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Explore London on Foot: The Top 5 Areas to Discover London

#Destinations

London is one of the most fantastic cities in the world. And is a city that you will love to explore walking, these 5 areas in central London will show you the beauty of the city and the most important tourist attractions. You can also watch the video below with our top 5 Areas in London to Explore on Foot




Westminster

What we can see in this area: Westminster Abbey-Westminster Palace-Big Ben-London Eye-Westminster Bridge

We start with Westminster Abbey, located next to the Palace of Westminster, which is a cathedral-sized Anglican Gothic church, and the traditional place for coronations and burials of British monarchs.

Next to Westminster Abbey, we can see The Palace of Westminster, which houses the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is one of the four World Heritage Sites in the city of London, declared by UNESCO in 1987, and is located on the north bank of the River Thames. The building is an example of the Gothic Revival style. And it houses one of the most outstanding tourist attractions in London, the "Big Ben".

The Westminster Bridge, is an attraction in itself, with views of the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye, it crosses the Thames linking Westminster and Lambeth.

Crossing the Thames on foot over Westminster Bridge, we arrive at The London Eye, a large Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and the most popular tourist attraction in the UK with over 3.75 million visitors a year. It is 135m high and the circle of the Ferris wheel has a diameter of 120m.

Where to stay in this Area

Westminster is a central London borough and can be a bit expensive, some popular places to stay in the Westminster area include:


Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London - A modern hotel with views of the London Eye and the River Thames.

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton It is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a group of unique and upscale hotels.

Hub by Premier Inn London It is part of the Premier Inn chain of budget hotels, offering affordable and convenient accommodation in a central location.


These are just a few options, and the best choice for you will depend on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.


Hyde Park

What we can see in this Area: Hyde Park-The Albert Memorial-The Serpentine Lake-Kensington Gardens-Diana Memorial-Speaker´s Corner 

Hyde Park is the largest of the four royal parks, which form a chain from Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace, passing through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Green Park. It covers an area of 142 hectares (350 acres). It is located in the City of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals and is known for its gardens, lakes, and wide open spaces. The park features several notable landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain, and the Speakers' Corner. Hyde Park is also home to many events and activities throughout the year, such as music concerts, festivals and the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It is also a place for many protests and speeches.

The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park has wildlife, including swans, ducks, and geese, and there are also rowboats for rent and a swimming area. 

Kensington Gardens, formerly the private gardens of Kensington Palace, is situated next to Hyde Park and is one of London's Royal Parks. It has an area of 111 hectares.

The Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is a commemorative monument commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. It was opened by Queen Victoria in July 1872.

The open spaces of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James's Park together form a nearly continuous "green lung" in central London, between Kensington and Westminster.

Where to stay in this Area

Hyde Park is one of the most iconic and historic parks in London and is a must-visit for any traveller. The area surrounding the park is bustling with a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options for every traveller.

Budget Hotels: For those looking to save on their accommodation costs, there are a number of budget hotels in the area such as the Shaftesbury Hyde Park or the Lancaster Gate Hotel. These hotels offer basic but comfortable rooms with great location at affordable prices.

Serviced Apartments: For those seeking a bit more space and independence, serviced apartments are a great option. Companies like SACO and Frasers Hospitality offer modern and well-appointed apartments in the area.

Luxury Hotels: For those looking for a more indulgent stay, the Hyde Park area is home to some of the finest luxury hotels in London. The InterContinental London Park Lane and The Dorchester are just a few of the many options. These hotels offer top-notch amenities and unparalleled service to ensure an unforgettable stay.

Hostels: For budget-conscious backpackers, there are also a number of hostels in the area. YHA London St Pancras and YHA London Hyde Park offer dormitory-style rooms at a very reasonable price.

Regardless of your budget or preferences, there is an accommodation option to suit everyone in the Hyde Park area. Whether you are looking for a luxury stay or a budget-friendly option, you will be able to find the perfect place to call home during your travels.


Tower Hamlets and Southwark

What we can see in this area: Tower Bridge-Tower of London-City Hall Building-HMS Belfast-London Wall 

You can begin to discover this area at The London Wall. A Wall that was built by the Romans as a defensive wall around Londinium, its construction began around 200 AD, and took about 10 years to complete. It only had three sides, as Londinium occupied around 1.6 kilometres of the north bank of the river. 

Very near you have The Tower of London, located on the north bank of the River Thames, this historic castle is within the district of Tower Hamlets, next to Tower Bridge.

The Tower of London has played a prominent role in the history of England. The tower has served as the armory, treasury, menagerie, Royal Mint, public records, and home to the United Kingdom's Crown Jewels.

The Tower Bridge connects the Tower Hamlets district with the Southwark, it was built between 1886 and 1894, it crosses the River Thames near the Tower of London and has become one of the symbols of the city.

The London City Hall Building is located in Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames, near Tower Bridge. It was designed by Norman Foster and opened in July 2002, and has magnificent views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The HMS Belfast is located past the City Hall, on the banks of the Thames, it is a museum ship of the British Royal Navy, which was permanently anchored and during its active period, participated in the Second World War and the Korean War. The museum ship can be visited every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where to stay in this Area

Tower Hamlets and Southwark are two boroughs in the East End of London, and both offer a variety of accommodation options for travelers. Some popular places to stay in the Tower Hamlets and Southwark area include:

The CitizenM Tower of London - A modern hotel located near the Tower of London and the River Thames.

Novotel London Tower Bridge - A four-star hotel located near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

The Mondrian London - A luxury hotel located on the South Bank of the River Thames, near the Tate Modern and Borough Market.

hub by Premier Inn London Tower Bridge - It is part of the Premier Inn chain of budget hotels, offering affordable and convenient accommodation in a central location.

These are just a few options, and the best choice for you will depend on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.

Buckingham Palace

What we can see in this area: Buckingham Palace-Change of the Guards-Wellington Barracks and Parade-St. James Park-Horse Guard Parade

We can start in this area in Buckingham Palace. The official residence of the British monarch in London. It is also used for official ceremonies, state visits, and tourist visits.

Buckingham is relatively new, but it symbolizes the British monarchy and is one of the most important attractions in London.

From Buckingham, You can first go to Wellington Barracks, near St.James Park to see the new guard prepare and be inspected for the change of guard. 

Then go back to Buckingham to wait for the new Guard to march towards Buckingham Palace. This ceremony can be seen by tourists and is one of the most interesting attractions to see in London.

St. James's Park is the oldest of the Royal Parks in the city and is located at the southern end of the St. James area.

St James's Park is bordered by Buckingham Palace to the west, The Mall and St. James's Palace to the north, Horse Guards to the east, and Birdcage Walk to the south.

Finally, in this area, the Horse Guards Parade is a large parade ground off Whitehall. It is the site of the annual ceremonies of Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the monarch's official birthday and Beating Retreat.

The parade ground is open on the west side, where it faces Horse Guards Road and St James's Park.

Where to stay in this Area

The area around Buckingham Palace is a good place to stay for travellers visiting London, as it is centrally located and offers easy access to many of the city's top attractions, and there are several hotels located nearby:

The Goring - A luxurious hotel located just steps from Buckingham Palace, offering traditional and elegant rooms and suites.

The Rubens at the Palace - A traditional hotel located opposite Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Horseguards - A five-star hotel located near Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, offering luxurious rooms and a spa.

The Z Hotel London Victoria - The hotel is known for its affordable prices, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers

These are just a few options, and there are many other hotels in the Westminster area to choose from, depending on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

What to see in this Area: Trafalgar Square-Nelson´s Column-The National Gallery-St.Martin in the Fields Church-Leicester Square-Piccadilly Circus-Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain-Regent Street 

Trafalgar Square is a square in central London, built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The square is a regular place for political demonstrations and is the place on which Nelson's column stands. On the north side of the square is the National Gallery and to the east the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Nelson´s Column is a monument in London located in Trafalgar Square, it commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar. The column is 51 meters tall and is topped with a statue of Nelson. It is located in the centre of Trafalgar Square and is a popular tourist destination and symbol of British naval victory and national heritage.

The National Gallery is the main art museum in London, it was inaugurated in 1824, and it has a collection of more than 2,300 paintings, mostly European, from a wide historical period between 1250 and 1900.

St Martin-in-the-Fields is an Anglican church situated on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square. The current building was built in 1721, in the neoclassical style. Because of its prominent location, St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of the most famous churches in London.

Leicester Square is located in the West End of London, at the same distance from both Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. It is considered the centre of cinema in London and is used for the previews of great blockbusters.

Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by several of the city's main tourist attractions, including the Shaftesbury Memorial, the Criterion Theatre, the London Pavilion, and several major retail stores. The area is home to numerous nightclubs and bars, as well as neighbouring Soho, including the former Chinawhite club.

 The Shaftesbury Statue has become a London icon, located in Piccadilly Circus, it was erected in 1886-18931 to commemorate the philanthropic works of Lord Shaftesbury.

Finally Regent Street is one of the most important shopping streets in London, located in the West End passing the Piccadilly circus, it has important fashion shops and is a London tradition during the holidays with its Christmas lights and decorations.

Where to stay in this Area

The Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus area in London is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. Some popular places to stay in the area include:

The Ritz London - A luxurious hotel located near Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, offering traditional and elegant rooms and suites.

The Soho Hotel - A trendy hotel located in the heart of Soho, offering stylish rooms and a restaurant serving contemporary cuisine.

The Strand Palace Hotel - A budget-friendly hotel located near Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, offering spacious rooms and a 24-hour front desk.

The Cavendish London - A four-star hotel located near Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street, offering modern rooms and a restaurant serving British cuisine.

Travelodge London Central Covent Garden - A budget hotel located near Covent Garden and the British Museum, offering basic rooms and a 24-hour front desk.

These are just a few options, and there are many other hotels in the Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus area to choose from, depending on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.


Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. 
 

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