My Favorite London Walks

England's ancient capital has a long history and there is hardly a street in the city or the suburbs without a story to tell. My younger sister, now a University Professor, have spent many a happy day wandering with me around antique shops, having a good lunch in a pub - fish and chips or a bacon sandwich - with a shandy (half beer and half lemonade) then going to the theater or a concert in the evening. Here are my two favorites.

Westminster and St. James.

Start and finish at Westminster Station (District, Circle and Jubilee Underground lines)

3 miles takes you about 2 hours. Remember, always carry a brolly (umbrella)

Surprisingly, refreshment places are few and far between so look for a pub close to St.James Church at the half way spot. Take exit 4, and turn right into Bridge Street and see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Go to Trafalgar Square, see No.10 Downing Street, go to Horse Guards Ave and see the mounted cavalry, every June 2,000 red coated foot guards and horsemen parade for the Queen's birthday. Walk down Waterloo Place, go past St.James church, Westminster Cathedral. Easy to find your way on this walk

Regent's Canal. I love this one, you can take a boat ride and have a shandy half way.

This goes from Little Venice in west London to the Thames at Limehouse in east London.

Start at Warwick Ave station (Bakerloo line) and finish at Angel Station (Northern line)

4 miles, 2 hours and a bit.

Eat at the Warwick Castle Pub in Warwick Place and the floating cafe in Little Venice. Some smashing shops, stalls etc around Camden Lock Market and in Islington at the end of the walk.

Markets open Saturday and Sunday, Camden Passage Antique market open on Wednesday and Saturday, sells books on Thursdays.

Find your way to the canal, and you cant get lost.

I am planning on a trip to see the Chelsea Flower Show in May, and will do this walk when I am in London. Enjoy

Maureen Jones

Travel Consultant

650-961-2340