Borough Market, The Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge and St Paul's (2.1 km)
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Route Overview
Start: London Bridge Station
Finish: St Paul's Station
Distance: 2.1 km
Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Best For: Markets, culture, art, cathedrals, riverside views, entertainment history
Terrain: Mainly off-road, some uneven surfaces, can be crowded
Notable: Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge
Quick Links
Maps: Google Map | Strava Map
Video: High-Speed Route Preview
Virtual Tour: 360° Interactive Map
Previous Route: City Tour: Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Shard – 4.0 km
Alternative Previous Route: Tower of London, Old Billingsgate & the Monument – 1.5 km
The Experience
A relaxed riverside jaunt past markets, cityscapes, and cathedrals. This route takes you from London Bridge Station through Borough Market, along the south side of the river to Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and St Paul's Cathedral.
In Tudor times, this area was the City of London's entertainment district, featuring playhouses, bear pits, and other forms of entertainment. This all changed after the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed 70% of the City and this area's livelihood. A new entertainment district emerged in the late 1600s, supporting urban developments in Covent Garden, Soho, and Leicester Square.
Today, the area has reverted to its entertainment roots, with Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, and Tate Modern taking centre stage. The route also offers fantastic river views, cityscapes, museums, and two cathedrals—Southwark and St Paul's.
This is London's cultural heart, where food, theatre, art, and history converge.
Your Three Layers of Discovery
This self-guided route gives you everything you need to explore at your own pace, all in one place:
Familiarisation Guide – Core route information to get you started confidently
Sightseeing Guide – Points of interest, history, and 360° virtual tours to deepen your understanding
Connoisseur's Guide – Places to eat, drink, explore, plus 'add-on' routes
The Familiarisation Guide
Essential information to help you become familiar with the route before you arrive.
Maps
Use the Google and Strava maps below to stay on track. They show your location relative to the route, helping you explore confidently without getting lost.
Please note: These don't provide turn-by-turn directions—we want you present and alert, using your senses, not glued to your screen.
The Google map shows the main route in red
Both maps will open in a new tab.
High-Speed Route Preview (3:34)
See the route from a runner's perspective—as if you were sprinting at over 40 km/h. Watch this before you go to familiarise yourself visually with what's ahead.
What to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Stride:
The route can get crowded, so it's best to do this in the early morning—especially at weekends when it's quiet, the light is at its best, and you have the whole day ahead of you.
When London Awakens:
In the early morning, the Millennium Bridge is nearly empty, offering unobstructed views of St Paul's dome. Borough Market is preparing for the day, and the riverside belongs to you.
Borough Market:
Open six days a week, closed Mondays.
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00–17:00
Saturday: 09:00–17:00
Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Terrain Note:
Mainly off-road, but can be crowded around Borough Market, St Paul's, and Millennium Bridge. Uneven surfaces around Borough Market and Clink Street.
Top Tip:
Have this guide and your chosen map (Google or Strava) available on your mobile for quick reference.
The Sightseeing Guide
Once you know the route, dive deeper into the stories and sights that make this stride special.
Key Sights Along the Way
Borough Market
The Shard
Southwark Cathedral
The Golden Hinde
The Clink Prison Museum
The Anchor Pub
Shakespeare's Globe
Tate Modern
Millennium Bridge
St Paul's Cathedral
Explore the gallery below for photos, history, and the stories behind each location.
360° Virtual Tour
Step into the route before you stride it—or relive your experience afterwards. Click the map below to explore interactive 360° views at key locations along the way.
The virtual tour opens in a new tab with a map showing all 360° locations. Click any location icon to be transported to that spot.
The Connoisseur's Guide
Know the route well? Time to become a connoisseur. Discover the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the surrounding area.
Where to Eat & Drink
Prime Dining Areas:
Borough Market and Watling Street – The most variety
London Bridge Area – Numerous options
Gabriel's Wharf – Riverside dining
Bankside – Scattered options with character
Around St Paul's – More spread out but quality choices
Best for Pubs and Bars:
Borough High Street/Market area
Around St Paul's Cathedral
Things to Do
Ticketed Attractions:
The View from The Shard – London's tallest building
St Paul's Cathedral – Climb to the top for panoramic views
Tate Modern – World-class modern art (free entry, some exhibitions ticketed)
Guildhall Art Gallery – Historic art collection
Clink Prison Museum – Medieval prison experience
The Golden Hinde – Tudor ship replica
Shakespeare's Globe – Theatre tours and performances
Two Cathedrals:
Southwark Cathedral – At the start
St Paul's Cathedral – At the finish
Free to Explore:
Borough Market – Browse and sample (purchases optional)
Bankside – Historic riverside walk
Millennium Bridge – Stunning pedestrian crossing with City views
Shakespeare's Globe exterior – Appreciate the architecture
Route Extensions
Three extensions help you explore the cultural quarter more thoroughly:
Borough High Street and Market – 1.3 km
Dive deeper into Borough's food scene and historic streets.
Blackfriars Loop Extension – 2.1 km
Explore the riverside and historic Blackfriars area.
Guildhall & Watling Street Extension – 1.3 km
Discover the City's historic heart and dining scene.
Main route in red, extensions in blue. Detailed guides and videos coming soon..
Follow-On Routes
Continue Your Journey:
Ready for the next stride? Add the Old Bailey, Smithfield, Holborn, and the Inns of Court 4.0 km route
