London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London - Running & Walking Route 2.9 km
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Running and Walking Route Overview
Route: 7 of 16 — Across London Visual Marathon
Start: London Bridge Station
Finish: Tower Hill Station
Distance: 2.9 km
Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Overview: From London Bridge Station, this scenic riverside route passes HMS Belfast, City Hall, Hays Galleria, and the iconic Tower Bridge before finishing at Tower Hill Underground Station, where the Tower of London awaits
The Experience
Starting at London Bridge Station, this 2.9 km self-guided running and walking route follows the South Bank of the Thames to one of the world's most recognised bridges. Pass HMS Belfast, Hays Galleria, and City Hall before arriving at Tower Bridge — its Victorian Gothic towers rising dramatically from the river. Cross to the north bank and then down into St Katharine Docks and past the front of the Tower of London, and finish at Tower Hill Underground Station. The route charts how the Port of London — once the beating heart of the British Empire — has been transformed into one of the world's most vibrant riverside destinations.
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.
Both maps will open in a new tab.
Watch the Route at Running Speed (Treadmill Version) 9:43
See the route from a runner's perspective as if you were running at 12 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.
Why Mornings are best:
In the early morning, the river is at its most beautiful, reflecting the City's skyline. Tower Bridge without tourists is an unforgettable sight, and the cobbled streets of Shad Thames echo with history.
Tower Bridge Lifts:
Opens approximately 800 times a year. Check the lift schedule at towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times
Tower Wharf:
Opening times normally 07:00–19:00. Check exceptions at hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/opening-and-closing-times
Terrain Note:
Areas around Tower Wharf, Shad Thames, and St Katharine Dock Marina have cobbles and uneven surfaces.
Top Tip:
Have this guide and your chosen map (Google or Strava) available on your mobile for quick reference.
The Route Connoisseur Guide
Don't just run the route - get to know it!
Eating and drinking areas
Things to Do and Visit,
Sightseeing Gallery
Where to Eat & Drink
This map shows some of the best places to eat and drink along the route.
Main Dining Areas:
Borough Market, Borough High Street, and London Bridge – The epicentre of food culture
The Shard – High-end restaurants with views
More London – Contemporary dining options
Butler's Wharf – Excellent waterside restaurants
Hays Galleria – Casual dining in Victorian setting
St Katharine Docks – Marina-side options
Around Tower of London – Hotels with quality restaurants
Things to Do
Ticketed Attractions:
The View from The Shard – London's tallest building
HMS Belfast – Historic warship museum
Tower of London – Medieval fortress and Crown Jewels
Tower Bridge Experience – Inside the iconic bridge
Theatres around More London – Various performances
River Boat Experiences from Millennium Pier – Thames cruises
Free to Explore:
Queen's Walk – Stunning riverside promenade
More London – Contemporary architecture
Shad Thames – Historic warehouses and cobbled streets
St Katharine Docks – Beautiful marina
Tower Bridge – Walk across for free
Potter's Field Park – Green space with City views
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
London Bridge
Queen's Walk and City Views
Hays Galleria
HMS Belfast
More London
Tower Bridge
St Katharine Docks
The Tower of London
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.
Follow-On Routes
Stride It Backwards:
Complete the route in reverse to experience London's ancient heart from a different perspective.
Previous Route: Tower of London, Old Billingsgate & the Monument – 1.5 km
Alternative previous Route: City Tour, Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Shard – 4.0 km
Complete The City of London Collection Challenge - 14.4km:
This route is number 7 and the second one of the City of London collection
