St. James's Palace, one of the oldest royal residences in London, dates back to 1536 and was built by Henry VIII. This remarkable structure features Tudor architecture and serves as a backdrop for various state occasions and ceremonial events. The palace is home to the offices of several members of the royal family and is not open to the public, but its exterior can be admired by visitors. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, St. James's Palace is part of the rich tapestry of British history and remains an important symbol of the monarchy.
What each source says
- Viator 4.3 30,319
- Google Places 4.5 3,550
- Tripadvisor 4.0 158
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient location near other attractions Situated near Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James's Park, the palace is easily accessible. It makes a worthwhile addition to a walking tour of London's royal sites.
- Excellent spot for Changing of the Guard St. James's Palace is a starting point for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Viewing it here offers a less crowded experience compared to Buckingham Palace, with opportunities for closer views.
- Historically significant Tudor architecture As a 16th-century palace commissioned by Henry VIII, St. James's Palace showcases beautiful Tudor red brick design. Its historical importance is palpable, offering a glimpse into British royal heritage.
- Official royal residence St. James's Palace serves as the London residence for some members of the royal family. While not always open, the chance to be invited for special events offers an exclusive experience.
- Opportunity for unique photo opportunities The palace provides a chance to photograph the guards up close. The main entrance gate is dramatic and imposing, and the changing of the guard provides great photos.
Criticised
- Changing of the Guard can be crowded Although less crowded than Buckingham Palace, the area around St. James's Palace can still get busy during the Changing of the Guard. Arriving early is crucial to secure a good viewing spot.
- Exterior may seem underwhelming Some find the architecture less grand compared to Buckingham Palace. If splendor is your priority, the exterior of St. James's Palace might not fully satisfy.
- Interior inaccessible without invitation Unless invited to an event, visitors cannot view the state rooms or other interior features. This limits the experience to an external appreciation of the building.
- Limited photo opportunities While photographs of the guards can be taken, overall, the palace is rather private with no great photo vantage spots. The buildings are well hidden behind a guarded gateway.
- Limited public access St. James's Palace is generally not open to the public for tours. Viewing is mostly limited to the exterior, which may be disappointing for those seeking an in-depth experience.
The longer read
St. James's Palace, built by Henry VIII in the 16th century, holds significant historical importance as the official residence of the sovereign, even though Buckingham Palace is the primary London residence. While not generally open to the public, exceptions exist for official events or guided tours, offering a glimpse into its stunning interior. Many reviewers noted that access is limited unless attending a special event like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award ceremony, which provides a unique opportunity to see the state rooms, art, and historical artifacts. The palace's architecture showcases Tudor origins, with red brickwork and some surviving features from Henry VIII's time. However, some find the exterior less impressive than Buckingham Palace. A key draw for visitors is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. St. James's Palace serves as the starting point for the procession to Buckingham Palace, offering a less crowded and closer view of the guards. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot. Reviewers suggest checking the schedule for the ceremony in advance, as it doesn't occur daily. The palace is conveniently located near other attractions like Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James's Park, making it easy to include in a walking tour of the area. Some reviewers recommend combining a visit to St. James's Palace with a trip to Buckingham Palace to experience the complete Changing of the Guard. Although access to the interior is limited, the historical significance and the Changing of the Guard make St. James's Palace a worthwhile stop for those interested in British royal history. For those unable to enter the palace, the architecture and the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard from a less crowded vantage point offer a unique experience. The palace is still a working royal residence, housing offices and serving as a location for official functions, which adds to its significance.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What are the main historical and architectural highlights of St. James's Palace?
- Can visitors tour the inside of St. James's Palace, and if so, what areas are open to the public?
- Are any royal ceremonies or events held at St. James's Palace that visitors can witness?
- What other interesting attractions are located near St. James's Palace in London?
- When is the best time of year or day to visit St. James's Palace for the best experience?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
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- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.