City Tour, Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Shard - 4 km Route
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Route Overview
Start: Tower Hill Station
Finish: London Bridge Station
Distance: 4.0 km
Estimated Time: 20-35 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Best For: Financial district, modern skyscrapers, historic sites, contrasts of old and newTerrain: City roads—watch for traffic
Notable: Bank of England, Gherkin, Leadenhall Market, The Monument
Quick Links
Maps: Google Map | Strava Map
Video: High-Speed Route Preview
Virtual Tour: 360° Interactive Map
Previous Route: London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – 2.9 km
Alternative Previous Route: Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping, St Katharine Docks – 4.7 km
The Experience
The route starts at the Tower of London, standing as a symbol of London and its power for almost 1,000 years, then heads towards Aldgate—the old eastern gate to the City of London.
Continue to the skyscrapers around Cornhill, representing the modern financial quarter, and its historic centre at the Bank of England. The route then returns to the river, passing the Monument to the Great Fire of London and finishing at The Shard.
This is a journey through power—from medieval fortresses to modern financial towers, showing how London has been the centre of wealth and influence for a millennium.
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 (5:00)
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 City of London feels almost medieval again—empty streets, dramatic architecture, and that special silence before the financial engines roar to life.
Safety Note:
The route is mainly on City of London roads. Take care with traffic, pedestrians, and crowded areas, especially on weekdays.
Tower Wharf (if doing extension):
Opening times normally 07:00–19:00. Check exceptions at hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/opening-and-closing-times
Panoramic Views Available:
The Monument – Climb for city views
The View from The Shard – Spectacular panoramas
The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street – High-level views
Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street (the "Walkie-Talkie" building) – Free but booking required
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
Tower of London
Fenchurch Street
Aldgate
Leadenhall Market
The Gherkin and Lloyd's Building
The Bank of England
Royal Exchange
Mansion House
The Monument
Borough Market
The Shard
London Bridge
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
Key Dining Areas:
Borough Market – Incredible variety and quality
Watling Street – Excellent selection of restaurants and pubs
Leadenhall Market – Historic setting with dining options
Cannon Street – Good variety
Around Tower of London – Quality hotels and traditional pubs
Things to Do
Ticketed Attractions:
The View from The Shard – London's highest viewing platform
The Monument – Climb 311 steps for panoramic views
Sky Garden and The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street – High-level city panoramas
Tower of London – Medieval fortress
Bank of England Museum – Financial history
Free to Explore:
Leadenhall Market – Beautiful Victorian covered market
Borough Market – Browse and sample (food purchases optional)
Lloyd's Building – Stunning modern architecture (exterior)
Bank Junction – Historic financial heart
Royal Exchange – Grand architecture
Route Extensions
Three extensions help you explore the City more thoroughly:
Tower of London Perimeter Extension – 1.1 km
Circle the ancient fortress for different perspectives.
Leadenhall Market Extension – 0.8 km
Dive deeper into the Victorian market and the surrounding area.
Watling Street and Cheapside Extension – 1.2 km
Explore Roman roads and medieval streets.
Main route in red, extensions in blue. Detailed guides and videos coming soon.
Follow-On Routes
Continue Your Journey:
Ready for the next stride? Try the Borough Market, The Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral – 2.1 km route.
