Here is the link to the self guided walking tour I made. Below you will find a step by step guide and information about each stop on the tour.
Stop 1: Tower of London
Stop one is the Tower of London. We decided to take the metro to the Tower of London stop, and then walked to the site. The entrance price is £21.50 for an adult. We just admired the building from the outside, because I had been inside before. The Tower of London also houses the crown jewels! Definitely worth going in if you haven’t been, although it is a bit pricey.
Stop 2: Tower Bridge
It is a super quick walk to our next stop, Tower Bridge.
The next stop is Tower Bridge, often mistaken as London Bridge. Don’t make the same mistake as the American Businessman that thought he had purchased Tower Bridge, when in fact he had purchased the less iconic London Bridge.
Stop 3: Millennium Bridge
Next up, we have the Millennium Bridge. You might remember this bridge from the scene at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. If you cross the bridge you will find the Tate Modern. On the opposite side of the bank you will find St.Paul’s Cathedral, our next stop.
Stop 4: St.Paul’s Cathedral
While we were in London, there was a display of wizard world wands along the walk way, leading to St.Paul’s Cathedral. I am unsure if this display is permanent or not. St.Paul’s Cathedral itself is £18 to enter as an adult.
Stop 5: Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is named for the Battle of Trafalgar in the Napoleonic wars. In the centre of the square you will find Nelson’s Column surrounded by four lions. The square itself has been the site of many protests.
Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a bit like a town square. The name might lead you to believe that you would find animals and performers here, but in this context, a circus, from the Latin word meaning “circle”, is a round open space at a street junction. The fountain in the centre of the square is often a meeting place.
Stop 7: The “Kingsman” Tailor Shop
If you’ve seen the Kingsman movies, then this next stop will be of interest to you. This Tailor shop is the disguised headquarters of the secret service in London. Be careful, it might explode!
Stop 8: Buckingham Palace
I really don’t think that this next stop needs an introduction. Buckingham Palace is the official royal residence for the monarch in London. The palace is generally not open to the public, during summer you can visit its State Apartments and see the Queen’s large garden. You can however see the Changing of the Guard for free at 11.30 am every morning during summer.
Stop 9: St.Jame’s Park
We really enjoying walking through St.Jame’s Park. This is the oldest royal park in London.
Stop 10: Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is regarded as the royal church. Many official events like wedding, funerals and coronations have taken place here. Many famous people are also buried here. It was constructed in 1269. Entrance will cost you £21 as an adult. Buy your ticket ahead, because the lines can be huge!!!
Stop 11: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (also a Winston Churchill statue)
Even though “Big Ben” was under scaffolding when we last visited, the houses of Parliament and Big Ben are very beautiful and definitely worth the visit. Entrance is not permitted, so you will have to enjoy the view from afar. Just across from Parliament, there is a green space that is often the site of protests. Here you will find statues of famous British figures, including Sir Winston Churchill.
BUMBLING TOURIST 