Royal Parks, The Mall, Buckingham & St James’s Palace - 2.3 km Route
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Route Overview
Start: Piccadilly Circus Station
Finish: Green Park Station
Distance: 2.3 km
Estimated Time: 12-20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Early morning weekendsTerrain: Roads and park paths, some crowded areas
Notable: Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, The Mall, Changing of the Guard
Best For: Royal palaces, ceremonial routes, parks, grand architecture, Changing of the Guard
Quick Links
Maps: Google Map | Strava Map
Video: High-Speed Route Preview
Virtual Tour: 360° Interactive Map
Previous Route: Covent Garden, London Eye, Big Ben, Leicester Square – 5.7 km
The Experience
This route takes you from Piccadilly Circus to Green Park, past two royal palaces, two royal parks, and famous London landmarks. This area was once known as the Court of St James and served the royal St James's Palace at the end of Pall Mall, and later Buckingham Palace.
The route is lined with fine examples of English architecture, wide streets, and grand buildings leading to the royal palaces and their adjoining gardens—St James's Park and Green Park. This is Royal London, where ceremony, tradition, and pageantry continue daily.
From gentlemen's clubs on Pall Mall to the sovereign's official residence, this is a journey through the heart of establishment Britain.
Your Three Layers of Discovery
This self-guided route gives you everything you need to explore at your own pace, all in one place:
Familiarisation Guide – Core route information to get you started confidently
Sightseeing Guide – Points of interest, history, and 360° virtual tours to deepen your understanding
Connoisseur's Guide – Places to eat, drink, explore, plus 'add-on' routes
The Familiarisation Guide
Essential information to help you become familiar with the route before you arrive.
Maps
Use the Google and Strava maps below to stay on track. They show your location relative to the route, helping you explore confidently without getting lost.
Please note: These don't provide turn-by-turn directions—we want you present and alert, using your senses, not glued to your screen.
The Google map shows the main route in red
Both maps will open in a new tab.
High-Speed Route Preview (4:00)
See the route from a runner's perspective—as if you were sprinting at over 40 km/h. Watch this before you go to familiarise yourself visually with what's ahead.
What to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Stride:
Early morning, especially weekends, when there are no crowds, the light is at its best, and you have the rest of the day ahead of you.
Changing of the Guard:
At Buckingham Palace, normally occurs at 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The New Guard arrives from St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks at approximately 10:45.
The Mall on Sundays:
Closed to traffic during the day, making it perfect for a peaceful stride.
Terrain Notes:
Some of the route is on roads, and pavements can be busy around Piccadilly Circus. It will be crowded around Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard.
Accessibility:
The area around Buckingham Palace can be crowded, with some uneven areas within Green Park.
Top Tip:
Have this guide and your chosen map (Google or Strava) available on your mobile for quick reference.
The Sightseeing Guide
Once you know the route, dive deeper into the stories and sights that make this stride special.
Key Sights Along the Way
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly and Jermyn Street
Waterloo Place
Pall Mall
St James's Palace
The Mall
St James's Park
Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace
Green Park
Explore the gallery below for photos, history, and the stories behind each location.
360° Virtual Tour
Step into the route before you stride it—or relive your experience afterwards. Click the map below to explore interactive 360° views at key locations along the way.
The virtual tour opens in a new tab with a map showing all 360° locations. Click any location icon to be transported to that spot.
The Connoisseur's Guide
Know the route well? Time to become a connoisseur. Discover the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the surrounding area.
Where to Eat & Drink - Key Dining Areas:
Shepherd Market and Piccadilly Circus – Largest and most varied selection
South Mayfair – Quality options
Piccadilly and St James's – Historic venues
Around Hyde Park Corner – Five-star hotels and high-end venues
Things to Do
Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket:
Many theatres, cinemas, and entertainment venues
St James's Park Area:
Changing of the King's Life Guard
ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)
Mall Galleries
Guards Museum
Horse Guards Museum
Buckingham Palace:
Changing of the Guard
The Queen's Gallery
The Royal Mews
State Rooms and Gardens tours (summer only)
St James's Park:
Fantastic walking and relaxation spot
Wildlife and lakeside views
Route Extensions
Three extensions help you explore Royal London more thoroughly:
The St James Piccadilly Loop – 1.1 km
Historic churches and elegant streets.
St James's Park Loop – 1.3 km
Complete circuit of the royal park.
Shepherd Market Loop – 1.2 km
Hidden village in Mayfair.
Main route in red, extensions in blue. Detailed guides and videos coming soon.
Follow-On Routes
Continue Your Journey:
Ready for the next stride? Try the Luxury Shopping - Green Park to Oxford Circus – 1.4 km route.
