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Finding things to do in London is easy to do.

London City is a popular destination with many historical sights, great modern architecture, royal pageantry, beautiful parks, and cosy pubs.

One of the best ways to see London is on foot, although picking up an Oyster card does help to get you to the must-see places of London a lot quicker.

And if you want to visit the beautiful South West Parks of London, use your Oyster Card.

But, if you are looking for something to do for 2-4 hours while you are in London, then consider these two popular London Walks.

• The Regent’s Canal Walk or
• Thames River Walk

The Regent’s Canal Walk offers respite from the congestion of London, with picturesque views with places to eat and drink.

Related Post: ➡The Regent’s Canal Walk.

The Thames River Walk will take you from Westminister Bridge to Tower Bridge. Further, if you have more time and your feet aren’t too sore.

Here’s what you can expect to see along the route.

Thames River Walk

No matter what weather the day holds, the Thames River Walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge will have you stopping to take plenty of photos.

With no cars to worry about, you can meander along, ticking off the popular must-see places of London.

But did you know?

The section we call the Thames River Walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is around 4km one way.

And it is one section of the Thames Path which goes from Richmond in southwest London to the Thames Barrier (28 miles or 45 km).  Covering both sides of the River Thames.

We have put together a path and some photos that will help you navigate this very popular area.

1. Westminster Bridge

As you exit Westminster tube station, Big Ben will be towering above you.

Big Ben is the name of the bell in the clock tower. The tower is now called the Elizabeth Tower after Queen Elizabeth II, but most of us refer to the whole structure as Big Ben.

Before you head off, check out these famous London landmarks.

• Westminster Abbey
• Houses of Parliament
• House of Lords

As you cross Westminster Bridge, you will see the impressive Boudiccan Rebellion statue.

Erected in 1850, the statue commemorates Boudica or Boadicea the Queen, who led an uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire in AD 60 and died shortly after its failure.

When you cross over Westminster Bridge, turn left and down the steps to walk next to the river until you come to:

2. The London Eye

London Eye, at 135m high, will give you panoramic views of London city and London landmarks, especially Big Ben.  A rotation takes 30mins for the 32 capsules.

Tickets start at £30 or  £37 for Fast Track entry.  To book tickets and prices for the Cola-Cola London Eye, click here.

If it is time for lunch or dinner near the London Eye, a great Italian restaurant is Cucina at 3J – 3K Belvedere Rd. Tasty dishes at surprisingly low prices for a restaurant in London.

 

3. National Theatre and South Bank Centre

More than 1,000 performances are organized yearly at the National Theatre’s three main theatres, including open-air performances.

The theatre complex is large and includes restaurants and bars to enjoy before or after a performance.

 

4. Tate Modern

This large art museum is not the prettiest of buildings. The former power station, still with the turbines, now exhibits Britain’s national gallery of international modern art from 1900 to the present.

If art is not your thing, still visit, as the elevator (behind the museum shop) will take you to the top level, for spectacular views across London, at no charge.

 

5. Millennium Bridge

This is a pedestrian bridge taking you across the Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Being void of cars, you can take your time viewing and photographing the many sights of London seen from the bridge.

6. Globe Theatre

The theatre completed in 1997 is a replica of Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre.

Although it’s a replica and seats only half the original number of 3000 theatregoers, at least it’s not standing room only, like the original Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

 

7. Borough Market

This market is foodie heaven, with over 100 stalls of produce and cooked foods.

Every stall is tempting for something to take home, eat later, or snack on while you browse the stalls.

We highly recommend The Fish Kitchen for the best fish and chips in the UK we have tasted. Followed by a beer, perfect.

8. Southwark Cathedral

Near the Borough Market is the Southwark Cathedral which was once an Augustinian priory and dated back to around 1086.

Also nearby is the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie.

 

9. The Shard

It is the tallest building in Western Europe at 310 meters with 95 floors. The glass pyramid was finished in 2012 with an observation floor open to the public at £24-32 per adult.

Another option is to enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars. Click here for more information – The Shard.

10. Hay’s Galleria

The Hays Galleria was originally named Hay’s Wharf after Alexander Hay, whose business received cargos of tea.

In 1867, Hay’s Wharf developed cold storage, receiving cargoes of butter from New Zealand.

By the 1980s, the wharf was redeveloped, and the old warehouses were covered with a glass roof.

But what took our attention was the beautiful sculpture in the centre of the galleria called The Navigators.

11. Potters Field Park

It is set amongst a lot of modern architecture but provides the perfect place to stop, sit on the grass and take in the view of Tower Bridge.

With restaurants and cafes scattered around, the grassed area offers a reprieve to view what is happening on The Thames River.

 

12. Tower Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in the world is commonly misnamed London Bridge.

Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge built in the late 1800s to alleviate traffic congestion. With the drawbridge still in use today, it is worthwhile to see it in action.

Click on this link for the drawbridge schedule and ticket prices for Tower Bridge.

If you are like Terry with a fear of heights or glass walkways, avoid the Tower Bridge Glass Walkway. Otherwise, the 42 meters above the Thames River is a cool feature of Tower Bridge.

Viewing the cars below, lying on the glass and using the mirrors above for a selfie. A lot, a lot of fun.

Time for a Drink

You’ve earnt it. The Thames River Walk will give you another perspective of this amazing city, London. You can take your time to explore both modern and historical landmarks.

And nearby Tower Bridge is Butler’s Wharf, with shops, cafes, and restaurants along cobblestone streets. This area, like London, has a great vibe.

And tomorrow, why not walk The Regent’s Canal?

And if, like us, you love pets and Slow Travel, here’s how to stay longer in London with housesitting.

Learn more with a 25% discount on a subscription with Trusted Housesitters.

A great opportunity to spend more than a day in magnificent London City.

 

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