St. James' Square
St. James' Square
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The area
Neighbourhood: St. James's
Perennially fashionable since the days of Henry VIII, the aristocratic “Clubland” of St James's is a premier destination for high end craft and bespoke design. Here you’ll lose count of the Royal Warrants (which indicate that the Royal Family patronizes the establishment) seen in shop front windows, even during a short stroll to bordering Green Park or St James’s Park. With the brightly lit and constantly buzzing junction of Piccadilly Circus at its northeast corner and none of Central London too far away, this is an surprisingly central and accessible part of town, especially given its prosperous demeanor.
How to get there
- Piccadilly Circus • 5 min walk
- Green Park • 7 min walk
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4.0
37 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
21
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
0
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phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA16,977 contributions
Aug 2022
St James's Square has the distinction of being the only square in the St James's district of the City of Westminster. It is a garden square. The Gardens are maintained and cared for by the St James's Square Trust, which receives its financial support from the owners of the surrounding buildings.
The Trust was established by the Saint James' Square: Rates Act of 1726 (12 Geo. 1 c. 25), which authorized the freeholders to raise a rate on themselves to "clean, adorn and beautify" the square. This was the earliest statute passed to regulate a London square and is the only one still in unamended operation.
The gardens are normally open to the public on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm but are kept locked and accessible only to freeholders and residents at other times.
There are several interesting monuments and statues in the garden including “Mother & Child” by Rebecca Hawkins, and the equestrian statue of William III by John Bacon Junior.
The Trust was established by the Saint James' Square: Rates Act of 1726 (12 Geo. 1 c. 25), which authorized the freeholders to raise a rate on themselves to "clean, adorn and beautify" the square. This was the earliest statute passed to regulate a London square and is the only one still in unamended operation.
The gardens are normally open to the public on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm but are kept locked and accessible only to freeholders and residents at other times.
There are several interesting monuments and statues in the garden including “Mother & Child” by Rebecca Hawkins, and the equestrian statue of William III by John Bacon Junior.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,724 contributions
July 2020
The Georgians knew how to plan cities, with private residences planned around large green squares, of which St James's Square is one, with its maintenance funded through a levy on the clubs, offices and other buildings around it.
It is an expansive landscaped square with an equestrian statue of King William III at the centre and other more contemporary sculptures in the gardens.
It is only a short walk from Christie's which I had visited in the morning, so was a good spot to enjoy lunch bought in a nearby takeaway outlet and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the gardens.
It is an expansive landscaped square with an equestrian statue of King William III at the centre and other more contemporary sculptures in the gardens.
It is only a short walk from Christie's which I had visited in the morning, so was a good spot to enjoy lunch bought in a nearby takeaway outlet and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the gardens.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel_Louise_2013
Quebec City, Canada28,297 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This square-shaped square was built after the restoration of British royalty (King Charles II; 1630-1685; reigned 1660-1685). It owes its name to St James Hospital, a leper hospital which in the Middle Ages occupied the current site of St James's Palace in which Charles II was born. In 1720, the houses built all around the square accommodated dukes, counts and barons (still superb residences and office buildings today). Originally this square was paved with stone and the center was occupied by a large pool of water (150 feet in diameter), which was filled in 1853. An equestrian statue of King William III was installed on a plinth at the center of the park in 1808 (it is still there). The square was transformed into gardens (lawn, shrubs and lime trees) in 1817 according to plans by John Nash (1752-1835), town planner and appointed architect to King George IV. Used for allotments during the Second World War, this enclosed garden park is today open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is an unusual calm in the heart of London. Very beautiful in April.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,358 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I feel that this square is undisputedly one of the most elegant piazza of London. It is well landscaped. There are lovely mansions with Georgian architecture around it. The proportions of this square are very precise. For many years it was the most fashionable area of London. Many famous and infamous people resided here. From Dukes to Admirals, from Architects to Builders, from Prime Ministers to Writers all type of renowned people dwelled here. The grand houses were designed by masters like Edwin Lutyens and Robert Adams. There is a well crafted statue of King William in St James's Square.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,042 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
One of London's poshest squares a short walk from Jermyn Street. You won't find any shops here however. The central gardens are not open all of the time but this will not detract from your visit. The surrounding impressive buildings include a couple of private member's clubs, the London Library and the well known Chatham House think tank.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,042 contributions
May 2022
This is one of London's smartest and poshest squares - more commercial than residential. You will likely walk through it if visiting Piccadilly and St James. The main attraction is the private garden in the centre. It is open only on weekdays but is peaceful and very well tended. The foliage resembles that of a sub-tropical garden with a high canopy shading the area. A great place to have a rest or lunch whilst admiring the sculptures.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olibot
Bishop Auckland, UK1,250 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
A lovely little garden area to while away some time. Probably very nice on a warm sunny day. Unfortunately not this day!
Written 31 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳
Pittsburgh, PA127,306 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
St James square is a nice place to take a walk and look at the many beautiful statues and sites. I would suggest spending 30 minutes.
Written 27 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric_the_Bish
Plymouth, UK903 contributions
May 2018 • Business
I just came across the garden as I was on my way to have lunch with a friend - I was a little too early, so was most happy to find such a pleasant place to sit down and read my book for 20 minutes. By no means busy.
Written 29 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigHugh51
Adelaide, Australia3,628 contributions
July 2017 • Couples
We were heading towards the Duke of York column from Piccadilly, when we came upon St. James' Square.
At this time, it was raining quite steadily and we were huddled under an umbrella. Consequently, we only had the opportunity for a quick stroll through the square and its gardens.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and would a lovely spot to spend some time on a warm, sunny day. During our brief visit, the gardens were deserted due to the rain.
One would imagine that on a fine day the square would be a popular spot due to its central location!
At this time, it was raining quite steadily and we were huddled under an umbrella. Consequently, we only had the opportunity for a quick stroll through the square and its gardens.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and would a lovely spot to spend some time on a warm, sunny day. During our brief visit, the gardens were deserted due to the rain.
One would imagine that on a fine day the square would be a popular spot due to its central location!
Written 20 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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