The Queen’s Walk, London
A vibrant riverside promenade along the Thames showcasing London’s iconic landmarks, cultural gems, and stunning urban views.
The Queen’s Walk is a scenic pedestrian promenade along the southern bank of the River Thames in London, stretching from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge. This iconic riverside path offers stunning views of landmarks such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. It is a cultural and historic route featuring art installations, theatres, and riverside cafes, making it a vibrant and relaxing urban escape.
A brief summary to The Queen’s Walk
- Eye Pier, London, SE1 7PB, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at sunset for breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Thames bathed in golden light.
- Stop by the Southbank Centre for refreshments, street performances, and the South Bank Book Market.
- Explore the Covid Memorial Wall along the Albert Embankment for a meaningful and reflective experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the walk covers approximately 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) with many photo opportunities.
- Combine your walk with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern for a full cultural day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, which is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Queen’s Walk. Waterloo is served by the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines. Tickets cost between £2.40 and £6.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve stops near the Queen’s Walk, including routes 211, 381, and RV1. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Bus fares are typically £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Walking
If you are already in central London, walking to the Queen’s Walk from Westminster or Southbank areas takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes on mostly flat, paved paths suitable for all abilities.
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River Taxi
Use the Thames Clipper river taxi service to Festival Pier or London Eye Pier, both adjacent to the Queen’s Walk. Travel times range from 10 to 20 minutes from central piers, with fares around £7 to £10 one-way.
The Queen’s Walk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Queen’s Walk
A Riverside Pathway Through London’s Historic Heart
The Queen’s Walk is a celebrated pedestrian promenade running along the south bank of the River Thames, connecting Lambeth Bridge in the west to Tower Bridge in the east. Established as part of the Jubilee Walkway in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, the walkway was fully completed around 1990 with the development of London Bridge City. Today, it serves as a vital segment of the Thames Path national trail, inviting visitors to traverse some of London’s most iconic sights on foot.Landmarks and Cultural Highlights Along the Route
Walking the Queen’s Walk, you encounter a rich tapestry of London’s cultural and architectural heritage. Notable stops include the London Eye, offering panoramic city views; the Brutalist National Theatre, a hub for performing arts; and the Southbank Centre, home to the Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery. Further east, the path passes the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse. The route also showcases the Oxo Tower Wharf, a distinctive Art Deco riverside building with shops and restaurants.Atmosphere and Artistic Vibes
The walk is known for its lively yet relaxed ambiance, with street performers and buskers frequently entertaining visitors. Art installations and the South Bank Book Market add to the cultural vibrancy of the area. The stretch between Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge, known as the Albert Embankment, features the poignant Covid Memorial Wall, adorned with thousands of hand-painted hearts commemorating lives lost during the pandemic.Natural and Urban Views
The Queen’s Walk offers some of the finest riverside views in London, with the Thames flowing alongside and vistas across to the Palace of Westminster and St Paul’s Cathedral. The path’s west-facing orientation makes it an ideal spot for romantic sunsets over the city skyline. The absence of vehicular traffic along much of the walk creates a peaceful environment where visitors can enjoy the ebb and flow of the river, moored boats, and the gentle bustle of riverside life.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The promenade is largely pedestrianized and accessible, with lifts and ramps available at key points such as the Golden Jubilee Bridges and near the Southbank Centre. Numerous cafes, seating areas, and public toilets are found along the way, particularly within the Southbank Centre complex. The walk is suitable for all ages and offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of spots to rest and refresh.Historical Significance and Community Spirit
Beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, the Queen’s Walk reflects London’s evolving relationship with the Thames. Once industrial and inaccessible, the south bank has been transformed into a cherished public space through community efforts and urban regeneration. The preservation of river walls and small sandy bays along the route stands as a testament to local activism and the city’s commitment to maintaining green and open spaces in the heart of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
County Hall
0.2 km
Historic Edwardian Baroque landmark on London’s South Bank with iconic river views, cultural venues, and rich civic heritage.
Chindit Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the daring Chindit special forces and their leader Major General Orde Wingate’s legacy.
South Bank Lion
0.3 km
Majestic 1837 Coade stone lion guarding Westminster Bridge, symbolizing London’s resilience and rich heritage.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
0.4 km
A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
0.4 km
A commanding bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring the bravery and teamwork of the Royal Tank Regiment’s WWII Comet tank crews.
The Women of World War II
0.5 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring over seven million British women’s vital roles during World War II.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.5 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
The Cenotaph
0.5 km
Britain’s national war memorial in Whitehall, a solemn tribute to the fallen of the World Wars and later conflicts.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Dover House
0.5 km
Historic neoclassical mansion on Whitehall, home to the Scotland Office with a unique rotunda entrance and rich aristocratic past.
Big Ben
0.5 km
Discover the iconic Elizabeth Tower and its famous bell, Big Ben, a timeless symbol of London's heritage and British culture.
Waterloo Bridge
0.5 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
0.5 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.5 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Bridge St
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of London at Bridge Street, where history meets modernity in a lively cultural hub.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jubilee Gardens
0.1 km
A peaceful, family-friendly green sanctuary on London’s South Bank with stunning views and a vibrant community spirit.
lastminute.com London Eye
0.1 km
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline from the towering lastminute.com London Eye on the South Bank.
London Eye Ticket Office
0.1 km
Discover London's skyline from the iconic London Eye, an unmissable experience offering breathtaking views of the city's landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - Westminster Bridge
0.2 km
Create your own cuddly companion in this vibrant, family-friendly toy workshop by the Thames at County Hall.
The London Eye Millennium Pier
0.2 km
A modern riverside gateway beside the London Eye, connecting you to iconic London landmarks and vibrant Thames river journeys.
The London Dungeon
0.2 km
Step into London’s darkest history with live actors, thrilling rides, and immersive storytelling in the heart of the South Bank.
30 The Queen's Walk
0.2 km
South Bank's riverside food and entertainment hub beneath Hungerford Bridge, where street food, craft beer, and live music meet the Thames.
Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges
0.2 km
Iconic Thames crossing blending Victorian railway heritage with sleek cable-stayed footbridges and stunning panoramic London views.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.2 km
Experience the best of London's nightlife with laughter and drinks at The Boat Show Comedy Club, set in the unique Tattershall Castle.
Shrek's Adventure London
0.2 km
Step into a magical world of fairy tales and fun with Shrek and friends on London’s South Bank, perfect for families and kids aged 6 to 12.
Royal Festival Hall
0.3 km
A historic riverside concert hall and cultural beacon on London’s South Bank, blending iconic architecture with world-class performances.
Southbank Centre Food Market
0.3 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering global flavors behind the Royal Festival Hall.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
0.3 km
Dive into London’s premier marine world with over 500 species, immersive underwater tunnels, and inspiring conservation efforts at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Southbank Centre
0.3 km
A vibrant riverside cultural complex in London offering world-class music, art, and festive experiences year-round.
The Battle of Britain Monument
0.3 km
A powerful bronze and granite tribute on London’s Victoria Embankment honoring the heroic RAF pilots of the 1940 Battle of Britain.
Essential places to dine
Ping Pong Southbank
0.2 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
wagamama southbank
0.2 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The Archduke
0.2 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Troia Southbank
0.2 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
OKAN South Bank
0.2 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Strada Southbank
0.2 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
0.3 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Wahaca Southbank
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
The Garden
0.4 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.4 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.6 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.8 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.8 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Rules
0.8 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.8 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.1 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
0.1 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.2 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Browns of London
0.4 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Gifts of London
0.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Houses of Parliament Shop
0.6 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Jubilee Shop (Houses of Parliament Gift Shop)
0.6 km
Discover exclusive British political gifts and souvenirs inside the historic Westminster Hall at the Jubilee Shop, Houses of Parliament.
Crest of London Ltd
0.6 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Sugar And Style
0.7 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
The Giftree London
0.8 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Westminster Abbey Shop
0.8 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
j-me original design ltd
0.8 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.9 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.9 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.9 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Le Champagne Bar
0.1 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.2 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.2 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
0.3 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
0.3 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.3 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
0.3 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Primo Bar, London
0.4 km
Sophisticated South Bank cocktails and live jazz with Big Ben views—Primo Bar blends daytime lounge ease with electrifying nightly performances in stylish 60s-inspired surrounds.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
0.5 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.5 km
Step into London's oldest wine bar, where history, candlelight, and award-winning wines create an unforgettable cellar experience.
The Spy Bar
0.5 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
The Understudy
0.6 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Old Shades
0.6 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
American Bar
0.7 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cirque Du Soul
0.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Heaven
0.6 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
0.7 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
TSQ Club
0.8 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.0 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.0 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Penthouse London
1.1 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Tiger Tiger London
1.1 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Café de Paris
1.1 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
Luxe Club
1.1 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Ivy Club
1.2 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
1.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly