St James’s Park is at the heart of ceremonial London. It is the setting for spectacular pageants, like Trooping the Colour, and is surrounded by some of the country’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’s Palace and Westminster.
But there is also another side to St James’s Park; it is a tranquil place. Simply relax in a deckchair and watch the world go by. The flower beds and shrubberies are enjoyed by visitors all the year round.
The park’s famous flower beds at the front of Buckingham Palace are a familiar backdrop to pageants including Trooping the Colour, as well as state visits and other ceremonial occasions.
Enjoy impressive views of the lake and fountain from St James’s Café, watch the resident pelicans at feeding time, or while away a sunny afternoon in a deckchair.
Did you know?
Pelicans have lived in St James’s Park for nearly 400 years. They were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II.
St James’s Park has been at the centre of the country’s royal and ceremonial life for more than four hundred years. Royal ambitions and national events have shaped many of the features in the park.
The Mall
The Mall is a grand processional route in honour of Queen Victoria, which has seen innumerable historic Royal processions including coronations, state openings of Parliament and state visits.
During King Charles II reign, in 1660 he ordered the redesign of St. James’s Park and this included a centre piece – a straight canal, 2,560ft long and 125ft wide, lined on each side with avenues of trees.
The name is derived from Pelle Melle, a game introduced by King Charles which was traditionally played in St. James’s Park. Traffic was permitted on The Mall in 1887.
Today, The Mall plays an important part in ceremonies such as Changing the Guard, Trooping the Colour and also Royal events such as weddings and funerals and the recent Jubilee celebrations.
St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres.