Walk 3379 - printer friendly version

Euston to the Monument via St. Paul's Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km

Ascent - 200 feet / 61 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TQ296826
Lat 51.527448 + Long -0.1331588
Postcode NW1 2DN (approx. location only)

This walk predominantly explores some of the wide variety of sights in central London. Starting from Euston, with its large mainline station, the walk continues via the British Museum and Drury Lane to the Aldwych. The onward route continues along Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill to St. Paul's Cathedral before exploring some of the key areas of the City of London passing many examples of London's modern architecture.

The start is Euston station (Grid ref. TQ296826) which is served by underground and mainline trains. Exit the main concourse into Euston Square. With your back to the station walk half right to the junction of Melton Street and Euston Road. Cross over Euston Road into Gordon Street and walk south. Many of the buildings hereabouts are part of University College London. Turn right into Byng Place and almost immediately go left into Malet Street. On your left you will pass the UCL Senate House. At the end of Malet Street cross the road and enter the British Museum by the back door.

It is likely the contents of the Museum will distract you from the walk. However, when it is time to leave, exit from the south of the building onto Russell Street. It is from this point that you can look back and admire the frontage of the museum. Cross almost directly opposite into Museum Street and then continue ahead into Drury Lane. The focus of London's theatre district, you might be surprised at the lack of working theatres on this famous lane. Reaching the Aldwych, turn left and on your right is Bush House, the spiritual home of the BBC.

The Aldwych leads you conveniently into the Strand passing St. Clement Danes on your right (the RAF church) and the Royal Courts of Justice on your left. Reaching Temple Bar (note the monument in the middle of the road) you leave the City of Westminster and enter the City of London. Walk the length of Fleet Street, once the hub of the British news industry, to reach Ludgate Circus. Continue straight ahead up Ludgate Hill to the west front of St Paul's Cathedral.

Keeping the Cathedral on your left, walk along its southern flank and east into Canon Street. By Mansion House underground station, turn left into Bow Lane. At the top of this road you pass the Church of Mary Le Bow, whose bells are remembered in the children's nursery rhyme. Turn right by the church into Cheapside and then first left into King Street. Ahead at the top of King Street is the Guildhall with its elaborate architecture. Turn right into Gresham Street and second right into Princes Street. This leads you past the Bank of England to a road junction. Here the Bank, the Mansion House and Royal Exchange all vie for your attention.

With the Royal Exchange on your left, walk down Cornhill into Leadenhall Street. On your right is the futuristic Lloyd's Building - a building you either love or hate. To your left you will see the Swiss Re Building (a.k.a. The Gherkin), which has become an icon on London's skyline. Turn right down Lime Street (keeping Lloyds on your right). At the first junction turn right again and walk through the glorious covered arcades of Leadenhall market onto Gracechurch Street. Turn left down this street and continue ahead down to The Monument, which commemorates the Great Fire of London in 1666 and marks the end of this walk.

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