London Walking Highlights: From Tower Bridge to Westminster

Distances between major landmarks are manageable, and the journey itself reveals layers of history you won’t notice underground.

Walking allows you to:

• Follow the natural flow of the Thames
• See how medieval, royal, and modern London overlap
• Pause easily for photos, cafés, and viewpoints

Most of this route stays flat and clearly signposted.

The fortress is an essential point to your trip. It has served as a royal palace, a treasury, and the site of infamous executions.

Why it matters:

• Home to the Crown Jewels
• Central to royal power and political intrigue
• Still guarded by Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)

The Tower of London is a full experience that warrants its own time. To gain privileged access to the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive, consider pre-booking:

Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony.

or the more intimate: Tower of London & Private Beefeater Encounter Tour.

Start your walk at Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognisable structures. Completed in 1894, it remains a working bridge and a symbol of Victorian engineering. From here, step onto the Thames Path, a riverside walkway that leads west toward the heart of government London.

The Tower Bridge and glass walkway offer elevated views if you want a short detour. For visitors who want a deeper introduction, the Tower Bridge, Engine Rooms & Thames River Cruise pairs the bridge with a relaxed river journey, helping you understand London’s layout before continuing on foot.

Take a short detour just past London Bridge to explore Borough Market. This market has been trading for over a thousand years and is a must-visit for food lovers. Towering above it is The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, representing the city’s 21st-century ambition.

This part of the walk makes the perfect lunch stop. For more foodie tips visit our blog: Best Markets in Europe for Food Lovers: Paris, Dublin, Florence & London.

The South Bank is one of the liveliest stretches of the walk. A large complex housing theaters, art galleries, and performance spaces, usually featuring street performers and food vendors.

You’ll pass:

• Shakespeare’s Globe
• Views of St Pauls and Millenium bridge
• Street performers and pop-up food stalls
• Views toward the London Eye

his pedestrian bridge is a great opportunity to cross the Thames temporarily and visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (the iconic landmark across the river), or just use it for incredible photographs, as its sleek, modern design perfectly frames the baroque dome of St. Paul’s.

Ahead of you:

• The Houses of Parliament
• Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
• Westminster Abbey nearby

This area has shaped British law, monarchy, and global history for centuries.
For visitors wanting context beyond photos, the Best of Westminster Abbey & Buckingham Palace: Exclusive Upper Gallery Tour adds depth to this final stretch.

From Parliament, it’s a short walk through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, the monarch’s official London residence.

If timed correctly, you may catch the Changing of the Guard.

Those interested in royal life often pair this area with our Best of London: Tower of London, Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace & Big Ben tour.

This option works well if you want a guided overview instead of a full self-led walk.

Best Time to Walk – Morning (09:00 – 12:00) to maximize light and beat peak crowds near Borough Market.

Essential Prep – Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, pre-booked tickets for any indoor stops.

Walking In London FAQs

Q: Is the walk suitable for children/prams?
A: Yes. The entire South Bank route is flat, well-paved, and highly accessible, making it suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and cyclists.

Q: Where is the best spot for photos?
A: The top three photo spots are:
1. Millennium Bridge: For a framed shot of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
2. Tower Bridge: For the view back toward The City (skyscrapers).
3. Westminster Bridge: For the definitive view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Q: What is the biggest time-saver on this route?
A: The biggest time-saver is skipping the queues at the Tower of London. Starting your day with  VIP Tower of London Early Access: Crown Jewels & White Tower Tour allows you to see the busiest section of the site efficiently before the crowds peak.

Q: Where should I head next?
A: From Westminster, you can easily access the royal parks (St. James’s Park, Hyde Park) or the royal residence of VIP Kensington Palace & Gardens Royal Tea Crown Experience for an elegant finish to the day.

If you want to explore deeper, compare routes, or plan multiple days, visit the Europe Travel Hub, where all walking routes, themed guides, and tours are organised in one place.