South Bank: Westminster to Tower Bridge: a walk in London

The riverside Queen's Walk on the south bank, passing the big sights with food stops at the Southbank Centre and Borough Market.

Best time: Weekday morning, or late afternoon into sunset

The route, stop by stop

1
Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
Photo of Parliament and Big Ben; 10 min
Westminster Hall dates from 1097; guided tours cover both Chambers, and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) climb reopened after restoration.
2
London Eye
Walk past or ride (book ahead); 10 min
3
Southbank Centre Food Market
Weekend food market and free foyer exhibitions; 20 min
Weekend street food stalls behind the Royal Festival Hall, a practical stop on a riverside walk.
4
Tate Modern
Free collection and level 10 terrace; 45 min
Former Bankside power station with free Rothko, Picasso and Warhol rooms; the Blavatnik Building level 10 terrace gives a free view over St Paul's.
5
Shakespeare's Globe
Look in the foyer or take the tour; 10 min
Reconstruction of the 1599 open-air playhouse; standing 'groundling' tickets for performances cost a few pounds.
6
Borough Market
Lunch; 40 min
London's oldest food market (recorded since the 13th century): Kappacasein raclette, Richard Haward's oysters and Bread Ahead doughnuts.
7
Southwark Cathedral
Free entry to the oldest Gothic church in London; 15 min
8
HMS Belfast
View from the Queen's Walk; 5 min
Second World War cruiser that fired on D-Day; nine decks from the engine rooms to the bridge are open.
9
Tower Bridge
Cross on foot to the Tower of London; 15 min
Glass-floored high-level walkways 42 m above the Thames and the original Victorian steam engine rooms that powered the bascules.