My London Bridge to Tower Bridge Loop walk takes you on a manageable sightseeing tour past some of London’s finest attractions, including the two famous bridges. On this walk, you will see the Sky Garden, The Monument, London Bridge, Borough Market, Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St Katharine Docks and more. It’s perfect for visitors to London or anyone who lives in the city looking for things to do in London.
London Bridge To Tower Bridge Loop Walk Highlights
I’d recommend beginning the walk with magnificent views of London from the Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie building. It’s a free public garden with 360-degree views of the city. Inside is a tropical garden, bars, restaurants and a deck overlooking the River Thames in the direction of London Bridge and Tower Bridge. It will give you an aerial perspective of the two bridges and surrounding areas. You can book tickets for free admission online.
After the Sky Garden, head towards London Bridge, and you will pass by The Monument to the Great Fire of London (1666) at Fish Street Hill. Starting at a baker’s shop on Pudding Lane, the fire burned for five days, causing 85% of the city’s population to become homeless. The Monument is a fluted Doric column built in Portland with a gilded urn of fire on top. It was constructed between 1671-1677 and designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke. The 62 m height is the same as the distance from the site to the baker’s shop where the fire started. You can pay to walk up the steps and access the viewing platform at the top. I’ve done it, and your legs will wobble for hours afterwards.
Walk over London Bridge to admire Tower Bridge across the river. The concrete and steel box girder bridge opened in 1973 and isn’t attractive, but the views are! At the end of the bridge, look back to see the square mile skyscrapers. You will also be close to The Shard should you wish to have a look inside.
At the end of London Bridge, you will see Southwark Cathedral with steps leading down to Borough Market, London’s famous food market dating back a thousand years. If you time your walk perfectly, you can arrive at Borough Market for lunch. The market is extensive with three main parts: Borough Market Kitchen (street food), Green Market (specialist food traders) and Three Crown Square (larger food producers). I recommend you have a walk around first to decide what you will eat. Alternatively, you can dine at one of the restaurants or pubs near the market.
Also, check out Borough Yards, a refurbishment of Victorian railway arches with a cinema, bars, restaurants and a Paul Smith shop.
Retrace your steps back to London Bridge, and you can walk along the Thames River toward Tower Bridge. Look out for the Southwark Gateway Needle, and you’ll see steps leading to a path along the river at the No. 1 Tower Bridge building.
The area is called London Bridge City. As you stroll along the river, you’ll pass Hay’s Galleria (shopping and dining), HMS Belfast (Royal Navy Museum Ship ) and the former City Hall futuristic building.
Walk under Tower Bridge, and the atmospheric Shad Thames/Butlers Wharf is ahead with cobbled streets and refurbished warehouse buildings. If you walk through one of the alleys, you will find a row of restaurants overlooking the River Thames with outside dining.
Walk back to Tower Bridge and up a staircase to bridge level. Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed bascule and suspension bridge built 1886-1894. It was designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with help from Henry Marc Brunel. If you have time, you may want to go inside, where you can explore the high-level walkways.
After Tower Bridge, you can either pay to go inside the Tower of London (medieval castle) or walk around the perimeter. At this World Heritage Site, you’ll meet the Beefeaters and see the crown jewels and ravens. You can now see Superbloom, where the moat is full of wildflowers.
You’ll find the luxury marina of St. Katharine Docks at the end of Tower Bridge, behind the Guoman Hotel. The dock area has a selection of restaurants and cafes, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a bite before heading home.
London Bridge To Tower Bridge London Walk Information
If you’re going to start your walk from The Sky Gardens or The Monument, I recommend you travel to Monument Station. At the end of the walk, Tower Hill Station is close to the Tower of London and St Kats Docks. The walk can take half a day or a full day depending on if you want to go inside Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I’ve written articles about Borough Market, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and Shad Thames, which you may like to read before your visit:
Views From The Walkie Talkie Sky Garden
The Borough Market Kitchen Food Court
Ten Things To Do In London Bridge
Views From Inside Tower Bridge
St Katharine Docks Waterside Dining
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
