St. James's Palace
Marlborough Road, London, Greater London, SW1A 1BQ
Commissioned by King Henry VIII, St. James’s Palace has been a royal residence for centuries and the site of notable events, such as Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert. Today, the official palace houses members of the royal family and often hosts receptions, state visits, and grand ceremonies, though you can now peek inside on an exclusive tour. Much of the original Tudor brickwork remains, making it popular among architecture buffs.
The basics
Admire the red-brick facade and tick off other local highlights on a walking tour, with themed itineraries available to suit all ranges of interests. If you’re pressed for time or feeling active, zip between landmarks, including St. James’s Palace, on a running or cycling tour. Independent adventurers can also take advantage of hop-on hop-off busses or virtual guided tours to explore St. James’s Palace, its royal collection, and the surrounding area at their own pace.
Things to know before you go
St. James’s Palace’s interior and grounds are mostly off-limits to the public, with the exception of the adjacent Queen’s Chapel and Clarence House. So, St. James’s Palace tickets are not available.
The palace is popular with history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and fans of the modern royal family.
Pall Mall, the historic street running in front of St. James’s Palace, was once the site of a royal ball game and remains a key part of London’s royal heritage.
Entry isn’t possible, so bring a coat or umbrella during rainy months.
The area’s wide paths and flat surfaces are mostly wheelchair-friendly.
How to get there
Green Park and St. James’s Park are the nearest underground stations, each around a 10-minute walk away. Green Park station is also served by bus numbers 8, 9, 14, 19, 22, and 38, as well as hop-on hop-off services. As you’re unlikely to spend more than 15 minutes admiring the structure, it’s worth taking advantage of tours offering round-trip transfers to optimize your time.
When to get there
Clarence House, the official residence of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, adjoins St. James’s Palace and opens to visitors each August. Visitors can also attend Sunday service in the Queen’s Chapel, which was once part of the palace and now lies just on the other side of Marlborough Road.
A tale of two palaces
In 1762, King George III was concerned that St. James’s Palace was too small for his new family. He and his wife moved to neighboring Buckingham House, where 14 of their 15 children were born. His sons later developed the house into a palace. However, it was only when his great-granddaughter, Queen Victoria I, came to the throne that Buckingham Palace became the iconic royal residence that we know today, which is open to visitors every summer.
Ways to explore
St. James’s Palace opened to the public for the first time in 2025, providing 90-minute tours in April and May. See the Royal Collection Trust website for information on tickets and to receive updates on availability.
Even if you can’t go inside, you can still admire the red-brick facade and tick off other local highlights on a royal walking tour—or zip between landmarks on a running or cycling tour. Independent adventurers can also take advantage of hop-on, hop-off buses or virtual guided tours to explore St. James’s Palace.
Accessibility
The palace is accessible, but you need to book a step-free tour in advance by contacting the venue.
Age limits
None
What to pack
You can’t take large luggage into the palace, and there’s no storage on-site, so bring a small bag.
What to wear
There’s no dress code for St. James’s Palace, though tours involve walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes.
Not allowed
Photography, eating or drinking
Amenities
There are no restrooms at St. James’s Palace.
Address
St. James’s Palace is on Marlborough Road, just a street away from St. James’s Park, with its peaceful lake and lush greenery. It’s a good attraction to combine with Buckingham Palace, just a 5-minute walk away.
Driving
Leave the car at home to visit St. James’s Palace, as parking is limited in this part of central London. The area has plenty of bikeshare docks and cycle paths if you want to pedal there.
Public transportation
The nearest London Underground station to St. James’s Palace is Green Park, on the blue Victoria and silver Jubilee lines of the tube. The number 19 bus also stops nearby.
Best times to visit
If you’d like to take crowd-free photos outside the palace, your best bet is arriving early in the morning, before rush hour begins at 8am.
Best days to visit
Visit St. James’s Palace on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, as the Changing of the Guard takes place nearby at Buckingham Palace.
Best months to visit
Tours of the palace have only taken place for a limited time; tickets are available up to two months in advance and tend to sell out fast. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for updates.
Special events
The palace is the backdrop to many of the Trooping the Colour celebrations, which take place in June to celebrate the King’s birthday.
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