St James's Travel
St James's, London — London's most elegant royal neighbourhood. St James's Palace has stood for over 300 years; the Changing of the Guard departs from Colour Court towards Buckingham Palace; the National Portrait Gallery holds a millennium of faces; Fortnum & Mason's tea fragrance has drifted for three centuries. A 2-day, 1-night classic tour featuring royal palace visits, artistic exploration, century-old tearooms and gentlemanly shopping experiences.
St James's Two-Day One-Night Classic Tour
Stroll through London's oldest royal neighbourhood, explore St James's Palace and century-old shops, savour Fortnum & Mason's classic afternoon tea, and experience the elegance and history of central London.
Start the morning from Green Park tube station, walk to St James's Palace to admire the Henry VIII-era red brick gatehouse and stationed guards — with luck you may catch the Changing of the Guard departing from Colour Court. Then stroll through St James's Park, following the lakeside path to spot the pelicans (best at 14:30 feeding time), and cross the Blue Bridge for the classic panoramic shot of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Enjoy a light lunch at St James's Café within the park. In the afternoon, head to the National Portrait Gallery for free admission to see portraits from the Tudor dynasty to contemporary celebrities. Summer 2026's special exhibition is "Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait" (4 June – 6 September). Then walk to the Royal Academy of Arts to visit the annual Summer Exhibition (Summer Exhibition 2026, 16 June – 23 August), tickets from £23.50. End your fulfilling first day with dinner at The Wolseley on Piccadilly, enjoying European grand café style cuisine.
- The Stafford London — 5-star boutique hotel
- Sofitel London St James — French luxury
- Haymarket Hotel — Theatre district boutique
- The Wolseley — Classic European Grand Café
- St James's Café — Park lake view light meals
- Franco's — 70-year-old traditional Italian restaurant
- Don't miss the pelican feeding at St James's Park at 14:30
- National Portrait Gallery is free but advance booking recommended
- Blue Bridge is the best spot for classic panoramic London photos
Start the morning with a jog or walk in Green Park, heading from the tree-lined paths towards Piccadilly. Arrive at Fortnum & Mason — the seven-storey emporium at 181 Piccadilly, from the basement teas and preserves to the top-floor Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, experiencing three centuries of British elegance. Enjoy the classic afternoon tea at the fourth-floor Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (advance booking recommended), sampling precisely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and carefully selected teas. Then stroll along Jermyn Street, visiting Floris perfume shop (scents used by Churchill and Oscar Wilde), Lock & Co. hatters, John Lobb handmade shoes and Emma Willis bespoke shirts. Enjoy modern British cuisine at 45 Jermyn St. for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Berry Bros. & Rudd — Britain's oldest wine merchant (founded in 1698), feeling three centuries of wine heritage in the cellars at No.3 St James's Street. Then browse the boutiques of Burlington Arcade. In the evening, select artworks at the market in St James's Church courtyard or enjoy a drink at the ICA bar, bringing your St James's journey to a close.
- Tube: Green Park station (Jubilee/Piccadilly/Victoria lines)
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus station, 5-minute walk
- Tube: Charing Cross station, 8-minute walk
- St James's Palace private tour: £85
- National Portrait Gallery: Free (special exhibitions ticketed)
- Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: £23.50-£25.50
- Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea: from £65
- The Ritz afternoon tea: from £95
- Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea should be booked 2-4 weeks in advance
- St James's Church hosts free lunchtime concerts on Mon/Wed/Fri
- Photography is prohibited inside Burlington Arcade, but window displays are worth lingering over
Must-Try Foods in St James's
Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
The temple of London afternoon tea, located on the fourth floor at 181 Piccadilly. Serves precisely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, delicate pastries accompanied by over 20 varieties of loose-leaf tea. £65-£95 per person. Advance booking recommended; dress code smart casual.
The Ritz Palm Court
One of London's most luxurious afternoon tea experiences, a Michelin-starred restaurant surrounded by crystal chandeliers and marble columns. Serves the classic three-tier afternoon tea with Champagne, accompanied by live harp and piano music. Gentlemen must wear jacket and tie. From £95 per person (£73 for children), five sittings daily.
The Wolseley
A legendary grand café on Piccadilly, named "London's Best Breakfast" by Time Out. Serves European breakfasts, Wiener schnitzel, French onion soup and fine desserts, available all day. Breakfast £7.50-£25.50, main meals £30-£50 per person. Elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
DUKES Bar — Legendary Martini Bar
The inspiration for Ian Fleming's "shaken, not stirred" line, renowned worldwide for its handcrafted martinis. Hidden in a secluded courtyard off St James's Place, velvet seats and dim lighting evoke a 007 film atmosphere. £25-£40 per person — the most enchanting evening spot in St James's.
- May-September: Park flower beds in bloom, comfortable outdoor dining
- June-August: During the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
- Weekdays (Tue-Thu): Fewer crowds at galleries and shops
- Fortnum & Mason classic three-tier afternoon tea
- The Wolseley breakfast or all-day brunch
- Franco's lobster linguine with New York sour cocktail
- DUKES Bar handcrafted martini
- St James's Church courtyard market artisan foods
- Tickets: £25-£50 (galleries free + special exhibitions/tours)
- Accommodation: £150-£350/night (5-star boutique hotels)
- Dining: £45-£80/day (including afternoon tea + main meal)
- Transport: £5-£10 (mostly tube/walking)
- Total: £120-£280
- Can I go inside St James's Palace? → Mostly closed to the public; you can join a £85 private tour or attend Sunday service at the chapel
- Does Fortnum & Mason require reservations? → Afternoon tea recommended 2-4 weeks in advance; shopping no reservation needed
- Can I taste wine at Berry Bros. & Rudd? → Tasting experiences can be booked; cellar tours require prior arrangement
- Are there toilets in St James's Park? → Yes, located on the east side and near The Mall entrance