London: one of the greatest cities in the world, and the place I choose to call home. Even as a local, London really never loses its magic – you can’t help but grin when you see Tower Bridge next to the Tower of London while scarfing down a creme brûlée donut. This day itinerary explores this historic and impressive area: the City & the South Bank.
Explore the Tower
Your day starts at Tower Hill. If arriving out of the tube station (District and Circle lines), it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the view of the tower and the bridge, but don’t miss the small section of crumbling wall just to your left. This is the most substantial of the few remaining sections of the original Roman city wall, built around AD 200.
After admiring this ancient site, continue on your way to the Tower of London. Yes, it’s touristy, yes it’s worth a visit. Going earlier in the day will help you escape some of the crowds at this iconic castle and World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the famous ravens, the guardians of the tower, who have been protected since Charles II insisted that the ravens be protected after he was warned that the crown and the Tower itself would fall if they left. Explore the White Tower and the Crown Jewels; walk along the outer walls and see Traitor’s Gate. You can easily spend several hours here, and I highly suggest you do.
Feast at Borough Market
Now, before you go for an overpriced sandwich at the onsite cafe for your lunch, remember that just across the river is one of London’s best – and its oldest – food markets, Borough Market. Walk across Tower Bridge and head west along The Queen’s Walk. When you reach London Bridge, head inland, past the cathedral and under the bridge into this amazing market.
I’ve not had a bad culinary experience at Borough Market. The lines can be long, but the food is worth it. My personal favourite is The Black Pig’s Honey Truffle Parmesan sandwich, but the options are endless. If you’re with friends or family, I do recommend sharing dishes to be able to sample as much as possible, and definitely save room for dessert!
As a former professional pastry cook, I have quite the sweet tooth. If this is the only market you’re visiting, I definitely recommend Humble Crumble, though they do have locations at both Camden and Spitalfields markets. The strawberries doused in melted chocolate are delicious, if a little overpriced. The real star of the show is Bread Ahead’s doughnuts. While all the flavours are amazing, it’s the creme brûlée doughnut that takes centre state. Pillowy sourdough filled with smooth creme brûlée and perfectly branded caramelized sugar top. They’re big, but trust me, you don’t want to share!
Stroll the South Bank
Once stuffed to your heart’s content, take a stroll over to Southwark Cathedral that you likely passed on your way in. The 800-year old cathedral is free to enter, and is famed for its connections with the Shakespeare family. William Shakespeare’s brother, Edmund, is buried here.
Walk towards the river again, and you’ll be faced with a massive ship nestled between two buildings. This is the Golden Hinge, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship that was the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe.
Speaking of the globe, a short walk west along the rive will bring you to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the oak and thatch replica of the original. From here, walk across the Millennium Bridge, the iconic footbridge that gives you amazing views along the Thames and up the St Pauls Cathedral.
Admire St Paul’s
The 17th century cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren, after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, miraculously survived the Blitz during WWII which destroyed so many other sites nearby. Explore the majestic architecture, and climb up the 365ft to the top of the dome. The stairs are worth it – the views across London are amazing.
Back on solid ground, don’t forget to venture down to the crypt. See the final resting place of many important figures, including Sir Christopher Wren, and Lord Horatio Nelson.
This day out really just scrapes the surface of the City, and the South Bank. There’s so much more to explore! But that’s for another day.