St James Travel Guide

London

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A historic archway with intricate stone carvings and a large ornate gate.
A grand building with large arches and a clock tower.

Visit royal residences, acclaimed galleries and one of London’s poshest shops in this central area. Attend a show at historic theatres and hang out in a Royal Park.

Ritzy St. James’s sits between lush parks and Trafalgar Square at the edge of London’s West End. Developed as a residential neighbourhood for British nobility in the 1600s, today it maintains an air of elite sophistication. Visit St. James’s to discover aristocratic and royal residences alongside century-old theatres, gourmet restaurants, high-end retailers and outstanding art exhibitions.

Admire the Tudor-era St. James’s Palace, which is a London residence of the Royal Family. Clarence House is a home of the Prince of Wales and open in August for guided tours. See the lavish rooms of Spencer House, a townhouse built by an ancestor of Princess Diana. Grand Georgian mansions frame leafy St. James’s Square.

Piccadilly street epitomizes the area’s refined retail. Browse for gourmet treats and luxury homeware and enjoy afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. Find a chocolatier, milliner and other artisans at Princes Arcade and bespoke menswear on Jermyn Street. Piccadilly Market presents arts and crafts in the church courtyard of St. James’s Piccadilly.

The galleries of St. James’s cater to a range of tastes. Peruse works by Scottish Colourists at Portland Gallery and contemporary masterpieces at White Cube Mason’s Yard. The Institute of Contemporary Arts is a combined cinema, gallery and theatre.

Book tickets for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Theatre Royal Haymarket puts on plays and musicals for all ages. From British pub food to Italian, Scandinavian and West African flavours, St. James’s Market is an epicurean wonderland.

The lush environment of St. James’s Park is ideal for picnics and enjoying London’s natural side. Spot waterbirds, watch a daily pelican feeding and stroll along crisscrossing pathways. On the park’s north side, The Mall connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. This ceremonial avenue is the setting for parades such as The Changing of the Guard.

St. James’s is served by the Green Park and Piccadilly Circus underground stations plus several public bus lines. Travel here in November for the star-studded Regent Street Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Stay near popular St James attractions

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Fortnum & Mason

You can do some window-shopping at Fortnum & Mason during your trip to London. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed art galleries.
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Things to do

Skip-the-Line London Eye Experience Tickets

Fast Track London Eye Entry Ticket

฿1,946
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Fast Track London Eye Entry Ticket
London Eye Entry Ticket

London Eye Entry Ticket

฿1,283
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
London Eye Entry Ticket
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

฿1,106
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Tower Bridge Admission Tickets

Tower Bridge Admission Tickets

฿796
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Tower Bridge Admission Tickets
City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

฿1,459
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames
Shrek's Adventure Tickets

Shrek's Adventure! London Tickets

฿929
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Shrek's Adventure! London Tickets
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Where to stay in St James

Find the best St James areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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London City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

The exterior of the Covent Garden Market with the Punch & Judy theatre and Central Avenue entrance.

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or London Transport Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

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City of Westminster

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

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Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Theatre.

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Mayfair

Travellers love Mayfair for its popular shops, and you can see more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Oxford Street and Sotheby’s.

St James Travel Guide