Visiting London is something we always look forward to as no matter how many times we’ve been to this cosmopolitan city, there’s always something new to discover every time we are there. One thing though that’s always on our list of things to do during our visit to London is to head out for a walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge along the South Bank of River Thames. This easy walk offers a relaxing way to see some of the iconic sights of London while soaking in the trendy vibe of the South Bank.
London is one of the most visited cities in the world and with a well-planned itinerary, the city is a joy to discover. With a vast array of historical landmarks, lush parks, brilliant theater performances, and an eclectic mix of cuisines to indulge in, London beckons one and all.
Whether you are planning on exploring the sights near Westminster, South Bank, and Tower Bridge, or just want to get out and about to beat that jet lag upon arrival, a self-guided, leisurely walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge is sure to delight. So, here’s our travel guide that can help you plan your D.I.Y. walking tour along this route which is truly a must-have London experience.
Contents
An overview of the self-guided walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
The walk highlighted in this post will take you along a well-paved riverside promenade that is officially known as The Queen’s Walk – a subset of a longer walking route in London called the Jubilee Walkway. We recommend starting the walk from Westminster Bridge and instead of heading over straight towards South Bank, explore Parliament Square and nearby Victoria Gardens. Thereafter, cross over River Thames towards the South Bank via Lambeth Bridge to add to your sightseeing experience. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames via the Jubilee Promenade back in the direction of Westminster Bridge and continue heading along the route towards London Eye.
.
With frequent ferry services between Millennium Pier and Westminster, it’s fun to stroll along the banks of the river in one direction (Westminster to Tower Bridge or in the opposite direction) and then take the ferry back to the starting point.
It is easy to explore the sights along the way of this nearly four miles long walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge highlighted in this post. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit many of London’s famous attractions including the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, Shard and HMS Belfast. Here’s a leaf from our travel notebook that highlights our recommended route to maximize your sightseeing experience on this leisurely walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
A stroll along The Queen’s Walk
The Queen’s Walk takes visitors from Westminster Bridge, towards Tate Modern along the south bank and then over the Millennium Bridge towards St.Paul’s Cathedral. As you plan your self-guided walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge, consider taking a ‘detour’ at Tate Modern and cross the bridge over for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral along the Queen’s Walk (marked in purple in our map above). After visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, return to the South Bank to continue the walk towards Tower Bridge.
Alternatively, if you’re pressed on time, once you reach the Tate Modern, continue walking along the promenade towards Tower Bridge.
Highlights of the walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
A stroll along the South Bank of London from Westminster to Tower Bridge can easily make for a full day’s worth of sightseeing experience if you choose to stop by all the landmarks and attractions on the way. Alternatively, a brisk walk along the route can be completed in less than 2 hours (this doesn’t include the detour towards St. Paul’s Cathedral though or any visits to the points of interest along the way). Such a walk along the riverside is surely the perfect antidote to the nagging jet lag that might be starting to set in.
1. Start your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge with a stroll along Westminster Bridge
Get your cameras ready! This postcard-pretty bridge that makes the backdrop of so many iconic photographs of London is the point where the walk highlighted in this post starts.
Take in the commanding views of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye from Westminster Bridge – the oldest bridge along River Thames. As you walk along the Westminster Bridge you might notice that it is painted in green which represents the House of Commons in the Parliament.
While we have grown accustomed to referring to this symbolic clock tower as Big Ben, it is actually named Queen Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben, in fact, is the name of the 13-tonne bell inside the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. This clock tower is at the moment undergoing planned conservation work that started in 2017 and is expected to end by 2021. Until then, if you happen to be in London, you will notice that the tower is covered with scaffolding.
For a detailed travel itinerary that can help you plan the perfect trip to London, read our post on London in 6 days.
2. Stop by Parliament Square for commanding views of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
From the Westminster Bridge, head over towards Parliament Square which is located at the northwest end of the Palace of Westminster. The Parliament Square is an open, green space in the heart of Westminster and is lined with trees and twelve statues of world-renowned individuals such as Winston Churchill, Sir Robert Peel, Benjamin Disraeli, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatama Gandhi.
Palace of Westminster
Take your time to marvel at the view of iconic landmarks from this square, including Big Ben, Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret’s Church. The Palace of Westminster is a shining example of Neo-Gothic architecture and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church.
The Palace of Westminster used to be the royal residence of Henry VIII till 1512 and since 1550, it has been the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the Parliament. The two flanking bridges across the River Thames nearby are painted in colors that represent these two houses – green for the House of Commons and red for the House of Lords. If you are wondering whether the Parliament is in session or not as you walk through this impressive square, turn your gaze towards the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster. A flag flying over this tower depicts that Parliament is in session.
Houses of Parliament are open Monday to Saturday to the public, and guided tours are also available on days when the Parliament is in recess and on Saturdays. These tours last 90 minutes and can be booked in advance online.
3. Discover Victoria Tower Gardens on your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
Victoria Tower Gardens – a small public park located near the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster feels like an oasis of tranquility in the heart of central London. Visitors to this hidden gem of Westminster are treated with some of the best views of the London Eye.
Besides the tree line promenade, the park also has a small playground for children and an intricately designed Buxton Memorial Fountain. This fountain is in the center of Victoria Tower Gardens and is dedicated to the abolition of slavery in the British empire in 1834. The fountain has an octagonal base around which arches enclose its granite basins.
4. Cross over the River Thames to South Bank via Lambeth Bridge and stroll along Jubilee Promenade
Head over to the South Bank by crossing over Lambeth Bridge once you have visited Victoria Tower Gardens. Lambeth Bridge is located upstream of Westminster Bridge and is painted in red – the color of the House of Lords. Harry Potter fans are sure to recognize the Lambeth bridge that was featured in the night bus scene in the Prisoner of Azkaban. After crossing over to the South Bank, follow the Jubilee Promenade in the direction of the London Eye.
Jubilee Promenade
If there’s one place along this walking route that really makes you want to stop by to relax on the benches and take in the views of the city then it’s here along the Jubilee Promenade between Lambeth Bridge and Westminster Bridge. During our visit to London we found ourselves returning to this peaceful stretch every evening to enjoy the views while sipping a cup of tea as we listened to the hourly and quarterly chimes of Big Ben (under renovation till 2021 currently).
5. Visit Sea Life London Aquarium on your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
Located near the London Eye, along the stretch between the Westminster Bridge and the Queen’s Jubilee Footbridges / Hungerford Railway Bridge, the Sea Life London Aquarium is housed in the ground level of the County Hall.
A stop at this well-laid-out aquarium presents visitors with a chance to see penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and plenty of other marine creatures. There are also 30 minutes long, informative behind-the-scenes guided tours that you can opt for to learn more about the marine life and how these creatures are cared for at the aquarium. You can even opt for a ‘snorkel with the sharks’ tour if you fancy such an experience. The Sea Life Aquarium is a popular attraction and lines for purchasing the tickets during the peak visiting periods can get quite long. Purchase tickets for the Sea Life Aquarium online instead to guarantee entry and for a hassle-free experience.
6. Enjoy the views of the London Eye and opt for a leisurely half an hour ride aboard its observation deck
The London Eye ( also called The Millennium Wheel) is located along the South Bank near Westminster Bridge. It is considered to be the tallest observation wheel in Europe – nearly 450 ft tall. One of the most popular sightseeing activities in London is taking a half-hour ride aboard the observation wheel in the air-conditioned pods of the London Eye.
The London Eye was built initially as a temporary structure to mark the turn of the century in 2000 but seeing it immense popularity, this iconic wheel has now become one of the most instagrammable and well-recognized features of the London skyline. Be sure to purchase either the standard or the fast track tickets online in advance to avoid the queues. Unless you have purchased fast track tickets, the ideal time to visit London Eye for a ride aboard its pods is during the early morning or late evening hour when crowds appear to thin out.
Fun fact – did you know there is a city called London in Ontario, Canada as well? This thriving Canadian city is located just about a couple of hours drive from Toronto.
7. Stop by Jubilee Gardens and Southbank Centre Food Market on your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
As you walk further along the promenade, consider stopping by nearby Jubilee Gardens – a sustainable park with a modern playground that is sure to delight kids. Additionally, if you happen to be walking along this route on a weekend then don’t miss exploring the Southbank Centre Food Market nearby – an open-air weekend market. You’ll be able to savor fantastic street food here, fresh produce, a wide array of beers, tea and sweet treats such as the must-try Pasteis de Nata served at Galeta.
8. Marvel at the captivating collection of modern art at the Tate Modern
Tate Modern is located along the South Bank near Shakespeare’s Globe and the Millennium Footbridge. It is London’s premier museum of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries including masterpieces by Dali, Picasso, Degas, and Delauney.
Entry to the Tate Modern is free and a fee is only required to be paid when there is a special exhibition. Be sure to set aside at least a couple of hours of your sightseeing day to take in all that this museum has to offer.
With edgy permanent collections along with several rotating exhibits, there always seems to be something new to see at the Tate Modern. These exhibits tickle the imagination of visitors leaving them in awe and making Tate Modern one of the most visited museums of London.
9. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe for a superb theater experience
Shakespeare’s Globe – the eye-catching half-timbered thatched reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Theater along the south bank of River Thames, is a must-visit if you are an admirer of the performing arts. London is famous for its performing arts and its theater scene. For a chance to watch a performance of Shakespeare’s plays in a unique setting, Shakespeare’s Globe is the place to be.
The Globe complex includes an open-air Globe Theater, an exhibition, the box office, and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. A great way to experience this attraction is by taking the frequently run guided tours of the Globe Theater that offer insights into the history of the theater, Shakespeare’s life, and into life in London in those days. It is recommended to book these tours in advance via the official website.
The London Pass includes the entry to the Globe Theater Tours that run year-round and take about 30-40 minutes. Watching a play at the Globe theater is a unique experience as you get to see the performances in an ambiance that resembles the one from Shakespeare’s time.
10. Take a detour from the South Bank Walk and head over to St. Paul’s Cathedral
As we had visited St. Paul’s Cathedral on Day 2 of our London in 6 days itinerary, we chose to continue walking along the South Bank walkway past Tate Modern towards Tower Bridge. However, if you are spending fewer days in London and are trying to maximize your sightseeing experience in a short span of time, then consider taking a detour from this walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge towards St. Paul’s Cathedral via the Millennium footbridge. After visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral head back over to the South Bank via the same footbridge and continue your walk further towards Tower Bridge.
A visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London
One of the architectural masterpieces in London is St. Paul’s Cathedral located in the City of London. The cathedral with its Renaissance-style dome was designed by Christopher Wren. St. Paul’s Cathedral is considered to be a testament to British strength and resilience for having been rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and surviving World War II Blitz.
Many significant national events are held at St. Paul’s that have in the past included the wedding to Prince Charles with Lady Diana as well as the funerals of Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill.
Once inside the cathedral, visitors and worshipers feel awestruck by its spaciousness and baroque architecture. The clear lighting at its west end is perfectly contrasted by the brightly painted glass windows and opulent Victorian decor at its east end. Attending the service at St. Paul’s is free of charge. However, if you would like to tour its crypt, galleries, and climb the dome, an entrance fee is required (covers the audio guide). Access to St Paul’s Cathedral is included with the London Pass.
Tip! For some of the best views of St. Paul’s Cathedral itself, take the free elevator ride up to the viewing terrace of the nearby building – One New Change.
11. Indulge in fantastic street food at Borough Market and the famous coffee served at Monmouth Coffee
You’re probably feeling somewhat hungry by this time along your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge. There are plenty of trendy eateries along the South Bank promenade and in general, London is famous for its fantastic food markets. Of all the food markets of London, if there’s one that you must include in your itinerary then that, in my opinion, is Borough Market. This thriving food market, located close to the London Bridge, is the oldest food market in London and offers a wide variety of fresh produce and food stalls featuring an array of international dishes.
From sampling artisan cheeses from all around England to Paella, baked goods, chocolates, chorizo rolls, sandwiches, curries, traditional English meat pies, and even oysters – Borough Market truly is a foodie’s paradise. You can also purchase some budget-friendly, delicious picnic snacks at this market that can be enjoyed later in the sprawling lawns of one of London’s many parks.
The market is particularly fun to visit on its full market days (Wednesdays to Saturdays) when more traders come and set up their stalls. When visiting Borough Market, take some time to stop by next door Monmouth coffee. The constant lines at its doorstep indicate that this is the place to be if you love coffee.
12. Catch a bird’s eye view of the London skyline from the Skydeck of The Shard
Continue your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge after stopping by at Borough Market towards the Shard for a ride up the elevator to its Skydeck viewing platform. ‘The View from The Shard’ is included in the London Pass and offers visitors panoramic views of the London skyline from its 72nd floor.
For an additional fee, and an exhilarating experience, consider taking the thrilling virtual reality experiences at the Skydeck- ‘The Slide’ and ‘Vertigo.’ There is also a bar at the Skydeck where you can purchase a rather expensive glass of champagne while you enjoy the views of the city below.
As of now, The Shard is the tallest building in the U.K. and was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. This modern building houses restaurants, corporate facilities, and the five-star hotel, Shangri-La.
13. Enjoy window shopping at Hay’s Galleria on your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hay’s Galleria located in Southwark as you continue your walk towards Tower Bridge. Hay’s Galleria houses offices, restaurants, shops, and shopping stalls and so, if you’d like to indulge in some window shopping, it’s worth the visit. Housed in what was formerly a warehouse, as you stroll through this arcade, it is impressive to see how the original structure of the building has been preserved while adding a modern flair to the area.
A prominent boat-shaped statue adorns its courtyard. Back in the 1850s, ships from all over the world including the tea clippers from India and China docked along the Hay’s Wharf in London. As you stroll past Hay’s Galleria towards the restored Hay’s Wharf, you’ll be able to soak in some of the most impressive views of the City Of London stretching ahead across the river.
14. Learn about the history and working of the WW II Royal Navy battleship – HMS Belfast
Furthermore, as you continue your walk towards Tower Bridge along the riverside promenade of the South Bank, you’ll come across the unmissable former World War II Royal Navy battleship – HMS Belfast. It is fun to explore this museum ship that gives its visitors the chance to visit its nine decks, engine rooms, and firing deck.
At the end of the tour, you are able to get a sense of what life must have been like for the 950 crew members aboard during the battles of World War II and the Korean War. Tickets for visiting HMS Belfast can be purchased online, and the entrance to this former British warship is also covered by the London Pass.
15. Take a walk along Tower Bridge and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge – a defining London landmark, is often mistakenly called London Bridge. It was built in 1894 to meet the increase in the commercial development of the East End. Its design mirrors the medieval style look of the nearby Tower of London. To this day, it serves as a hydraulically powered drawbridge.
The deck of the bridge is accessible to vehicles, buses and has sidewalks for pedestrians who can enjoy a pleasant stroll over the bridge. If you would like to see Tower Bridge at the bridge lift times, then refer to the timetable here.
Tower Bridge Exhibition
If you’re not too tired from your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge, then consider exploring the Tower Bridge Exhibition. The climb up to the Tower Bridge Exhibition is a fun way to cap the day but does require climbing several stairs to the glass walkway located at the top of the Tower Bridge.
Entry to the Tower Bridge Exhibition is covered by the London Pass and tickets can also be purchased at the entrance which is along the side of one of the towers closest to the Tower of London. Entry into this London attraction allows you to visit the Victorian engine rooms and walk along the glass skywalk at the top of Tower Bridge.
16. Conclude your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge with a visit to the Tower of London
Ideally you might want to visit Tower Bridge on another day rather than combining it with this walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge in order to explore it well without feeling rushed or too tired. However if you’re pressed on time during a short trip to London, then consider visiting the Tower of London – one of the most visited attractions of London – at the end of this walk.
This historic fortress was built by William the Conqueror and was the wartime castle and also the most dreaded prison in medieval times. Today, a visit to Tower of London is a great way to learn about its history, admire the armory and artifacts collections housed in the White Tower, and marvel at the Crown Jewels.
Tickets and Beefeater Tours at the Tower of London
Consider purchasing the tickets for the Tower of London in advance to avoid the long queues at the ticket counters and get discounted prices for online tickets. A fun way to learn about the history and significance of the Tower of London is by taking the engaging Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) Tours. These large group tours start at the moat near the entrance of the Tower and are included in the price of the ticket. The historical anecdotes by the Beefeaters are sprinkled with a healthy dose of witty jokes that keep the group entertained.
17. Take the Thames Cruise from Millennium Pier back to Westminster Pier
For completing a full circle of the route, a great way to wrap up your day of sightseeing is to catch the Thames Cruise from Millennium Pier back to Westminster Pier. You can always catch the tube also from the nearby Tower Hill tube station if you don’t wish to take this cruise.
As you take in these views from the open-air deck of the ferry, the narration in the background helps you learn more about the sights you see along the cruise route. We took the City Cruises tour which was covered by our London Pass from Millennium Pier to the Westminster Pier.
There truly is history at every bend of the Thames – be it the view of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral or that of the nearly 3,500 years old Cleopatra’s Needle near Victoria Embankment. So relax after your walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge onboard one of these cruisers and enjoy the views of the city from a different perspective.
A walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge along the South bank of the River Thames makes for a perfect day of sightseeing in itself. With plenty of well known London attractions along the way, trendy cafes, lively happenings that include street performances, food trucks, and festivities – a stroll along the south bank of River Thames is a must on a visit to London and something that we look forward to experiencing again next time we make our way to this iconic city. Until then… Goodbye, dear London!
Disclaimer: It’s a pleasure for us to share our travel experiences with all our readers and we sincerely hope to inspire your future travels. In order to help us maintain this blog and offset the costs of running landoftravels.com, we have sprinkled affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via any of these affiliate links, we’ll earn a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.
If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to share it!
Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
I love this walk. My husband and I have stayed in a hotel in Lambeth and done most of this walk. I think we are kindred spirits! I like to stop at the book and print sellers underneath London Bridge!
London is still my favourite city, great tips, especially for someone going for the first time. Thanks for sharing!
It sounds like an amazing walk. I hope to visit London one day.
Fantastic post – a great guide for some of London’s most famous sights. And I learned some new things about London, too – the real name of Big Ben Tower, for instance. Thank you for this great information!
I love this too Aditi! Last time we were back in London we did this exact route, but backwards! But I have walked variations of this route multiple times because it is just so pretty. 🙂
p.s. long time no chats! I hope you’re doing okay in self isolation wherever you are in the world!!
Great post, I cannot wait to return to London soon after reading it!
This is one of my husband’s and my fav walks. We just did a loop in Feb during what became our last trip anywhere! You’ve really shared it well! Double thumbs.
i really loved that bridge and nice click too
Wow, it’s great how much you covered and what can be seen on this walk!
London the City of Dream, the ideas you shared a visit city by walking are nice, when I was in travel i used to walk , with coffee, sling bag and handicap.
Great experience going through the post. Very explicit & informative providing detailed information with maximum utilisation of time and money.
London is a very beautiful place.and you have given all the information a traveler would love to know.