London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"One of my favourite walks (especially once the weather improves a bit) is from the Globe Theatre, along the South Bank to Lambeth Palace. There's a bit of everything there - plenty of history, sights, and places to stop if you want to sit and enjoy the day.

Start at the Globe Theatre - an accurate rebuilding of Shakespeare's theatre near to its original site. If you look around, you'll see little bits of history to remind you of the area's less-than-glamorous past - there's a plaque marking the spot of an Elizabethan bear-baiting pit close by! As you walk west (with the Thames on your right), you'll pass the Tate Modern, which is a great place to explore modern art. And it's free, so if you just feel like ducking in to see what's on, you don't have to worry about 'getting your money's worth'. It also has a great cafe and bookstore!

Further along, you'll pass the OXO Tower and Gabriel's Wharf - both places where you can just hang out and enjoy London life. There are lots of little shops in both areas that have unique and hand made things. If you're looking for a special present, it's a great place to start!

The South Bank Centre is just a short way away - it's a cluster of (pretty ugly) buildings housing some great venues. They were all built for the Festival of Britain, after WWII, to celebrate what Modern Britain was all about. While we might not appreciate the architecture, it's what's inside that really counts! The National Theatre, National Film Theatre and Royal Festival Hall are great places to check out if you want something to do. You can find anything from screenings of black and white films, to free concerts, to amazing performances by famous names!

You'll be able to spot the next site almost from the start of the walk, but it really is something to see the London Eye up close. It sits next to a large and imposing building that used to be the seat of London government, County Hall. Now the building houses two hotels, the London Aquarium and two art galleries.

From here you'll cross Westminster Bridge, and you'll have great views of the Houses of Parliament from across the Thames. You may even see the news being filmed with the famous towers as a backdrop!

The end of the walk is now in sight - as you approach Lambeth Pier and Lambeth Bridge, you'll be able to see an old red brick wall, with a gatehouse, and some buildings behind. This is Lambether Palace, the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Anglican Church. Parts of the buildings date to the Elizabethian period, neatly bringing us back to London's history.

This is just a very short introduction to the area and the walk - if you want more information please just ask (especially about the Elizabethan South Bank - there are lots of things to see, if you know where to look!)."
- Kris

* Photo by mckaysavage, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.