The South Bank: Westminster to Tower Bridge
The classic Thames riverside walk, from Big Ben past the London Eye, Tate Modern and the Globe to Tower Bridge.
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Linear
- High point
- 18 m
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Offline navigation is coming in the TRXO app. Hear when it launches.
Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The South Bank: Westminster to Tower Bridge is an easy 4.4 km linear walk with 30 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Westminster Bridge (south side) (grid reference TQ 306 796). The start can be reached by public transport.
This stretch of the Thames Path packs in more landmarks per kilometre than anywhere else in Britain. Starting at Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament across the water, it passes the London Eye, the Southbank Centre and the OXO Tower.
Beyond Blackfriars come Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe, then Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market, before the riverside opens out by HMS Belfast with Tower Bridge ahead. It is flat and paved throughout, and busy on sunny weekends.
Route
-
1
Westminster to Waterloo
Cross to the south bank and follow the river past the London Eye and the Southbank Centre.
-
2
Bankside
Pass the OXO Tower and Blackfriars to Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe.
-
3
To Tower Bridge
Squeeze past Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market, then follow the riverside past HMS Belfast to Tower Bridge.
Summit
On the way
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Tower of LondonCastle · 400 m from the route
Questions about this walk
- How long does The South Bank: Westminster to Tower Bridge take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.4 km route, which has 30 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Westminster Bridge (south side) (grid reference TQ 306 796). No practical parking in central London; use public transport.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) or Waterloo. Finish at London Bridge or Tower Hill. Check TfL Journey Planner for engineering works.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Flat paved riverside promenade; crowded at weekends.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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