The BBC, Portland Place, Regent’s Park & Baker Street - 3.1 km Route
- Philip Carey
- Oct 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Route Overview
Start: Oxford Circus Station
Finish: Baker Street Station
Distance: 3.1 km
Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Terrain: Mix of pavements and park paths, watch for cyclistsNotable: BBC, Portland Place, Regent's Park gardens, boating lake
Best For: Regency architecture, royal parks, gardens, nature, peaceful paths
Quick Links
Maps: Google Map | Strava Map
Video: High-Speed Route Preview
Virtual Tour: 360° Interactive Map
Previous Route: Bond Street, Regent Street & Carnaby Street Shopping – 1.4 km
The Experience
This relaxing route takes you from the busy shopping streets around Oxford Circus, up past the BBC and the stunning Regency architecture of Portland Place, and into the beautifully landscaped Regent's Park with its delightful gardens, peaceful ponds, and fabulous walks.
Finish at the top end of Marylebone by Baker Street Station, with the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds, and Marylebone High Street nearby.
This is a journey from urban bustle to tranquil green space—from the roar of Oxford Street to birdsong in Queen Mary's Gardens, showcasing London's genius for creating peaceful oases within the metropolis.
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 (5:12)
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 is generally quiet; however, early morning—especially weekends—offers the best experience when it's peaceful, the light is at its finest, and you have the rest of the day ahead of you.
West End Shop Opening Hours:
Most shops generally open 09:00–20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays, with later hours on Thursdays and Saturdays, and shorter hours (approximately 12:00–18:00) on Sundays.
Park Opening Times:
Pedestrian gates open from 05:00, as do most toilets. Closing times vary seasonally—from 16:00 in winter to 21:30 in summer.
Accessibility:
Mix of pavements and paths. It can be crowded at the start and end. Many cyclists racing around Regent's Park—be alert on the Outer Circle.
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
Oxford and Regent Street Shops
The BBC
The Langham Hotel
Great Portland Street
Regent's Park (Avenue Gardens, Queen Mary's Garden, Boating Lake)
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Madame Tussauds 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.
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
The main dining areas are slightly away from the route, but worth exploring.
Eastern Side:
Charlotte Street – Excellent restaurant selection
Goodge Street – Good variety
Streets parallel to and north of Oxford Street – Wide selection
Southeast of Baker Street:
Marylebone High Street – Great shops and dining
Along the Route:
Warren Street – Smaller selection
Regent's Bar & Kitchen (western side by Inner Circle) – Tasty hot breakfasts, lunch, ice cream sundaes, sandwiches
Things to Do
Portland Place:
The BBC – Historic Broadcasting House
The Langham Hotel – Victorian grandeur
All Souls Church – Nash's architectural gem
Georgian Architecture – Regency elegance from the early 1800s
Regent's Park Highlights:
Avenue Gardens – Seasonal flower displays
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre – Summer performances
Queen Mary's Gardens – 40,000 roses
Boating Lake – Picturesque waters
Wildlife Spotting – Herons, waterfowl, and more
London Zoo – World-famous zoo (separate admission)
Sports Facilities – Various activities available
Baker Street Area:
Madame Tussauds London – Wax museum
The Sherlock Holmes Museum – 221b Baker Street
Marylebone High Street – Shopping and dining
Route Extensions
Three extensions help you explore the area more thoroughly:
The Oxford Circus Loop – 1.8 km
Explore more of the West End shopping area.
Boating Lake Loop – 1.9 km
Complete a circuit around the scenic lake.
Baker Street East Loop – 1.7 km
Discover more of Marylebone.
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 Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street Shopping – 3.1 km route. This is part of our connected series taking you across London to Hyde Park.
