St James's Park

St James’s Park is a central royal park in the City of Westminster in London, situated immediately to the southeast of Buckingham Palace and adjacent to Horse Guards Parade. It is one of the royal parks and has historic landscaping, a central lake and parkland paths.

The park contains a small island, waterfowl collections and planted borders; it provides direct pedestrian routes between Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Westminster. The park is frequently used for short walks, civic photography and informal recreation by residents and tourists alike.

Historically the area was laid out as royal hunting grounds and later landscaped as a public park; it has been associated with royal palaces and state ceremonial routes. The park’s proximity to major government and royal sites makes it a focal point for visitors moving through central London.

Located between Buckingham Palace and The Mall on one side and Horse Guards and Horse Guards Parade on the other, St James’s Park is within easy walking distance of major London transport hubs including Victoria and Westminster stations.

• Pelicans: A long-standing group of city pelicans are kept on the park's island and are a customary attraction, with the pelicans originally introduced in the 17th century.
• Views and ceremonies: Views from the Blue Bridge and the Mall toward Buckingham Palace are popular photo spots, especially at the hour of the daily changing of the guard during summer months.