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United Kingdom/Things to Do in London, with kids

St James's Park (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is St James's Park?

86%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 get a fenced playground, pelican feeding and picnic lawns; child-height toilets help, yet no rides and dense crowds may shorten attention after an hour or two.

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

  • Central location: Next to Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade, easy to link to other royal sights.
  • Wildlife encounters: Pelicans, ducks and geese on the lake keep children entertained.

Challenges:

  • Pay toilets: Most restrooms charge 20 p per use (contactless only).
  • Crowded feeding times: Pelican feeding at 2:30 pm can get busy—arrive early for space.
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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 with kids?

  1. Watch the famous pelicans feed daily at Duck Island Cottage.
  2. Let kids explore swings, slides and sandpit at the Horse Guards Road playground.
  3. Capture family photos on the Blue Bridge with palace and parade views.
  4. Rent deckchairs and picnic on lakefront lawns for easy relaxation.
  5. Central royal setting connects you to Buckingham Palace and nearby parades.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to watch the pelicans, play at the playground, picnic and stroll without tiring younger children.

(View St James's Park on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in St James's Park

Daily pelican feeding:

Watch keepers feed the pelicans at Duck Island Cottage around 2:30 pm every day.

Tip: Arrive at 2:15 pm to secure a close spot for kids to see.

Children’s playground:

Swings, slides, rope bridges and a sandpit next to Horse Guards Road.

Tip: Bring socks for rope climbs and use the nearby child-height toilets (20 p each).

Blue Bridge photo spot:

Framed views of Buckingham Palace on one side and Horse Guards Parade on the other.

Tip: Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

Family picnic on the lawns:

Spread a blanket on the lakefront lawns with palace backdrops.

Tip: Use the low walls or benches by the lake for extra seating; avoid noon rush.

Deckchair hire:

Colorful deckchairs available by the lake from March to October.

Tip: Look for vendors early in summer; book a chair near the playground for supervision.

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

  1. Bring your own picnic: Packing lunch saves time and avoids queues at refreshment kiosks.
  2. Visit off-peak: Arrive before 11 am or after 3 pm to enjoy quieter paths and the playground.
🏖️ 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, hire deckchairs near the lake. In spring, enjoy the Mall’s blooming flower beds. Winter can be chilly—dress in layers and bring umbrellas.

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

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Deckchair hireGBP 9
Ice cream and snacksGBP 10
Public toilet chargesGBP 1
Total EstimatedGBP 20

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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