Route Walkthrough
Route Details
Start Point:
End Point:
Distance:
Best Time
Difficulty:
Piccadilly Circus Station
Green Park Station
2.3 km
Early Morning
easy
Route Map
Historical Sites & Landmarks
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. Located at the end of The Mall, the Palace plays a central role in state occasions, royal ceremonies, and is a major tourist draw for the Changing of the Guard.
St James's Palace
St James’s Palace is one of London’s oldest royal palaces, serving historically as the residence of monarchs. Though not generally open to the public, it remains active in ceremonial and administrative royal functions and is situated off Pall Mall in theSt James’s area.
The Mall
The Mall is a broad ceremonial route stretching from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. It is used for state processions, parades, and royal celebrations, lined by trees, flags, and facing St James’s Park.
Pall Mall
Pall Mall in the St James’s area, is known for its gentleman’s clubs, historic buildings, and cultural association with the British establishment. It connects St James’s Street and Trafalgar Square and lies close to The Mall.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a famous public space and road junction in London’s West End. Known for its illuminated signs, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (Anteros), and bustling crowds, it is a central node for theatres, shops, and nightlife.
St James's Park
St James’s Park lies next to Buckingham Palace and offers scenic walks, a lake with waterfowl, and vistas of royal and government buildings. It is one of London’s most attractive parks, blending greenery with historical context.
Things to Do Along the Route
Tea at the Ritz
Elegantly served in the Palm Court of The Ritz hotel, afternoon tea is a quintessential London experience. Patrons enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries under glittering chandeliers in a refined Edwardian setting. It’s as much about the ambience and ritual as the food.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial spectacle in which the New Guard relieves the Old Guard outside Buckingham Palace. With military precision, music by the regimental band, and uniformed guards, it attracts crowds daily (weather permitting) and is a superb chance to witness British pageantry in action.
The Guards Museum
Located near Horse Guards Parade, The Guards Museum delves into the history and traditions of Britain’s Foot Guards regiments (e.g. Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots Guards). Exhibits include uniforms, medals, weapons, and interactive displays, giving insight into the lives and duties of these iconic regiments.
The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is the working stables of the royal family. Visitors can see the royal carriages (including the Gold State Coach), historic vehicles, and horses, as well as learn how royal travel is managed. Guided tours explain the day-to-day operations behind royal processions.
The Queens Gallery
Attached to Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery hosts changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection — paintings, drawings, decorative arts, and treasures rarely seen by the public. It offers a rotating insight into art and artefacts collected over centuries by British monarchs.
Buckingham Palace
When open to the public (usually in summer and select dates), visitors can tour the State Rooms, view the Throne Room, opulent interiors, art, and treasures of the Royal Collection. The Palace grounds and façade are also focal points for royal events and ceremonies year-round.
St James's Palace
Although not generally open to the public internally, St James’s Palace’s royal presence and historic architecture remain visible. It plays a role in the ceremonial and administrative functions of the monarchy and is often passed when walking in the St James’s area.
St James's Park and the Mall
A walk through St James’s Park delivers scenic vistas—gardens, a lake, waterfowl, and views toward Buckingham Palace. Exiting toward The Mall, you’ll walk a grand ceremonial avenue lined with flags and trees leading toward Trafalgar Square, used for royal processions and national events.
Jermyn Street Shopping
Jermyn Street, in the St James’s area, is famed for its gentlemen’s shops: bespoke tailors, shirtmakers, shoemakers, haberdashers, and luxury menswear boutiques. It’s a refined shopping stretch steeped in tradition and craftsmanship
Piccadilly Shopping
Piccadilly is lined with historic shops, luxury hotels, and leading fashion and lifestyle brands. It offers a stylish shopping experience that spans between Green Park and Piccadilly Circus, featuring flagship stores and elegant arcades.
Regent Street Shopping
Regent Street is one of London’s premier shopping thoroughfares, known for its elegant curved facades, flagship stores, and mid- to high-end retail brands. It’s a central spine in the West End retail experience and is illuminated with lights over the Christmas period.
Piccadilly Circus Theatres
The Criterion Theatre is in Piccadilly Circus, and the Piccadilly Theatre is close by. The Lyric, Sondheim, Apollo, Palace and Gielgud Theatres are along Shaftesbury Avenue, together with two cinemas – the Picture Playhouse and Curzon Soho
Coventry Street and the Haymarket Theatres
These are close to Piccadilly Circus, Coventry Street has the Prince of Wales Theatre, and The Haymarket has the Theatre Royal Haymarket and His Majesty’s Theatres. Nearby is the Harold Pinter Theatre, the Vue and Odeon Haymarket cinemas and the Comedy Store.