Tower of London, Old Billingsgate, & the Monument - 1.5 km
- Philip Carey
- Oct 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Route Overview
Start: Tower Hill Station
Finish: London Bridge Station
Distance: 1.5 km
Estimated Time: 8-15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Terrain: Mix of on/off-road, two flights of stairs
Best For: Historic sites, riverside views, cityscapes, sunrise/sunset, ancient London
Quick Links
Maps: Google Map Strava Map
Video: High-Speed Route Preview -3:18
Virtual Tour: 360° Interactive Map
Previous Route: Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping, St Katharine Docks – 4.7 km
Alternative Next: Borough Market, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge and St Paul's – 2km
The Experience
This is one of London's most historic and oldest areas. The Tower of London was established here in 1070, and London Bridge stood as the only bridge into London until Westminster Bridge was built in 1750.
Historically the main area for river trade and commerce, with the Port of London and Custom House sited close to the Tower of London, this short discovery route takes you from Tower Hill Station to London Bridge Station along the north side of the River Thames.
Pass the Tower of London, Custom House, Old Billingsgate Market, and London Bridge—with pubs and dining places at the start and end. This is ancient London, where every stone has witnessed a thousand years of history.
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 - 3:18
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:
Weekends in the early morning when it's quiet, free from crowds and heavy traffic. During the day, the area around the Tower of London and London Bridge will be busy with heavy traffic.
When London Awakens:
In the early morning, this ancient part of London feels timeless. The river reflects the sky, the cobbles gleam, and you can almost hear history echoing through the streets.
Custom House Development:
Recently received planning permission to convert into a hotel with public spaces. Once building work starts, access to part of the route may be restricted, requiring an alternative path during 2026.
Tower of London:
Open from 09:00 Tuesday–Saturday and 10:00 on Sundays. Tower Wharf by the river opens from 07:00.
Accessibility:
A mix of on and off-road, with two flights of stairs to access and exit the riverside.
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
Tower Hill and Trinity Square
Customs House
Old Billingsgate Market
London Bridge Views
Southwark Cathedral
Borough Market
The Shard
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
Main dining areas are at the start and end, with some options in between.
Key Dining Areas:
St Katharine Docks – Marina-side dining at the start
Around Trinity Square
Western Side of Tower of London – Various options
Around Monument Station and Cannon Street – Good selection nearby
Borough Market – Incredible food market at the end
Around London Bridge and The Shard – Numerous choices
Things to Do
Ticketed Attractions:
Tower of London – Historic fortress and Crown Jewels
Boat Trips from Tower Millennium Pier – Thames cruises
The Monument – Climb to the top for city views
The View from The Shard – Spectacular panoramic views
HMS Belfast Museum Ship – Historic warship
Free to Explore:
St Katharine Docks – Beautiful marina and dockside views
Old Billingsgate – Historic market building
London Bridge – Iconic bridge with river views
Hays Galleria – Victorian arcade now shops and eateries
Borough Market – Browse and sample (food purchases optional)
Route Extensions and Follow-on Routes
Stride It Backwards:
Complete the route in reverse to experience London's ancient heart from a different perspective.
Continue Your Journey:
Ready for the next stride? Try the London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – 2.9 km route.
