A few weeks ago we took a train into London and got off at London Bridge with no particular plans. We knew we wanted to walk, as it was a beautiful autumn day. But beyond that we were happy to see what came our way. The pictures below tell the story, and are a great example of the richness of walking through a major city and just allowing the place to guide you. No guidebooks or maps necessary, just the curiosity to look and see the world that is carrying on regardless.
London's New Skyline - Looking across the Thames to the City from Hay's Galleria
Just below London Bridge Station is Hay’s Galleria, a modern complex of shops and restaurants in a renovated wharf. Once an integral part of London’s maritime industry, now it is a place for Londoners to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime in a bright and open space.
The Navigators, by David Kemp - the central attraction at Hay's Galleria
Stepping out from here, you are immediately on the riverside and it is a short walk to perhaps London’s most famous landmark, Tower Bridge. Whatever the month or the weather Tower Bridge is always packed with tourists, and I don’t believe I have ever walked across the bridge without hearing at least a dozen different languages spoken.
Tower Bridge, London's most recognisable landmark
Once across the bridge it is a short walk into the East End of London. One of the best things about London is the number of street markets. While some stretch for miles and many cater more for visitors than locals, the market in Petticoat Lane is one of the more understated markets, offering cut price clothing in a very unassuming location, albeit a stone’s throw from the financial heartland.
Market, Petticoat Lane
Walking from here, you soon find the maze of little alleys that sprouted in London’s early growth as a major city, and that make the job of a London taxi driver so much more taxing than a New York cabbie. Some of the names of the streets are fantastic. Here’s just one example:
What is the fascinating history behind this street?
A short distance from here is Liverpool Street Station, considered the eastern end of the financial district. Walking in this area you can see plenty of examples of daring architecture, built in the last 20 years where it seems that architects have had almost a free rein to let their imaginations run wild. Public art too is liberally displayed in the parks and open spaces that dot the office buildings here.
This little space behind the station is a popular place for office workers to step out and enjoy their lunch or have a cigarette break.
Artwork in park behind Liverpool Street Station
Open spaces abound, even in the heart of the city
Walking westwards you now pass through the financial district, and along Fleet Street, once the heart of the newspaper industry. While many of the old impressive buildings remain, some of the new structures form a sharp and uncompromising contrast with their predecesors.
A thoroughly modern landscape, just off Fleet Street
Some of the lesser noticed sights in the city are the underground stations that have long been closed. These buildings have maintained impressive facades, and one of these is in evidence on the Strand. Once a station on the Picadilly line, the lights went out in 1994, and the building now stands empty. Look at the beautiful building next door!
Aldwych (before that, Strand) tube station - closed in 1994
One of the best parts of walking through any city is chancing upon an event or celebration that happens to be taking place as you pass. London and New York are wonderful places for this, and when we lived in NYC we stumbled across film sets almost every time we took a walk. On this occasion we happened to pass Parliament just as Greenpeace were staging a rooftop protest. It attracted a large crowd of onlookers, while the policeman we spoke to was enjoying an easy day and a generous helping of overtime pay. Seemed like everyone was happy.
Rooftop Protest: Greenpeace on the Houses of Parliament
Heading back along the South Bank, here is a scene that you wouldn’t expect to be a mere stone’s throw from the chaos of the London Eye. Yet this little courtyard of bohemian looking boutique shops was almost deserted.
Boutiques near the South Bank
This was all captured in a little over two hours of gentle walking through the centre of London. Many of these sights were buildings or places I had previously passed but never noticed. Every time I visit London there are many new sights that I discover: a building I hadn’t previously noticed, an alleyway that leads to a hidden market or old warehouse, or a neighbourhood that offers fabulous food at great prices.
I don’t believe that even a London resident can say that they truly know the city. There are so many hidden nooks and crannies to explore that it would take a lifetime to truly be familiar with its many faces. But that is no reason not to start exploring!
London is such a cosmopolitan place, it’s amazing what you can find on foot! Thanks for sharing some of the highlights Andy, it’s always great to be able to add new things to look out for on the next trip
Thanks Clare. There is so much to see in London, and indeed any city, and every visit can reveal something that we hadn’t previously noticed.
Thanks for sharing this with us Andy! One of the reasons why I initially moved to London is because its discovery is endless! Every time I’m in London I know I’ll find something new. One nice way to find new interesting places is to join one of the London Walks (don’t work for them or get any commission for recommending them, so I’m being objective here :-)). I took one of their walks to Hampstead Village and another to Kensigton and they were both fantastic. I got to see places and learn curious facts that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. Also agree that the markets are great…my favourite for food is Borough market, not far from Tower Bridge.
Thanks Paola. I heard good things about London Walks too (have to admit I prefer to have no idea where we go, and to move at our own pace, but I can see the attraction and it’s a great way to learn about some of the many stories associated with London’s rich history).
I only discovered Borough Market last week – isn’t it wonderful!
Those boutiques on the South Bank are at Gabriels Wharf Andy. There’s a decent pizza restaurant (Gourmet Pizza) and a decent beer garden on the left of the square (called Studio 6 but used to be called The Hoegaarden Beer garden I think); which is great for an oudoor London beer. A favored summer meet up point!
Thanks for the extra information Stuart. Always up for a good pizza, so I’ll give Gourmet Pizza a go next time we’re down there.
Frying Pan Alley. The frying pan was the emblem once used by braziers and ironmongers. It was the custom for ironmongers to hang a frying pan outside their premises as a means of advertising their business. The number of such businesses in this alley led to its being named Frying Pan Alley.
From: http://www.walksoflondon.co.uk/45/london-walks-east-end-ram.shtml
YOUR QUOTE: don’t believe I have ever walked across the bridge without hearing at least a dozen different languages spoken. END
Just catch any bus in South London and the only language you won’t hear is English!
I was going to add the history of Frying Pan Alley but Carl beat me to it!
It looks like you had a wonderful walk around London and I too can only sing the merits of strolling with no agenda and seeing where you end up. I have a friend who sets off from home in a different direction each weekend and just sees where he ends up. Some days he walks more than 10 miles and finds himself outside of London but he always finds some interesting sights and takes some great photos on his walks.
London is smaller than we think (well, the central stuff) and you can see so much while walking. The only drawback I find if my energy levels can’t keep up with my curiosity to keep walking!
Thanks for the Frying Pan lesson Carl. Great to know the reason behind this wonderful name. Agree with you Laura that London is quite small and easy to explore on foot. And if your energy levels drop, there’s plenty of places to stop for a snack and replenish them
Thanks to all for the comments.
Wow, I have got goosebumps after reading your blog. Fantastic to find a fellow Londonistic! I am passionate about London and love to do just exactly what you did, walk-about and see what I find. I have had some amazing adventures, finding places off the map, and challenge anyone to tell me there is a more fascinating or interesting city anywhere in the world. London has it all, and a with history that stretches back thousands of years….you can’t beat that. Thanks for a fab post. I will save this to my ‘favourite blogs’ and hope to see more.
have a great day
regards
Cindy
@notjustagranny
@3days_in_london
Thanks Cindy. London’s a lovely city to wander through with no plans, and it never ceases to surprise us with its hidden treasures. Thanks for your Twitter links too – I’ll be looking out for your London stories too!