Are there really pelicans in St James's Park?

Yes — a colony of pelicans has lived in the park since 1664. They are fed by keepers around 2:30–3pm daily and are a genuine highlight for children.

Is St James's Park free to visit?

Yes — it is a public Royal Park and entry is free at all times.

Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Westminster, and Green Park are all within easy walking distance, making it a natural hub for a central London day.

St James's Park

Name: St James's Park
Address: London, UK, US
Telephone: 0300 061 2350
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(61,854)

Family of 4

USD 0; cafe budget USD 25–45

Duration

1–2 hours

Best Ages

All ages

About

St James's Park is the oldest of London's Royal Parks and one of its most beautiful, sitting between Buckingham Palace to the west and Horse Guards Parade to the east. For families it offers a deceptively rich range of things to see and do at no cost whatsoever. The resident pelicans are the standout attraction for children — a colony has been kept in the park since 1664 and they are remarkably bold, walking freely around the lakeside and being fed by keepers around 2:30 to 3pm daily.

The lake also supports a diverse waterfowl population that younger children find endlessly entertaining: ducks, geese, herons, and the occasional flamingo (seasonal) are all present. From the bridge over the lake, the view of Buckingham Palace framed by trees is one of London's most photographed perspectives. The park's position means it connects naturally with some of London's most iconic experiences: the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (check times and book a viewing spot in advance), a walk through to Westminster for the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, or a loop through Green Park to Piccadilly.

The Blue Bridge Cafe serves decent food and has outside seating. Stroller navigation throughout is easy on the wide, smooth paths.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Kid Meals

Blue Bridge Cafe on site; plenty of nearby options near Buckingham Palace and Westminster

Setting

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning for feeding pelicans; afternoons for guards marching from Buckingham Palace

Wait Times

No wait — public park

Nearby Food

Blue Bridge Cafe in the park; many options near Buckingham Palace, Victoria, and Westminster

Why Kids Love It

St James's Park has pelicans. Real ones, that have lived in the park since 1664, and they waddle around near the lake at feeding time in a way that completely captivates children. The park also offers views of Buckingham Palace across the lake, a chance to watch the guards march past, and a beautiful central London green space that feels surprisingly wild given its location.

Pro Tips from Parents

Arrive at the lakeside around 2:30–3pm for the pelican feeding — it is free and absolutely captivating for young children.
The view of Buckingham Palace from the bridge over the lake is better than the view from in front of the palace itself — do not skip it.
Combine with the Changing of the Guard if timing aligns — check the official schedule at royal.uk before your visit.

What to Bring

A picnic to enjoy on the grass
Duck food is not recommended — feeding wildlife is discouraged, but watching the pelicans is free
Comfortable shoes for walking between park and nearby landmarks