London Walks: Central London
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Our Central London free walking tour is packed with palaces (Buckingham and Westminster) and rollicking London neighborhoods to explore. Follow our route from Westminster to the West End to see iconic London locations like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Strolling the area’s high energy streets is one of the best things to do in London.
The Central London walk takes in several of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Along the route, visit ancient churches, the theater district, parks, museums, bridges, and colorful Chinatown.
WHERE IS CENTRAL LONDON
Central London is the very heart of London, England. The region is made up several London neighborhoods including Westminster, St. James, Covent Garden, and Soho. Within this area visitors will find two UNESCO World Heritage sites; the Tower of London and Houses of Parliament. There are also many art galleries, theaters, and movie houses in the vicinity.
LONDON WALKS: ROUTE DETAILS
Walk Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6kms)
Our Central London walking route begins at Westminster Abbey and ends at St. Clare Danes Church. The trek makes stops at the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and the Strand. Where appropriate addresses are included in the walking route. Use a street map or map app to navigate between stops.
This 3-4 hour walk can be combined with other London tours and attractions for a full day of sightseeing. Explore these other half-day London excursions:
Tower of London
CENTRAL LONDON HOTELS
If you enjoy being where the action is, book your accommodations in Central London. From this location you can walk to London attractions such as the Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. Here are some well-reviewed Central London hotels to choose from:
LONDON WALKS: CENTRAL LONDON MAP
WALKING ROUTE & THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
This walk can be completed in either direction. If you complete the walk in the morning, we suggest you start at Westminster Abbey. That way, there will be fewer crowds at the Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace than later in the day.
Stop 1: Westminster Abbey
Address: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Westminster Abbey has been a royal place of worship since it was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (Westminster Abby) has been the site of every coronation since 1066. The church has been the location of many royal weddings (William and Kate’s) as well as the burial place of countless kings, queens, artists, and statesmen. The abbey is open daily for services (free) and tours by timed ticket (for a fee).
For an in depth tour of Westminster Abbey try this Guided Westminster Abbey Tour. From Westminster Abbey walk .3 miles to the House of Parliament.
Stop 2: House of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) & Big Ben
Address: Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) is home to the House of Lords and House of Commons. The collection of old and new buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is open for tours. In the Elizabeth Tower of the Gothic structure is the much-loved clock tower, Big Ben.
The bell in Big Ben’s massive tower weighs an impressive 13 tons. The four-sided clock is best seen from afar. When you are done at the Parliament building walk across Westminster Bridge on the River Thames for a good view. To learn more about Big Ben try this Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour.
Next, make your way to Birdcage Walk for a stroll to Buckingham Palace. Or, if the sun is bright, cut through the shady paths of St James Park.
Stop 3: Buckingham Palace
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom impressive
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of England’s monarch. Behind an elaborate iron gate, a flag flies above the palace’s 775 rooms. The Royal Standard is out if the King is at home; the Union Jack flag is up if he is out. At certain times of the year, tours of Buckingham Palace are available (as well as nearby St James Palace and Windsor Palace). There is also a daily changing of the guard ceremony that many visitors enjoy.
Walk along Spur Road and Constitution Hill for good views of the Palace, its famous balcony, and the Victoria Monument. Then, head up the Mall. For an in depth tour of the palace try this Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience.
Stop 4: The Mall
Address: The Mall, London UK
The Mall is one of the most famous streets in London. The tree lined road runs from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. During royal celebrations (birthdays, weddings, and funerals) parades pass along this stretch. If you visit in the late morning, you may catch the King’s Royal Guard marching from St James Palace to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
From the Mall, walk to Trafalgar Square.
Stop 5: Trafalgar Square
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Trafalgar Square is a large public square full of monuments in the middle of Central London. Through the centuries the square has been the site of many rallies, protests, and large public events. The square is named in honor of Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
There are a number of things to see around Trafalgar Square including: Nelson’s Column, the Trafalgar Square lions, fountains, and statues. Also, located on the square are the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery (free entry) as well as St Martin-in-the-Fields Church.
From Trafalgar Square it is a short walk down Regent’s Street to reach Piccadilly Circus.
Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus
Address: Piccadilly Circus, London UK
Take a few minutes to enjoy the spectacle of Piccadilly Circus (sometimes called London’s Time Square). Named for the circular open space at the juncture of Piccadilly, Regent, and Shaftesbury Avenue, the area’s neon-lights and oversized advertisements are colorful even at mid-day. Locate the Shaftesbuy Memorial Fountain (looked for a winged statue of Anteros), and sit for a while. Next window shop the luxury boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops that line the circle. TIP: Many of the London’s hop on hop off buses do business in this area.
From Piccadilly Circus, follow Coventry to Wardour to Gerrard Street for the entrance to Chinatown.
Stop 7: Chinatown
Address: London W1D 5QA UK
In a small corner of Westminster, Chinatown is wedged between Soho to the north and the theater district in the West End. Walk the narrow streets of Chinatown, explore its shops, and stop for a bite to eat before continuing on to Leicester Square.
Stop 8: Leicester Square
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE, UK
Approaching Leicester Square, notice the many small theaters and movie houses that dot London’s famous West End. Leicester Square is surrounded by play houses, ticket booths, restaurants, and bars. A pedestrianized garden in the middle of all the action provides a shady space to grab a bench to sit for a bit.
Walk the square to identify figures from famous movies (Bugs Bunny, Mary Poppins, and Harry Potter). Then, wander the stores around the square like the M&M Candy Store, Legos, book stores, and wizard stores. When you are ready, take Orange to William IV to Strand Street.
Stop 9: The Wellington Pub
Address: 351 Strand, Greater, London WC2R 0HS, United Kingdom
It is a beautiful walk from Leicester Square to the Strand. Bordering Covent Garden, the avenue is crowded with theaters, luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, bars, and posh galleries. As you immerse in the lovely architecture, you may feel as if you have fallen into a Harry Potter movie.
There are a number of public buildings on the road. The Royal Courts of Justice, with its striking stained-glass windows and soaring Victorian architecture, is one such address (tours available). Between all the aristocrats’ mansions and music halls, locate the Wellington Pub. The traditional English pub features a marble fireplace, original Edwardian ceilings, and a wooden bar. Have a cocktail or two before continuing on to the last stop of our Central London walk.
Stop 10: St Clement Danes Church
Address: Central Church of the Royal Air Force, Strand, London WC2R 1DH, United Kingdom
The St Clement Danes Church is the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. The English Baroque Church has over a 1000 year history. Approaching the church, you will notice an anchor crest by the entrance. If services or events are not in progress, the church is often open and free to tour.
That concludes our walking tour. Head back to the Wellington for drink number 3! Laura and Randy
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