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United Kingdom/Things to Do in London, couple trip

St James's Park (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is St James's Park?

90%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy hand-in-hand lakeside walks, sunset photos from Blue Bridge and relaxed deckchair picnics; romance is strong but peak-time popularity means little privacy.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 61,443 reviews)
Discover St. James's Park, one of London’s Royal Parks
3 min
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Discover St. James's Park, one of London’s Royal Parks
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Hub By Premier Inn London St James's Park
3 min
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Hub By Premier Inn London St James's Park
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Positives:

  • Central Setting: The park sits between Buckingham Palace and Westminster, making it easy to combine with nearby landmarks
  • Free Highlights: Pelican feeding and lakeside paths are free, so you can save budget for treats
  • Iconic Photo Spots: Blue Bridge and the lakeside offer framed views of palace architecture

Challenges:

  • Peak Crowds: Midday and sunset times attract large groups—arrive early to find quiet spots
  • Limited Café Seating: Storey’s Gate Café fills up in the afternoon, so expect short waits
  • Pay Toilets: Public toilets charge 20 p via contactless—carry a card to avoid delays
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🏖️ Explore St James's Park with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around St James's Park. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is St James's Park?

  • A 23-hectare royal park in the heart of London comprising landscaped lawns, tree-lined avenues and ornamental flowerbeds
  • Features a naturalistic lake dating from the 17th century and home to a resident colony of pelicans
  • Adjoins Buckingham Palace to the west, St James’s Palace to the north and Horse Guards Parade to the east

What is so special about St James's Park for couple trip?

  1. Romantic lakeside paths with palace backdrops
  2. Daily pelican feeding at Duck Island Cottage
  3. Sunset photo ops from the Blue Bridge
  4. Seasonal deckchair hire for lounging
  5. Café in a grass-roofed lodge overlooking the lake

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can stroll the lake, join the pelican feeding, and relax at the café in this time

(View St James's Park on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in St James's Park

Lakeside Stroll:

Walk the loop around the lake between the Mall and Horse Guards Parade

Tip: Hold hands on the west side for views of pelicans basking on rocks

Pelican Feeding:

Watch keepers feed the resident pelicans at Duck Island Cottage

Tip: Arrive by 2:15pm to secure a spot close to the action

Blue Bridge Sunset:

Stand on the blue-painted bridge facing Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade

Tip: Get there 30 minutes before sunset to avoid peak crowds

Picnic on the Lawn:

Spread a blanket near the Mall flower beds or by the water’s edge

Tip: Bring your own snacks or buy fresh sandwiches from nearby kiosks

Tea at the Grass-Roofed Café:

Enjoy tea and light bites in the Keeper’s Lodge with lake views

Tip: Arrive early afternoon or call ahead to reserve a lakeside table

Deckchair Hire:

Rent colourful deckchairs from March to October for people-watching

Tip: Book via the Royal Parks app in the morning for best availability

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St James's Park

  1. Pelican Prep: Show up at 2:15 pm at Duck Island Cottage to catch feeding before crowds arrive
  2. Sunset Framing: Head to the Blue Bridge 30 minutes before dusk for unobstructed palace views
  3. Route Planning: Download the Diana Memorial Walk map to extend your stroll through four royal parks
🏖️ Tour St James's Park like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in St James's Park. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of St James's Park

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Abbi Adair

Abbi Adair

Dec 2025

Great park with a variety of wildlife including squirrels, pelican, herons, and Egyptian geese to name a few. Can get very busy and you feel you’re often walking against the tide, but it’s worth it for the pelicans alone!

Juan Terra

Juan Terra

Dec 2025

St James’s Park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of London. Walking along the paths, watching the swans and ducks, and enjoying the greenery felt incredibly relaxing. The views of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding historic buildings add charm. A perfect spot to unwind and soak up the city.

SL Wong

SL Wong

Nov 2025

Serene and beautiful park with so many different birds and even squirrels. A really nice place to chill and have your lunch, but beware, the animals there arent very scared of humans! The ducks may come and ask for a bite.

Chirléy Lima

Chirléy Lima

Nov 2025

St. James’s Park is absolutely beautiful! The views of Buckingham Palace and the lake are stunning. It’s such a peaceful place to walk, relax, and take pictures. We saw lots of ducks, swans, and even some friendly squirrels. There are plenty of benches and a little café for coffee or snacks. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature right in the heart of London.

Simon Castle (iPhoneSimes)

Simon Castle (iPhoneSimes)

Oct 2025

The perfect park in Central London to appreciate the joy and splendour of autumnal colours at their finest. The Blue Bridge spanning St. James’s Park Lake, offers a stunning partial backdrop of The London Eye, Whitehall and the City’s Towers. On a clear blue sky Sunday afternoon in October, the lake was stunningly blue with a near perfect reflection 💯in places.

When is the best time to visit St James's Park (London, United Kingdom)?

From March to October, deckchairs line the lawns—book early for best spots. Visit in mid-April to see the Mall’s tulips at peak bloom. In winter, paths are quieter and dusk light frames the palaces for photos.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to London on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Deckchair hire (2 hours)GBP 4
Tea at grass-roofed café (2 people)GBP 20
Snacks at kiosksGBP 10
Total EstimatedGBP 34

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of St James's Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, UK

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About St James's Park

Opening Hours

Monday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday:5:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 300 061 2350

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