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  • The Royal Parks
  • Visitor information
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    • The parks after lockdown
    • Opening times and getting here
    • Accessibility information
    • Park Deck Chairs
    • Coach parking and drive-through permits
    • Park regulations, legislation and policies
    • St James's Park Office contact details
    • Toilets and Playground Operating Times
  • Map of St James's Park
  • Food and drink
    arrow_drop_down
    • St. James’s Café
    • Storey’s Gate Café
    • Refreshment points
  • Things to see and do
    arrow_drop_down
    • Events in St James's Park
    • Landmarks and viewpoints
    • Monuments, fountains and statues
    • Wildlife
    • Gardens and landscapes
    • The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
  • Latest News
    arrow_drop_down
    • Sign up to the St. James's Park newsletter
  • About St James's Park
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    • History and Architecture
    • Landscape History
    • St James's Park in film
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About St James's Park

St James's Park is at the heart of ceremonial London. It is the setting for spectacular pageants, like Trooping the Colour, and is surrounded by some of the country's most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James's Palace and Westminster.

But there is also another side to St James's Park; it is a tranquil place. Simply relax in a deckchair and watch the world go by. The flower beds and shrubberies are enjoyed by visitors all the year round.

St James's Park has been at the centre of the country's royal and ceremonial life for more than four hundred years. Royal ambitions and national events have shaped many of the features in the park.

History and Architecture

St James's Park is the oldest Royal Park in London and is surrounded by three palaces. The most ancient is Westminster, which has now become the Houses of Parliament, St James's Palace and of course, the best known, Buckingham Palace.

Landscape History

Walk the elegant paths of St James's Park today and it is hard to imagine that pigs once grazed here. But, 470 years ago, the St James's area was known mainly for farms, woods and a hospital for women lepers.

St James's Park in film

Find out more about the films that have featured St James's Park.

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Aerial view of Regents