Are you ready to discover London's most iconic landmarks and scenic views on foot? Lace up your most comfortable walking shoes because we have the perfect itinerary.
Lisbeth is part of our travel consultant team. London was her beloved home for over 25 years and she still enjoys exploring in the city. The City of London and Farringdon are two of her preferred spots due to the wealth of history present in these areas.
In just two hours, you can explore some of London's most famous attractions, including Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. We've carefully curated this itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your time in the city.
Duration: +/- 4 hours
Highlights: Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Birdcage Walk, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, Westminster Bridge & London Eye, South Bank Centre, Book Stalls of Waterloo Bridge, OXO Tower, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Cannon Street & City of London, Monument, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Dickens Inn
Trafalgar Square is where our walking tour begins. This iconic landmark is steeped in history and features a towering column topped by Admiral Nelson's statue. But that's not all; Trafalgar Square is also known for its resident pigeons. In addition to the many feathered friends, you'll also find the National Gallery located here.
Next, we'll stroll down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace. This route is in honour of Queen Victoria, who was known for her love of the area. If you're lucky enough to be in London during the summer months, you can catch the daily Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, which takes place at 10.45 AM. If you're visiting during the rest of the year, don't worry - you can still witness this iconic ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
From Buckingham Palace, our tour takes us to the picturesque Birdcage Walk. This delightful pathway has a rich history - Samuel Pepys even mentioned it in his 1600s writings. The name of the walk itself dates back even further, to the reign of King James I. As we make our way down Birdcage Walk, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views of St. James's Park and the abundance of greenery surrounding us.
Our next stop on the tour is the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece that has played host to an incredible 39 coronations since 1066. The sheer grandeur and beauty of this magnificent building will leave you speechless, and it's a must-see on any visit to London. From the intricate stonework to the towering spires, every detail of Westminster Abbey is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the people who built it.
As we continue, we'll soon encounter one of the city's most iconic landmarks - the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (also known as Elizabeth Tower). The Houses of Parliament is the home of British politics, where the country's most important decisions are made. Meanwhile, the towering Big Ben clock tower stands proud next door, casting its shadow over the city below. Seeing these two impressive buildings standing side-by-side is truly a sight to behold, and it's no wonder they're a popular tourist destination.
Crossing over Westminster Bridge is an experience in itself, with its iconic structure that has been in place since 1750. As you step onto the South Bank, you'll soon come across another must-visit attraction - the London Eye. The towering Ferris wheel was built for the millennium, and it has since become one of the city's most popular places to visit. A ride in one of its capsules is well worth it for the panoramic views of the city, although the queues can be a bit daunting.
Our next stop on the tour is the vibrant South Bank Centre, a hub of cultural activity in the heart of London. This lively area is known for its summer events, which draw in crowds from all over the world. From music festivals to outdoor performances, there's always something happening at the South Bank Centre. But even if you're not here during the summer months, the area is still a great place to relax and unwind. You can enjoy a leisurely picnic on the grassy banks of the Thames or take a moment to sit and soak up the atmosphere. With its stunning views of the river and the city skyline, the South Bank Centre is a must visit.
As we continue our walk along the South Bank, we'll soon discover one of the area's hidden gems - the book stalls under Waterloo Bridge. This collection of secondhand booksellers is a paradise for any book lover, offering everything from vintage pieces to modern bestsellers. You can easily spend hours browsing the shelves, chatting with friendly vendors, and soaking up the unique atmosphere of this quirky spot. And even if you're not a big reader, the book stalls are still well worth a visit for their vibrant energy and undeniable charm.
Continuing along the South Bank, we'll soon find the OXO Tower and Tate Modern. The OXO Tower is a true city symbol, with its sleek Art Deco design and stunning riverside location. It's a great spot to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat and take in the views of the Thames. And just a stone's throw away is Tate Modern, one of London's most popular art galleries. With its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, this museum is a must-visit for any art lover. Take your time exploring the galleries, and don't forget to snap a photo or two of the iconic OXO Tower.
Next, we’ll approach two more iconic landmarks - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Millennium Bridge. The Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the original theatre where Shakespeare's plays were first performed over four centuries ago. You can catch a show here or simply take a tour to learn more about the rich history of this beloved institution. And just a short walk away is the Millennium Bridge, a stunning pedestrian suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Crossing the bridge is an unforgettable experience, with the river Thames stretching out beneath you and some of London's most famous landmarks visible in the distance.
Our next stop on this walking tour of London is St. Paul's Cathedral, a true masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This impressive cathedral has played a vital role in the city's history, serving as the site of numerous important events, including the funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. A visit to St. Paul's is a must for any visitor to London, with its breathtaking interior, stunning dome, and rich history. Explore the cathedral, from the awe-inspiring Whispering Gallery to the ornate Golden Gallery at the top of the dome.
Walk along Cannon Street through the historic "City of London". This is one of the city's oldest parts and a true testament to London's rich history, with old and contemporary buildings standing side by side. It's a fascinating area to explore, with plenty of hidden gems and historical sites waiting to be discovered.
Our next stop is The Monument that marks a pivotal event in the city's history. The Monument, located in the heart of the City of London, is a tribute to the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed much of the city and left thousands homeless. The Monument is a striking piece of architecture, with a stunning spiral staircase that winds its way up to a breathtaking viewing platform at the top. From here, you can take stunning views of the city skyline and reflect on the resilience of London and its people in the face of disaster.
Our walking tour of London takes us further along Lower Thames Street, and we soon find ourselves at one of the city's most iconic landmarks - The Tower of London. This historic fortress has stood for over 900 years and is home to many fascinating stories and legends. Here, you can observe the famous ravens that roam the grounds (and are said to protect the tower) and interact with the Beefeaters - the ceremonial guardians of the tower who have been a fixture here since the 16th century. But the real highlight of any visit to the Tower of London is undoubtedly the chance to see the Crown Jewels housed in ancient prison buildings. These glittering treasures have been part of the British monarchy for centuries and are a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the royal family.
From here we’ll see Tower Bridge, a beautiful example of Victorian engineering and has been a beloved landmark of the city since its completion in 1894. But we're not quite finished yet! Just a short walk away, we come across St. Katharine Docks - a charming marina surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a long day of exploring London. So why not treat yourself to a refreshing drink or a delicious meal while taking in the sights and sounds of this peaceful marina?
Our final stop on this London walk brings us to the famous Dickens Inn, an 18th-century pub with a rich history and plenty of character. This charming establishment is located in the heart of St. Katharine Docks and is the perfect place to end our two-hour journey through London. Whether you're looking for a pint of ale, a hearty meal, or simply a cosy spot to rest your feet, the Dickens Inn has something to offer everyone. So, sit back, relax, and soak up the atmosphere of this iconic London pub - the perfect ending to a perfect day in the city!
