London on Foot - Walk through the West End and Westminster
The most interesting areas in central London can be enjoyed by foot.
Everything is in close proximity. Of course, you will need a few days to
cover many other places of tourists interests but to get the real quick
feel of London, this is what we recommend.
The area covers a large part of London's West End: Covent Garden and Leicester Square, the historic sites of Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Palace of Westminster.
Covent Garden is associated with sophisticated leisure time. There are theatres, numerous pubs and bars, an exclusive shopping area, a craft market, floral market and regular street performances. We popped in there in the early hours and in some parts it was already busy, in others still very quiet.
For centuries, Covent Garden had been a market where Londoners had been buying fruits and vegetables. Before that, since around 1200's it served as a garden for the needs of Convent monks, hence the name.
Punch and Judy are commemorated (above, lower right) on the arch above one of the entrances to the main market hall. This hugely popular children's show in Britain was first performed right here, in 1662.
If you want to see a little gem of a secret follow north Neals Street to find a place called Neal's Yard. You may suddenly feel you found yourself in a fairy tale.
Neals' Yard had been a rundown backstreet for decades - usually, such places are pretty derelict. In the mid-1970s an alternative touch had started to appear thanks to local activists.
The neglected warehouses have been transformed and taken care of in the best possible way - this is a little world on its own. There is a Neal's Yard Bakery, Neal's Yard Dairy, Neal's Yard Coffee House, and the Neal's Yard Apothecary, Neal's Yard Remedies and more essentials on our way through life.
Moving down south through Seven Dials, with its trendy shops aimed at youth culture, where the punk rock started in the late 1970s at the cultish club, the Roxy, having Soho on your right (if you fancy), crossing Charing Cross Road, we aimed for Leicester Square.
The first thing to know about Leicester Square is how to pronounce it. It reads LEster, not LAJkester. This is another pedestrianised square, which - worth mentioning - are not popular in England, at all. The main place are the High Streets.
Leicester Square is often referred to as Theatreland or Cinemaland - there are of course major theatres, built in the grand design of 19th century, and best-known cinemas where London's and world's premieres take place every so often. This is an ultimate red carpet area in London. In normal hours of a weekday, it is pleasant enough place, even when crowded, to sit down and enjoy the moment.
Apart from theatres, cinemas, and a big casino, this is really a busy working space. There are headquarters of some of the major radio stations such as Capital, Classic FM, Gold, Heart, LBC, Smooth Radio and Radio X. A whole lot of movie-making companies have their offices here where production on special effects for blockbuster such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, have been made.
The huge concentration of theatres, playhouses, cinemas and accompanying services makes West End a synonym for a cultural and fashionable area in London.
London is famous for many public art venues, sculptures and statues; a number of which reside in Trafalgar Square. The name commemorates the victorious naval battle against Napoleon where Admiral Nelson lost his life.
The area covers a large part of London's West End: Covent Garden and Leicester Square, the historic sites of Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Palace of Westminster.
Covent Garden is associated with sophisticated leisure time. There are theatres, numerous pubs and bars, an exclusive shopping area, a craft market, floral market and regular street performances. We popped in there in the early hours and in some parts it was already busy, in others still very quiet.
 |
| Covent Garden |
For centuries, Covent Garden had been a market where Londoners had been buying fruits and vegetables. Before that, since around 1200's it served as a garden for the needs of Convent monks, hence the name.
Punch and Judy are commemorated (above, lower right) on the arch above one of the entrances to the main market hall. This hugely popular children's show in Britain was first performed right here, in 1662.
If you want to see a little gem of a secret follow north Neals Street to find a place called Neal's Yard. You may suddenly feel you found yourself in a fairy tale.
 |
| Neal's Yard |
Neals' Yard had been a rundown backstreet for decades - usually, such places are pretty derelict. In the mid-1970s an alternative touch had started to appear thanks to local activists.
The neglected warehouses have been transformed and taken care of in the best possible way - this is a little world on its own. There is a Neal's Yard Bakery, Neal's Yard Dairy, Neal's Yard Coffee House, and the Neal's Yard Apothecary, Neal's Yard Remedies and more essentials on our way through life.
Moving down south through Seven Dials, with its trendy shops aimed at youth culture, where the punk rock started in the late 1970s at the cultish club, the Roxy, having Soho on your right (if you fancy), crossing Charing Cross Road, we aimed for Leicester Square.
 |
| Leicester Square |
The first thing to know about Leicester Square is how to pronounce it. It reads LEster, not LAJkester. This is another pedestrianised square, which - worth mentioning - are not popular in England, at all. The main place are the High Streets.
Leicester Square is often referred to as Theatreland or Cinemaland - there are of course major theatres, built in the grand design of 19th century, and best-known cinemas where London's and world's premieres take place every so often. This is an ultimate red carpet area in London. In normal hours of a weekday, it is pleasant enough place, even when crowded, to sit down and enjoy the moment.
Apart from theatres, cinemas, and a big casino, this is really a busy working space. There are headquarters of some of the major radio stations such as Capital, Classic FM, Gold, Heart, LBC, Smooth Radio and Radio X. A whole lot of movie-making companies have their offices here where production on special effects for blockbuster such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, have been made.
The huge concentration of theatres, playhouses, cinemas and accompanying services makes West End a synonym for a cultural and fashionable area in London.
 |
| West End |
London is famous for many public art venues, sculptures and statues; a number of which reside in Trafalgar Square. The name commemorates the victorious naval battle against Napoleon where Admiral Nelson lost his life.
Hardly to be missed - the great Nelson's column bears his silhouette, guarded by four huge lions. A plinth next to it (below, upper right) has been exhibiting contemporary art. The square has been a host for many mass gatherings, demonstrations, and is the centre of New Year's celebrations.
The National Gallery (lower right) is one of the most visited art museums in the world. This is the main British collection of paintings over centuries, belonging to the government on behalf of the British public. Entry is free and in the tourists seasons, the queue can be a long story to undertake.
Going through the Admiralty Arch is the ceremonial road, the Mall (below, upper left) leading to Buckingham Palace (lower right). The arch is dedicated to Queen Victoria, and it plays a role on important occasions such as heads of state visits or various royal ceremonies. The central archway is never used by the public, it is gated - secured only for the Royalty.
The arch has been used for government offices over the years but due to 'austerity measures' it was sold in 2012 to a Spanish developer and will be transformed into a luxurious hotel by 2022. Selling out such a weighty monument of national and royal pride to a private, overseas investor - it does raise the eyebrows, doesn't it?
We were curious about Clarence House (upper, right) situated north of the Mall. It is where Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall live. In the past, it was also home to Queen Mother and later, to Prince William and Prince Harry. It is not possible to see it even from afar, the entry is secured (the officers were quite amiable, though). Only in the month of August the House is open to the public. We visited one month before.
Buckingham Palace (lower right) is also partially open to the public in August. The famous balcony looks rather dull without the vivid silhouettes of the Royals.
Taking a walk through St James's Park, where thousands of geese, ducks, crows are loitering to be fed in the afternoon hours, we have reached the Whitehall, through the Horse Guards Parade and House Guard building (below, upper left and right). The Cavalry takes part in the celebration of Queen's official birthdays with the parade live on television each year.
Downing Street (lower left and right) is a small offshoot of Whitehall, now completely gated from both sides. It has been the seat of the British government for over three centuries. It is the address of the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer who guards the country's Treasury. On the left (lower right) is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Boris Johnson moved his office from left to right - when he was the Foreign Secretary to 10 Downing Street - when he became Prime Minister. The famous entrance is unfortunately not visible.
Reaching the Palace of Westminster where another arm of the UK power - the British Parliament, gathers. It is only a couple of minutes walk from Downing Street.
The National Gallery (lower right) is one of the most visited art museums in the world. This is the main British collection of paintings over centuries, belonging to the government on behalf of the British public. Entry is free and in the tourists seasons, the queue can be a long story to undertake.
 |
| Trafalgar Square |
Going through the Admiralty Arch is the ceremonial road, the Mall (below, upper left) leading to Buckingham Palace (lower right). The arch is dedicated to Queen Victoria, and it plays a role on important occasions such as heads of state visits or various royal ceremonies. The central archway is never used by the public, it is gated - secured only for the Royalty.
The arch has been used for government offices over the years but due to 'austerity measures' it was sold in 2012 to a Spanish developer and will be transformed into a luxurious hotel by 2022. Selling out such a weighty monument of national and royal pride to a private, overseas investor - it does raise the eyebrows, doesn't it?
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| The Royal Westminster with Buckingham Palace |
We were curious about Clarence House (upper, right) situated north of the Mall. It is where Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall live. In the past, it was also home to Queen Mother and later, to Prince William and Prince Harry. It is not possible to see it even from afar, the entry is secured (the officers were quite amiable, though). Only in the month of August the House is open to the public. We visited one month before.
Buckingham Palace (lower right) is also partially open to the public in August. The famous balcony looks rather dull without the vivid silhouettes of the Royals.
Taking a walk through St James's Park, where thousands of geese, ducks, crows are loitering to be fed in the afternoon hours, we have reached the Whitehall, through the Horse Guards Parade and House Guard building (below, upper left and right). The Cavalry takes part in the celebration of Queen's official birthdays with the parade live on television each year.
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| Whitehall: Horse Guards and Downing Street |
Downing Street (lower left and right) is a small offshoot of Whitehall, now completely gated from both sides. It has been the seat of the British government for over three centuries. It is the address of the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer who guards the country's Treasury. On the left (lower right) is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Boris Johnson moved his office from left to right - when he was the Foreign Secretary to 10 Downing Street - when he became Prime Minister. The famous entrance is unfortunately not visible.
Reaching the Palace of Westminster where another arm of the UK power - the British Parliament, gathers. It is only a couple of minutes walk from Downing Street.
Big Ben tower clock has just been started to be wrapped up for a 'facelift'. The whole House of Parliament is an impressive structure both in size and architecture.
We have wondered many times why such an enormous piece of a building has only this tiny hall - the House of Commons - where the MPs hold hot debates, as seen on TV. There are no enough seats for all of them! The ways of the English are weird sometimes ;)
Westminster Abbey and other London's essentials will be in another entry. The walk is mapped below and takes an hour in one go, with no stopping. We had made it in four hours, just enough for a relaxing city break.
Those who would like to enjoy the West End buzzing night-life are advised to take the route in the opposite direction - starting at Westminster and finishing in the vicinity of Covent Garden.
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| Big Ben and Palace of Westminster |
Westminster Abbey and other London's essentials will be in another entry. The walk is mapped below and takes an hour in one go, with no stopping. We had made it in four hours, just enough for a relaxing city break.
Those who would like to enjoy the West End buzzing night-life are advised to take the route in the opposite direction - starting at Westminster and finishing in the vicinity of Covent Garden.
