Leisure in St. James's Park

Leisure activities and attractions in St. James’s Park

In St. James’s Park you set your own pace. Share a moment with a pelican. Take an early run on a misty morning. Watch the world go by with an ice cream and a deckchair.

This is the park to explore at your leisure.

Making the most of St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, and the most visited. It’s the famous setting for many royal ceremonies, from the daily Changing the Guard outside Buckingham Palace, to the full pageantry of Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in early June.

The parkland itself is a peaceful, green space that allows you to escape the everyday, connect with nature, and boost your wellbeing.

St. James’s Park is not just a place for ceremonies; it’s also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park's lake is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans that have been a resident feature since the 17th century. Visitors can enjoy feeding sessions and learn more about these fascinating birds from the park wardens.

Walking, running and cycling in St. James’s Park

You’ve got the option of many different walking trails, cycle paths and running routes to choose from. Discover the secret stories and rich history of the park with a self-guided walk, or stroll to Duck Island, a nesting sanctuary for many of our smaller birds, ducks and geese. Many regular runners and cyclists use the park a great way to de-stress and stay fit as they commute to work. If you are cycling through, please do respect the walkers and the wildlife, who share the paths and trails.

For those interested in the park’s history, guided walking tours are available that delve deeper into its royal connections and architectural landmarks. These tours provide insights into how the park has evolved over the centuries, making it not only a recreational space but also a living testament to London's heritage.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

If you have two or three hours, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk covers seven miles, and takes in four Royal Parks, three palaces and two mansions, all of which were special to Princess Diana at different times in her life. You’ll also experience the wildlife, the many gardens and landscapes of the parks, as you walk.

Along the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, there are numerous points of interest where you can pause and appreciate the tranquil beauty of the parks and gardens. Interpretative signs provide information about Princess Diana’s life and her legacy, adding a poignant layer to your journey through these historic surroundings.

Watch the world go by – from your deckchair

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, why not sit in the sunshine and watch the world and the wildlife go by. Our partners, ParkDeckChairs, rent deckchairs by the hour or by the day, and in the summer we often have live music at the St. James’s Park bandstand.

In summer, it’s hard to miss the spectacular Buckingham Palace flower beds – blazing with thousands of scarlet geraniums and over 50,000 yellow wallflowers. As the backdrop to countless royal occasions, they’re possibly the most televised and photographed flower beds in the country.

If you enjoy team sports and organised activities, head over to Hyde Park, where you can have an open air swim, take a boat out, or book a game of tennis or padel. Park Sports Hyde Park has excellent sports facilities, courts and pitches on the south side of the park.