Step Out in Style: 8 Chic Walking Tours of London
Have you ever wanted to experience the heart of London like a true local? The best way is on foot, wandering the charming cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways, soaking in the history and culture around every turn. You’ll discover a side of London the tour busses miss. These self-guided walking tours take you off the beaten path to trendy neighborhoods filled with independent boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, historic pubs, and Instagram-worthy street art.
Prepare to leave in style for an unforgettable taste of London’s quintessential cool. Lace-up your favorite walking shoes, grab an umbrella just in case, and let the adventure begin! Whether you want to shop like a Londoner, eat like royalty, or soak in the eclectic vibe, these chic walking tours have something for everyone. The only question is, which one will you try first? London awaits…
Take a Royal Stroll Through Buckingham Palace Garden Walking Tours
If you want to channel your inner royal, head to the Buckingham Palace Gardens for a self-guided walking tour, fit for a queen.
The Gardens
Spread over 39 acres, the Gardens are home to a lake, a tennis court, and the Queen’s Gallery. Walk under the shade of ancient trees and flowering blooms as you go to the massive lake, complete with an island home to exotic birds. The grounds also feature the historic Queen Victoria Memorial.
The Palace
While the palace is only open for tours during August and September, you can still glimpse the historic facade and the famous balcony where
the royals appear for events like Trooping the Color. Stand outside the gates and imagine the pageantry and celebrations there for centuries.
The Queen’s Gallery
For art lovers, the Queen’s Gallery is a must-see. Housing paintings, furniture, and other priceless artifacts from the Royal Collection, the gallery offers insight into the history of British monarchs through the ages. The free garden access does not include Entry to the gallery, but tickets are well worth the price.
A walking tour of Buckingham Palace Gardens lets you discover the history and pageantry of the British monarchy without the crowds of the busy summer season. Explore the gardens, palace exterior, and Queen’s
Gallery for an enjoyable stroll fit for a king or Queen
Follow in the Footsteps of Literary Legends on a Bloomsbury Walk
If you’re a bookworm, the Bloomsbury Walk is for you. This literary-themed tour will take you through the charming, bookish neighborhood once home to Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and other writers associated with the Bloomsbury Group.
Follow in Virginia Woolf’s Footsteps
Visit 46 Gordon Square, where Virginia Woolf lived for over 20 years. Peer into the garden that inspired her novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” Then, head to nearby Tavistock Square, the setting for Woolf’s essay “A Room of One’s Own.” Visualize Woolf walking these very streets, gathering inspiration for her modernist masterpieces.
Discover Where George Orwell Lived
Just around the corner on Canonbury Square, see the flat where George Orwell lived in the 1930s. Orwell penned “Keep the Aspidistra Flying”
and “Coming Up for Air” here. Are you an aspiring writer yourself? Channel Orwell’s determination in this evocative location.
Explore Other Literary Landmarks
Drop by Senate House Library, the art deco tower that inspired Orwell’s “Ministry of Truth” in “1984”. Pass by Faber & Faber, the publishing house that first printed T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”. And see where Sylvia Plath lived on Fitzroy Road during her tumultuous relationship with Ted Hughes, an experience that influenced her posthumously published novel “The Bell Jar.”
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With a long, storied literary legacy, Bloomsbury’s cobblestone streets are hallowed ground for book lovers. By walking in the very footsteps of Woolf, Orwell, and Plath, you’ll gain insight into the lives and works of some of the 20th century’s most influential writers. An unparalleled experience for any bibliophile, the Bloomsbury Walk is a must-do for those who live for literature.
See the Sights on a Riverside Walk Along the Thames
A stroll along the River Thames is a quintessential London experience. The Thames Path walking route passes by some of the city’s most famous landmarks and offers a glimpse into its history. Start at the London Bridge tube station for a casual 2 to 3-mile walk along the river’s south bank.
Tower Bridge
Every trip to London is complete with seeing the iconic Tower Bridge. This Victorian bascule and suspension bridge opened in 1894. Walk across its high-level walkways to enjoy panoramic views of the river. On the south bank, you’ll find the HMS Belfast, a historic Royal Navy cruiser turned into a floating museum.
Borough Market Walking Tours
Wander through the Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most extensive food markets. You’ll find artisanal cheeses, baked goods, cured meats, spices, and fresh produce open from Thursday to Saturday. Grab a snack, and people watch while street musicians play. The vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering aromas make this a highlight of the walk.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
Just a few minutes east along the Thames Path is the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. This open-air playhouse is a replica of the original Globe theater from Shakespeare’s time. Take a guided tour to learn about Elizabethan theater and see costumed actors rehearsing lines from the bard’s famous plays.
Tate Modern Walking Tours
Round out your walk at the Tate Modern, London’s iconic modern art gallery. Housed in a former power station, the vast industrial space is perfect for large-scale art installations and exhibitions. Walk across the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul’s Cathedral for scenic views of the Thames. The Tate’s Restaurant and Espresso Bar offer refreshments with outdoor riverside seating.
A walk along the Thames Path ticks off so many of London’s must-sees in one casual stroll. The riverside setting, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant markets combine for an unforgettable day exploring the capital on foot. There is no need to rush—take your time and enjoy being by the river in this great city.
Explore London’s Chic Neighborhoods on a Belgravia and Knightsbridge Tour
One of the chicest areas of London to explore on foot is Belgravia and Knightsbridge. On this walking tour, you’ll stroll through two of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, home to luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, and a well-heeled set.
Start your walk in Belgravia, an exclusive area developed in the 19th century and still oozing old money charm. Walk past private garden squares like Eaton Square, lined with grand white stucco buildings. Peek through the gates at the manicured lawns and blooms within.
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Head to Sloane Street, a luxury shopping destination where you might spot a royal or celebrity ducking into Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Even if the haute couture shops are outside your budget, gazing through the windows is a beloved pastime.
Harrods
Every trip to Knightsbridge is complete with visiting the world’s most famous department store, Harrods. Even if you intend to avoid buying anything, exploring the food halls and decadent homewares is necessary. The Egyptian-themed interior design is equally stunning.
After Harrods, stroll through Hyde Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of London. Walk along the Serpentine, an idyllic lake where you might spot birds, boats, and the occasional brave swimmer.
End your walk on Sloane Square, a picturesque garden square surrounded by pastel-hued buildings. Pop into Saatchi Gallery for free to view contemporary art exhibits, or find a patio to enjoy afternoon tea or
a glass of champagne. This is the perfect end to an indulgent day exploring London’s most prestigious postcodes.
This walking tour covers the cream of the crop in London and shows how the other half lives in the city. Even if Belgravia and Knightsbridge are outside your budget, you’ll feel like a million bucks exploring these posh neighborhoods. Treat yourself—you deserve it!
Get Lost in History on a Westminster and Whitehall Walk
One of the best ways to soak in centuries of history is on a walking tour of Westminster and Whitehall. This area is the heart of British politics and royalty, filled with iconic landmarks and architectural marvels spanning over 1,000 years.
As you stroll along, watch for the Jewel Tower, a relic from the 14th century that was once used to house the crown jewels. Then, go to the majestic Westminster Abbey, the traditional place of coronation and burial site of 17 monarchs. Gaze up at the elaborate Gothic architecture and tour the abbey’s many royal tombs and chapels.
Head south to breathtaking Parliament Square, dominated by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This is where influential speeches have been delivered and world-changing laws passed. Walk across Westminster Bridge for a panoramic view of the London skyline, including the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Once the center of political power, grand government buildings line Whitehall, including the historic Banqueting House from 1622. Horse Guards Parade, where the Queen’s official birthday is marked each June, offers daily mounted troop inspections and ceremonies.
At the southern end lies iconic Trafalgar Square, watched over by Nelson’s Column, erected to honor Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The square is also home to the National Gallery, housing masterpiece artworks like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
A walk through this district is a journey through time, giving you a glimpse into the storied events that shaped London into the city it is today. Lose yourself in the shadows of history and emerge with a deeper understanding of how royalty, religion, and politics are all intertwined in Britain’s complex past.
Conclusion
So there you have it, eight of London’s most stylish walking tours. Whether you’re looking to soak in centuries of history, follow in the footsteps of icons like the Beatles, or discover the hottest new neighborhoods, London’s walking tours have you covered.
The best part is these self-guided strolls are leisurely on the wallet, leaving you with plenty of pounds to shop the markets, pop into charming tea shops, or grab a pint at a pub along the way. What are you waiting for? Lace-up those walking shoes, grab an umbrella just in case, and get lost in the wonder of it all. London’s creative spirit is calling – take a stroll on the wild side and answer it. The city is yours to discover one stylish step at a time.
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