Starting at Westminster Bridge
This walk runs along the south bank of the Thames for a few miles, mostly on traffic-free paths, and links a remarkable number of London's landmarks. Start on Westminster Bridge, with the Houses of Parliament behind you, then head east along the river.
The London Eye looms ahead, a giant observation wheel offering views across the city from its capsules. Even if you do not ride it, it frames the start of the walk.
Culture on the river
Next comes the Southbank Centre, a cluster of concert halls, galleries and a well-known brutalist theatre complex. Under its concrete terraces, you may find skateboarders, a second-hand book market beneath a bridge and free events in the foyers.
Continue past Gabriel's Wharf, with its small shops and cafés, and the Oxo Tower, whose distinctive lettering was designed to get around old advertising restrictions.
Bankside
At Bankside, Tate Modern occupies a huge former power station. Its vast Turbine Hall hosts large installations, and its upper levels offer free views across the river. Opposite, the Millennium Bridge, a sleek pedestrian bridge, links the gallery to St Paul's Cathedral on the north bank.
A few steps further, Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse. You can take a tour or, in season, watch a play standing in the yard, just as audiences did four centuries ago.
To Tower Bridge
Beyond the Globe, narrow lanes pass a replica Tudor galleon and the remains of a medieval bishop's palace before reaching Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral. Stop for lunch here.
The final stretch passes HMS Belfast, a Second World War cruiser moored as a museum, before arriving at Tower Bridge. Cross it to the Tower of London, or rest on the riverside with views of the bridge's towers and the City's skyscrapers.
Extending your walk
If you still have energy, continue east from Tower Bridge to Shad Thames, where old warehouses converted into flats and restaurants line narrow cobbled lanes and iron walkways cross overhead. Alternatively, catch a riverboat downstream to Greenwich for its maritime heritage, park and hilltop views. River buses are part of the city's transport network and offer a scenic way to rest your legs. On summer weekends, the South Bank also hosts pop-up food stalls, outdoor performances and free events, so keep an eye out as you go. In winter, the riverside often lights up with seasonal markets and installations, giving the walk a completely different feel after dark.
Good to know
- Walk it east to west at sunset for golden light on Parliament.
- Weekday mornings are quietest along the riverside path.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the full walk takes a few hours with stops.