St James's

St James's is London at its most formal — flanked by the Palace, the Park and Pall Mall's private members' clubs, it's a neighbourhood of immaculate terraces, auction houses and one of the best parks in the city. It's less visited than adjacent Mayfair or Soho and often overlooked, which makes it a genuinely pleasant area to walk through.

St James's Park

The most beautiful of the Royal Parks and free to enter — pelicans have lived here since 1664 (a gift from the Russian Ambassador) and are fed daily at around 2:30pm near Duck Island. The view from the blue bridge across the lake, looking west toward Buckingham Palace and east toward the London Eye, is one of the most photographed in the city.

The Mall & Clarence House

The Mall — the wide ceremonial road running from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace — is closed to traffic on Sundays and makes for a pleasant walk. Clarence House, the King's London residence alongside Buckingham Palace, opens to visitors in summer.

Jermyn Street

Jermyn Street is famous for traditional English shirts, ties and accessories — shirtmakers that have been trading here since the 18th century alongside perfumers and cheesemongers. Worth a walk-through even without buying.

Getting There

St James's Park station (Circle and District lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria and Piccadilly lines) both sit within the neighbourhood.

Tips for Visiting

• St James's Park is free and particularly beautiful in morning light.
• Watch for the pelican feeding at around 2:30pm near Duck Island.
• The Mall is car-free on Sundays — the best time for a walk from Trafalgar Square to the Palace.