Walking track · London
London’s Royal-and-River Spine
Walk from Westminster Abbey to Tower Bridge through a sequence of London Landmarks: Gothic towers, the Elizabeth Tower’s clock faces, Nelson’s Column and St Paul’s dome, ending at the Thames-spanning bascule bridge. This track focuses on pedestrian approaches and exterior viewpoints, with practical framing advice at every stop. Check each Landmark map and confirm your Unlock nearby; seeing a landmark from afar does not establish arrival.
- 5 stops
- 5.1 km
- about 3 h 40 min
- on foot
The itinerary
Stop by stop.
Check Westminster Abbey’s ceremonial closures and Trafalgar Square event changes when planning; the walk itself needs no timed entries.
- 01
Start here
Westminster Abbey
Approach from the west-front pedestrian area to frame the abbey’s twin Gothic towers evenly without blocking the entrance. Respect security and ceremonial closures, and remember that worship, visitor admission and photography permissions are separate. Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Westminster Abbey guide
- 02
+ 250 m from the previous stop
Big Ben
Use the pavement near Parliament Square or Westminster Bridge, keeping the clock face clear above your shoulder for a portrait. Big Ben is the bell; this stop’s advice depicts the Elizabeth Tower exterior. Stay clear of roadways and security boundaries, and confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Big Ben guide
- 03
+ 850 m from the previous stop
Trafalgar Square
From the open square, separate Nelson’s Column from surrounding rooflines and include a fountain in the foreground. Bronze lions are another defining feature, but keep clear of fountains, plinths and steps used by others. Events may change access; check the Landmark map before you continue.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Trafalgar Square guide
- 04
+ 2.2 km from the previous stop
St Paul's Cathedral
Choose a public pedestrian space that gives the lead-covered dome room above nearby buildings, rather than tilting steeply upward. These directions focus on the cathedral’s exterior; entry, services and gallery access have separate rules. Confirm your Unlock while you are in the square.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the St Paul's Cathedral guide
- 05
+ 1.8 km from the previous stop
Tower Bridge
From a riverside pedestrian path, leave open water below the bascule bridge and keep both stone towers clear of your portrait. Use pedestrian routes and respect barriers. The high-level walkways, engine rooms and bridge roadway are separate; check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Tower Bridge guide
Place-earned, not photo-matched
Collect every badge on this track.
Unlocked verifies that you are really at each Landmark. Choose Unlock while you are there, and the badge is yours — the photo Memory can wait until you are home.
- 01
Go to the Landmark.
Follow the track above; every stop is a supported place in London.
- 02
Choose Unlock.
A current location sample verifies you are inside the Landmark's supported area.
- 03
Finish the track.
Each verified visit earns the Landmark's badge permanently in your Passport.
Before you go
Track questions.
Do I need to go inside the buildings?
The visit advice focuses on pedestrian approaches and exterior viewpoints. Westminster Abbey’s worship, visitor admission and photography permissions are separate, while St Paul’s entry, services and gallery access have their own rules. Tower Bridge’s high-level walkways and engine rooms are separate from the pedestrian routes described here.
Can I Unlock a Landmark from a distant viewpoint?
A distant view does not establish arrival at these Landmarks. Check each Landmark map and confirm your Unlock while nearby, using the pedestrian approaches described and respecting security boundaries, barriers and any access restrictions.
What access restrictions should I plan around?
Respect security and ceremonial closures at Westminster Abbey, and stay outside security boundaries near Big Ben. Events may change access to Trafalgar Square. Throughout the walk, keep entrances, steps and pedestrian routes clear for other visitors.