St James's - Sightseeing, London Areas

St James's

The haunt of princes, aristocracy, statesmen and 'The Establishment', St. James's can be found just south of Piccadilly. Lining the sides of St. James's Street and Pall Mall are the numerous gentlemen's clubs where affairs of state are discussed, alliances made and foreign policy discreetly debated. Each club has long waiting lists and the ability to turndown any prospective member without giving any reason. Each also has it's own distinct character: for example, White's Club is the oldest and perhaps grandest with numerous royals as members; the Army & Navy Club is simply for officers and ex-officers from the services; The East India Club is solely for ex-public (aka private) schoolboys; the Reform Club numbers many clerics and liberal politicians amongst its members.

Sitting in the middle of 'Clubland' is St. James's Palace, home to The Prince of Wales, as well as Prince William and Prince Harry when they are away from their studies and The Lord Chamberlain. The palace was begun by Henry VIII in 1532 and is modest in outward appearance. It is not open to the public, although the palace can be glimpsed if you attend one of the daily services in the Private Chapel where music is provided by the stunning voices of the Choristers of the Chapels Royal.

St. James's is also home to some exclusive and historic specialist shops including Berry Bros and Rudd (a fine wine merchant whose cellars are reputedly the largest in London) and James Lock & Son who have been making fine hats for over 300 years. St. James's Park across The Mall provides beautiful vistas of Whitehall and sumptuous floral displays.

Nearest Underground stop: Green Park