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I still vividly recall the day I gave my talk at KubeCon Europe – amazing tech discussions and my talk on Abstraction debt that was very well received. But honestly, what I was really excited about was what came after the conference: exploring London itself. It felt like the perfect reward.
And here’s a fun twist – just before my trip, my dad showed me an old photo he’d taken exactly two decades ago in the city. It was of Big Ben, snapped on a Kodak film camera. No Instagram filters, no digital zoom, just pure nostalgia.
I was itching to see Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and more. While you can hop on buses or the Tube, I quickly realized the best way to soak in the city’s rich layers was on foot. Walking allows you to experience the city’s evolution.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through my one-day London walking tour covering Tower Bridge, the Thames Path, the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and Big Ben. Along the way, I’ll share historical insights, practical tips, and a few personal reflections.
Whether you’re a history buff or a casual traveler, this route will give you a fresh lens on the city’s timeless charm. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the city’s rich culture, you might also enjoy my guide to the top museums in London, which complements this walking experience perfectly.
My London Walking Tour
Starting Point: Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge (infamously known as the London Bridge) is THE iconic landmark. When you’re flying in into Heathrow, and are lucky to get a window seat, you can might as well spot this from up above. But before I get into the place, let’s dive into the history of the place.
History
Back in the 19th century, city’s East End docks were booming, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. But the existing London Bridge, built centuries earlier, was struggling to handle the surge of horse-drawn carts, pedestrians, and river traffic. By the 1870s, it was clear that a new solution was needed to ease congestion and keep the trade flowing smoothly.
Enter the Tower Bridge project, launched in 1886 and completed in 1894. The design was revolutionary for its time – a bascule (French for “see-saw”) bridge that could lift to let ships pass. It wasn’t just functional; it was designed to look medieval, with Gothic towers that blend into the nearby Tower of London’s historic walls. The idea was to marry Victorian innovation with a nod to tradition.
Behind the scenes, the bridge was an engineering marvel . It used massive counterweights and hydraulic power – originally steam-powered – to raise its two bascules. This allowed large ships to navigate the Thames without stopping the city’s traffic for long. The project was a technical headache, with challenges in balancing aesthetics and function, but ultimately it worked brilliantly.
My walking experience: Walk or Pay for the Glass Walkway?
Today, you can stroll across Tower Bridge for free, enjoying panoramic views of the Thames and the Tower of London. For a more immersive experience, the paid glass walkway lets you literally walk on air, 42 meters above the river.
I chose the free walk but noted the glass experience is a must for those who want a thrilling perspective.
Best photo angles? Early morning or late afternoon light is perfect. Facing the bridge from the south bank gives you the iconic view, with the towers framed against the sky. You can also cross the bridge and walk down to Butler’s Wharf Pier to get some beautiful shots.
Following the Thames – The Queen’s Walk
From Tower Bridge, I followed the Thames Path along the Queen’s Walk tracing the river that has shaped the city’s destiny for two millennia.
The Romans founded Londinium around 43 AD, choosing this Thames bend for its strategic and economic advantages. The river was a vital artery for trade and defense, and remnants of Roman walls and artifacts still pepper the city, reminding us of these ancient roots.
During medieval times, the Thames powered the city’s economy through fishing, trade, and transportation. The riverbanks bustled with merchants, docks, and markets. Borough Market, which you encounter along the Queen’s Walk, dates back to these times as a hub for fresh food trading.
My Walking Experience: Historical Markers Along Queen’s Walk
As you stroll along Queen’s Walk, you’ll spot:
- Borough Market: A vibrant food market with a medieval legacy, I’ll have a detailed blog post about this since there’s a lot to see and experience.
- Shakespeare’s Globe: A faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse, echoing the South Bank’s entertainment heritage.
- Bankside’s mix of old warehouses and modern architecture: Showing the layered history of commerce and culture.
- Hay’s Galleria: It’s a huge mall along the Queen’s walkway which has a lot of eateries.
- HMS Belfast: If you’re a history nerd, then you can also stop by HMS Belfast – a WWII warship that’s turned into a museum.
There’s also a small store near the engine room, underneath the tower bridge. It’s a souvenir store with a good collection of items. However, the price are slightly on the higher side compared what I found in Covent garden market.
This stretch reminded me of the vibrant atmosphere I experienced during my Wimbledon tour, where history and modern excitement blend seamlessly.
London Eye
Next up on my route was the London Eye, the giant observation wheel that has become a symbolic icon of the city and a popular tourist spot. I walked past it a couple of times during my stay and one of the days it was closed. Also, I’d like to mention that I didn’t go on it – just didn’t feel like it, also since the ticket prices were Rs 6000+, I didn’t find worth it.
The London Eye’s location on the South Bank highlights the transformation of this area from industrial docks to a lively cultural quarter.
Here’s a fun tidbit: this was originally a Millennium project but faced many hurdles. Funding delays and public skepticism almost shelved it. Nicknamed “the wheel that nobody wanted,” it finally opened in 2000 and rapidly became a beloved landmark. Below are a few places that you can witness from here.
- Westminster’s historic skyline, with Parliament and Big Ben standing tall.
- The layers of city’s history unfolding: from ancient churches to modern skyscrapers.
- The Thames winding through centuries of stories.
If you do visit, book tickets online in advance to skip lines. Early morning or sunset rides offer the best lighting for photos. Plus on weekends, you’ll lot of street artists, open book stores and quite a few things to do.
Crossing Westminster Bridge
From the London Eye, it’s a short walk across Westminster Bridge – another iconic crossing with a story all its own. In fact from the London Eye, you can get a beautiful view of the Westminister bridge.
The original Westminster Bridge, built in 1750, was the first crossing over the Thames in 1,500 years, breaking the monopoly of London Bridge. The current bridge, completed in 1862, is a Victorian replacement designed during a period of rapid urban expansion.
Literary Connections and Cultural Significance
Westminster Bridge inspired Wordsworth’s famous poem, capturing the serene beauty of the early morning cityscape. It has since become a symbol of connection – linking the historic South Bank to the heart of British governance.
The bridge visually and metaphorically connects tradition and progress. Its green-painted ironwork contrasts with the gothic spires of Parliament, reminding us of London’s layered identity.
Westminster’s rise as the seat of power owes much to its vantage point along the Thames, its proximity to royal palaces, and its designed vistas that showcase the grandeur of Parliament.
Big Ben & Westminster
From the Westiminster bridge, you can get some wonderful pictures of the Big Ben. Especially during evenings, you can get good shots of the Big Ben Silhoutte with the sunset. Irrespective of that, you get some amazing shots.
The site began as Edward the Confessor’s palace in the 1040s, evolving over centuries until the Great Fire of 1834 gutted much of it. The current Gothic Revival palace, designed by Pugin and Barry, rose from those ashes as a Victorian masterpiece.
Elizabeth Tower, often called Big Ben (which technically refers to the bell), is an engineering marvel of its time. Its clock mechanism was revolutionary for precision, and the bell’s chimes have become synonymous with British democracy.
Big Ben’s Role in British Life
- Wartime Symbol: During WWII, Big Ben’s chimes broadcast hope and resilience on BBC radio, even as London faced relentless bombing.
- Democratic Traditions: The bells mark parliamentary sessions and national moments.
- Cultural Icon: Featured in countless films, New Year celebrations, and tourist postcards.
Between 2017 and 2021, the tower underwent extensive restoration to safeguard its structure and mechanism, blending heritage preservation with modern technology.
Parliament Square Stories: Statues & Protest Traditions
The square hosts statues of Churchill, Gandhi, and Mandela, representing global struggles for freedom and justice. It’s also a living space for democracy, with protests and gatherings happening regularly.
The architecture around the square reads like a history book – each building telling a story of power, politics, and cultural evolution. You can also opt for a tour of the Parliament buildings that will take you through the building, and also the Big Ben. Since it’s a guided tour, you’ll get some good insights on the history of the place. Just to put it out there, I didn’t go inside.
London Walking Guide: Practical Tips
If you’re ready to embark on this London Icons walking tour, here’s a practical guide to make the most of your day.
Best Route & Timing
- Start early at Tower Bridge (around 8:30-9 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy soft morning light.
- Walk westward along the Thames Path, taking detours to Borough Market (I’d also suggest to skip this from the walking tour if you really want to soak in the vibes of Borough market) and Shakespeare’s Globe.
- Reach the London Eye by late morning; if you plan to ride, pre-book tickets.
- Cross Westminster Bridge and spend time at Big Ben and Parliament Square in the afternoon.
This timing lets you experience the city unfolding from historic to modern in a narrative flow.
Best Photo Spots
- South Bank facing Tower Bridge – early morning.
- From the glass walkway on Tower Bridge (if you opt for the ticket).
- Along the Thames Path near Borough Market with vibrant market colors.
- Westminster Bridge at sunset with Parliament silhouetted.
- Parliament Square with Big Ben towering overhead.
Before You Go: Preparation Tips
- Read up on London’s Roman and Victorian history for richer context.
- Apps like Citymapper, Google Maps help navigate public transit if needed.
- Use the London Walks app for audio guides on specific landmarks.
- Check weather forecasts; London can surprise you with rain even in summer.
- Pack comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle – you WILL walk a lot!
A Walk To Remember
Walking through London’s iconic landmarks in one day is like flipping through a vibrant history book -each step revealing layers of a city that honors its past while embracing the future. From Victorian ambition at Tower Bridge to Roman roots along the Thames; from the modern spirit of the London Eye to the enduring power of Big Ben, this route encapsulates London’s unique ability to reinvent itself without losing its soul.
I won’t deny, a single day only scratches the surface. But trust me, this tour gives you a powerful glimpse of London’s evolution, its triumphs, and its ongoing stories. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or someone chasing nostalgia like me, walking these paths will leave you richer in understanding and experience.
If you’ve got any queries or suggestions, drop them in the comments below. You can also tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj or DM @Atulmaharaj on Instagram or Get In Touch.
