Explore our London guide to our favourite gems near The Ritz London for a variety of quintessentially beautiful parks & historic locations. 

Become a Ritz London local with this London city guide to our favourite gems around St James’s. From beautiful parks to historic locations and one‑of‑a‑kind shops full of artisanal craftsmanship, one can wander the picturesque streets, relax in the park or shop like a queen at the many Royal Warrant holding retailers who directly supply the royal households. Whether you have an afternoon, a day or a week to explore, exploring our local neighbourhood is a quintessentially British experience. 

Buckingham Palace

The London residence of His Majesty The King, Buckingham Palace holds a dear place in the heart of the British public. While the interiors may be reserved for royalty and state events, the exterior public forecourt and The Mall are a focal point for people to gather at national moments of celebration. Time your visit for just before 11 am to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Royal Green Park

The back garden of The Ritz London, Green Park, lives up to its verdant name. Wander the avenues of towering trees to connect to Buckingham Palace or head west along the flower‑lined walkways towards Hyde Park Corner. Want to become a true local? Take a moment to lie down and sunbathe on the green grass with a picnic or book by your side.

Burlington Arcade

One of London’s earliest covered shopping arcades, this 179 m long walkway is lined with stores selling luxury perfumes, jewellery, antiques, accessories and more. Guarded by the Burlington Arcade Beadles, the oldest and smallest police force in the world, who one can easily spot in their traditional uniform of a top hat, waistcoat and tails, a walk through is a stroll back in time.

Jermyn Street Paxton & Whitfield

With a rich history dating back to 1664, this one-way street full of traditional shop fronts celebrates more Royal Warrant holders than any other area in London. Most well known for its offerings of gentlemanly attire, the street is also home to artisanal shops, galleries, restaurants, and food merchants, including Paxton & Whitfield, which is an absolute haven for cheese lovers. A supplier to the British Royal Family since the reign of Queen Victoria, visit here for the best cheese selections, accompaniments and accessories. Their friendly team is on hand to help guide visitors through the best daily offerings and create a bespoke selection to enjoy at home or for a special event.

Fortnum & Mason

The most impressive of grocery department stores, Fortnum & Mason is a Royal Warrant-holding British institution, standing at 181 Piccadilly for over 300 years. Most famous for its wonderful window displays and iconic clock, chocolate truffles, delicious confectionary, and luxurious hampers, the store is spread over four floors and sells everything from fresh produce to exotic perfumes.

St James’s Galleries

Along the charming streets of Duke St, Bury St and Ryder St in St James’s, you will find the highest concentration of art galleries in the UK. From the leading contemporary gallery White Cube to Chris Beetles Gallery specialising in British watercolours, illustrations, oil paintings and cartoons, these independent galleries are free to view and appreciate the art or purchase from if you’re in the market to buy.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, the family‑run Berry Bros. & Rudd, has operated from the same St James’s location at 63 Pall Mall since 1698. Since the reign of King George III, the official wine supplier to the British Royal Family, you can visit this historic location to peruse the extensive collection or attend a tutored tasting at their on‑site Wine School.

Maison Assouline

Step into Maison Assouline’s Piccadilly townhouse and be transported away by their stunning collections of luxurious coffee table books covering everything from fashion to travel to art and history. A lifestyle concept showcasing exquisite objects and furniture, you can find unique antiques and vintage pieces available for sale amongst the beautiful books.

Lock & Co. Hatters

Established in 1676 and considered the oldest hat shop in the world, this family‑owned business is revered for its centuries‑old craftsmanship, exclusive designs and iconic hatbox! Their innovative designs have graced the heads of some of the most significant figures in history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, and their exquisite hats are regular fixtures throughout the British summer season. Setting the hatting benchmark, Lock & Co has a range of timeless styles, core classics and celebrated hats such as the Bowler, Panama, Trilby and Fedora. Visit the Lock & Co. Hatters St James’s location to shop the collections in-store or order a bespoke piece.

The Wolseley

A grand all‑day café in London, The Wolseley combines British heritage with European grandeur. Open all day and serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the menu is as beautifully presented as the spectacular interiors, designed by English architect William Curtis Green in 1921 as a prestigious car showroom before becoming a bank in 1921.