In London Walks (Part 2): London Parks and Landmarks, the journey continues, giving you a totally different experience of London to my previous blog  - London Walks (Part 1): Regents Canal. Along the way we will be taking in some of London’s awesome Royal Parks and historic landmarks.

INTRODUCTION

Hi. If you’ve read my previous blog – London Walks (part 1): Regents Canal, then welcome to part 2!

Perhaps you are walking both these walks in one go! Great! You’ll be starting this walk from Little Venice, and heading towards the Grand Union Canal on your journey.

Or perhaps you are walking this route another time. Also great! You have the choice of either starting out from Little Venice, or from Marble Arch (thereby missing out some road sections in between the end of the Grand Union Canal towards the Marble Arch entrance to Hyde Park).

Either way, I’ve got a fantastic walk lined up for you, which takes in some of London’s Royal Parks, and impressive Landmarks.

London being London, you have the option of stopping off or calling it a day pretty much anywhere you like!

If you are doing both walks in one go (like me), the entire loop is around 29km / 18 miles. It’s available to download on my ‘Full OS Maps route below’. Or you can do them individually if you prefer

DESCRIPTION

In London Walks (Part 2): London Parks and Landmarks, I’ve got not 1, not 2, but 3 Royal Parks – Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park…

“Park life”

HYDE PARK – As stated on the Royal Parks website - This is where suffragettes gave fiery speeches, where the Rolling Stones rocked out by the lake, where the UK’s first Pride march began and where Nelson Mandela took the stage. No wonder it’s nicknamed ‘The People’s Park’.

Facts about Hyde Park…

• The Serpentine is at the heart of the park, with its panoramic lake-side paths, waterfront cafes and abundance of wildlife to spot. Look out for any swimmers at the Lido, home to the oldest swimming club in Britain.

• Speaker’s Corner – you’ll see where radicals and revolutionaries from Karl Marx to George Orwell once stood to have their voices heard by many. This idea of a public spot devoted to free speech has been copied all over the world

• In 1851, over 6 million people visited Hyde Park to see the Great Exhibition, which showcased culture and technology from across the globe

• Explore the winding paths and picturesque meadows in the north of the park or head for the rose garden, near to sandy Rotten Row – a historic route that ran from Kensington Palace to Whitehall

• Hyde Park also plays host to some famous major events – from blockbuster concerts in the summer to the much-loved Winter Wonderland at Christmas.

In this section, we walk through the park from Marble Arch, down to the banks of the Serpentine (feel free to go off piste if you have the time and energy) so you can take the time to fully explore this magnificent Park. We exit the park at Hyde Park corner.

GREEN PARK – just a few steps away from Buckingham Palace and bustling Piccadilly lies the tranquil Green Park – a little oasis of calm in the hectic heart of the city, through which the River Tyburn once flowed

In the heart of the West End of London, we walk all the way through the park, coming out outside Buckingham Palace! It’s your chance to be a real tourist and grab some photos!

Facts about Green Park…

• King Charles II created The Green Park in 1660. He soon fell in love with his new park, taking a daily walk – or ‘constitutional’ – right here. In fact, that’s how nearby Constitution Hill got its name

• There are three war memorials here – from the Canada Memorial in the east to the Bomber Command Memorial in the west. In the shadow of Wellington Arch, meanwhile, lie the Memorial Gates which pay powerful tribute to the five million people from India, Africa and the Caribbean who served in two world wars. The park is the perfect place for quiet contemplation

ST. JAMES PARK – a beautiful park, with St. James Park Lake in our sights all the way, and with views of some of London’s other prominent landmarks 

This is the most royal of London’s Royal Parks. Shaped by generations of monarchs and bordered by three royal palaces, St. James’s Park is the home of ceremonial events in the capital. From royal weddings and jubilees to military parades and state celebrations – this is the park where history is made.

Facts about St. James Park…

• Plenty to see here including – soldiers in scarlet tunics marching down The Mall to bright beds of flowers bursting with blooms. Classic London views from the lake, where you should also keep an eye out for the famous pelicans who call the park home. Did you know that pelicans have been kept at the park since 1664, when a Russian ambassador presented them to King Charles II?

• You’ll spot many famous landmarks in St. James’s Park – from sweeping Admiralty Arch to the ceremonial hotspot Horse Guards Parade. And then of course there’s Buckingham Palace – head down The Mall for that world-famous view!

• We walk along the peaceful lakeside path where you can admire the spectacular trees and abundance of colourful waterbirds

Landmarks

From the parks, you’re soon on the Victoria Embankment, directly opposite the London Eye. Crossing the Golden Jubilee Bridge, you’ll see Big Ben, and The Houses of Parliament, before stepping off into the South Bank.

There are lots of sights, sounds and amazing smells of the busy pop-up food stalls and markets along this stretch. You’ll get to see more London bridges, for example – Blackfriars, Millennium, Southwark, London Bridge, before stepping across the iconic Tower Bridge, with the Tower of London on the other side of the River Thames.

Then step into St. Katherine’s Dock, and down into Wapping, where you can always stop off for a well=deserved pint at London’s oldest riverside Inn – The Prospect of Whitby! Finally your walk ends at Limehouse Basin (or maybe it finished at the aforementioned pub! – I don’t blame you!).

ROUTE INFORMATION

DISTANCE

Part 2 walk: Around 15km / 9 miles in total if you decide to walk from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin

Part 1 and 2 combined: 29km / 18 miles - if you’re including Regents Canal with London Parks and Landmarks!

TIME 

London Walks (Part 2): 3-4 hours (depending on time taken to make any detours)

DIFFICULTY

Easy. The route being fairly flat.

FACILITIES

It’s London! So there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way. Plus some public toilets in Hyde Park

POINTS OF REFERENCE

Grand Union Canal, Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James Park, South Bank, Tower Bridge, St. Katherine’s Dock, Wapping, Limehouse Basin

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

SO MUCH!! Little Venice, Hyde Park Corner, The Serpentine in Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, Horseguards Parade, The River Thames, London Eye, various London bridges, South Bank, Borough Market, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Katherine’s Dock, The Prospect of Whitby Pub, Wapping Docklands Market, Limehouse Basin

HOW TO GET THERE

Option 1: If starting from Little Venice: Take the tube to Warwick Avenue, on the Bakerloo line. Take the Clifton Villas exit, enter Warwick Place, and then turn left onto Blomfield Road. From the other side of the bridge there are some steps leading down to the canal at Little Venice (facing the canal, take the steps to the left hand side)

Option 2: If starting from Hyde Park: Take the tube to Marble Arch, on the Central Line. Out of the exit, cross over the road and to the main entrance of Hyde Park, following the path that crosses diagonally towards the Serpentine (well signposted)

DOWNLOADABLE ROUTES

Marc’s OS Maps London Parks and Landmarks

OS Maps London Walks Part 1 and Part 2 (including Regents Canal and London Parks & Landmarks)

Let’s go!!

London Walks (Part 2): London Parks & Landmarks

START

Introduction…Feeling a little refreshed after the first part of my walk along the Regents Canal, it was time to set off on the second leg of my London Walks adventure.

Little Venice - and ready for the next part of our journey through London!

START – My journey started from the Waterside Café in Little Venice. It’s a pleasant stroll along the canal path, and as it’s now early afternoon, more people are also taking advantage of the now drier weather.

Waterside Cafe, Little Venice

Regents canal branches right, and becomes the Grand Union Canal. As we head towards Paddington, there are more cafes, shops, restaurants, and office blocks.

The Grand Union Canal in Paddington

Grand Union Canal – links London to the Midlands, and is in fact the longest canal in Britain. One arm runs to Leicester, and the other ends in Birmingham

Length – 137 miles

Locks – 158

There’s obviously plenty to see along the way as you pass through London. It then leads you out into the Chiltern Hills, through Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and finally into Birmingham.

Note: The Canal Museum is a great place to visit, where you can fully immerse yourself in its history. It’s located in Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SE.

Road stretch

On our walk, we reach the end of the Canal path close to Edgware Road, and head right into Sale Place. After the relative peace and quiet of the Canal, we’re now in the heart of London’s busy streets, and it does come as a bit of a shock! However, it’s not for too long. Continue along Sale Place, past Cambridge Square, until you reach Connaught Street. Then it’s a left followed by a right into the Edgware Road. Fortunately it’s only a couple of minutes’ walk to Marble Arch, where we will enter the first of three London Parks along our journey!

Marble Arch

For those that are starting their London Walks (Part 2): London Parks and Landmarks from here – Hi, and I’m so pleased you’ve joined me! Let’s crack on!

Hyde Park

We need to carefully cross over this busy junction, heading toward Cumberland Gate, and into the Park. Once into the Park there are many paths we could take. The choice is yours, and if you have never visited Hyde Park before, and have the time, then I would absolutely feel free to explore as much of this wonderful open space as you can!

On our walk, we’re going to take the path that heads towards the Serpentine – a 40 acre recreational lake, which was created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline.

It’s late Autumn on my walk today, and as such it leads me past the famous Winter Wonderland, which is unsurprisingly packed with families and tourists, with the ever present whoops and cries of a typical fairground. I hurry past, and make my way down towards the lake. 

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

I love coming to the Serpentine. From my earliest childhood memories, being taken out on a rowing boat on the lake, to feeding the many birds, ducks and swans that tend to gather near the café. It’s such a gorgeous tranquil spot in the heart of London. If you get the chance to walk around the whole lake, I would definitely take it! 

I walk along the banks of the Serpentine for a short while until I reach the café, pause to watch the world go by for a few minutes, and those childhood memories come flooding back! Kids feeding the birdlife, boats on the lake, skateboarders sweeping by, and many other people, some hand in hand, all enjoying their own moments in this special park. It’s a beautiful scene!

The Serpentine, Hyde Park

But it’s time to move on, and I make my way towards the Queen Elizabeth Gates and to Hyde Park Corner. Crossing the street and to the right, you’re first struck by the iconic screen, created by Decimus Burton, which crosses in between Piccadilly and Knightsbridge.

Hyde Park Corner

Wellington Arch

Once across, you bear left into a pedestrianised square, and arrive at Burton’s impressive Wellington Arch, also known as the Constitution Arch, which is the centrepiece of Hyde Park Corner. It’s not often I get the chance to be a tourist in my own city, and It really is a privilege to admire this fabulous historic architecture, and walk through the arch. On exiting the arch at Constitution Hill, it’s now time to enter the second of our Royal Parks – Green Park.

Green Park

Is the smallest of the London Parks, covering just 40 acres, and in contrast to neighbouring parks, has no lakes, nor any buildings or playgrounds. That doesn’t take anything away from its splendour, with its mature trees, and picturesque grassland.

Green Park

It was a joy to walk through here, like I’ve done on many occasions, although usually making my way from one meeting to another. As I headed a course right through its central path, adorned with leaves turning from green to gold, it was a peaceful contrast to the hubbub of activity at Hyde Park.

But it’s only a short walk, and I soon must veer right, as I wish to exit the park at the other end of Constitution Hill, where there’s a rather famous dwelling I’m keen to see…Buckingham Palace! But just before I make my exit, I turn to my left, and am immediately brought back to 8th September 2022, when our Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away. This corner of Green Park became a carpet of flowers, toy Paddington Bears (because of this wonderful sketch created for her Platinum Jubilee), and handwritten notes. It was a beautiful and fitting tribute. Nothing now remains of those days and weeks, but some people, obviously with similar thoughts running through their minds, were stopping in what appeared to be some quiet contemplation.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

I exit Green Park, and walk across the road to the front gates, where there’s the usual throng of tourists, and I join them. My timing was excellent as the ritual Changing of the Guards were taking place! My nostalgic quench satisfied, I turned towards the Victoria Memorial and headed over and towards St. James Park, for our third Royal Park. But if you want to discover Buckingham Palace for yourself, and are thinking of planning a visit, there’s more information on the Royal Collection Trust website.

St. James Park

Before I enter this most Royal of parks, and London’s oldest, I stand by the bridge, where you can see the lake in its entirety, offering outstanding views of some of London’s landmarks in the distance. The Autumnal colours adding an extra beauty to this classical scene.

Stunning view of St. James Park Lake

Taking the steps to my left by The Mall, I enter the park so as to walk along the lake. It really is incredibly beautiful! Walking a little further I come across one of the park’s stunning pelicans, who’s completely at ease it seems in having passers by taking photos of it, myself included! Apparently pelicans have been residence of the park since 1664! So I guess by now they are well used to all the fuss!

One happy Pelican!

Eventually I reach the end of the lake, and head out across the road and into Horse Guards Parade, the official entrance to St. James park and Buckingham Palace, and also hosts the Trooping of the Colour on the King’s official birthday in June.

Horse Guards Parade

Walking through the parade ground, you enter into Whitehall briefly, and head in a straight line over the road and in the direction of Victoria Embankment, and the River Thames. 

The London Eye is now directly in front of you. Taking a left, I head towards the Golden Jubilee Footbridge, as this is where we must cross over to the South Bank. It’s a great opportunity to take in some of London’s classic views and landmarks – Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, now on our right, with Westminster Bridge straight ahead. To the left is the South Bank, with Jubilee Gardens, and the London Eye taking centre stage.

London eye from Victoria Embankment

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

South Bank

Taking the steps down onto the South Bank, we head left and through the array of busy pop-up market stalls. There is so much to see and do on this side of the river, and at this time of year, it’s buzzing with an early Christmas look and feel. Walking through the crowds, I pass some of London’s famous arts buildings and galleries – The Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery, BFI Southbank, The National Theatre, and Olivier Theatre.

Continuing on past Gabriel’s Wharf, and underneath Blackfriars Bridge, more landmarks await – The Tate Modern, situated adjacent to the Millennium Bridge, shortly followed by Shakespear’s Globe. No matter how many times I’ve walked along the South Bank, it’s always a treat to take in all these wonderful sights!

The Tate Modern

I continue on, past Southwark Bridge, and then The Golden Hinde (of Sir Francis Drake fame), and with Borough Market on my right, with all it’s incredible food, and the smells are extremely tempting! But on this occasion I resist the urge.

The Golden Hinde

Next up is London Bridge, with the Shard (The tallest building in the UK at 1,016ft) rising up into the now late afternoon Autumn sky, and I leave the Thames for a short while as I head into Tooley Street. After a few hundred yards, I turn left into More London Place, and Tower Bridge comes into view, with the Tower of London lying on the other side of the Thames.

The Shard

Tower Bridge and Tower of London

You come to a short flight of stairs at the foot of this most iconic London landmark. At the top turn left and onto the Bridge. Wow! Every time I walk along here, it just smacks of London! The historic significance is obvious, as are the views! The boats going by on the Thames, a glimpse of architecture through the ages – from the Tower of London (built by William the Conqueror in 1078), Tower Bridge itself (opened in 1894), to the modern ‘Walkie Talkie’ building (2014).

The Tower of London

Tower Bridge

I walk across this magnificent bridge once more, and exit down some steps by the Tower Hotel, and into St. Katherine’s Dock (London’s only marina), once my place of work back in the day! Some of you might be thinking this would be the ideal place to call it a day, and if you do, then you can always grab a pint at the Dickens Inn, which dates back to the 18th Century.

St. Katherine’s Dock

For those of you continuing on towards Limehouse Basin, it’s now within reach. First we enter into St. Katherine’s Way, in the direction of Wapping. It’s cobbled streets and pavement now for a couple of km’s, until we pass Wapping Tube. Shortly after, we reach The Prospect of Whitby, London’s oldest riverside Inn. Another great place to perhaps stop off for a well-earned drink! If you do decide to call it a day here, Shadwell Station is s stone’s throw from here (on the DLR and overground). But it’s really not far to go now! So keep going, you’re nearly there! 

The Prospect of Whitby

Just round the corner is Wapping Docklands Market, and there’s a real Christmas air to it as I walk past, and beyond the market you can now see some of London’s skyline rising up behind the dock’s apartments.

London skyline from Wapping Docklands

Continue straight until you reach Cable Street, and turn right, and then a left at Butcher Row a few hundred yards down the road. Take a right turn into Ratcliffe Lane, and you’ll arrive at our final destination – Limehouse Basin, and where we began our Regents Canal walk.

Limehouse Basin

Once a dock, it’s now a marina, and home to narrowboats and yachts. There are plenty of shops and cafes if you fancy a stroll around here. As well as the Regents Canal walk, Limehouse Basin also offers another route to the Olympic Park in East London.

Limehouse Basin

FINISH

For those that began this trail from here – you’ve completed a 29km circular hike that took in the Regents Canal, and London Parks and Landmarks! Awesome! For those that haven’t done the Regents Canal this time, then check out my blog – London Walks (Part 1): Regents Canal.

I hope you enjoy this walk as much as I did!

Thanks for joining me

Happy Hiking!

Marc

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