The Tube is as much an iconic part of London as the River Thames and the semi-permanent miserable weather. But did you know that many of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions are actually within a very easy walking distance of each other? Here’s some of my favourite routes, guaranteed to run your phone battery flat and tick off a big chunk of your to-do list.
Tower Bridge
Tower of London to Brick Lane –Skyscrapers and Vintage Markets
• Start at the Tower of London to take in the crown jewels before glancing over to the UK’s most Instagrammed attraction: Tower Bridge.
• Head north up through Fenchurch Street to spot a few of London’s famously nicknamed skyscrapers: The Walkie Talkie, The Cheesegrater, and The Gherkin.
• Veer east to shop at the eclectic and varied Spitalfields Market, full of food, fashion and music.
• Keep going and take a peek at Great Eastern Street to spy some of East London’s famous street art and further down you can rummage around Boxpark, a shopping area built out of old shipping containers.
• Turn down Redchurch Street for some of the area’s best independent retailers and cafes, before finally hitting the top of Brick Lane.
View of the pod at top of the London Eye
The Shard to London Eye – A Historical Walk Along the River
• The Shard is London’s tallest building and is situated next to the city’s most famous food market, Borough.
• Eat everything and walk it off by setting out towards the river and heading west, first coming to the Golden Hinde, the replica of the famous ship used in the 1700s to circumnavigate the globe, overlooked by Southwark Cathedral.
• Eventually, you’ll hit Shakespeare’s theatre, The Globe. and then head on down towards the vibrant Southbank area. Full of restaurants, markets, a man-made beach (in summer), and the wonderful National Theatre, it is an artistic hub which is home to some of London’s best street performers.
Buckingham Palace
Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace – Royals and Politicians
• Marvel at the beautiful architecture and don’t forget to pop into Westminster Abbey right next door.
• Walk up Whitehall and spot the gates of 10 Downing Street then keep going up to Horseguards Parade, complete with mounted police for security.
• Up ahead you’ll see the imposing Nelson’s Column, sat in the middle of Trafalgar Square, home to the artwork of the Fourth Plinth and the National Gallery.
• Turning left takes you on to the beautiful Pall Mall – the famous road leading up to Buckingham often lined with patriotic flags.
• Take a detour onto St James’s Park, one of the gorgeous royal parks, to escape the crowds. On the edge of the park is Buckingham Palace and remember to look for a Union Jack flag – if it’s flying, it means the Queen is in residence.
©Photos Courtesy of Terri Lundberg
