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.
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.
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).

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.
Deckchair hire runs March to October. Bat surveys occur on summer evenings; check Royal Parks volunteer dates online.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Kiosk coffee | GBP 3 |
| Deckchair hire (1 hour) | GBP 3 |
| Household Cavalry Museum ticket | GBP 11 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 17 |
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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Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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