Walking TourTower of London to the Tate Modern

Commencing at one of London’s most historic sights, this walk crosses the Thames on magnificent Tower Bridge, before heading west along the river, scooping up some excellent views and passing breathtaking modern architecture, history and Shakespeare’s Globe on the way. It comes to a halt amid the renowned artworks of the Tate Modern.

Walk Facts

Start Tower of London; t Tower Hill

End Tate Modern; t Blackfriars

Length 3km; 1½ hours

1 Tower of London

Rising commandingly over the Thames, the ancient Tower of London enjoys a dramatic location. Be dazzled by the vast Koh-i-Noor diamond, explore the impressive White Tower and tag along with a Yeoman Warder on an enlightening tour.

2 Tower Bridge

Cross ornate 19th-century Tower Bridge – traversed by more than 40,000 people daily – to the south side of the Thames.

3 HMS Belfast

Walk west along Queen’s Walk past City Hall (h8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri), called the ‘Leaning Tower of Pizzas’ by some. Moored a bit further ahead, HMS Belfast, a light cruiser that served in WWII and later conflicts, is a floating museum.

4 Shard

Pop through the shopping complex of Hay’s Galleria to Tooley St to see the Shard, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Views from the tallest building in the European Union are breathtaking, but come at a price.

5 Borough Market

Keep walking west along Tooley St and dip down Borough High St to head up Stoney St to Borough Market, overflowing with tasty produce from Thursday to Saturday. If you fancy a beer, keep walking along Stoney St to the Rake (%020-7407 0557; www.utobeer.co.uk; 14 Winchester Walk, SE1; hnoon-11pm Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat, noon-10pm Sun; tLondon Bridge) on Winchester Walk.

6 Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is both fascinating and relaxing. Parts of the church date to medieval times and its treasured haul of artefacts includes a lovely Elizabethan sideboard and an icon of Jesus.

7 Shakespeare’s Globe

Wander west along Clink St – and past the remains of Winchester Palace – to Bankside and on to Shakespeare’s Globe. Join one of the tours if you have time.

8 Tate Modern

Not far west of Shakespeare’s Globe is the Millennium Bridge and London’s standout modern and contemporary-art gallery, the Tate Modern.

5Take a Break

On Friday and Saturday, grab takeaway from one of the many stalls at Borough Market. On other days head to Arabica Bar & Kitchen for wonderful contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine.