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Paris Toolkit Free self-guided London walks
Easy to follow walks covering the main sights of Central London
Using our London self-guided walking tours
These walks are designed as an aid to exploring Central London independently. We believe the best way of seeing London is on foot, supplemented by the use of public transport where required. These notes have focus on what you will see and where, no attempt is made to be a substitute for a good guide book on London.
With a good London street map or map app on your phone you'll have no problem following this walk and be fully equipped to make interesting diversions and adaptations with confidence.
The four walks here cover much of the main areas of Central London a first time visitor will want to cover. These walks encourage visitors to explore London independently and uncover the joys of walking London. You'll be surprised how much you can cover and how much more you see by walking.
1 - The London Icons Walk
This walk as its title suggests, covers many of the major blockbuster reasons that draws first time visitors to London.
The major sights that you must bring back a picture of: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and many more, are featured on this self-guided walk.
We show you how to link these together into a memorable first day in London and many other fascinating places as well.
St James's Park is at the centre of this circular walk, a great place for a breather and some rest and recreation.
2 - The City of London Walk
The original City of London was built to the east of the area most visitors today visit - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the West End entertainment area.
All the above places were outside the original walled city, now called the City of London. Today the City of London is the main business area, a major world financial centre. But as the area is London's oldest its full of interest.
The main formal sights of this walk are Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
The joy of this walk for many people though will be savouring the non tourist atmosphere and understanding London better both past and present. Its a great place to poke around and explore.
3 - The Kensington Walk
Just to the west of the very centre of London is Kensington. Many people will have their accommodation here.
This relatively short leisurely walk starts out in Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens, London's largest Royal Park.
After a visit to Kensington Palace, it's a short walk over to the Albert Hall and the South Kensington Museums.
For most people the museums here will keep you occupied for a full day, each one of them is free.
Just before you get to the Albert Hall you come to the impressive Albert Memorial.
The walk finishes with some upmarket shopping in Knightsbridge where Harrods is situated, just 10 minutes walk from the museums.
4 - The London Shopping Walk
Yes, the walk does cover the tourist haunts of Oxford Street, Harrods and Hamleys toy shop.
But it is also enjoyable for those who are not great fans of mainstream retail therapy.
We also cover some specialist areas. Electronics at Tottenham Court Road, the music scene at Denmark Street and books at Charing Cross Road.
There's also China Town, the gentlemen's outfitters of Savile Row and Jermyn Street, and the luxury shops of Bond Street amongst others.
And of course Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Harrods and Harvey Nichols at Knightsbridge
Guided walking tours in London
Self-guided walking tours are great. But as an alternative you might want to consider taking a professionally guided tour. These tours are all led by knowledgeable experts who will entertain you with stories of London from long ago, as well as discovering both the iconic and the not so well known landmarks of our famous capital.
London may never look the same again...
For a further selection of London walks plus tours, see our page Central London tours
ULTIMATE LONDON SIGHTSEEING WALKING TOUR
Ultimate London Sightseeing Walking Tour
• Small group London walking tour of top London sights • Knowledgeable local London tour guide • Short journey on Underground - valid payment method needed
HIDDEN LONDON SIGHTSEEING WALKING TOUR
Hidden London Sightseeing Walking Tour
• Secret walking tour of hidden London sights • Discover hidden gems and London's history with your local London guide
ROYAL LONDON WALKING TOUR
Royal London Walking Tour
• See St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace & Jermyn Street and many more • 2-hr walking tour in London • Professional guide
HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR FOR MUGGLES IN LONDON
Tour for Muggles - 2-hr walking tour in London visiting Harry Potter locations
Adult £18.25, child £16.25
• See the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic • Learn more about Harry Potter and the filming of the movies from an expert guide • Choice of departure times available throughout the day • Small-group tour limited to 20 people ensures a personalized experience
POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS
| London Eye | Amazing panoramic flight on the world's highest observation wheel. » Fast track tickets available. |
| The Shard | Tallest building in Western Europe with viewing of London from the top. » Fast track tickets available. |
| St Paul's Cathedral | Cathedral of the Diocese of London, venue for royal weddings. » Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Westminster Abbey | Along with St Paul's, England's main religious building.» Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Tower of London | Home of the Crown Jewels and a rich thousand year history. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Madame Tussauds | See wax statues of the most famous people in the world. » Fast track tickets available. |
| London Dungeon | The creepiest attraction in town, the London Dungeon. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Hampton Court Palace | Henry VIII Medieval Palace set in vast grounds. » Pre-book to save money. |
| The London Zoo | World class zoo in the centre of London. » Flexi tickets available. |
