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.
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
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

Abbi Adair
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
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
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
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)
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.
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.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Deckchair hire (2 hours) | GBP 4 |
| Tea at grass-roofed café (2 people) | GBP 20 |
| Snacks at kiosks | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 34 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: London SW1A 2BJ, UK
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