A Slow London Walk: From Westminster to St Paul’s Cathedral
A Slow London Walk for Solo Travellers
Thursday, August 14, 2025|
At work, I often meet solo mature travellers who want to see London as I do. Most of the time, they want to walk. Some walks in London aren’t about distance, they’re about depth. This route I often walk and recommend, it is one of my favourites, and is designed for solo mature travellers who want to see the city without rushing. It’s a gentle stroll from Westminster Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral, following the South Bank and taking in hidden streets, historic churches, and peaceful gardens along the way.
Starting at Westminster Bridge & Westminster Abbey
Begin at Westminster Bridge, with views of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Step into Westminster Abbey if time allows. its centuries of royal coronations, poets’ memorials, and stillness that set the tone for the day.
South Bank Riverside Walk
I love to go to St Thomas Hospital for a full view of Parliament and the statue of Mary Seacole. Then cross to the South Bank and follow the Thames eastwards. The riverside path is alive with cafés, runners, and people heading for work. But it’s easy to find a space for a quiet moment. Pass the National Theatre, Tate Modern, and the Globe Theatre, letting the river guide your pace.
Image: Shad Thames
Image: It’s a gentle stroll from Westminster Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral
Shad Thames, London’s Warehouse Past.
After crossing Tower Bridge, turn into Shad Thames. This cobbled street, once London’s largest warehouse district, stored tea, coffee, and spices from around the world in the 19th century. Today, its brick warehouses and overhead walkways make it one of the city’s most atmospheric corners.
All Hallows-by-the-Tower
Just beyond the Tower of London lies All Hallows-by-the-Tower, the oldest church in the city, founded in 675 AD. Beneath it lies Roman pavement, and in 1666, Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire from its tower. Bomb damage in WWII left scars, but the rebuilding gave it fresh life. Mind your head if you go down (low ceiling). Once there, it is a small labyrinth. Check St Clare Chapel, the tiniest chapel I have ever seen, is a burial vault.
Sky Garden – London from Above
A short walk leads to 20 Fenchurch Street, the Sky Garden. Free to visit (pre-booking essential), it offers 360-degree city views and three floors of lush greenery. From here, spot the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the dome of St Paul’s in the distance.
St Dunstan-in-the-East
Hidden between office blocks, St Dunstan-in-the-East is a bombed-out Wren church transformed into a public garden. Arched windows frame the open sky, and climbing plants soften the stone ruins. It’s a quiet, reflective spot, perfect for solo travellers seeking peace. The last time I went, it was full of college students.
The Monument
Near the final stretch, you’ll find The Monument, built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. It’s 311 steps to the top ( can’t remember the last time I climbed those), but even from below, it’s a striking reminder of the city’s resilience.
Image: St Dunstan in the East
Image: End at St Paul's Cathedrale
St Paul’s Cathedral & Evensong
End your walk at St Paul’s Cathedral around 4:00 PM for Evensong, free to attend, with the choir’s voices filling the vast interior. It’s a moment of beauty that feels far from the rush of the city outside.
Final Thoughts
This walk isn’t about ticking off London’s “must-sees” in record time. It’s about letting the city come to you, through cobbled streets, weathered stone, and quiet gardens. It’s about finding stillness in one of the world’s busiest capitals, and ending the day with a sense of connection to its history and yourself. Stop at a pub for lunch or pack a picnic, walk around Shad Thames, sit by the Tower of London, whatever you do, enjoy your time.
This walk can also be done in reverse.
Your Turn
If you take this walk, I’d love to hear from you. Did you find a new favourite corner of London? Did a moment surprise you? Share your thoughts, or connect with me on EldersChat where we swap stories, tips, and encouragement for solo mature travellers.
