London Maps
and Short Trips Guide

View London's Top 15 Sights, 2013 in a larger map

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Numbers on the Map

1: British Museum. 2: National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. 3: London Eye. 4: Tate Modern art gallery. 5: Tate Britain art gallery. 6: Natural History Museum. 7: Science Museum. 8: Buckingham Palace. 9: Westminster Abbey. 10: Tower of London and Tower Bridge. 11: St Paul's Cathedral. 12: Victoria and Albert Museum. 13: Thames South Bank. 14: Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. 15: Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

The West End (middle of map) is, curiously, not west but the centre of London and home to most of its theatres. It's called the West End because the original City of London is further east!

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Short Trips Out | Walks on the Thames Path

The City of London. Not London City!

The City of London is the ancient city of London which is now England's main financial district and also a major legal hub.

Walks on the (River) Thames Path

The Thames Path at Richmond, London

Opened in 1996 the Thames Path National Trail is an easy, view-packed and characterful walking route that runs most of the 180 mile length of England's prime river from source to London.
The path is reasonably well marked and has transport links near many sections. For full information get The Thames National Trail Guide by David Sharpe.
Here's a selection of pleasant walks near or in London, with traditional pubs en route for refreshments:

Westminster Bridge - the Thames Barrier.
The most historically interesting walk of 11 miles starts near Big Ben, crosses the river to the south and passes many magical sights, old and new. Among them are: The London Eye, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Globe Theatre, back across London Bridge, Docklands, and the Dome. Return via Charlton Station.

Richmond - Putney. A more open and countrified walk than the above, this 8 mile wander starts at Richmond Bridge, heads to the south bank and gets many grand green views - including passing by Kew Gardens - interspersed with historic buildings such as Syon House. It ends at Putney Bridge, with Putney station or Putney Bridge station for onward transport.

Hampton Court - Richmond. More wide open spaces and posh housing views on this 8 mile stroll. Starting at Hampton Court station with the Palace dominating the scenery at first, it passes
boat marinas, canal locks, wetlands, and ends at Richmond Hill. Transport at Richmond station.

The Primrose Hill Walk is about 4 miles (6kms) long, taking a couple of hours and offers one of the best views in London. Start the hike from Baker Street tube station, head through Regent's Park, up Primrose Hill for the breathtaking view at the top, then stagger along Regent's Canal to Little Venice and the tube.

Walks in London

London area, a couple of brilliant bike trails

Richmond Park circuit, five miles (8kms).
This circular cycle/pedestrian path is fairly level and runs through London's largest royal park offering panoramic views of the city, but shared with walkers. Car parks are conveniently located around the park.

Richmond to Hampton Court, 7.5 miles (12kms).
One of London's most relaxing cycle routes is from Richmond to Hampton Court, a green and tranquil stretch with plenty of pleasant pubs along the way to provide sustenance. It is possible to take your bikes on the North London Line, getting off at Richmond Station, and then heading for Richmond Bridge, at which point you can join a pleasantly flat section of the Thames Path.
Head upstream past various little beaches, Eel Pie Island and Teddington Lock, where real countryside starts. Continue onwards, walk across Kingston Bridge and resume cycling on the other bank, an easy ride to Hampton Court Palace.

Short Trips out of London (a day or perhaps two)

Brighton

Brighton beach resort is less than an hour away by train and offers a stony beach, long and lively walks, a free and hyper-active pier and some interesting alternative lifestyles.

Hampton Court Palace is about 40 minutes trip by rail from Waterloo station or attainable more pleasantly by boat from Westminster Bridge in around 3 hours.
This palace was built by a Cardinal and endured all sorts of scandals during the reign of Henry VIII. It is loaded with over-the-top royal apartments, galleries - and an amazing maze.

Cambridge, the famously academic city, has glum suburbs but a gorgeous ancient centre with an unparalleled ambience of lazy, ancient intelligence. It is about 1.5 hours from London by train or guided bus tour. And don't forget to take a punt!

Oxford, another bout of academia with let's-not-go-there suburbs but stunning yellowish medieval colleges of spires and gargoyles set off with masses of greenery. Take a train from from London's Paddington station or guided bus tour. And don't forget to take a punt here too!

Canterbury

Canterbury's little Tudor city and magnificent Gothic cathedral are 1-2 hours away by train and make a good day out if old buildings are your thing.

Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's favourite residences and 900 years old, is 30 miles west of London. Travel by train from London to Windsor and Eton station.
There is a Changing the Guard ceremony at 11am on alternate days ( depends on the month) and no shortage of royal attractions, including the staterooms. Read the transport information before heading out there.

Legoland, a huge theme park aimed at 3-12 year old kids near Windsor, one hour west of central London.

Avebury prehistoric stones, near Stonehenge but these are touchable!

Bath is a calm and elegant city of Georgian architecture and real Roman baths, in England's southwest, 170 miles from London. It is possible to see Bath on a rail day-trip from London but would be a little hurried.
Bath is set in pretty countryside and not too far from some other special locations - such as Stonehenge and Avebury so car hire may be a good idea for this trip.

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