Best London Walk: Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge
Discover why the Queen's Walk from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge is the best walk in London. This helpful guide will show you the 15 iconic and historical sights along the walk and provide exciting facts about each landmark.
As a born-and-bred Londoner, I can confidently say I know my hometown well. One of my favourite places to walk in London is along Bankside and the Southbank from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge.
Officially known as "the Queen's Walk" and part of the longer Jubilee Walk, the path winds alongside the River Thames for 4km.
This London walk should take you a few hours to complete; however, this depends on what you decide to do and how many stops you make.
The Queen's Walk is constantly evolving, meaning there is always something new and exciting to see whenever you arrive.
Various events occur on the Southbank during spring and summer, from impromptu music festivals to sculpture trails. In winter, some of Europe's best Christmas markets arrive in November and December to tempt visitors with unique present ideas and seasonal food and drink.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit, there is always something to entertain you. In this blog, I will give you my top fifteen recommendations for what to do and see on London's best walk.
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15 landmarks along the best London walk you must see
Tower Bridge
Why visit? This is London's most iconic bridge, and the best walk in London officially starts there.
Sometimes incorrectly called "London Bridge", which is actually a much plainer bridge further along the River Thames, the majestic Tower Bridge spans the water proudly and is an attraction in itself. Visit inside and venture across the upper walkway to discover this beloved bridge's history.
You can walk across the lower walkway of Tower Bridge to cross the River Thames. Check online for timings, and you might be able to witness the bridge lifting to let large vessels continue their journey along the river. It's quite a spectacle to see as the road suddenly splits in half to open up!
Why not book a fabulous VIP tour to visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to learn about these two important London Landmarks?
Borough Market
Why visit? This is London's most famous food market, and you will want to try everything.
Located a 10-minute walk from London Bridge Station in Bankside, this is an area that you cannot afford to miss. There has been a market on this spot since 1851 in one form or another, and it has now been transformed into an eclectic food market where you can purchase foods from all around the globe.
Borough Market is open from Mon-Sat, though at Christmas it also opens on a Sunday.
Be tempted by all the mouth-watering offerings at Borough Market and grab some street food from one of the many stalls set up beneath the spires of Southwark Cathedral.
The area around the market also hosts artisan coffee shops and restaurants, so it is worth checking out.
Recommended Food Tours In London
| Borough Market: Flavours Of London Food Tour. |
| Foodie Walking Tour With Tastings. |
| Eating London: Borough Market And Bankside Food Tour. |
Officially not part of the Queen's walk, but within a stone's throw is The Shard, seen towering above Borough Market in the photograph above.
A short 10-minute detour from the walk will take you to The Shard, where you can book a ticket to go to the top of The Shard for some fabulous skyline views of London.
Southwark Cathedral
Why visit? This has been a place of worship for Londoners for over 1000 years and is a must-see on this London walk.
A Cathedral since 1905 but a place of worship for many centuries, this Gothic-style building is worth looking inside for a moment of peaceful contemplation.
The Golden Hinde
Why visit? Because where else would you find a 16th-century ship in the middle of a city?
Anchored discreetly in St. Mary Overies Dock, the Golden Hinde galleon once sailed the high seas, captained by Sir Francis Drake as he circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580.
You can now board the Golden Hinde and discover what life was like all those centuries ago. Book a night aboard if you have children and want an interactive experience.
If that doesn't appeal to you, maybe an acoustic or poetry evening may be more of your style.
The Anchor Pub
Why visit? Because who doesn't want to enjoy a pint in a pub steeped in history during a walk?
Easily identifiable by its pillar-box red window frames and doors, this historic landmark, originally built in 1615, was where Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London take hold of the city in 1666.
Old brick fireplaces, oak beams, and floorboards that creak from centuries of use will transport you back to a bygone era.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Why visit? Because this is a replica of the original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed.
The current Shakespeare's Globe opened in 1997 and was built to exact standards. It is almost a complete replica located only one street from the original.
Book a tour of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre and learn about Shakespeare's life and the history surrounding the building, or why not book to see a play while you are there?
Tate Modern
Why visit? Because it is full of modern art for you to enjoy.
Housed inside the old Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is a must-visit if you are a fan of modern art. You are free to enter, although additional exhibitions are charged separately.
Let your artistic side run amok around gallery spaces on levels 2, 3 and 4 and finish on the top floor, where you will be delighted by the 360-degree panoramic views over London.
The Millennium Footbridge
Why visit? Because it is located just outside the Tate Modern and links the Southbank to the City of London via St Paul's Cathedral.
A slight diversion from the Queen's Walk will take you across the Millennium Footbridge. Its ultramodern design aligns with the facade of St Paul's Cathedral, allowing a spectacular view of this landmark.
You might like to take this opportunity to explore one of London's most historic landmarks and revel in its stunning architecture.
Buy your online entry ticket to St Paul's Cathedral here to avoid the queues.
Oxo Tower
Why visit? Because it is home to contemporary designer shops and a rooftop restaurant.
Constructed in the early 1900s as an electricity station to supply the Post Office, then bought in 1920 by the company OXO, of stock cube fame, but later left in disrepair, this building is now a space for artists, restaurants, cafes, and pop-up exhibitions.
Go to the rooftop restaurant and enjoy lunch or dinner at the OXO Tower restaurant with views across the River Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. At night, you will see the iconic OXO logo illuminated in red neon and staking its claim on this part of the Queen's Walk.
Gabriel's Wharf
Why visit? Because it is full of unique boutiques and eateries in a quaint courtyard setting.
Stop for a drink in one of the independent bars or cafes in Gabriel's Wharf and wander into the artisan boutiques selling designs from clothes to ceramics and jewellery to vintage wares.
If it's a hot day, take your shoes off and sink your toes into London's sandy beach!
National Theatre
Why visit? Because it has been the hub of English theatre since its inaugural opening in 1976.
The National Theatre's 1960s grey brutalist architecture, with its hard edges and urban concrete aesthetic, is not for everyone, but what goes on inside is pure art.
Wander around on your own or take a tour of its inner workings. During your visit to London, check out the plays; there are always several productions in one week.
Browse the bookshop, which offers unique gifts, or stop for a refreshment break in one of its cafes or bars.
If you want to see other buildings similar in design to the National Theatre, you could book a walking tour of London's brutalist architecture.
The Royal Festival Hall
Why visit? Because this is London's leading music venue within the Southbank Centre complex.
Opened in 1951, the Royal Festival Hall is one of the world’s leading performance venues, hosting a global audience.
Some of the greatest artists have appeared at the Purcell Rooms, including Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, JK Rowling, Joyce Grenfell and Benjamin Britten. You may want to step inside to absorb the atmosphere of this Holy Grail of creativity.
Adjacent to the Royal Festival Hall is the Hayward Gallery, a world-renowned contemporary art gallery.
The London Eye
Why visit? Because it is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
Marvel at the engineering from the ground up and then take a 30-minute ride aboard one of the 32 capsules for breathtaking views of London's famous landmarks. Queues can be horrendous, so book online for a ride on the London Eye before you arrive to save yourself a long wait.
The London Eye area is also home to street performers who will mesmerise you with their circus skills, musical offerings, and still-life characters! The grass area by the London Eye is an excellent place to sit and people-watch at the heart of the Southbank.
London County Hall
Why visit? It is home to the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, Madame Tussaud's, Shrek The Experience, and the London Marriott Hotel.
The former home of London's County Council, this venue is home to the London Sealife Centre, which features all varieties of aquatic life.
But if you prefer the more macabre and have the stomach for gore, then take an interactive tour experience at the London Dungeon and learn about the history of some of London's more gruesome characters. Or check out some famous faces at Madame Tussaud's waxworks.
After all that excitement, why not enjoy traditional afternoon tea at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall? You will feast on cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of patisseries—not forgetting the tea!
Better still, why not stay the night at the Marriott Hotel and be in the heart of the best walk in London?
Recommended Southbank Attraction Tickets
| Dreamworks Shrek's Adventure Tour Ticket. |
| London Dungeon Entry Ticket. |
| SeaLife Entry Ticket. |
| London Eye Entry Ticket. |
Recommended Combo Ticket For Multiple Southbank Attractions
Westminster Bridge
Why visit? Because it is the finish of the Queen's Walk and leads to the Houses of Parliament.
Constructed in 1738, this foot and road traffic bridge links the area of Lambeth to Westminster. From this point, you will have a fantastic view across the river of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, two of London's most famous landmarks.
To experience the history and heritage of London, tour Westminster Palace. In the 11th century, a royal palace was erected on this site for the Kings of England. Fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512, and it was later rebuilt and used as the seat of Parliament. Today, it remains much as it was all those centuries ago.
At the end of the Queen's Walk, why not take a Thames River Cruise back to the start?
Getting Around London
The official London City Pass is an excellent way to see all the best attractions in London. Depending on your stay, it can cover one day up to ten days.
The London City Pass will give free or discounted entry to over 80 of the best London attractions and tours, and you can buy a London City Pass online before you arrive. The ticket also includes a one-day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Hi Angela
I've just found you and am very excited to work my way through your blogs and itineraries. May I ask if there is a way to print them off please?
Hi Tracy, I'm glad to have you here! Unfortunately there is no way to print off itineraries as they are usually just to detailed and would be difficult to reduce to a printable alternative. If you are going to use my Google Maps you can click into them and save them. Hope this helps.
London is so close to the top of my travel list that I read about it every chance I get. Thank you for sharing so many great ideas. I really can't wait to go there. I pinned this post for future reference too.
I hope you get here at some point Nancy. London really has so many things to do and see, it is a wonderful city.
This walk is an excellent suggestion as it has so much variety along its route. I love popping to the Borough Market to grab lunch.
Borough Market is wonderful. I can recommend the mushroom risotto from the stall called Turnips it’s delicious
I spent several days in London last year and had a great time. I agree that the Tower Bridge and London Eye are "must-do's", but I need to go back to see the other things on your list.
It is a walk I do quite often and there is always something new to see. I hope you get back soon.
I've been to London but missed the Borough Market. I plan to return in May, so I really should go! Thanks for this informative post!
Oh definitely make time for Borough. It is a London landmark and you won’t be able to resist buying some bits while you are there. Borough market is just by the Shard so you may be interested to go to the top of that for a view out over London.
Interesting post! Thanks for sharing such an informative post with us. Really I should visit once to view all the beautiful places and want to travel from tower bridge to Westminster bridge.
I’m glad you found it interesting. It is a lovely walk to take at any time of the year and so much to do and see during the route
A fantastic and interesting read! All just under an hour away too! Thanks for reminding me what London has to offer!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! London has so much to offer.