Today I want to share my top picks for historical walks in London with you. These self-guided London walking tours are great ways to get into the city’s past and discover the layers of heritage that make the UK capital special. If you love history, they’re perfect London walks for you to take to explore the city’s past from ancient times to modern ones. Read on for the routes, maps, photos, and videos.
Historical Walks in London
From Roman ruins in the City of London to Palladian residences in Greenwich, my self-guided historical walks in London will take you to some of the most iconic places in the city.
You’ll pass by big attractions like Westminster Abbey and lesser-known landmarks like the 12th-century Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great. Along the way, you’ll get a feel for London’s architectural history.
But it’s not all old stuff. London is a living city, and its streets and squares are ever-changing. Interspersed among the heritage buildings you’ll find colorful street art, vibrant markets, and great shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
I hope you enjoy these London history tours as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them. My self-guided London walks are fun ways to see the UK capital and get some exercise while you’re at it.
You can read about more lovely walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks as well. You can get it on Amazon here. There are more ideas in my London walking books post, too.
1. City of London Walk
First on my list of historical walks in London is one in the City of London. This area has some of the richest history and most important heritage buildings in the UK capital.
This walk will transport you through past and present, wide squares and hidden courtyards, historic halls and centuries-old pubs.
Along the way you’ll see everything from the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral and The Monument to the Great Fire of London.
This walk is ideal if you want to delve into London’s deepest roots. You can find the directions, map, photos, and video on my City of London walking tour blog post.
2. Greenwich Walk
Next on my list of historical London walking tours is Greenwich. This part of the city is known for its maritime history, royal residences, famous observatory, covered market, and great London views.
My self-guided London walk will take you from the River Thames to the Royal Observatory and through the markets and side streets.
Along the route you’ll take in everything from the Cutty Sark to the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, and London skyline.
This walk is perfect if you like a mix of culture, shopping, and history. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Greenwich walk blog post.
3. Spitalfields Walk
When it comes to east London history walks, my Spitalfields walk is a good choice. Spitalfields is one of the city’s most vibrant areas. Historic houses and buildings sit side-by-side with contemporary street art, markets, and pop-ups.
This London walk goes through the neighborhood’s colorful streets and hidden lanes. Along the way you’ll pass everything from 18th-century Huguenot silk weavers’ homes to pretty almshouses.
Sunday is the best day to be here, as the Sunday markets on and around Brick Lane are legendary. You can make a day of this walk if you take your time and explore them all.
This walk is perfect if you enjoy a mix of history and shopping. You can find the route, map, photos, and video on my Spitalfields walking tour blog post.
4. Westminster Walk
Next on my list of historical walks in London is one in Westminster. This area is home to a lot of big attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
My self-guided London walk will take you from Parliament Square to Smith Square and beyond. The route will guide you past historic highlights like the 19th-century Victoria Tower and the 14th-century Jewel Tower.
This walk is a great choice if you like London landmarks and hidden corners alike. You can find the route, map, and photos on my Westminster walk blog post.
5. Clerkenwell Walk
My fifth historical walk in London goes through Clerkenwell and the surrounding area. This part of the UK capital is full of heritage. It’s home to some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in London, too.
My self-guided London walking tour in Clerkenwell will take you through historic passageways, under stone archways, and down an alley with an old pub hidden in it.
As you go from Clerkenwell to Smithfield and Hatton Garden, you’ll pass everything from the 16th-century St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse to the 13th-century St Etheldreda’s Church.
You’ll also walk down Exmouth Market, one of the best foodie streets in London. It’s a great place to stop for a meal or drink along the way.
This London walk is just the thing if you like history and food in equal measure. You can find the route, map, photos, and video on my Clerkenwell walking tour blog post.
Historical Walks in London
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these self-guided London walking tours as much as I’ve enjoyed coming up with the routes and maps. Historic details are some of the best things about London, and these tours are a great way to to see them.
Beyond the walks, I’ve published a lot more about London’s history. From a blog post with a historic London travel itinerary to a guide to London architecture history, there’s plenty to delve into.
I have more self-guided historical London walks in the pipeline, too. They’ll all end up here and on my London walking map once I’ve published them. You can bookmark this page or pin it on Pinterest to see the new ones as I add them. Happy walking!
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