Walking in London – 3 itineraries from Notting Hill to Tower Bridge

One of my readers (hi Robin!) recently emailed me asking how to cram in as much of London as possible in just 24 hours. Naturally, theres no such thing as doing London in a dayI lived there for a year and still didnt see everything!

While London isnt the most walk-friendly city in the conventional sense (many will call me crazy for walking these entire routes), theres something about exploring on foot that just feels right. Especially when youre new to a placewalking Let’s you really see it.

And in London, there are plenty of reasons to swap the Tube for a pair of good shoes:

  • Public transportation is expensiveand often unpredictable. Planned engineering works, anyone?
  • The photo ops are spontaneous and endless. Mews, pub fa?ades, floral doorways Let’s just say the inside of a Tube carriage doesn’t quite compare.
  • Youll probably eat your weight in cake, beer, and chipswalking is an excellent excuse to keep going.

Despite being 15 times bigger than Paris, it’s still possible to hit a good number of major sights on footwith a little planning. And if you’re only in town for a short time, every minute counts.

So Ive mapped out three walking itineraries, each covering a different area of the city. Theyre all routes Ive personally walked, carefully noted for the most beautiful streets and scenic turns. Technically, you could do all three in one day (challenge accepted?), provided you’re wearing the world’s comfiest shoes and are powered by a steady stream of Red Bull. But I recommend taking your time and soaking in the wonder that is London.

Walking in London – Notting Hill to Green Park

Kensington is often my first stop whenever Im in London. Not just because of the movie, but because it’s absurdly pretty. It feels like a Disneyfied version of London: pastel townhouses, tree-lined streets, fashion-forward locals, coffee-sipping mums, and a parade of Instagrammers capturing it all.

  • Marvel at the colourful homes and lavish mansions of Notting Hill.
  • Throw in a coffee or cake stopmy picks:
    • Biscuiteers C 194 Kensington Park Rd
    • Coffee Plant C 180 Portobello Road
    • Hagen Espresso Bar C 63A Ledbury Rd
    • The Notting Hill Bookshop Caf C 15B Blenheim Cres
  • Wander through the serene Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
  • Continue to Kensington Palace and the vast Hyde Park.
  • Admire Queen Victorias legacy at the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.
  • Pop into the spectacular Natural History Museum (even if just for the entrance hall).
  • Hop on the Tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus.

Walking in London – Buckingham Palace to Houses of Parliament

This itinerary takes in some of Londons most iconic landmarksand rightly so. Whats a visit to the UK without a proper dose of royalty? While the route isnt the most direct, it’s undoubtedly the most regal (and photogenic).

  • Start at Piccadilly Circus station and walk to Trafalgar Square. If time allows, pop into the National Portrait Gallerya personal favourite.
  • Cross Admiralty Arch and stroll down Pall Mall.
  • Pause for a moment (or several) in front of Buckingham Palace.
  • Wander through the picturesque St. Jamess Parkbe sure to follow the path along the lake for a picture-perfect view of the Palace framed by trees.
  • Pass the discreet entrance to the Churchill War Roomsand if time permit’s, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
  • Admire the intricate Gothic details of Westminster Abbey.
  • Snap that essential tourist shot with Big Ben in the background.
  • Then hop aboard the Thames Clipper (RB1) at London Eye Pier and cruise to Tower Millennium Piera scenic, underrated way to see the city from the water.

Walking in London – St. Paul’s to Tower Bridge

After a peaceful (and photo-worthy) ride along the Thames, it’s time to explore one of Londons most historic corners: the City of London. Technically it’s own entity and not a borough, this compact district spans more than a thousand years of historyfrom the Tower of London, built in 1078, to the shimmering skyscrapers of the modern financial hub. Just across the river, the South Bank is equally rich in culture, especially with gems like Shakespeares Globe and Borough Market.

  • Circle the Tower of London and imagine the dark, dramatic chapters etched into it’s stone walls.
  • Cross Tower Bridge, pausing for that classic panoramic view.
  • Gaze up at The Shardand if budget permit’s, treat yourself to it’s observatory. it’s the tallest building in Western Europe, and the views are breathtaking.
  • If it’s open (10 AMC5 PM, Wednesday to Saturday), indulge at Borough Market with gourmet sandwiches, fresh cheese, and any other delicacy you can justify.
  • Stroll past Shakespeares Globe, a loving tribute to the Bards theatrical legacy.
  • Cross Millennium Bridge, soaking in the stunning views of both riverbanks, with the Tate Modern rising behind you.
  • End your route at the majestic St Pauls Cathedral, a fitting finale to a walk through centuries of London history.
Marie-Eve

Marie-Eve is a native Montrealer trying to balance a deep love for her hometown and an unquenchable thirst for travel and discovery. She has been to more than 36 countries, lived abroad in both France and the U.K., and is always on the lookout for authentic experiences wherever she travels -- especially if it involves wine.

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