Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 11:01 pm
The River Thames has been a life line for London throughout history; it was used for transport, it was an economic resource and a source for fresh water as well as food. These days it plays a more recreational part in Londoners’ lives and the Thames Path that runs along the river from source to mouth, is great for strolls, be it short or long. I love walking along the Thames Path, but my favourite part of it sits between Westminster Bridge and the Tower Bridge in the heart of London as it gives you amazing views of most of London’s iconic sights.
I usually start my stroll from the London Eye which has become one of London’s most iconic sights, since it was built in 2000. The views are pretty stunning from up there, but so is the length of the queue on most days. Continue north and pass the many street artists who have taken up shop here. Just before you go under the rail bridge, you’ll see a glass clad pavilion that looks like a moored ship. This is the Jubiloo, a public toilet that was opened for the Queen’s jubilee, and must be the most patriotic public facilities in the country. Pay the 50p and go see for yourself.
On the other side of the railway bridge, you’ll find the Southbank Centre, London’s most buzzy arts centre. Besides the festival halls and galleries, the centre also comprises many restaurants, cafes and there is even a skateboard park. In summer the terrace in front of the Royal Festival Hall is transformed into an outdoor bar looking out onto the Thames.
Book lovers will love browsing the second hand book market that sits under Waterloo Bridge. It’s open every day, rain or shine.
Moving on you pass Gabriel’s Wharf. This little enclave on the Southbank is home to quirky art and design shops as well as independent restaurants and cafes. A bit further along the river, you’ll find more artsy shops, cafes and restaurants in the OXO-Tower. However the best spot for a meal with a view is up in the OXO-Tower restaurant.
Continue walking underneath the newly refurbished Blackfriars Bridge and station and soon you’ll see the prominent tower of the Tate Modern Museum pop into sight. Housed in a former power station, this gallery boasts seven floors of modern and contemporary works of art from all over the world. The Millennium Bridge just opposite leads you towards the north bank of the river, leading you straight towards St Paul’s Cathedral towering over the buildings on the other side of the Thames.
Just next door to Tate Modern you’ll find the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre that burnt down in 1613, puts on Shakespeare and other theatre productions, but you can also learn more about Shakespeare’s life on a tour or at the permanent exhibition.
Instead of continuing the walk further along the Thames path it’s worth taking a detour to London’s oldest foodie market; Borough Market. Here you’ll find traders selling fruit and veg, meats and fish, but also stalls selling hot meals and ready made sandwiches.
Head back to the river side and continue towards the world famous Tower Bridge. You’ll pass the HMS Belfast, a former warship turned museum, followed by London’s striking city hall building, office of Mayor Boris Johnson.
I usually end my Thames walk here, but the Thames Path doesn’t end here; you can continue further east towards Greenwich, or cross the bridge and go east on the other side towards the financial centre of Canary Wharf, or go back to Central London on the north side. The options are endless.