top of page

London Walks: Central London

This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page. 

Coventry Street on a Central London Walk, London England
Coventry Street, London

Our Central London free walking tour is packed with palaces (Buckingham and Westminster) and rollicking London neighborhoods to explore. Follow our route from Westminster to the West End to see iconic London locations like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Strolling the area’s high energy streets is one of the best things to do in London.

Hippodrome by Leicester Square on a London Free Walking Tour
Hippodrome by Leicester Square

The Central London walk takes in several of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Along the route, visit ancient churches, the theater district, parks, museums, bridges, and colorful Chinatown.

London Walks: Central London At A Glance
The Strand by Coventry Garden | London Walks in Central London
The Strand by Coventry Garden

WHERE IS CENTRAL LONDON

Central London is the very heart of London, England. The region is made up several London neighborhoods including Westminster, St. James, Covent Garden, and Soho. Within this area visitors will find two UNESCO World Heritage sites; the Tower of London and Houses of Parliament. There are also many art galleries, theaters, and movie houses in the vicinity.

London Neighborhoods: Streets of Chinatown | UK Travel
Streets of Chinatown

LONDON WALKS: ROUTE DETAILS

Walk Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6kms)

 

Our Central London walking route begins at Westminster Abbey and ends at St. Clare Danes Church. The trek makes stops at the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and the Strand. Where appropriate addresses are included in the walking route. Use a street map or map app to navigate between stops.

Piccadilly Circus on a London free walking tour in London England.
Piccadilly Circus

This 3-4 hour walk can be combined with other London tours and attractions for a full day of sightseeing. Explore these other half-day London excursions:

Tower of London

Lunchtime in London England | Central London Walks
Lunchtime in London

CENTRAL LONDON HOTELS

If you enjoy being where the action is, book your accommodations in Central London. From this location you can walk to London attractions such as the Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. Here are some well-reviewed Central London hotels to choose from:

St Martin's in the Field Church on Trafalgar Square | Things to do in London
St Martin's in the Field Church, Trafalgar Sq.

LONDON WALKS: CENTRAL LONDON MAP

Credit: Google Maps - London Walks in Central London
Credit: Google Maps

WALKING ROUTE & THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

This walk can be completed in either direction. If you complete the walk in the morning, we suggest you start at Westminster Abbey. That way, there will be fewer crowds at the Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace than later in the day.

Shops on The Strand, London England Travel Blog on UK Travel
Shops on The Strand

Stop 1: Westminster Abbey

Address: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

 

Westminster Abbey has been a royal place of worship since it was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (Westminster Abby) has been the site of every coronation since 1066. The church has been the location of many royal weddings (William and Kate’s) as well as the burial place of countless kings, queens, artists, and statesmen. The abbey is open daily for services (free) and tours by timed ticket (for a fee).


For an in depth tour of Westminster Abbey try this Guided Westminster Abbey Tour. From Westminster Abbey walk .3 miles to the House of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey | Things to do in London England
Westminster Abbey

Stop 2: House of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) & Big Ben

Address: Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom

 

The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) is home to the House of Lords and House of Commons. The collection of old and new buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is open for tours. In the Elizabeth Tower of the Gothic structure is the much-loved clock tower, Big Ben.

Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament on a Central London free walking tour, UK Travel
Big Ben

The bell in Big Ben’s massive tower weighs an impressive 13 tons. The four-sided clock is best seen from afar. When you are done at the Parliament building walk across Westminster Bridge on the River Thames for a good view. To learn more about Big Ben try this Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour.

 

Next, make your way to Birdcage Walk for a stroll to Buckingham Palace. Or, if the sun is bright, cut through the shady paths of St James Park.

Union Jack at Palace of Westminster | Central London Walking Tour
Union Jack at Palace of Westminster

Stop 3: Buckingham Palace

Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom impressive

 

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of England’s monarch. Behind an elaborate iron gate, a flag flies above the palace’s 775 rooms. The Royal Standard is out if the King is at home; the Union Jack flag is up if he is out.  At certain times of the year, tours of Buckingham Palace are available (as well as nearby St James Palace and Windsor Palace). There is also a daily changing of the guard ceremony that many visitors enjoy.

 

Walk along Spur Road and Constitution Hill for good views of the Palace, its famous balcony, and the Victoria Monument. Then, head up the Mall. For an in depth tour of the palace try this Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience.

Victoria Statue at Buckingham Palace | Things to do in London
Victoria Statue at Buckingham Palace

Stop 4: The Mall

Address: The Mall, London UK

The Mall is one of the most famous streets in London. The tree lined road runs from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. During royal celebrations (birthdays, weddings, and funerals) parades pass along this stretch. If you visit in the late morning, you may catch the King’s Royal Guard marching from St James Palace to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.


From the Mall, walk to Trafalgar Square.

The Mall as seen on a London free walking tour. UK Travel
The Mall

Stop 5: Trafalgar Square

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK

 

Trafalgar Square is a large public square full of monuments in the middle of Central London. Through the centuries the square has been the site of many rallies, protests, and large public events. The square is named in honor of Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Trafalgar Square on a Central London free walking tour
Trafalgar Square

There are a number of things to see around Trafalgar Square including: Nelson’s Column, the Trafalgar Square lions, fountains, and statues. Also, located on the square are the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery (free entry) as well as St Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

 

From Trafalgar Square it is a short walk down Regent’s Street to reach Piccadilly Circus.

London Walks: National Gallery in Central London
National Gallery

Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus

Address: Piccadilly Circus, London UK

 

Take a few minutes to enjoy the spectacle of Piccadilly Circus (sometimes called London’s Time Square). Named for the circular open space at the juncture of Piccadilly, Regent, and Shaftesbury Avenue, the area’s neon-lights and oversized advertisements are colorful even at mid-day. Locate the Shaftesbuy Memorial Fountain (looked for a winged statue of Anteros), and sit for a while. Next window shop the luxury boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops that line the circle. TIP: Many of the London’s hop on hop off buses do business in this area.

 

From Piccadilly Circus, follow Coventry to Wardour to Gerrard Street for the entrance to Chinatown.

Anteros Statue in Piccadilly Square on Central London Free Walking Tour, UK Travel
Anteros Statue in Piccadilly Square

Stop 7: Chinatown

Address: London W1D 5QA UK

 

In a small corner of Westminster, Chinatown is wedged between Soho to the north and the theater district in the West End. Walk the narrow streets of Chinatown, explore its shops, and stop for a bite to eat before continuing on to Leicester Square.

London Walks: Entry to Chinatown in London England
Entry to Chinatown

Stop 8: Leicester Square

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE, UK

 

Approaching Leicester Square, notice the many small theaters and movie houses that dot London’s famous West End. Leicester Square is surrounded by play houses, ticket booths, restaurants, and bars. A pedestrianized garden in the middle of all the action provides a shady space to grab a bench to sit for a bit.

London Walks: Relaxing in Leicester Square, UK Travel Blog
Relaxing in Leicester Square

Walk the square to identify figures from famous movies (Bugs Bunny, Mary Poppins, and Harry Potter). Then, wander the stores around the square like the M&M Candy Store, Legos, book stores, and wizard stores. When you are ready, take Orange to William IV to Strand Street.

Mary Poppins Statue in Leicester Square on a Central London Walk
Mary Poppins Statue

Stop 9: The Wellington Pub

Address: 351 Strand, Greater, London WC2R 0HS, United Kingdom

 

It is a beautiful walk from Leicester Square to the Strand. Bordering Covent Garden, the avenue is crowded with theaters, luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, bars, and posh galleries. As you immerse in the lovely architecture, you may feel as if you have fallen into a Harry Potter movie.

Royal Courts of Justice by the Strand | Things to do in London England
Royal Courts of Justice

There are a number of public buildings on the road. The Royal Courts of Justice, with its striking stained-glass windows and soaring Victorian architecture, is one such address (tours available). Between all the aristocrats’ mansions and music halls, locate the Wellington Pub. The traditional English pub features a marble fireplace, original Edwardian ceilings, and a wooden bar. Have a cocktail or two before continuing on to the last stop of our Central London walk.

The Wellington Pub in Central London on a London Free Walking Tour.
The Wellington Pub

Stop 10: St Clement Danes Church

Address: Central Church of the Royal Air Force, Strand, London WC2R 1DH, United Kingdom

 

The St Clement Danes Church is the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. The English Baroque Church has over a 1000 year history. Approaching the church, you will notice an anchor crest by the entrance. If services or events are not in progress, the church is often open and free to tour.

St Clement Danes Church | Things to do in London England, UK Travel
St Clement Danes Church

That concludes our walking tour. Head back to the Wellington for drink number 3! Laura and Randy

For more information on UK travel read our travel blog posts on:


IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!

Red Telephone Box in London England | London free walking tour.
Red Telephone Box

Comments


Recent Posts
bottom of page