Tower of London, Old Billingsgate, & the Monument - Running & Walking Route - 1.5 km
- Philip Carey
- Oct 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Running and Walking Route Overview
Route: 6 of 16 — Across London Visual Marathon.
Start: Tower Hill Station
Finish: London Bridge Station
Distance: 1.5 km
Estimated Time: 8-15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Early morning weekends
Overview: The shortest but most historically dense route in the series. From Tower Hill Station, pass the Tower of London, Old Billingsgate Fish Market, and The Monument to the Great Fire — over 1,000 years of London history in 1.5 km, finishing at London Bridge Station.
The Experience
Starting at Tower Hill Underground Station, this 1.5 km self-guided running and walking route packs more history per metre than almost anywhere else in the world. In just fifteen minutes, you pass the Tower of London — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as palace, prison, and fortress for over 900 years — before reaching Old Billingsgate, London's most famous former fish market, and The Monument, Christopher Wren's memorial to the Great Fire of 1666. The route finishes at London Bridge Station, at the very crossing where the city was born. This is the densest mile of history in London, and it takes less than 20 minutes.
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) 7:21
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:
Weekends in the early morning are 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.
Why Mornings are best:
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 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
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)
The Sightseeing Gallery 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, displaying a map of 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: Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping, St Katharine Docks – 4.7 km
Alternative Next: Borough Market, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge and St Paul's – 2km
Complete The City of London Collection Challenge - 14.4km:
This route is number 6 and the first one in the City of London collection
