Things to do in
St. James's Park

St. James's Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour

London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour

You're King Sæberht who, according to one legend, laid the first stone of Westminster Abbey. Or was it King Lucius who did it? Which legend is true? Step inside the Abbey, follow the royal route to Buckingham Palace and see London’s history through the royal lens. Book now not just a tour, but a voyage through time! Feel the thrill of stepping into a world where history comes to life. Have you ever dreamed of standing where kings and queens were crowned? Follow them through the ornate door of Westminster Abbey to the coronation chair - one of the world’s most important symbols of royal power. Let your heart race as you hear stories of royal love, loss, and legacy that have shaped the British nation. Don’t just read about history - live it, see ghosts of the past and hear every corner of this sacred site whisper its history. Step into the epicenter of British politics and pageantry as you wander through the City of Westminster, surrounded by the grandeur of its monuments. Take a closer look at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Have you ever wondered why the palace’s iconic clock tower is called Big Ben? Or why do the members of Parliament traditionally pray at St Margaret’s Church? Feel the thrill of uncovering these secrets of London! Breathe in the fresh air of the green trees in St James Park as you stroll along its royal monuments and trace centuries of royal history. Does every royal route lead to the grand entrance of Buckingham Palace? How many royal guards protect the royal residence? Is the King at home right now? Book your tour now and connect with London’s past and present in a way that will last in your memory forever. Please note that this 4-hour walking tour of the City of Westminster includes priority access and guided sightseeing in Westminster Abbey. We provide skip-the-line tickets. It is a group tour, so you will be exploring in a group of max 20 people. The tour will be conducted in the language chosen when making a booking. All of our tours are led by expert Blue Badge Guides. Book 1 of the best selling London Westminster Abbey Tours!

London: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with River Cruise Option

London: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with River Cruise Option

Discover what London has to offer on the most famous hop-on hop-off tour of the Capital. Pass iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, London Eye, and Big Ben with engaging audio commentary available on board. Choose between a Same-day, a 24-hour or a 48-hour ticket and discover London via 3 specially-designed routes covering 50+ stops: Red Route The Red route takes in the best of historic London including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Blue Route The Blue Route covers all of central London from Kensington Palace in the West to the Tower of London in the East including Harrods and Madame Tussauds. Green Route The Green Route links St Pancras and King’s Cross stations in the North with Covent Garden, via the British Museum. Thames River Cruise Every ticket includes a river cruise from the Tower of London to Westminster (in either direction). The river cruise includes live commentary in 8 languages. See top London attractions lining the Thames, including Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tate Modern. Departure times for the river cruise are approximately every 45 minutes. Guided Walking Tour Discover the heart of London on foot. Our walking tours, led by expert Big Bus tour guides, give you access to areas that you can’t visit by bus. Tours include: The Royal Walk Hidden Gems of City of London Hidden Gems of the City of Westminster Jack the Ripper Select a 48-hour option to benefit from all four walking tour options. Panoramic Evening Tour Choose the option that includes a Panoramic Evening Tour to discover the magic of London as the city becomes illuminated in the evening. Hop on for a nonstop, panoramic tour of London's top landmarks as the sun begins to set.

London: Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour

London: Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour

The Royal Westminster and Changing of the Guard (English) guided walking tour offers you the ability to get up close and personal with London’s most famous and impressive sights. Beginning with Buckingham Palace, the most famous residence of the King, we will explore the iconic buildings, parks and monuments of Royal London.  Witness parades by the world-famous King's Guards before continuing along the corridor of power which includes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and 10 Downing Street.  You'll be led by an expert in London’s political, royal, and cultural history, who knows the best places to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, allowing you the best views and photo opportunities away from the crowds. Along the way, be entertained and enthralled by your tour guide’s in-depth knowledge, memorable anecdotes, and unique take on London's history, as you discover the Kings, Queens, rogues, and villains behind this incredible city, and witness iconic buildings and mesmerizing parades along the way. Suitable for all ages and encompassing multiple different experiences in a single two-and-a-quarter-hour period, this Westminster and Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is the best way to experience Royal Westminster all in one day. 

London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise

London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise

Discover all of London's top attractions and landmarks on the Must See London tour. With the flexibility to hop on and off at any of the stops, you can explore each destination in more depth. The open-top deck offers some of the best views of the city, allowing you to plan your itinerary with ease. See iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul's Cathedral, among others. Complete your London experience with a Thames River cruise that takes you from Westminster to Tower Pier. Take your time time and explore the famous sights, enjoy a relaxing walk in one of London's parks, and visit charming neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Brick Lane. Your pass is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the first validation, allowing you to hop on and off the bus as many times as you want during that period.

London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour

London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the royal sights in London. See top sights like St. James's Palace, Clarence House, and The Mall. Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Buckingham Palace and dive into the royal residence with the official palace audio guide. Meet your guide near Buckingham Palace and head out on a guided walking tour of the most royal part of London. Hear fascinating background information about the Palace and the royal family, as well as the magnificent St. James's Palace, which was built by Henry VIII. Visit the beautiful St. James's Park, and the Mall which was built to resemble a giant red carpet leading up to the Palace. Pass by Clarence House which was home to Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Enter the grand halls of Buckingham Palace which is open to visitors for a limited time each year. Get tickets that will give you guaranteed access with no time wasted waiting in line. Marvel at the lavish apartments, sparkling chandeliers, and sumptuous furnishings. View some of the greatest treasures of the Royal Collection, such as exquisite pieces of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Using the official palace audio guide, learn about the palace residents, history, and traditions, as well as stories about the furnishings and ornaments. Many of these items were gifts over the centuries from heads of state from around the globe.

London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience

London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience

Journey through London's royal palaces and verdant parks, where captivating stories await, on this walking tour. Stroll past Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, Clarence House, Whitehall, and Westminster Abbey. See the Changing of the Guards (takes place on select days) and witness the Horse Guard Parade (this takes place daily). Uncover the Secrets of St. James's Palace and more. Discover the hidden tales of St. James's Palace, once home to the notorious King Henry VIII, and the poignant setting of King Charles I's final night before his fateful execution. Continue to Lancaster House and the world-renowned Buckingham Palace, formerly known as Buckingham House. Additionally, visit Clarence House, the official residence of His Majesty, King Charles III. Walk through Green Park, Whitehall, and Westminster Abbey, concluding near Westminster Station, conveniently located across from the iconic Big Ben. Finally, witness the Changing of The King's Guard ceremony, marking the moment when the soldiers currently on duty, the Old Guard, exchange places with the New Guard. Please note, Changing of the Guard only takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, weather permitting. This takes place everyday throughout June and July (subject to change).

London: Children's Bus Tour with Commentary

London: Children's Bus Tour with Commentary

Join the bus at the meeting point and be whisked around London. Head past some of the main sights of the British capital on a non-stop tour that is specially designed for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Learn about the history of the major landmarks from the live kid-friendly commentary. The onboard guide will provide stories and insights to captivate children’s imaginations.  Drive past the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Pall Mall, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street, and many more and more on this bus tour. Additionally, get free access to the open-top double-decker bus app allowing you to locate the main attractions, locate the point of departure, prepare your visit ahead, and enjoy self-guided walking tours.

London: Royal Walking Tour with Palace or Mews Options

London: Royal Walking Tour with Palace or Mews Options

Discover fascinating history and stories on a royal walking tour of London and explore the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace's working stables, to get up close to the iconic Gold State Coach (if option choosen at time of booking) or head into the inner sanctuary within the walls and gates of Buckingham Palace. The spectacular State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open for only a few short months each year and on these dates, you have full access (if option choosen at time of booking) With the option of the Royal Mews see the instantly recognizable Gold State Coach, used by Queen Elizabeth II to travel to Westminster Abbey on her Coronation Day in 1953. It was also featured in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrating her seventy-year reign. More recently it took pride of place at the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the Royal Mews at your own pace with the informative audio guide. With the option of the Palace State Rooms venture inside the exquisite Royal State Rooms with an audio guide and explore a collection of ornate 19th-century salons and galleries. See the lavishly decorated White Drawing Room, where the King and Royal Family gather before official events. The regal Throne Room holds the Chairs of Estate, recently used for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Even more magnificent spaces await on your tour of Buckingham Palace that are still used by the Royal Family to entertain guests. The introduction to the Royal Mews is of course your royal walking tour of London beginning outside Buckingham Palace. Your guide will give you and your small group a crash course in regal life. Continue through Green Park and stop outside Clarence House, a 19th-century estate that the most recent royals have called home. Then, head further back in time to St. James’s Palace, used as a royal residence for over 300 years up until the reign of Queen Victoria and a working palace to this day. Next, follow the path of many a royal procession as you stroll down The Mall, the instantly recognizable route running alongside St. James’s Park. Listen to stories of events commemorated in history books that used this very route, from royal weddings to coronations and Jubilee celebrations. Pop into St. James’s Park, the city’s oldest Royal Park, whose history has been shaped by monarchs since the 16th century. Pop into St. James’s Park, the city’s oldest Royal Park, and then pass by Wellington Barracks, home to the royal Foot Guards on duty in the area. Your tour of the Royal Mews or of the Palace’s Royal State Rooms (optional at time of booking) follows your guided walking tour.

London: Walking Tour with Westminster & Change of the Guard

London: Walking Tour with Westminster & Change of the Guard

Combine two of London's bucket list attractions in one morning by joining our local expert on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, followed by attending the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at the square adjacent to Buckingham Palace! Kickstart your day with skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey. Explore this imposing Gothic Cathedral and walk where many kings and queens have before you. Learn about the royal weddings that have taken place here, visit Charles Dickens' tomb in Poets' Corner, and immerse yourself in the extensive history of London. After your visit, we'll head to Buckingham Palace, home to the Royals and the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy. Marvel at the iconic palace balcony and learn about its current residents while awaiting the commencement of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The soldiers of the King's Guard are renowned for their iconic bearskin hats, striking tunics, and military precision. As the guards exchange places, enjoy the unfolding grandeur while your guide explains the historical significance of the ceremony. *Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.

London: Classic Gold 3.5-Hour Bike Tour

London: Classic Gold 3.5-Hour Bike Tour

Enjoy a 3.5-hour bike ride around the classic sights of London to see many of the city’s most historic sites. Meet your guide, then head off on your ride, hosted by London's original guided bicycle sightseeing tour. Starting at Big Ben, admire the Houses of Parliament across the river, and continue past Lambeth Palace to cross Lambeth Bridge. Cycle past small red brick houses lining the streets, which offer an enchanting contrast to the imposing historical monuments. Appreciate the belfry of Westminster Abbey. Then cycle over to St. James’s Park. Catch the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Then head back to central London to walk safely through Trafalgar Square, with Lord Nelson looking down from his column. Cycle over to Covent Garden, and take a break to watch some street theater in the market’s central piazza. Then, climb back on your bike for the ride through London’s legal district, and over to the colorful Leather Lane Market and Smithfield’s Market, London’s lively meat market. Pass Wren’s amazing St Paul’s Cathedral, and cross back to the south side of the Thames on the famous Westminster Bridge for the end of the tour.

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What people are saying about St. James's Park

Overall rating

4.7
(2,560 reviews)

Natalie provided an interesting and amusing commentary. Very very impressive ability to walk backwards for long distances whilst communicating with tour attendees.

Sue had a great depth of knowledge about the history of English monarchies and the local points of interest. Sue was very friendly with a great sense of humour.

We really liked Lucía's level of knowledge about the places and the stories she told us. She was very pleasant in her dealings and attentive to everyone.

We had our tour with Ulrich and it was really great. You get interesting background information about Westminster Abbey. We would book it again!

Pleasant visit and very kind guide who explains things