Green Park to Trafalgar Square via Lambeth Bridge
London Walk
County/Area - London
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km
Ascent - nominal or unknown
Time - 2 hours 20 minutes Grade - easy
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer 173 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer 173 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 176 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 176 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.
This interest packed walk includes many famous landmarks yet also manages to spend some time in the greener parts of London. The start is Green Park underground station, which is served by a number of lines.
Exit the station and go into Green Park. Almost immediately turn right and walk along a broad path parallel with Piccadilly towards Hyde Park Corner. Ahead you will see the Wellington Arch with its chariot on top. The path bears left to reach Constitution Hill. Turn left and follow the "gallop" towards Buckingham Palace. An interesting diversion is a visit to the Canadian Memorial dedicated to the fallen from two world wars.
Reaching Buckingham Palace you can either walk alongside the fence in front of the forecourt or walk around the paths to the left of the Queen Victoria Memorial. Whichever route you choose you need to carefully cross the road and walk along the north side of Birdcage Walk towards Westminster. After approximately 400 metres cross the road and climb the imposing flight of steps opposite. These lead you into Queen Anne's Gate. Go straight ahead towards St James's Park tube station. Turn left into Broadway and follow it as it goes right and continues towards Victoria Street.
Turn left along Victoria Street and continue walking towards Westminster Abbey. Cross the road at a convenient point and just before reaching the West Front of the Abbey turn right into Dean's Yard. Despite the proximity of the Abbey, you will be away from the crowds and be able to have a magnificent view of the Abbey. After taking in the architecture return to the West Front and with the Abbey on your right follow the footway between the Abbey and St Margaret's Church.
Ahead lies the Houses of Parliament together with Big Ben. Cross over the road and turn right and walk south with the Houses of Parliament on your left. Continue past the Victoria Tower and turn left into Victoria Tower Gardens walking through the gardens to reach Lambeth Bridge. Turn left over the bridge and left again on the other side. You can now follow the riverside path north having perhaps taken time to appreciate the gatehouse to Lambeth Palace on your right.
As you walk north you have an excellent view of the Houses of Parliament without the usual hordes of tourists. Continue under Westminster Bridge and double back on yourself and take the steps up to road level. Turn right across the bridge with Big Ben ahead. Reaching the first road junction turn right and follow the footpath along the Embankment. You have a choice here of either following the river or crossing to the other side of the road and enjoying the well maintained Victoria Embankment Gardens which are dotted with many interesting statues and memorials. (Note - reaching Horseguards Avenue you can make a short diversion left to see the Horse Guards).
Continue through the gardens to reach Hungerford Bridge and if you wish to complete your investigation of the gardens continue under the bridge to see northern section. having enjoyed the relative tranquility return under Hungerford Bridge and turn right up Northumberland Avenue towards Trafalgar Square. A short way up on a side street to your right is the Sherlock Holmes pub, which still retains some of its character. The route is now complete apart from crossing into Trafalgar Square cross to admire Nelson's Column and the fountains.
Other walks nearby
Walk 3013 | Trafalgar Square circular | easy | 3.0 miles |
Walk 1570 | Westminster to Green Park via St. Paul's | easy/mod | 5.5 miles |
Walk 3379 | Euston to the Monument via St. Paul's | easy | 4.0 miles |
Walk 1310 | Chancery Lane to Trafalgar Square | easy | 4.0 miles |
Walk 1442 | St Paul's Cathedral to Green Park | easy | 5.6 miles |
Walk 3129 | Camden Town to Baker Street | easy | 2.5 miles |
Walk 3069 | Queensway to Buckingham Palace | easy | 3.5 miles |
Walk 1412 | The Monument to Trafalgar Square via Southwark | easy | 4.0 miles |
Walk 2651 | The City of London from Hays Galleria | easy | 3.5 miles |
Walk 1096 | Highbury & Islington & New River | easy | 1.5 miles |
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