Walk 1442 - printer friendly version

St Paul's Cathedral to Green Park Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.6 miles / 9.1 km

Ascent - 150 feet / 45 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TQ319811
Lat 51.513436 + Long -0.100584
Postcode EC4M 8BU (approx. location only)

This walk across London includes many of the traditional sights but also includes some less visited places on interest. The start is the west from of St.Paul's Cathedral which is easily reached by public transport. The end of the walk is Green Park tube station which provides a complete contrast to the inner city bustle at the start of the route.

The West front of St. Paul's cathedral is the is the familiar view that most associate with this masterpiece of architecture. Walk along the north side of the Cathedral through St Paul's Churchyard. Reaching the far end of the Cathedral cross into Watling Street and continue east as far as Bow Lane. Turn left here. Walk to the end of this street, turn right into Cheapside and first left into King Street. At the top of the street in the Guildhall, which is a rather splendid building.

Turn right down Gresham Street, right into Princes Street to reach a busy junction. On your immediate left is the impressive Bank of England. Bear left down Cornhill and continue into Leadenhall Street passing the ultra modern Lloyds on your right. Across to your left is the "the Gherkin". At the end of the Lloyds building turn right down Lime Street. On your right is the entrance to Leadenhall Market which you can explore before continuing.

Continue to the end of Lime Street, right into Fenchurch Street, left into Gracechurch Street. Continue ahead to the Monument which commemorates London's great fire. Retrace your steps one block north and turn right into Eastcheap Street which will lead into Great Tower Street and on to Tower Hill. On your right is the Tower of London.

Cross Tower Bridge to reach the South Bank of the River Thames. Once across the bridge descend on the right to the banks of the River. Now walk west, with the River on your right. To your left is the egg-shaped City Hall and the Shard. Continue along what is now the Thames Path towards London Bridge. There is a great view across the river on your right.

The next landmark is Southwark Cathedral which is sadly hemmed in by development. A visit to Borough Market on your left can provide some excellent refreshments. Return to the Thames Path towards the Millennium Footbridge and Tate Modern on your left. The onward route stays as close to the Thames as possible as far as Festival Hall. Go under Hungerford Railway Bridge and climb the steps to cross the foot way alongside the railway tracks over the Thames.

Once across the river, descend to the Victoria Embankment. You have two choices either following the pavement alongside the river or walking through the gardens on the other side of the road. Take the next road on your right, Horseguards Avenue. This leads you to Whitehall. Across Whitehall you will see horse-guards engulfed in a crowd of tourists. Go through the arches by the guards to exit into Horse Guards Parade. Cross this large open space into St James's Park. Walk through the park keeping the lake to your right.

Exit St James's Park at the western end with Buckingham Palace taking pride of place behind Queen Victoria's Memorial. With the Palace on your left, cross The Mall and enter Green Park, following the broad tarmac path north towards Piccadilly and Green Park tube station.

The description above highlights the key sights included in this walk. However you will see much more besides including a taste of London not seen on many sightseeing tours. Take your time and look out for the unusual.

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