walking tour victoria london

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Walking Tour – Victoria

Saturday 11 November 2023 14:00 - 16:00

• All our walks are led by experienced Blue Badge Guides
• Start: Meet at the ticket barrier at St James’s Park - exit 55 Broadway
• Ends: Little Ben outside Victoria Station
• Duration: 2 hours approx. 

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Walking Tour – Victoria

Sat 27 july 2024, 14:00 -16:00.

Book-ended by Buckingham Palace to the west and Westminster Abbey to the east, Victoria is a truly unique neighbourhood, experiencing unprecedented new developments and rebuilds.

Traditionally known for being a transport hub, discover the residential, office and retail projects that are helping to create a fresh new look for this bustling area.

At the heart of the area, our walk will explore the renovation of Cardinal Place by EPR Architects, which was the first step in making Victoria a vibrant area to live, work and socialise. Adjacent to the Cathedral Piazza, an entire retrofit of 1970’s classic Elsom Pack and Roberts’ Ashdown House (renamed 123 Victoria Street) has been refurbished by Aukett Swanke, while the landmark mixed-use development by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects restores cinema to Victoria, side by side with quality big-name restaurant chains at ground level.

This walk is led by an experienced Blue Badge Guide.

Start: Meet at the ticket barrier at St James’s Park - exit 55 Broadway End: Little Ben outside Victoria Station

Duration: 2 hours approx

This tour is informed by NLA’s book “Great Estates: Models for Modern Placemaking” which provides a comprehensive picture of all of London's historic and contemporary estates. Much of the story of London's development can be traced through the historic ownership of large pieces of land which have created a resilient cycle of change and renewal. Today this long-term attitude to placemaking has influenced the development of new large-scale and mixed-use areas of the capital, such as King's Cross, Canary Wharf, Victoria and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

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Audiovisual Tour Guides

• Amanda Mercer
• Dec 6, 2023

A Stroll Through Time: A Victorian London Itinerary

Updated: Dec 13, 2023

The Victorian Era is defined by the reign of Queen Victoria, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It is a time period that left an indelible mark on London's cityscape - perhaps mostly due to its sharp contrasts. While there was great advancements in innovation, industry, and education, there was also a surge in poverty and squalor for the lower classes (Think Charles Dickens' Great Expectations and Oliver Twist ).

Yet 19th Century London mainly evokes a bygone era of elegance and charm. And for purposes of enjoyment - let's focus primarily on the opulent side of London and take a fascinating journey through time. Here is a suggested full day's itinerary to step back in time and immerse yourself in Victorian London.

English Breakfast

STOP ONE - BREAKFAST . Victorian London offered a plethora of places to eat out - ranging from rough and ready pubs to elegant high-end restaurants. There were eateries for all social classes and budgets - well, unless you were a woman.

In the Victorian era women's rights were incredibly limited. But let's pretend otherwise - and begin our day at a Victorian-style Café. Experience the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the clinking of fine china to set the stage for the day ahead. Kedgeree, kippers, and a traditional English breakfast grace the menu, offering a taste of Victorian culinary delights.

Expensive Option near the start of our day (Hyde Park) is the MONTAGUE KITCHEN .

Budget Friendly Option is SHEILA'S CAFE .

LATE MORNING

Hyde Park - The Great Exhibition

STOP TWO: HYDE PARK & THE GREAT EXHIBITION . One of the most defining events of 19th century London was The Great Exhibition of 1851. An enormous glass palace was erected in Hyde Park to house and attract visitors from across the world in order to highlight Britain at the height of its imperial dominance.

You can now step back in time as you stroll through Hyde Park as if you were attending the opening day of the exhibition. Download the BARD EUM app in the App Store or Google Play and our immersive audiovisual tour THE GREAT EXHIBITION. It is written by Elizabeth Macneal ( The Doll Factory, The Circus of Wonders ) and narrated by Tuppence Middleton ( Downton Abbey, The Imitation Game ).

The years, decades, centuries have fallen away, and here you are on the 1st of May 1851. Tens of Thousands of people have descended upon London’s Hyde Park. At nine o’clock the turnstiles will open, and you will find yourself at the opening day of The Great Exhibition, a vast, temporary glass museum.

The Crystal Palace, as it has been nicknamed, was built to house more than a hundred thousand exhibits of culture and industry from around the globe. You will behold all of Great Britain’s achievements and that of the countries surrounding it – machines and presses, taxidermy and clothwork, ceramics and ironmongery.

It is the first World’s Fair - the project of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. His reputation rides on its success or failure. The Queen is alive with excitement and will, of course, be in attendance. Step back in time on our immersive audiovisual walking tour and witness this dazzling spectacle that was to become a symbol of the Victorian era.

"A perfect afternoon stroll into another age, told with capriciousness and verve. Put on your top hats and bring your parasols, Victorian London is just a tap on your phone away!"

-Inga Vesper, journalist

The experience begins at The Italian Gardens Cafe on the north side of Hyde Park near the Lancaster Gate. The walking tour ends a short distance from our next stop on the itinerary - the Victoria & Albert Museum where you can see many objects that were displayed at The Great Exhibition.

Victoria & Albert Museum

STOP THREE - VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM . Our next stop is the V & A Museum, a treasure trove of art and design from the Victorian era. The Museum was borne from The Great Exhibition with a collection covering applied art and science. Today, its collection covers 5,000 years of art, from the cultures of Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa. Wandering through the galleries, you'll encounter exquisite furniture, lavish fashion, and intricate decorative arts that showcase the opulence and creativity of the Victorian Era.

Traditional Pub

STOP FOUR - LUNCH AT A TRADITIONAL PUB . Just a 7 minute walk from the V & Museum, you'll find the ZETLAND ARMS - a traditional pub on the corner of Old Brompton Road and Bute Street. Built in the earliest part of the Victorian Era (1840s) it is one of the few surviving original buildings from the time period in this area of London. Savor classic British dishes amid the rich ambiance of the past.

The Natural History Museum

STOP FIVE - THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM . A short walk from the Zetland Arms is the Natural History Museum. The grand architecture mirrors the scientific curiosity of the era and houses exhibits that echo the Victorian fascination with the natural world. Dinosaurs, gemstones, and evolutionary wonders await curious minds.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

STOP SIX - A HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE . Experience what we all love about the Victorian Era - a traditional carriage ride behind a pair of majestic horses. OPERATION CENTAUR offers private rides in Richmond Park and Bushy Park dependent on the time of year.

EARLY EVENING

Champagne & Oysters

STOP SEVEN - CHAMPAGNE & OYSTERS. In the Victorian Era, oysters were sold on almost every street corner in London. Oyster bars began appearing as early as the late 1700s. For the lower class, they were a cheap alternative to expensive beef. In The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens noted ‘It’s a wery remarkable circumstance, Sir,’ said Sam, ‘that poverty and oysters always seem to go together.’

Today, oysters are a luxury item and are deliciously paired with the favorite drink of the rich and powerful - champagne. Here are a few options for you to partake:

THE OYSTERMEN SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

Gaslight or Guided Tours

STOP EIGHT - GASLIGHT OR GUIDED TOUR . Unveil the darker history of London through a Gaslight Walk or a guided tour. Learn the stories, mysteries, and crimes of the darker side of Victorian London. A favorite for tourists is the Jack the Ripper Tour. Learn of the gruesome murders by the unidentified serial killer active in and around the impoverished Whitechapel district of London, England, during the Victorian Era. London Walks also offers several Ghost & Gaslight Tours.

Victorian Dining

LAST STOP - VICTORIAN DINING . As the wealthy Victorians added indoor gas lighting to their homes in the mid-19th Century, it became possible to eat dinner at a later hour. It moved from six or seven p.m. to as late as 9:00 p.m. Let's finish the day dining on dishes that echo the culinary trends of the time, enjoying a blend of tradition and modernity. Here are a few possibilities:

RULES in Covent Garden

SIMPSONS IN THE STRAND

THE RITZ LONDON

ENJOY YOUR HISTORICAL DAY IN LONDON!

BARDEUM offers self-guided audio/visual tours via mobile app. These immersive experiences are written by award-winning & bestselling authors, journalists, and historians.

Available in the App Store and Google Play .

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Victoria and Albert Museum, South London Guided Walking Tour

Art, design, fashion and performance - this and more awaits you on our group tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum (VAM) with a Blue Badge Guide. Discover the cultural haven of South Kensington and see the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College, and more.

• Discover the rich collection of the V&A Museum with a 5-Star Blue Badge Guide
• See the world’s largest collection of applied arts, decorative arts and design
• Learn about the cultures of Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa
• Explore South Kensington and see highlights such as the Victorian-era Royal Albert Hall
• Enjoy a well-organized group tour with commentary in only 1 language

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Activity details.

• Small Group Maximum of 20 participants
• Just buy and we instantly organize Your booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
• Live Guide English
• Walking tour

Our 20-people group tours are a fun, educational and affordable way to discover London and its top tourist attractions, and this time we invite you to visit the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. Explore a rich collection of decorative art from across the globe with an Expert-Guide who is passionate about cultural heritage and art. See the VMA!

Book a 4-hour tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum and South Kensington borough in London. This is a must-do for anyone interested in decorative arts, from Roman sculptures to modern fashion, but also for all those curious to explore the limits of human creativity. Our licensed Blue Badge Guide will show you the most interesting and unique exhibits and collection, such as ancient Chinese ceramics, Alexander McQueen’s evening dresses, and decorative tales from medieval Europe and Middle East.

After visiting the VAM, the group will have a chance to discover other interesting things to do in South Kensington. The walking tour will pass the Natural History Museum, the Imperial College of London, and the world-famous Royal Albert Hall from the Victorian era. Every turn will be filled with amazing stories that both adults and children will find fun and educational. Come and see!

• Guided Group Tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
• 5-Star Licensed Guide with live commentary in only 1 language
• Free admission to the Victoria and Albert Museum
• Interesting facts about the exhibits and world history and culture
• Group tour limited to 20 people

Important information

What you should know.

• We recommend arriving at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts, as latecomers won’t be able to join the group or receive a refund.
• Our group tours are only in 1 language. You can select your preferred language when booking.
• Free admission to the Victoria and Albert Museum is only for the permanent exhibitions and displays. Tickets to temporary exhibitions are not included in this tour.
• There is no luggage storage so please do not bring extra clothing, umbrellas, large bags, suitcases, scooters, etc. Pets are not allowed.
• There will be a maximum of 20 participants.
• This tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.

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Urban Walking Experience

London walking tour |victoria embankment to big ben (city of westminster).

A first person London walking tour from Victoria Embankment to Big Ben. Join me for a virtual walk and hear and feel the amazing atmosphere in London. See the streets of London in 4K.

In today’s walk:

Start of the walking tour – Embankment Station

Westminster area.

We start this walk from Embankment station. Firstly, we have to mention it is a London underground station. Embankment station is in zone 1. In addition it is served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines. Further along the same area we find the Whitehall Gardens. It is a peaceful and quiet place. Many Londoners and tourists admire it every day. Meanwhile, as we keep walking, we approach the Royal Air Force Memorial. It is located near Victoria Embankment. The memorial was erected to commemorate the casualties of the Royal Air Force in World War I. I would like to mention that London is divided in boroughs. There are 32 of them in the capital.

In conclusion, our walk is taking us to City of Westminster borough. It is in the heart of London.  Exactly there along the way we will see Westminster Pier, London Eye and Big Ben, all major tourist attractions. Westminster is the home of the famous Westminster Abbey. There you can also admire the breathtaking views from the Westminster Bridge. It is an area popular among the visitors. Plenty of hotels and convenient transport network allows easy transportation to any point of the capital.

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England, Scotland, Wales ▸ https://urbanwalkingexperience.com/great-britain-country-guides/

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Subscribe:  http://bit.ly/2sfdbFk Subscribe to my channel if you like travelling and want to experience the real atmosphere of the tourist places that I visit.

New videos every week Join me for a virtual walking tour and see the streets of London, the UK and Europe.

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London Walking Tour

We continue to the right in the direction of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben as well as the House of Parliaments. Our route now turns left and takes us past Downing Street (No. 10 is home to the Prime Minister!) and many government buildings, including the Ministry of Defence, to the gigantic Trafalgar Square. Now we walk further along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, where our city tour slowly turns into a shopping trip. In Regent Street we have the opportunity to add a short excursion by double-decker bus to Tower Bridge and the Tower. Line 15 travels the two kilometres every few minutes - it is a matter of honour that we sit in the front seat and enjoy the three-quarters of an hour (!) ride with the best view!

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Things To Do In Victoria London

London Victoria or Victoria station located in the district of Westminster, in the central part of London is a well-developed transport hub. The area is brimmed with restaurants, offices, shopping arcades, cafes and other eateries, along with several important tourist attractions. The place even today holds the reflections of the Victorian era and particularly has the major buildings which were once the seats of administration. There are certain unique spots in Victoria London, which can provide different sets of experiences.

The major things to do in Victoria London include a visit to Buckingham Palace, the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the museums, art galleries and various parks. Other things which one must do when in Victoria is to explore the famous Westminster Abbey, stroll through shopping centres and taste some delicious foods. The journey through the underground trains, which are known as tube trains, is a different thing to experience among the activities to do in Victoria London. Little Ben, which is the iconic clock tower located at the front of London Victoria Station is a major attraction for tourists to admire. Make your trip to Natural History Museum which houses over 80 million objects from different fields like paleontology, entomology, botany, zoology and mineralogy.

Buckingham Palace was the official residence of the monarchs, but today it is the administrative headquarters of the city. The changing of guards is one of the best things among things to do in Victoria, London and is a part of the historic tradition of London which started in the 17th century. This starts at 10.45 AM and lasts for 45 minutes on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and is free to watch.

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Westminster Cathedral is the largest and most spectacular Catholic church in England and Wales, making it one of the best things to do in Victoria, London. The exterior of the cathedral, with its domed and arched ceilings decorated in mosaics, screams grandeur. This cathedral also contains a gallery where visitors can explore the cathedral's valuables and artifacts. The cathedral welcomes visitors between 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The Apollo Victoria theatre is one of London’s most renowned venues for theatre experiences, exploring which is among the interesting things to do in London Victoria. It is a large theatre which can hold more than 2000 people and operates from 12.00 pm. The theatre is known for its smash hit musical titled ‘Wicked’, from the past 15 years and also for the productions like ‘The Sound of Music and ‘Bombay dreams’.

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This is the mini clock tower, which occupies the front area of Victoria station and has a major role among the things to do in Victoria London. This clock tower is considered a mini replica of the Big Ben Clock Tower of Westminster Abbey and is decorated with cast iron. Little Ben is an iconic figure that marks the city of London and an apt place to click photographs as it is classy.

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Visiting this most popular museum that houses the greatest collection of the decorative arts makes it one of the must-do things to do in London Victoria. The cast courts, the fashion and jewellery gallery, the glass chandelier, and the paintings of famous artists are the highlights here. This museum has different pieces of art, including sculptures, furniture, paintings, clothing, and ceramics, making it the world’s largest collection. It even has a vast collection of artworks sourced from several Asian countries.

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Saatchi Gallery is an exhibition space in London that has long served as a pillar of contemporary art. Street art exhibitions, graffiti artistic representations, creative photography exhibitions, digital art exhibitions, and site-specific art installations, along with numerous forms of paintings are displayed here. This gallery is one of the top places to visit among things to do in Victoria London as it reflects the cultural side of the city for free.

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This is one of the most gorgeous and royal parks among the ones in the city of London. Add Hyde Park to your list of activities to do in Victoria, London, as plenty of activities like swimming, horseback riding, tennis, jogging, and skating can be done here. There are fountains, statues, and monuments in the park, and the hidden gem of the park is the bird sanctuary. This park also organises world-renowned events, seminars, charity shows, music concerts and conferences on regular intervals.

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This museum is a centre for scientific research and is one of the top things to do in London Victoria for every natural history enthusiast. The museum has collections of over 80 million objects from different fields like paleontology, entomology, botany, zoology and mineralogy. There are screenings of videos and short films about natural history and also certain exclusive presentations through virtual reality. The museum is one of the top leading attractions and science research centre of London which shouldn't be missed.

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This is one of London’s eight royal parks, located right next to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House. The historic changing of the guard ritual at Buckingham Palace may also be seen from this park. You can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, which is home to birds such as pelicans and geese, as well as swans and other fowl. This is one of the best places to spend some time and is worthy enough to be added to the list of things to do in London Victoria.

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Cardinal Place is a famous London shopping centre with 11 floors of outstanding retail stores that will provide you with one of the top things to do in Victoria London with a relaxed and modern shopping experience. It is housed in a magnificent and elegant structure of polished steel and glass, where you can shop for a wide range of products, eat at cafés and restaurants serving delectable food and drinks, and stroll around.

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The Goring is a five-star hotel in London known for its excellent brunch meals and tea. The hotel features an elegant and appealing exterior and a dining space that provides an exceptional and delightful eating experience, making it a perfect things to do in Victoria London. It is also popular for hosting Kate Middleton and her family during her wedding to Prince William. The hotel welcomes visitors between 7.30 AM to 11.00 PM daily.

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This is quite an interesting museum in London, which holds the history of the five regiments of foot guards. It offers a chronological presentation of the regimental uniforms, along with weapons, models, and artwork, all of which are more than 300 years old. If you love miniatures and military memorabilia, the Guards Toy Soldier Centre could be a wonderful experience and one of the best things to do in Victoria London.

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What are the best things to do in Victoria, London?

You can enjoy a picnic in St. James' Park and take a walk around the lake to spot geese, swans, pelicans, and other birds. Photograph Buckingham Palace while watching the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony. Visit the Apollo Theatre or the Victoria Palace Theatre to see a musical production. Admire the majestic Westminster Cathedral's nave, which is made of green marble, as well as Eric Gill's Stations of the Cross stone bas-reliefs.

Why is Victoria London famous?

Victoria is one of the busiest transportation hubs in London which has recently become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. It has multiple historic theatres, restaurants, bars, cafes, and other attractions, making this place quite popular.

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What is special about the Natural History Museum?

The museum includes over 80 million specimens, allowing visitors to study and enjoy the natural world through exhibitions such as the Life and Earth Galleries, animal gardens, and geological collections.

How to reach London?

By Flight: London is easily accessible by air to the rest of the world. The most important airports serving London are Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted.

By Road: The excellent road network of the United Kingdom connects London to the rest of the country. The Victoria Coach Station and other stations in London offer bus services to and from various local and international locations, such as Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

By Train : British Rail Network connects London with other major cities like Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Amsterdam.

How many days are enough to explore London?

If you're visiting for the first time, four or five days should be sufficient to get a feel for the city and see many of its major attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The British Museum, The Tower of London and more.

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Self-Guided Sightseeing Walks

If you want to see the landmarks then try The City , Seven Bridges and St. Paul’s to Big Ben . If you’re into the Royals then try Royal London . Along The Southbank is good for a leisurely stroll up the river

Along The Southbank - Take a stroll along the Southbank from the London Eye all the way to Tower Bridge, taking in views of St Paul’s and the Square Mile

The City (Square Mile) - Walk through the old City of London, past famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Royal Exchange and St Paul’s

Explore Roman London - Travel back in time to when London was still called Londinium, and see what remains can still be seen above and below ground 2

North Pole Expedition - A huge five-mile walk from Victoria all the way to the top of Primrose Hill via Regent Street, Regent’s Park and the penguins at London Zoo

Regent’s Canal to Camden - How about a leisurely walk along the Regent’s Canal, taking in Little Venice, London Zoo, and ending at arty Camden Town 2

Royal London - This walk takes you to St. James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, and the 1,000-year-old Westminster Abbey

St. Paul’s to Big Ben - Walk from St. Paul’s to the Houses of Parliament, past lots of famous landmarks like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

Seven Bridges - Walk down the river and cross over seven of London's most famous bridges, from Westminster Bridge all the way to Tower Bridge

West End - Explore London's theatre district with this walk around the West End, past Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden 4

Window Shopping - Walk some of London's most famous shopping streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street

Upcoming guided walks in London

Outdoor Adventure Game: The Case of Colombia’s Finest Every day Discover some of the city's most curious locations in this self-guided outdoor adventure game

Greenwich Ghoulish Ghost Tour! Every other Sat Explore some of the creepy streets around Greenwich and hear stories about ghoulish crimes and haunted pubs

The Beatles Walking Tour: In the footsteps of the Fab Four Every Thu Walk across the Abbey Road zebra crossing and see where the band played their final gig on the roof

Walking Tour - Victorian London

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Belgravia Walking Tour

I’ve been out and about exploring the city lately, and I want to share another self-guided walk in London with you. My wanderings have taken me to Belgravia recently, and I can’t get enough of this London neighborhood’s streets, shopfronts, and mews. So today I bring you another free London walk in the form of A Lady in London’s Belgravia walking tour. There’s a map, too.

Belgravia is one of London’s most luxurious neighborhoods. From the embassies bordering Belgrave Square to the flower-fronted shops on Elizabeth Street , this part of the city exudes elegance.

And with it comes beautiful houses, charming streets, and lots of loveliness to discover.

Belgravia Walking Tour

My Belgravia walking tour will show you around the neighborhood’s streets and mews. Cafes, pubs, and restaurants are plentiful, so you can stop for a rest along the path if you need to.

This free walking tour of London starts at Victoria station. Exit at the front of the station in Terminus Place and take a left to get to Buckingham Palace Road.

Cross the street onto Grosvenor Gardens and go straight along the square until you get to Ebury Street. Take a left to walk down it, ducking into Grosvenor Gardens Mews North on your right when you begin.

After exploring the mews, continue your Belgravia walking tour by heading down Ebury Street and taking in the townhouses and shops. Don’t miss the blue plaque dedicated to Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, along the way.

Make sure to peek into the hidden Eccleston Yards on your left, too. They’re down a little alley that opens up into a colorful courtyard full of shops, restaurants, and creative spaces.

Back out on Ebury Street, continue in the same direction and you’ll come to Elizabeth Street. It’s famous for its pretty cafes and flower-adorned facades.

Turn right on Elizabeth Street, taking in the shopfronts as you go. Cross the street when you can and take a left on Chester Row.

This pretty street has more townhouses and architectural details to admire, and will take you to a traditional neighborhood pub.

Once at the pub, take a left on Eaton Terrace and walk back down to Ebury Street. Turn right and keep walking, taking in the pretty doors and blue plaque dedicated to Mozart.

At the end of the street you’ll be in Orange Square, a lovely space surrounded by restaurants, flower shops, and high-end furniture stores. There are twin red phone boxes to photograph, too.

When you’ve finished exploring the area around the square, your Belgravia walking tour continues up Bourne Street. Follow it all the way up to Cliveden Place and take a right.

Cross the street and take your first left on Eaton Terrace, walking up and admiring the details, pubs, and side streets as you go (Eaton Terrace Mews and Grosvenor Cottages are particularly lovely).

Follow the street around as it becomes West Eaton Place, then turn left on Eaton Place.

Continue along the road as it becomes Chesham Street and Chesham Place, then cross the street and follow Lowndes Place past consulates and patisseries as you make your way to Motcomb Street.

Turn right on Motcomb Street and take in the abundance of cheesemongers and chocolateries as you wander. Don’t miss Halkin Mews on your right, either. It’s one of the prettiest in this London neighborhood .

Across from Halkin Mews, head up Kinnerton Street and soak up the pretty houses and little side streets as you stroll. There’s a lot to see here, so make sure to take your time and absorb all the little corners.

Near the end, take a right on another street called Kinnerton Street, a quick right on Wilton Place, and a left on another street called Wilton Place (the names get a bit confusing here!).

This will take you into a warren of lanes that will hopefully make your inner mews lover as excited as it made mine when I discovered it.

Take a right when Wilton Place meets Old Barrack Yard, then a quick right on another street also called Old Barrack Yard. Walk in and down towards the pub at the end, where you’ll come to the gem that is Wilton Row.

Explore here for a while before the street curves around and takes you out to Wilton Crescent.

Continue your Belgravia walking tour by taking a left on Wilton Crescent and walking to Belgrave Square, where embassies abound.

Turn left on Chapel Street, then right into Groom Place. This little lane is one of my favorite cobblestone streets in London, not least because it has a great mix of houses and a pretty pub tucked into one corner.

At the end of Groom Place, take a right on Chester Street, then a left on Upper Belgrave Street. Keep going as it becomes Eaton Square and continue as the street name turns into Lower Belgrave Street.

You’ll pass more restaurants and cafes here, and will eventually reach Buckingham Palace Road opposite Victoria Station. Your Belgravia walking tour ends here.

Belgravia Walking Tour Details

Map of the first part of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/W3x76KfsXD52

Map of the second part of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/zeZdmtBU3ZQ2

Further afield: Chelsea , Knightsbridge , Buckingham Palace

I’ve written a lot more London walks and compiled them all in my London walking tours blog post.

There are further beautiful walks outlined in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here . There are additional ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I’ve also put all my central London walks into one convenient blog post. You can use it to find more walks near Belgravia if you want to. Happy exploring!

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16 Comments on Lady’s Belgravia Walking Tour

This was just wonderful. Belgravia is a neighborhood that I do want to explore more fully upon my next visit.

I’m so glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy exploring next time you’re here.

A wonderful post, I’m often in and around Belgravia and would love to take the time to do your self guided walk to discover more as it’s such a pretty area. Elizabeth Street is my favourite place to grab a coffee with friends at Tomtom.

Thanks! I hope you can soon.

OMG this is gold for me. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, I am a photographer and cannot wait to explore Belgravia !

I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful!

Thank you so much for this guided walk around Belgravia! I had a morning to spare before catching a train at Victoria Station and this has been a perfect way to spend it. I have never been to Belgravia before despite numerous visits to London over many years and I have loved exploring it through your walk, especially the many gorgeous mews streets. Thank you again!

You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear that and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Such cute buildings. Love the pics! Thank you for the tour!

You’re welcome!

Beyond a fabulous walk through an area that I know so so well.. Thank you .. ~! KA

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you like it.

I’ve already done two of your walking tours today and I loved them both (Soho, Westminster). Will definitely do more. Thanks for publishing them!

You’re welcome! I’m really glad to hear that.

I did this today & loveeeeed it. Thank you so much !!! 🙂

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Travel Guide

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Best Nightlife
• Organized Tours
• Planning a Trip
• Walking Tour 1
• Walking Tour 2
• Biking Tour
• Active Pursuits
• Suggested Itineraries

Walking Tour 1 in Victoria

Walking Tour 1: The Inner Harbour

Start & Finish : The Visitor Centre (812 Wharf St.) on the Inner Harbour.

Time : 2 hours, not including shopping, museum, and pub breaks.

Best Time : Late afternoon, when the golden summer sunlight shines on the Fairmont Empress.

Worst Time : Late in the evening, when the shops close and the streets empty.

Victoria was born on the Inner Harbour. When the Hudson's Bay Company's west coast head of operations, James Douglas, happened across this sheltered inlet in 1843 while searching for a new corporate HQ, it was love at first sight. "The place appears a perfect Eden," he wrote to a friend. High praise indeed, although as Douglas was pretty deep into local real estate, his words should be taken with a wee pinch of salt. His confidence in the location certainly paid off, however, for less than 20 years after Douglas set foot onshore, the native stands of Garry oak had been supplanted by small farms, the town was choked with miners and mariners, and the harbor was full of ships, many of which had circled the globe. This tour circumnavigates the Inner Harbour, showing some of its lesser-known nooks and crannies while providing an opportunity to enjoy the same view seen by many a Victorian sailor.

1. Victoria Visitor Centre

At 812 Wharf St., this is without a doubt one of the finest-looking visitor centers in the world -- a masterful Art Deco pavilion topped with a shining white obelisk rising high above the Inner Harbour. It would be a tribute to the taste and vision of city tourism officials, except that it started out life as a gas station.

From the Visitor Centre, thread your way south through the jugglers and musicians on the causeway until you're opposite 721 Government St., where stands:

2. The Fairmont Empress

"There is a view, when the morning mists peel off the harbor, where the steamers tie up, of the Houses of Parliament on one hand, and a huge hotel on the other, which is an example of cunningly fitted-in waterfronts and facades worth a very long journey." Thus spoke Rudyard Kipling during a visit to the city in 1908. If he'd come only 5 years earlier, he would've been looking at a nasty, garbage-choked swamp. The causeway was then a narrow bridge over the tidal inlet, and as Victorians made a habit of pitching their refuse over the rail, the bay was, not surprisingly, a stinking cesspit of slime. In 1900, the ever-shrewd Canadian Pacific Railway made an offer to the city -- we'll build a causeway and fill in the stinky bay if you let us keep the land. The city jumped at the offer. Little was expected -- the land was swamp, after all. But taking their cue from the good folks in Amsterdam, the CPR drove long pilings down through the muck to provide a solid foundation. And on top of that, they built the Fairmont Empress. The architect was Francis Rattenbury, and his design was masterful, complementing his own Provincial Legislature Buildings to create the view that has defined the city ever since.

Around the south side of the Fairmont Empress is a formal rose garden -- worth putting your nose in for a sniff. Cut through the garden, cross over Belleville St. and continue another half-block east to the corner of Douglas St., where you'll find:

3. Thunderbird Park

The park is instantly recognizable by its forest of totem poles. Even if you've overdosed on the ubiquitous 15cm (6-in.) souvenir totem, take a second look at these. The original poles on this site had been collected in the early 1900s from various villages up and down the coast. Some decades later, when officials decided the severely weathered poles needed restoring, they discovered the art of native carving had eroded even more than their collection of poles. From all the thousands of carvers on the coast, only one man still carried on the craft. In 1952, Kwakiutl artist Mungo Martin set up a carving shed on the park grounds and began the work of restoration. Martin replaced or repaired all the existing poles while teaching his son and step-grandson-in-law to carve. Seeing them at work renewed public interest in the form. Other young artists came to learn and train, which led to a revival of totem carving and native artistry among coastal natives.

All poles have a purpose; most tell a story. The stories associated with the poles in Thunderbird Park have unfortunately been lost, but many of the figures are easily recognized, including Thunderbird (look for the outstretched wings and curly horns on the head), Raven, Bear, and Killer Whale. On the edge of the park is the shed where Martin carved many of the poles. Feel free to poke your head in to take a look and ask the carvers what they're up to. The artists generally welcome questions and enjoy sharing their stories.

Farther back in the park, at 638 Elliott St. Sq., stands the:

4. Helmcken House

This simple woodframe house, the oldest house in BC still standing in its original position, was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken in 1852. A surgeon with the Hudson's Bay Company, Helmcken married the daughter of Governor James Douglas and went on to become a statesman and an important figure in the negotiations to allow British Columbia to become a province of Canada. The house, originally a three-room log cabin, is open daily from May through September noon to 4pm; admission is by donation (C$5 suggested).

Walk west along Belleville past the modern-looking Carillon Tower (a gift from the Dutch people who settled in BC) and the not-to-be-missed Royal BC Museum; cross Government St. You're now standing in front of 501 Belleville St. at the:

5. Provincial Legislature Buildings (Parliament)

In 1892, a 25-year-old Yorkshireman arrived on the west coast just as an architectural competition for a new Legislature Building in Victoria was announced. Francis Mawson Rattenbury had no professional credentials but was blessed with both talent and ambition. He submitted a set of drawings and, to the surprise of all, beat out 65 other entries from around the continent. The Provincial Legislature Buildings are open for tours 9am to 5pm. In summer, the 40-minute tours start every 20 minutes.

From the Legislature lawn, make your way past the horse-drawn calèches parked on Menzies St. and walk west on Belleville St. for 2 blocks to Pendray St. The road takes a sharp right, but follow the path leading down to a waterfront walkway as it curves around Laurel Point. Continuing around the pathway past the first few jetties takes you to the:

6. Coast Hotel Docks

Here is one of several ports of call for the Victoria Harbour Ferries (tel. 250/708-0201 ). From here, the official Frommer's route is to take the ferry all the way across the harbor to West Bay (the next stop on this tour). If the weather's clear, you'll enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains to the south and possibly spot a seal or bald eagle. You have several options here: You can take a short hop out to Fisherman's Wharf , where just-caught fish is sold when in season; go directly across to Spinnakers Brewpub (stop 8) on the far shore; take the ferry across to Songhees Point (stop 9); or go directly to Canoe (stop 11). You can even give up on your feet entirely and take the full Harbour Ferries tour.

If you stick with the program, however, the next stop is:

7. West Bay

While a pleasant little residential neighborhood with a picturesque marina, West Bay isn't anything to write home about. What is worthwhile, however, is the waterfront walkway that winds its way from here back east toward the city. The trail twists and curves through several parks, and views south through the harbor look out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains beyond. After about 20 minutes of walking, it may be time to take a break:

8. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

Excellent beer brewed on the premises, combined with an above-average patio, make Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub a dangerously time-consuming port of call. For those looking for more substantial fare, the pub grub's very good, and the entrees are above average. The on-site bakery makes inspired beer bread, as well as a range of more delicate goods. 308 Catherine St. tel. 250/386-BREW (250/386-2739).

From the pub, continue along the shoreline until you see the totem pole standing at:

9. Songhees Point

The point is named for the First Nations tribe that once lived on the site. The Songhees had originally set up their village close to Fort Victoria, near the current site of Bastion Square, but relations with the Hudson's Bay Company were always strained. In 1844, a dispute over a pair of company oxen slaughtered by the Songhees was settled only after Commander Roderick Finlayson blew up the chief's house. A few years later, after a fire started in the native village, spread, and nearly burned down the fort, Finlayson told the Songhees to relocate across the Inner Harbour. They refused at first, pointing out quite rightly that as it was their land, they could live wherever they liked. They assented to the move only after Finlayson agreed to help dismantle and transport the Songhees' longhouses. The totem pole here is called the Spirit of Lakwammen, presented to the city to commemorate the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

Continue on the pathway around the corner. The patio of the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort provides a great view of the Fairmont Empress. A little farther on is the:

10. Johnson Street Bridge

The same guy who designed San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge also designed Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge. Alas, while the soaring Golden Gate span is justly famous for its elegance, this misshapen lump of steel and concrete is something designer Joseph Strauss would likely wish forgotten.

Cross the bridge, walk past the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) Railway station and turn left onto Store St. Walk 1 block north to Swift St., turn left and walk downhill to the end of the street:

While having a drink at Canoe, it's hard to know whom to admire more: the 19th-century engineers who built everything with brick and beam, and always twice as thick as it had to be; the restorers who took this old building (once the site of the City Light Company) and turned it into a sunlit cathedral of a room; the owner, who had the vision to pay the restorers; the chef, who made the delicious plate of appetizers now quickly disappearing from your table; or the brew master, whose copper cauldrons produce such a superior brew. Try the taster option -- six small glasses of different brews for about the price of a pint -- and toast them all. 450 Swift St. tel. 250/361-1940.

Salutations complete, wander back up Swift St., turn right and continue south down Store St. for 2 blocks, where Store St. becomes Wharf St. Walk another 3 blocks until you reach:

12. Bastion Square

This pleasant public space stands on the site of the Hudson's Bay Company's original Fort Victoria. The fort was demolished in 1863 and the land sold off for development. When the BC government bought and renovated the Rithet Building on the southwest corner of the square, workers uncovered Fort Victoria's original water well, complete with mechanical pump. It's now in the building's lobby. The square is home to the Maritime Museum..

Continue south on Wharf St. another 2 blocks until you come to the pinkish Dominion Customs House. Built in 1876, the Second Empire style was meant to impart a touch of European civilization in the midst of this raw wilderness town. Take the walkway by the Customs house down to the waterline and walk out on the:

13. Floatplane Docks

Early in the morning, these docks buzz with activity as floatplanes fly in and out on their way to and from Seattle, Vancouver, and points farther north. The docks are also the place to come to arrange diving and whale-watching tours.

Back up on Wharf St., you're just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Visitor Centre tower, where the tour began.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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• How To Experience Victorian London

How to Experience Victorian London

London has plenty of famous throwbacks to the Victorian era, from world-class museums to stunning landmarks. But there are also many less well-known attractions to discover in the city, like shopping arcades, pie-and-mash joints, cemeteries and pleasure gardens.

Head to a victorian-inspired museum.

There are several museums in London where you can see what life was like in the Victorian era. The Ragged School Museum , featuring reconstructed classrooms and a circa-1900 East End kitchen, lets you step into the shoes of a poor Victorian child. For a real-life Victorian home in which you can roam freely, head to Leighton House Museum , the preserved studio of the era’s most famous artist, Frederic Leighton; Dennis Severs’ House , a ‘still-life drama’ in which you can journey from the 18th to the 20th century as you step through its dressed rooms; or the William Morris Gallery , which is filled with interior-design treasures from the late 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement.

Go for a walk around town

Just going for a walk around central London is enough to get a Victorian experience, given the number of London landmarks that date back to this era. The industrious Victorians were great builders; among the iconic central London structures erected during the reign of Queen Victoria are the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column , the Royal Courts of Justice and the National Portrait Gallery. To the west, the museum district of South Kensington is another place where you can immerse yourself in Victoriana. The galleries and museums along Exhibition Road – the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Royal Albert Hall and V&A – were built at the request of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, who wanted to create a centre for cultural and scientific learning unparalleled by any other nation.

If you want a more specific Victorian experience, there are a number of themed walks to try. The Charles Dickens walking tour gives you an insight into what inspired the author, perhaps the person who has most influenced our ideas about Victorian life. Other great Victorian-era literary tours include The London of Oscar Wilde and a Sherlock Holmes walking tour, while the Jack the Ripper Walk paints a stark picture of how the killer terrified the East End. Best of all, though, is Darkest Victorian London , a two-hour tour through the ‘real’ London, which encourages you to imagine life in the city for Victorian citizens, from chimney sweeps to pickpockets.

Take a stroll in a green space

London’s parks are great for catching some Victorian vibes; many were built during Victoria’s reign and some of the older ones received significant additions during the period. The gigantic Victoria Park, built in 1845, is worth a visit. It was the first public park to be built specifically for the ‘common’ people, to help improve public health among the slums of East London. Although a lot of the original features were destroyed during World War II, one or two ornamental structures remain, including the magnificent Gothic Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain, built in 1862. Today, it has a lovely food market on Sundays, a hipster clientele and a nice park café, as well as some good pubs.

The Victorians were particularly big on pleasure gardens (recreational public gardens used for entertainment, largely considered to be precursors to the modern theme park), and built several. Sadly, most have long since vanished, but one significant remaining example is Crystal Palace Park, which was created in 1854 to house the magnificent Crystal Palace when it relocated there after the 1851 Great Exhibition. Alongside a maze, lakes and a concert bowl, the most iconic feature is a range of full-scale models of dinosaurs, newly discovered at the time. Let’s just say they don’t look quite the way we imagine dinosaurs to have looked nowadays.

If you’re after a more unusual and slightly darker experience, take a stroll around one of London’s several Victorian-era cemeteries . Disposing of the dead was problematic in Victorian London, due to severe overcrowding in the city’s small parish graveyards. During the 19th century, seven large private cemeteries – referred to as the Magnificent Seven – were established outside central London. Among the more famous of the seven are Kensal Rise Cemetery and Highgate Cemetery, home to a compelling, archetypal Victorian mix of architectural styles (Gothic Revivalist alongside Neoclassical) as well as the graves of some extraordinary cultural figures (Karl Marx, Harold Pinter, William Makepeace Thackeray and George Eliot). Today, they’re peaceful, beautiful spaces to explore.

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Indulge in a spot of shopping

There aren’t many actual Victorian stores left in London, but the development of consumerism and shopping as a pastime in the latter half of the 19th century left an indelible mark on the city. Many of London’s most iconic stores were founded during or on the cusp of Victoria’s reign – Harvey Nichols opened in 1831, Harrods in 1849 and Liberty in 1875 – encouraged by the growth of imported goods from across the empire. Though the stores are very different places today, parts of their interiors still display their Victorian origins – the grand food court at Harrods is a prime example. Elsewhere in the city, the Victorians built covered market halls and shopping galleries, many of which still exist today; Leadenhall Market, Old Spitalfields Market, the Burlington Arcade and the Royal Arcade are great shopping destinations in which to experience beautiful Victorian-style architecture.

You can also still find the odd Victorian store still going strong. James Smith & Sons , for example, have been making umbrellas since 1830, with the store retaining its original fittings inside, as well as its Victorian frontage. Cecil Court, which links Charing Cross Road and St Martin’s Lane, is a fantastic street to walk down; its Victorian shop frontages haven’t been touched in over a century, and the street is still lined with traditional gas lamps. Family-run grocer W Martyn in Muswell Hill has been selling tea, coffee and fine foods since 1897, and is still popular today.

Enjoy a meal out

As far as traditional Victorian grub goes, your best bet is definitely pie and mash . This simple, working-class dish has been popular for centuries but first existed mainly as street food, moving into permanent premises during the 19th century when the traditional pie, mash and eel shops began to flourish; in 1890 there were over 50 of them, doubling to over 100 by the end of the century. One of the oldest of London’s surviving pie shops is M Manze on Tower Bridge Road, which first opened in 1902 and was followed by several others from various members of the Manze family, who still run the business today. Over the years, the family have strayed very little from their original recipes, and the interiors have also stayed authentic.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, visit Simpson’s-in-the-Strand , an 1828 oak-panelled dining room and one of the city’s oldest traditional English restaurants; it was a favourite of Arthur Conan Doyle and Churchill. Head towards Embankment for an after-dinner drink at Gordon’s Wine Bar – established in 1890, it is one of London’s oldest wine bars, and a visit here is truly like stepping back in time – or to Holborn and The Viaduct Tavern , perhaps the last remaining authentic example of a Victorian gin palace.

Additional reporting by Cajsa Carlson .

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