Westminster Walk

Today I want to share another of my London walks with you. This self-guided walking tour in Westminster hits the big attractions and the undiscovered side streets. If you want to see the best of the area, read on for A Lady in London’s Westminster walk. There’s a map, too.

Westminster, London

In the heart of London, Westminster is home to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and other landmarks. It’s also full of hidden courtyards, quiet streets, and pretty houses.

This London neighborhood is a great place to explore to get a feel for both the big attractions and the little details that make the UK capital an exciting place.

My self-guided Westminster walk will guide you through the most beautiful streets, monuments, and squares in the area. From historic churchyards to soaring spires, it will give you a full picture of what there is to love about this part of the city.

There are plenty of cafes and pubs along the route, so feel free to stop for a break if you need to.

Self-Guided London Walking Tour

This most historic of London walks begins at Westminster station. You can get there by tube, bus, or boat (Westminster Pier is just around the corner).

When you arrive, make your way to the station exit to start. Once there, look up to take in Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower.

After you’ve gotten a good look, turn right and walk down Bridge Street to Parliament Square.

Spend some time walking around the square and taking in the statues of famous historical figures, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

When you’re done, head up Broad Sanctuary to the front of Westminster Abbey. You can visit the church if you want to, or enter Dean’s Yard via a street called The Sanctuary in front of the abbey.

Dean’s Yard is a great secret courtyard next to the church. It’s a peaceful place away from the big crowds, and the historic architecture is worth admiring.

Take a turn around it, then exit through the covered walkway at the opposite end from where you entered. You’ll soon find yourself on the corner where Great College Street and Tufton Street meet.

Continue your Westminster walk by turning left to go down Great College Street. Soon you’ll reach Barton Street. Turn right here and follow it as it curves around and becomes Cowley Street.

This is one of the prettiest streets in the area, so make sure to look both in front of you and behind you to take everything in.

Follow Cowley Street as it bends again, crossing Great Peter Street as it becomes Lord North Street. This road is lined with pretty houses and will lead you to Smith Square.

The church of St John’s Smith Square dominates the scene here, but the surrounding buildings are worth a look as well.

Once you’ve walked around the square, your Westminster walk continues down Dean Stanley Street. This short road will take you to Victoria Tower Gardens, a green space with views of the River Thames and Victoria Tower.

You can walk around the park for as long as you want to, then head up Great College Street. Don’t miss the gardens and views of the Jewel Tower as you go.

From Great College Street, turn left on Little College Street, then right on Great Peter Street. Take in the historic architecture while you walk, then turn left on Gayfere Street.

This pretty road will take you back to Smith Square, where you can continue straight. Follow the square and take your first right on Dean Trench Street.

When Dean Trench Street ends, turn left on Tufton Street. At the end of Tufton Street, cross Horseferry Road where it’s safe and walk through St John’s Gardens to get to Page Street.

The gardens have pretty details to take in, so make sure to look out for them.

Turn right on Page Street and continue along it until it ends. After you cross over Marsham Street, you’ll find yourself surrounded by modern buildings with checkerboard patterns.

At the end of Page Street, turn left on Regency Street, then take a quick right on Fynes Street. Fynes Street will bring you into Vincent Square, a pretty green space surrounded by historic buildings.

Walk along Vincent Square until it meets Rochester Row. When you get there, cross the street where it’s safe and continue straight on Emery Hill Street.

Emery Hill Street has pretty architecture, and the views down the side streets are worth taking in.

When you reach Francis Street, turn left. You’ll pass a historic pub called the Windsor Castle on your left as you go. It’s a fun one to pop into for a drink or just a look around.

Afterwards, continue your Westminster walk by turning right down Ambrosden Avenue. Here you’ll be surrounded by candy-cane stripes on both sides of the street.

If you look up and to the left, you’ll see the towering form of Westminster Cathedral.

When you get to the end of the street, turn left to enter the square in front of the cathedral. You can go into the church for a poke around or to climb the tower for views over London.

When you’re done, walk down Ashley Place, then turn right on Carlisle Place. Follow it to where it meets Victoria Street and turn left. You’ll see Little Ben, Big Ben’s sibling, in the roundabout.

Head over to take a look, then turn left down Wilton Road to reach Victoria Station. Your self-guided Westminster walk ends here.