Every city is best seen on foot! Instead of simply checking off all the sights on the Trip Advisor list, you can experience the essence of a city by walking. The architecture, the style, and the energy of a city may be overlooked when rushing from one site to the next. So, instead of experiencing the traffic and congestion of a city, walk to absorb all the niceties.
London is a big town, and there are many walks that are worthwhile. This short walk of 2.5 miles (4.0 km), from the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral, shows major views and unique views of London, and puts you in position for the most sightseeing. This is the first part of my three-part, 6.7-mile (10.8-km) recommended walk.
This walk is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and begins at the London Wall, near the Tower Hill underground station. It is also a short walk from Wombat’s hostel, our recommended London hostel. The London Wall is the largest remaining piece of the Roman wall built around 200 A.D. It’s a landmark, and interested travelers can read about it on the landmark’s signs.
Tower of London
Very nearby is the Tower of London, one of the London must-sees. The Tower is considered the premier among London’s castles. Travelers might be interested in seeing the Crown jewels. I highly recommend taking a tour of the White Tower led by one of the Beefeaters, the guardians of the Tower of London.
You may notice that there are ravens in the tower. The ravens are closely guarded by the Beefeaters, for legend has it that if there are no ravens in the Tower, the country and the monarchy will fall. I highly recommend touring the Tower of London.
St. Katherine Docks
After you’ve toured the Tower of London, cross Tower Bridge Road and head over to St. Katherine Docks for lunch. There you’ll find a lot of restaurants and shopping. Go to CAU Steakhouse for some quality fish and chips (a London standard) and a glass of wine.
There are more shops, more restaurants, and nice yachts to see, but when you’re ready, head across the Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is the most iconic bridge in London.
Tours are available if you’re interested. Otherwise, cross the bridge. Enjoy the views of the Thames.
After you cross the bridge, walk down the stairs to get to the riverside area, a place with a lot of very fancy restaurants. If you just had lunch at St. Katherine Dock, grab a coffee and enjoy the views.
One Tower Bridge is home to some high-class shopping and art. Spend time exploring the area.
River Walk
Stroll along the Thames, enjoying the sights and sounds of the river while viewing the boutique shops, restaurants, and offices.
Once you get to the London Bridge, you won’t be able to walk along the river. Take your walk to Montague Close. This is a very interesting area! Walk through the curvy alleys to get to Clink Street. The Clink Street Prison is one of the most famous prisons in London.
Follow Clink Street to Bank End Place and turn north. This is another good place to just sit and people watch, and it also has more shopping and restaurants.
At Bank End Place, you are now back on the riverbank. Follow the river west until the path ends. Climb the stairs, cross the Southwark Bridge, and continue straight until come to Cannon Street. If you look left, you can see the South Transept (tower) of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral to explore more.
This concludes the first part of the London Walking Tour. It continues at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London Walking Tour, Part 2.
