Royal and historic walking routes
Retrace the steps of British Royalty across the capital. Wander past iconic palaces and through its leafy Royal Parks. Or gain new perspective on London’s history altogether: clamber up an historic sailing ship, visit the site of every British sovereign coronation since 1066, or head to the site where bygone royalty not only lived, but disappeared and even murdered.
From regal landmarks and majestic residences to a journey through the city’s maritime past, these walking routes deliver historic London right to your feet. Soak up everything royal, and tour the streets of the capital for a spectacular city break.
Unmissable self-guided walking routes
Royal London (approximately five miles / 8km)
Start at Westminster Abbey- the setting for 16 royal weddings and the coronation of every English monarch from 1066. Stroll through St James’s Park and meet its resident pelicans until you end up at Buckingham Palace and Whitehall’s Horse Guards Parade. If you arrive before 11am (10am on Sundays), you can catch the Changing of the Guards. Head for the River Thames and cross via Westminster Bridge. You’ll pass the Royal Festival Hall and HMS Belfast before arriving at Tower Bridge and The Tower of London - former palace, fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which protects the Crown Jewels.
Maritime London (approximately five miles / 8km)
Explore the historic Cutty Sark sailing ship in Greenwich before heading to the nearby Old Royal Naval College within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. History buffs won’t want to miss the nearby National Maritime Museum before popping next door to visit the Queen’s House Art Gallery. From there, head into Greenwich Park to find Queen Elizabeths’ oak tree. At the top of Greenwich Park hill, you’ll be rewarded with the Royal Observatory and one of the best views across London. Finish on the Prime Meridian line - from where all the world used to set its clocks (Greenwich Mean Time).
Hampstead’s History (approximately three miles / 4.8km)
Start at Keats House. Located a few minutes’ stroll from Hampstead Underground station, this Regency villa is the former home of the renowned Romantic poet and is steeped in literary history. Head onto Hampstead Heath to its wild swimming ponds, before climbing to the top of Parliament Hill for spectacular views. Discover a charming secret garden at Hampstead’s Hill Garden and Pergola before finishing at Kenwood House. Surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens, the expansive white building is a masterpiece by 18th-century Scottish architect, Robert Adam.
