarons.

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Sherlock Holmes Museum

Learn about the fictional detective at one of the world’s most famous addresses and admire the period décor from the 19th century.

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