Old Bailey, Smithfield, Holborn, and the Inns of Court - Running and Walking Route (4 km)
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Running and Walking Route Overview
Route: 10 of 16 — Across London Visual Marathon
Start: St Paul's Station
Finish: Covent Garden Station
Distance: 4.0 km
Estimated Time: 20-35 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Overview: From St Paul's Underground Station, this route connects the City to Central London through Smithfield Meat Market, the Old Bailey, Holborn and the ancient Inns of Court — an area that has administered English law for over 700 years. Finishes at Covent Garden Station.
The Experience
Starting at St Paul's Underground Station, this 4.0 km self-guided running and walking route traces the ancient boundary between the City of London and Central London — a dividing line that has shaped the capital for centuries. Pass the Old Bailey, England's most famous criminal court, and Smithfield — the UK's largest surviving Victorian covered market, where livestock was traded for 800 years. Stride along High Holborn into the heart of legal London, and through the mysterious Inns of Court, where barristers have trained since the 14th century. Finish at Covent Garden Station — where Central London begins.
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) 19:09
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 is generally quiet but can become crowded at lunchtime and during rush hours. Early morning—especially weekends—offers the best experience 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 legal quarter feels timeless—cobbled courtyards, gas lamps, and centuries-old chambers. Smithfield Market is already bustling by dawn, a reminder that London never truly sleeps.
Inns of Court Access:
Grey's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Staple's Inn, and Inner Temple (also known as Middle Temple) often restrict public access at certain times if you plan to explore these areas.
Smithfield Market:
Open for business Monday–Friday, typically from midnight or 01:00 until 07:00, though some traders may be open until mid-morning. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. Arrive by 07:00 to see the market at its busiest with the full range of products.
Museum of London:
Opening in 2026 in its new West Smithfield location.
Accessibility:
Mainly on-road. It can be crowded around St Paul's Cathedral, Farringdon, and Covent Garden.
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
Key Dining Areas:
Covent Garden and Great Queen Street – Widest selection at the route's end
Farringdon – Excellent variety and character
South and West of St Paul's Cathedral – Quality options
Smithfield – Traditional market cafés and modern restaurants
Things to Do
Major Attractions:
St Paul's Cathedral – Must-visit architectural masterpiece
Barbican Centre – Brutalist architecture, open spaces, theatres, events
The Inns of Court – Heart of legal London (check access times)
Royal Courts of Justice
Grey's Inn
Lincoln's Inn
Staple's Inn
Inner and Middle Temple
Royal Opera House – World-class performances in Covent Garden
Transport Museum – London's transport history
Somerset House – Events, river views, galleries
Other things to explore:
Smithfield Market – Historic meat market atmosphere
St Bartholomew's Hospital – Historic medical institution
Museum of London (opening 2026) – London's story
Covent Garden – Street performers and market atmosphere
The Aldwych – Grand architecture
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
St Paul's Cathedral
The Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey)
St Bartholomew's Hospital
The Museum of London (opening 2026)
Smithfield Market
The Inns of Court
The Royal Courts of Justice
The Aldwych
Covent Garden
Explore the gallery below for photos, history, and the stories behind each location.
Virtual Tour Guide
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: Borough Market, The Globe, Tate Modern & St Paul's – 2.1 km
Complete The City of London Collection Challenge- 14.4km:
This route is number 10 and the fifth one in the City of London collection
