London City DIY Walking Tour
Distance: 6.5 km (about 4 miles); Duration: 2-8 hours
London City DIY Walking Tour: Highlights
This circular London City DIY Walking Tour covers a totally flat distance of 6.5km, and takes in the most-popular attractions in the City of London that you’ll want to visit/see, including:
Tower of London > Tower Bridge > former City Hall > HMS Belfast > Hay’s Galleria > View From The Shard > Golden Hinde > Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre > Tate Modern Art Gallery > Millennium Bridge > St.Paul’s Cathedral > One New Change > Bank of England > Royal Exchange > Mansion House > Monument (to the Great Fire of London) > Sky Garden.
As “normal” walking speed is around 7km/h (or 4mph), then if you were to simply rush round, the route would take just 1-2 hours. But I’d allow for at least 4 hours (possibly a whole day) as there is just so much to see and do on this circular London City DIY Walking Tour.
And because this London walk is indeed circular, you can start/finish at any point on the route (wherever is closest to your London hotel).
However, the lower section of this DIY Walk (the section of the walk along the south bank of the River Thames) is simply a duplication of the eastern section of the London Thames DIY Walking Tour (THE best walk in central London). So my advice would be to do the entire London Thames DIY Walking Tour first (starting from Westminster Abbey and then heading east to the Tower of London), then do the the northern section of this walk (in an anti-clockwise direction), starting from Tower Bridge, and ending at the Millennium Bridge/Tate Modern.
Why?
1. The riverside walkway becomes REALLY busy from about mid-morning onwards. So you want to do this section as early as possible; and
2. There are toilets (including an accessible toilet), in the free-to-enter Tate Modern at the end (and there is also an excellent cafe here too). So all of your post-walking needs will be met; plus
3. The Tate Modern is not a million miles away from London Bridge Station (which includes London Bridge Underground Station), for the return journey to your London hotel.
If you do decide to follow my suggestion, then I would really recommend that you skip The Shard completely, and visit the Sky Garden instead! True, The Shard is really high. But it’s just too high. When the cloud cover is low, the top of the Shard is in the middle of a cloud (and that’s all you can see – the inside of a cloud). The Shard is also very expensive. And very busy.
Whereas the food, drink and views from the Sky Garden are all pretty sensational.
Plus, because this is a DIY Walking Tour of London, you can linger at those London attractions that interest you – and speed by those that don’t. And stop to eat/drink wherever & whenever you want to, and for as long as you wish.
There are actually 3 other London DIY Walking Tours. And all are connected: the main London Thames DIY Walking Tour, which connects with the London West End DIY Walking Tour at Westminster Abbey; and the London Docklands DIY Walking Tour, which the London Thames DIY Walking Tour connects to at Tower Bridge (the London Docklands DIY Walking Tour also utilises accessible public transport). So, in theory, and starting from Westminster Abbey in central London, you could do all 4 London DIY Walking Tours in the same day. You just wouldn’t have time to stop very often though (if at all).
At a very minimum, I would do all four London DIY Walking Tours over three or four days though (but even more time simply means more London attractions to actually visit – so a whole week would be even better!).
There’s a LOT to see and do on the London City DIY Walking Tour.
London City DIY Walking Tour - Directions:
These are very thorough walking directions – you shouldn’t be getting lost in London following this guide. And as the London City DIY Walking Tour follows a circular route, you can start/end at any point (in this example, the walk starts and finishes at the Building Worker statue just to the north of the Tower of London though).
However, I definitely recommend that you follow the Google Streetview route of the entire London City DIY Walking Tour first (from the comfort of your own home, before you even head to London), as this will allow you to better visualise the entire route before you arrive.
This example route also assumes a clockwise direction, but it can be done in either direction. There are two other things to consider when deciding the direction you should take though:
The riverside walkway is busier from late-morning, so it might be easier to do this section earlier in the day; and
St.Paul’s Cathedral is actually a working church. So there is no visitor access on Sundays – you are free to go there to attend a service though (as a worshipper, and not as a sightseeing tourist – so dress accordingly, and leave the selfie stick in your London hotel).
START - "Building Worker" Statue
The Building Worker Statue is located on Tower Bridge Piazza (on the northern side of the Tower of London (beside Tower Hill road). With the Tower of London on your RIGHT, start walking towards Tower Bridge (using the footpath on your RIGHT).
At the end of this footpath, turn RIGHT, onto Tower Hill.
Eventually, Tower Hill forms a junction with Tower Bridge Approach. Turn RIGHT at this junction.
It is important that you stay on the RIGHTHAND side of Tower Bridge Approach as the visitors entrance to Tower Bridge is at the foot of the North Tower on THIS side of the road (the northwest tower).
Tower Bridge
Another reason to visit Tower Bridge:
If you need a step-free route, then it will really help if you do indeed visit Tower Bridge. Other than the obvious reasons to visit Tower Bridge, there is one other practical advantage to a visit which is not immediately apparent:
The public lift at the end of the bridge, which allows for a step-free route from Tower Bridge Road down to the walkway beside the River Thames (Queen’s Walk), is on the other side of the road (the southeast). And there is no pedestrian crossing at this point (there is a pedestrian crossing nearby, with dropped kerbs, but it is not light-controlled, and this is a very busy road).
However, as well as crossing the Thames, a visit to Tower Bridge also allows wheelchair users to cross the road at the same time (as the lift at the South Tower at the end of a visit to Tower Bridge comes down on the opposite side of the road too, near the entrance to the public lift – so you’re actually travelling diagonally across the bridge). To reach the entrance to the public lift from the exit of the South Tower lift, simply follow the blue line marked on the ground – but not all the way to the end of the blue line (it leads to more steps down). But you should stop at the south abutment, where you turn LEFT again along the narrow entranceway leading to the public lift entrance. When you leave the public lift after descending, simply turn RIGHT and pass below the bridge.
Accessibility at Tower Bridge –>
Otherwise, wheelchair users who do not wish to visit Tower Bridge will have to follow the diversion (explained below).
For those who can easily manage steps though, a visit is not necessary (although thoroughly recommended), as there are steps down to the Queen’s Walk (Thames Path) just after the Southwest Tower – on the same pavement that you are following. When you reach the bottom of the stairs do not pass under the bridge. Instead start walking along the riverside walkway with the Thames on your RIGHT (heading towards HMS Belfast, and with Tower Bridge at your back).
Step-Free Diversion
If, you did visit Tower Bridge (recommended, as it is actually the easiest way down to the riverside walkway, using the public lift – maintained by Southwark Borough Council), but the public lift is not working for any reason, then follow the simple step-free diversion (shown on the left).
Duchess Walk is pedestrianised.
This step-free diversion will take you directly to the entrance of the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms & Shop (which is right beside the riverside walkway). Your Tower Bridge ticket is valid here too – so hold on to it.
Also. Wheelchair users who did not visit Tower Bridge (so who are still on the pavement on the RIGHTHAND side of Tower Bridge Road), will also have to follow this simple diversion – after first rolling down to the traffic lights.
A wee bonus: In both cases, you will also pass the accessible Sainsbury’s Local (supermarket), where you can stock up in snacks and drinks – as other eating/drinking options can be a bit pricey around here.
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast was a working warship. Therefore, the numerous ladders, steps and narrow passages mean that a lot of the attraction is not accessible to wheelchairs. However, the Main Deck and Boat Deck are – and a wheelchair-accessible lift makes the Quarterdeck accessible too.
Accessibility at HMS Belfast–>
However, unless you are really interested in visiting HMS Belfast, I would just view it for free from the dockside (from the Queen’s Walk – what the Thames Path is called as it passes through central London on the south bank of the River Thames).
Hay's Galleria
From HMS Belfast continue until the path passes by the entrance to Hay’s Galleria (and the wheelchair accessible Horniman at Hays riverside pub – with outdoor eating/drinking terrace, and that all-important accessible toilet).
Hay’s Galleria is a beautiful covered arcade on the south bank of the River Thames. Originally a busy Victorian dock known as Hay’s Wharf, it was transformed in the 1980s into a striking shopping, dining, and office complex beneath a vast glass roof. You’ll find many cafés, restaurants, shops, and occasional market stalls here.
There are lots of eating/drinking options in Hay’s Galleria.
The Detour For Everyone!
[MAP]:
After passing London Bridge City Pier (a stop for the public Thames ferry), but before you reach London Bridge itself, you will see a blue sign on the wall at the entrance to St.Olaf Stairs, which has a white wheelchair symbol and a white arrow pointing away from the river (the “Accessible Route to London Bridge”).
Follow the arrow (everyone – even able-bodied walkers)!
For a 100% step-free route along the River Thames, you must turn left here and follow the enclosed St.Olaf Stairs (don’t worry, this is just the name of the passage where stairs once stood – the stairs are long gone now – it is completely level these days).
A WEE NOTE TO ABLE-BODIED WALKERS TOO:
Although this is a step-free alternative route, aimed primarily at wheelchair users, you should follow this detour too – as there is no footpath at all on the next part of the riverside route. Otherwise, you can only continue along the river for another 30 metres or so, when you’ll then have to climb the steps up to London Bridge, wait at a light-controlled pedestrian crossing of a rather busy road, cross the road, then turn LEFT (away from the river), descend some more steps – and ultimately end up on the detour route anyway.
So, in this case, it’s much simpler just to follow the detour from the start (this is the very rare case where an accessible detour is actually simpler than the main route);
Tooley Street [MAP]:
When you exit St.Olaf Stairs, turn RIGHT, and continue along Tooley Street, passing through a tunnel BELOW London Bridge;
Montague Close [MAP]:
When you emerge from the tunnel under London Bridge you will now find yourself in Montague Close (it’s just a continuation of the same street that you have been following – it’s just the street name has changed). Follow it in the same direction;
Minerva Square [MAP]:
Just before you reach the building which seemingly obstructs your way, you will pass Minerva Square on your RIGHT. There is a wonderful view from here – of the Thames, and of the City of London skyline on the other bank;
Montague House [MAP]:
This is the name of the building that is directly in front of you (and currently being refurbished), and appears to be blocking your way (it is, but getting around the building is no problem).
Ultimately, you will be heading in the same direction that you have just been travelling – parallel to the River Thames). So you need to get around the Montague House building first. And doing so is simple:
When you reach the Montague House building, turn LEFT in front of it/as you reach it, and follow the building around until you are behind it (at the replica of the Golden Hinde – Sir Francis Drake‘s ship).
The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde (sadly, not accessible), is a full-size reconstruction of the famous 16th-century sailing ship commanded by Sir Francis Drake – it now operates as a floating museum and educational attraction.
The Golden Hinde offers a hands-on way to experience the world of Tudor exploration. Unlike many museum ships, visitors can move through compact decks and narrow passageways, giving a realistic sense of what life was like for Drake’s crew during their historic voyage.
Plan your visit via the official Golden Hinde website.
When you reach the entrance to the Golden Hinde, turn LEFT into Pickfords Wharf, which ultimately becomes Clink Street (same street, same direction – just a different name);
Another Tunnel [MAP]:
Follow Clink Street as it passes under Cannon Street Railway Bridge, and turn RIGHT at the end of the tunnel (towards the river again);
The Anchor (pub) [MAP]:
As you near the River Thames again, you will come to The Anchor (a pub). The actual pub building will be on your LEFT. However, there is also an outdoor eating/drinking area here too, which will be on your RIGHT (but the outdoor area can only be accessed by steps)!
After The Anchor, you will again be on the riverside walkway. And from here, there are no more obstructions/detours until you reach the London Eye;
Shortly, you will arrive at Southwark Bridge. Ignore the steps that lead up to the bridge. Just beyond them, you will see the entrance to the foot tunnel which passes under the bridge;
Yet another tunnel (pedestrian-only this time) [MAP]:
Just after you pass Bankside Pier on your RIGHT (the public ferry stops here too), you will come to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (on your LEFT).
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
[MAP]:
This is a reconstruction of the original round, and thatched, Globe Theatre that once stood nearby (the Elizabethan playhouse that William Shakespeare wrote his plays for, and which were performed there, as they are again today).
There are steps here at the riverside though. But there is a step-free entrance via the main Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre entrance on New Globe Walk;
Tate Modern Art Gallery
Just as you come to the Millennium Bridge (on your RIGHT – you will be crossing it soon), you will see the imposing building of the Tate Modern art gallery on your LEFT.
Housed in a the former Bankside Power Station building (originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott), the Tate Modern is the UK’s national museum of modern and contemporary art – and one of the most visited art museums in the world. Entry to the main collection is free (although there may be a charge to enter specific exhibitions).
Plan your visit via the official Tate Modern website.
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge, which connects the Tate Modern (and the Thames riverside walkway), with St.Paul’s Cathedral. The Millennium Bridge was built to celebrate, yes, you guessed right, the passing of the millennium in 2000. There is step-free ramped access at either end – making it 100% accessible;
After crossing the Millennium Bridge, continue towards St.Paul’s Cathedral, first crossing the road-traffic of Queen Victoria Street. There is a light-controlled pedestrian crossing here though (and dropped kerbs allowing easy crossing for wheelchairs);
Queen Victoria Street [MAP]:
After crossing here, continue STRAIGHT AHEAD (towards St.Paul’s Cathedral), and you will next arrive at Sermon Lane;
At the end of Sermon Lane, you will come to another light-controlled pedestrian crossing (again with dropped kerbs on both sides). This will allow you to cross Cannon Street, and visit St.Paul’s Cathedral;
Pedestrian Crossing [MAP]:
After the crossing, you will arrive at the South Entrance to St.Paul’s Cathedral (this used to be the temporary accessible entrance, while the new ramp was being built on the other side of St.Paul’s).
As the main entrance to St.Paul’s Cathedral is at the steps to the West Entrance [MAP] though, turn LEFT here, and walk to the West Entrance (and those famous steps).
St.Paul's Cathedral
[MAP]:
Accessibility at St.Pauls’ Cathedral London –>
The accessible entrance (newly built) is on the other side of St.Paul’s Cathedral though (at the North Entrance). To reach it from the pedestrian crossing, turn LEFT after the pedestrian crossing, turn RIGHT and pass the main West Entrance (and those steps), then follow the building around until you reach the North Entrance on the opposite side.
Exiting St.Paul’s Cathedral is fairly straightforward too. Regardless of how you leave:
Turn RIGHT!
Walkers who entered St.Paul’s Cathedral via the main West Entrance should turn RIGHT, and then turn RIGHT again, until they are on the path called St.Paul’s Churchyard (which isn’t actually within the railings that surround the rear of St.Paul’s Cathedral on this side, but is the name of the public footpath that encircles it here). Eventually, you will see the North Entrance, (where wheelchair using visitors to St.Paul’s Cathedral will exit St.Paul’s Cathedral, and then exit the St.Paul’s Cathedral grounds), and who will then also turn RIGHT.
Continue along St.Paul’s Churchyard until the end where you will see a pedestrian crossing in front of you (slightly to your left). This pedestrian crossing is also light-controlled, with dropped kerbs on either side, and crosses New Change.
New Change
[MAP]:
Should you wish to visit the One New Change shopping centre, turn RIGHT after crossing here (wheelchair users might, as there is a fantastic view of the dome of St.Paul’s Cathedral from the roof here, and you will have been deprived of an above-floor view of St.Paul’s Cathedral when you visited St.Paul’s Cathedral itself). There’s a RADAR key operated accessible toilet here. Plus, there’s a bar/restaurant on the roof of One New Change too.
Otherwise, take the crossing which is immediately on your LEFT , and cross Cheapside here (this crossing also has dropped kerbs on either side), turn RIGHT at the end of this second crossing, and walk straight ahead/east along Cheapside (there are a few side-streets to cross on the way along Cheapside – but all have dropped kerbs where required). Along the way, you will see St Mary-le-Bow Church (on the opposite side of the street – also designed by Sir Christopher Wren – and being born within earshot of it’s bells, is what officially defines a Cockney).
Bank of England
[MAP]:
Once you reach the end of Cheapside (which eventually becomes Poultry – same street, same direction, just a different street name), you reach Bank Underground station. The columned Mansion House is on the opposite side of the road from here (the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London).
Cross the side street coming from your left here (Princes Street), and continue towards the magnificent Bank of England building.
Founded in 1694, the Bank of England is the UK’s central bank – and one of the world’s oldest and most influential financial institutions.
While the Bank itself is not generally open for public tours, the museum (located within the Bank) provides a fascinating introduction to Britain’s financial history and the workings of a modern central bank. It’s especially worthwhile for anyone interested in economics, history, politics, or the development of global finance. You even get the chance to try and lift a gold brick.
After taking a quick pic of the Bank of England building, retrace your steps to the junction, and cross the road (Threadneedle Street – which should now be on your LEFT), to yet another magnificent building: The Royal Exchange.
The Royal Exchange
[MAP]:
The Royal Exchange, a centre of commerce, finance, and trade for more than 450 years, and now a luxury shopping/eating destination, is one of the most historic buildings in the City of London, offering visitors a unique combination of architecture, history, and modern city life. Even if luxury shopping isn’t your interest, the building itself is worth seeing for its elegant façade and its role in shaping London’s rise as a global financial centre.
After visiting the Royal Exchange, turn RIGHT, and walk along this lefthand side of Cornhill until you see a Pedestrian Crossing which will take you across Cornhill (the Royal Exchange building will be on your immediate LEFT as you walk here).
At the end of the crossing, turn LEFT, and continue along the righthand side of Cornhill until the junction with Gracechurch Street.
You will be turning RIGHT here, but cross to the opposite side of Gracechurch Street first, then turn RIGHT at the end of the Pedestrian Crossing.
Walk along this lefthand side of Gracechurch Street for a few metres, until you reach the entrance to the stunning Leadenhall Market.
Leadenhall Market
[MAP]:
Leadenhall Market offers a wonderful blend of architecture, history, and atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in Victorian design, London’s commercial past, photography, or Harry Potter filming locations, it is one of the most rewarding places to explore in the City.
After visiting Leadenhall Market, exit via the same entrance/exit, turn LEFT, and continue along this LEFTHAND side of Gracechurch Street until you reach the junction with Fenchurch Street.
Pedestrian Crossing [MAP];
Remember this junction (there’s a “Boot’s” on the corner facing you, which makes for a good landmark) – as you will be returning here in a few minutes.
But for now, and after crossing Fenchurch Street here, continue STRAIGHT AHEAD, along the LEFTHAND pavement of Gracechurch Street.
As you walk along the lefthand pavement of Gracechurch Street, you should begin to see The Monument (your next destination) ahead of you. Keep to this lefthand pavement as the main road veers away. At the end of the pavement/at the corner of Eastcheap, turn RIGHT and cross to the small “island”. Immediately turn LEFT, and a second pedestrian crossing (light-controlled this time, dropped kerbs) will take you across Eastcheap. At the end of the crossing, walk STRAIGHT AHEAD (slightly to your left) down Fish Street Hill. The Monument will soon appear on your LEFT.
The Monument
[MAP]:
Built to commemorate the starting point of the Great Fire of London in 1666. If you’re feeling fit, you can pay to climb the interior spiral staircase of 345 steps (currently £7.00 for adults/£3.50 for children). The views over the City of London from the top must have been exceptional when it was built in the 17th Century. However, the towering skyscrapers of the City of London now dwarf it, and if you have pre-booked a visit to the Sky Garden (coming up shortly), you will enjoy much better views (from the 160m height of the Sky Garden, instead of the 62m of the Monument).
Because of the steps, the Monument is not accessible.
After visiting the Monument, retrace your steps to the Gracechurch Street crossing (by Boot’s). Do not cross the road here, but turn RIGHT instead (along Fenchurch Street). You will soon see the “Walkie-Talkie” building (which houses the Sky Garden on its 43rd-floor viewing platform) on your RIGHT.
The entrance to the Sky Garden is actually at the rear of the building though. So continue past the front of the building, then turn RIGHT and head down Rood Lane.
Rood Lane [MAP]:
At the end of the building (which will always be on your RIGHT), turn RIGHT again, and head to the Sky Garden entrance.
Sky Garden
[MAP]:
Accessible Entry: There are steps leading up to the Sky Garden entrance level. However, there is also a lift available (a lift is also available if entering from the Philpot Lane side instead). If both lifts are “out of order” (unlikely), then enquire at the main building entrance on Fenchurch Street, as an alternative step-free route will be arranged.
The Sky Garden is accessible to all, and entry is free of charge. However, to control visitor numbers at any one time, thr free tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets are available to book up to three weeks in advance of your visit.
However, “walk-in” tickets may be available on the day when you arrive (if the Sky Garden is not too busy – you’ll have zero chance of getting a walk in ticket at the weekend though!).
There’s a bar & two restaurants at the top (and toilets – including an accessible toilet).
Entrance tickets are valid for 1 hour only though (enough time to have a look around, take in the stunning views over London, maybe have a drink, and access the toilets).
If you have a restaurant or bar reservation though, you do not need an access ticket – and there is no time limit to your visit (there are two restaurants, plus a bar serving food, in the Sky Garden).
After visiting the Sky Garden, turn LEFT as you exit the building, then turn RIGHT, and continue down Rood Lane.
At the end of Rood Lane, turn LEFT and continue along Eastcheap.
Eastcheap soon becomes Great Tower Street (same street, same direction – just a different street name).
Great Tower Street [MAP]:
Follow Great Tower Street to the end, on this LEFTHAND pavement, until the end/at the junction with Byward Street. At this junction, turn LEFT into Byward Street (again staying on the same left hand pavement).
Byward Street -> Tower Hill [MAP]:
There are a number of side-streets as you continue along Byward Street (which soon becomes Tower Hill – again, same street, same direction, just a different street name). All side-streets have dropped kerbs at the corners.
Continue along Tower Hill, until you see a pedestrian crossing, on your RIGHT, and the entrance to Trinity Square Gardens and the Tower Hill Monument (a monument to the Merchant Navy) on your LEFT.
At the end of the pedestrian crossing on your RIGHT (light-controlled, dropped kerbs, and which crosses Tower Hill to the Tower of London side of the road), turn LEFT.
Tower of London
[MAP]:
When you cross the road, the Tower of London will be directly in front of you. The actual Tower of London visitors entrance is to your RIGHT here – not recommended for wheelchair users though (it’s a wee bit bumpy!).
Instead, after turning LEFT, just continue walking along this RIGHTHAND pavement of Tower Hill until you reach the Building Worker Statue again.
YOUR CIRCULAR LONDON CITY DIY WALKING TOUR NOW ENDS
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