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United Kingdom/Things to Do in London, solo trip

St James's Park (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is St James's Park?

88%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 88% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveller can jog, birdwatch or sit with coffee amid royal landmarks; the park is free, safe and well sign-posted, but heavy weekend crowds can reduce the sense of solitude.

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:

  • Free Entry: No park admission fee makes it easy to pop in for a short visit.
  • Central Location: Steps from Buckingham Palace and Westminster attractions.

Challenges:

  • Midday Crowds: Areas around kiosks and Blue Bridge get busy from 11 am to 3 pm.
  • Paid Toilets: Most toilets charge 20 p contactless only; carry a card.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Daily pelican feeding at Duck Island
  2. Quiet early-morning running or walking routes
  3. Self-guided royal walk linking three palaces
  4. Birdwatching with resident grebes and ducks
  5. Interactive cavalry museum steps from the park

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a jog, pelican feeding, birdwatching and a quick museum visit without rushing.

(View St James's Park on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in St James's Park

Pelican Feeding at Duck Island:

Watch park keepers feed the park’s pelicans daily between 2:30 pm and 3 pm.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand near the east end of the lake for an uninterrupted view.

Early-Morning Run or Walk:

Complete a quiet 0.6 mile loop around the lake before 7 am.

Tip: Start at the park’s north gate and extend onto Birdcage Walk for extra distance.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk:

Self-guided 7 mile trail linking four Royal Parks and three palaces.

Tip: Download the free map from the Royal Parks website and look for white and purple waymarkers.

Birdwatching at Duck Island:

Spot mallards, coots, grebes and more around the lake’s east end.

Tip: Bring binoculars and check the park’s wildlife board for recent bird activity.

Household Cavalry Museum:

Learn about the life of the Queen’s Horse Guards with interactive displays.

Tip: Pre-book online for a smaller queue or buy tickets on arrival (adult £11).

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

  1. Beat the Crowds: Visit before 10 am or after 4 pm for quieter paths.
  2. Travel Light: Pack only essentials to move freely during jogs or walks.
  3. Map Ahead: Save the Memorial Walk map offline to avoid data charges.
🏖️ 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

Powered by Google
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)?

Deckchair hire runs March to October. Bat surveys occur on summer evenings; check Royal Parks volunteer dates online.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Kiosk coffeeGBP 3
Deckchair hire (1 hour)GBP 3
Household Cavalry Museum ticketGBP 11
Total EstimatedGBP 17

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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