Exploring London on Foot: A 3-day Walking Guide

The Jubilee Walkway is split into five main circuits, each showing you a different side of London. These circuits let you break up the walk and explore the city at your own pace.

You can find all five routes on the Transport for London website. I suggest combining some of the routes to comfortably explore London in three days.

Let’s start our London adventure.

For day one, we’ll take the Western Route.

Length: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles

Duration: Around two hours and 35 minutes

Highlights: Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, The Mall, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Details: This route goes through the heart of London, taking you past some of the city's most famous landmarks. Start your day at Leicester Square, then take a quick detour to Covent Garden, known for its charming markets, street performances and boutique shops. After exploring Covent Garden, head to Trafalgar Square and follow the ceremonial grandeur of The Mall to Buckingham Palace. Along the way, you’ll pass Big Ben and Westminster Abbey—must-sees for anyone visiting London.

Historical pubs & restaurants:

• The Red Lion: A classic spot near Parliament known for its traditional ales and British food.

• The Clarence: A gastropub on Whitehall, great for trying British dishes.

Insider tips:

• Arrive early at Leicester Square for a more peaceful morning vibe.

• Catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace around 11:00 AM for a traditional ceremony.

Length: 8.8 km / 5.5 miles combined

Duration: Around three hours combined

Highlights: Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Barbican Centre and St. Paul’s Cathedral

Details: Explore London’s rich history and vibrant culture with a walk from the modern Tate Modern to the historic Tower of London. You’ll cross Tower Bridge and see the financial heart of London around the Bank of England. The route also takes you to the Barbican and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Historical pubs & restaurants:

• The Anchor Bankside: A historic pub with views of the river, known for its Shakespearean ties.

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: A Fleet Street pub rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, full of history.

Insider tips:

• Visit the Tower of London as soon as it opens to avoid long lines, especially for the Crown Jewels.

• Cross Tower Bridge and head to St. Katharine Docks for a quiet break, with lovely marina views and cozy cafes.

Length: 9.4 km / 5.8 miles combined

Duration: Around 3 hours combined

Highlights: British Museum, British Library, Camden Market, Regent’s Canal, Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park

Details: This walk blends the intellectual appeal of the British Museum and British Library with the creative energy of Camden Market. Take a moment to enjoy the scenic views along Regent’s Canal, which cuts through the heart of Camden, offering a quieter escape with quaint waterside cafes and colorful boat homes. The area around King’s Cross is perfect for a lunch break with plenty of options. You’ll finish with a visit to Buckingham Palace and a peaceful walk through St. James’s Park.

Historical pubs & restaurants:

• The Museum Tavern: A cozy pub right across from the British Museum, perfect for a quick pint or traditional British meal.

• The Admiralty: A classic British pub in Trafalgar Square, ideal for a drink after your walk through St. James’s Park.

Insider tips:

• Explore the quieter northern streets of Camden Market for unique finds.

• Primrose Hill: If you're feeling up for it, climb to the top of Primrose Hill to take in one of the best views of the London skyline.

• Arrive at St. James’s Park around sunset for a beautiful end to your day.