Walking in London – 3 itineraries from Notting Hill to Tower Bridge

One of my readers (hi Robin!) recently emailed me asking how to cram in as much of London as possible in just 24 hours. Naturally, there’s no such thing as “doing London” in a day—I lived there for a year and still didn’t see everything!

While London isn’t the most walk-friendly city in the conventional sense (many will call me crazy for walking these entire routes), there’s something about exploring on foot that just feels right. Especially when you’re new to a place—walking lets you really see it.

And in London, there are plenty of reasons to swap the Tube for a pair of good shoes:

• Public transportation is expensive—and often unpredictable. Planned engineering works, anyone?
• The photo ops are spontaneous and endless. Mews, pub façades, floral doorways… let’s just say the inside of a Tube carriage doesn’t quite compare.
• You’ll probably eat your weight in cake, beer, and chips—walking is an excellent excuse to keep going.

Despite being 15 times bigger than Paris, it’s still possible to hit a good number of major sights on foot—with a little planning. And if you’re only in town for a short time, every minute counts.

So I’ve mapped out three walking itineraries, each covering a different area of the city. They’re all routes I’ve personally walked, carefully noted for the most beautiful streets and scenic turns. Technically, you could do all three in one day (challenge accepted?), provided you’re wearing the world’s comfiest shoes and are powered by a steady stream of Red Bull. But I recommend taking your time and soaking in the wonder that is London.

Walking in London – Notting Hill to Green Park

Kensington is often my first stop whenever I’m in London. Not just because of the movie, but because it’s absurdly pretty. It feels like a Disneyfied version of London: pastel townhouses, tree-lined streets, fashion-forward locals, coffee-sipping mums, and a parade of Instagrammers capturing it all.

• Marvel at the colourful homes and lavish mansions of Notting Hill.
• Throw in a coffee or cake stop—my picks:
  • Biscuiteers – 194 Kensington Park Rd
  • Coffee Plant – 180 Portobello Road
  • Hagen Espresso Bar – 63A Ledbury Rd
  • The Notting Hill Bookshop Café – 15B Blenheim Cres
• Wander through the serene Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
• Continue to Kensington Palace and the vast Hyde Park.
• Admire Queen Victoria’s legacy at the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.
• Pop into the spectacular Natural History Museum (even if just for the entrance hall).
• Hop on the Tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus.

Walking in London – Buckingham Palace to Houses of Parliament

This itinerary takes in some of London’s most iconic landmarks—and rightly so. What’s a visit to the UK without a proper dose of royalty? While the route isn’t the most direct, it’s undoubtedly the most regal (and photogenic).

• Start at Piccadilly Circus station and walk to Trafalgar Square. If time allows, pop into the National Portrait Gallery—a personal favourite.
• Cross Admiralty Arch and stroll down Pall Mall.
• Pause for a moment (or several) in front of Buckingham Palace.
• Wander through the picturesque St. James’s Park—be sure to follow the path along the lake for a picture-perfect view of the Palace framed by trees.
• Pass the discreet entrance to the Churchill War Rooms—and if time permits, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
• Admire the intricate Gothic details of Westminster Abbey.
• Snap that essential tourist shot with Big Ben in the background.
• Then hop aboard the Thames Clipper (RB1) at London Eye Pier and cruise to Tower Millennium Pier—a scenic, underrated way to see the city from the water.

Walking in London – St. Paul’s to Tower Bridge

After a peaceful (and photo-worthy) ride along the Thames, it’s time to explore one of London’s most historic corners: the City of London. Technically its own entity and not a borough, this compact district spans more than a thousand years of history—from the Tower of London, built in 1078, to the shimmering skyscrapers of the modern financial hub. Just across the river, the South Bank is equally rich in culture, especially with gems like Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market.

• Circle the Tower of London and imagine the dark, dramatic chapters etched into its stone walls.
• Cross Tower Bridge, pausing for that classic panoramic view.
• Gaze up at The Shard—and if budget permits, treat yourself to its observatory. It’s the tallest building in Western Europe, and the views are breathtaking.
• If it’s open (10 AM–5 PM, Wednesday to Saturday), indulge at Borough Market with gourmet sandwiches, fresh cheese, and any other delicacy you can justify.
• Stroll past Shakespeare’s Globe, a loving tribute to the Bard’s theatrical legacy.
• Cross Millennium Bridge, soaking in the stunning views of both riverbanks, with the Tate Modern rising behind you.
• End your route at the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral, a fitting finale to a walk through centuries of London history.