St. James's is one of the most exclusive and expensive districts in London. The home to princes, aristocracy, statesmen and 'The Establishment', St. James can be found just south of Picadilly.

Lining the sides of St. James Street and Pall Mall are the numerous gentleman's clubs where affairs of state are discussed, alliances made and foreign policy discretely debated. Each club has long waiting lists and the ability to turn down 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 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.

Whitehall is a long avenue stretching south from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square. Originally the area was best known for its connections with Royalty for this is the site of Whitehall House, the permanent residence for English Monarchs until it burned down in 1698.

The Mall is the ceremonial route taken by the royal family during ceremonial occasions, and of course, it is here that you will find Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. Even the street names are derived from royalty, for example Birdcage Walk that forms the southern boundary of St. James's Park is named after that James I (1603-25) built there.

St. James 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. Bespoke tailors shops line Jermyn Street, and department stores such as Fortnum and Mason can be found here.