Discover the City of London
There are plenty of activities to do here and stories in which to immerse yourself. Find out more about one of London’s most renowned areas with our suggestions for walks, trails and nearby attractions.
Self-guided tours
Around Leadenhall
A great tour to go on for history buffs and film fans, this route is a tour of Leadenhall Market, bringing you through the market’s storied history. You’ll learn about Leadenhall’s role in the Roman settlement of Londinium, how it turned into a marketplace in the 1300s, how the market was the only place that sold cutlery during the 17th century, and the market’s redevelopment in the late 1800s. Highlights include original Roman mosaic work, Old Tom’s burial spot, and the pub that was used as the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films!
Download the full tour guide notes and view the route on Google Maps here.
Circular City route
If you’re itching to get a longer walk in, why not try the Circular City Route? This route starts with the Leadenhall tour, before bringing you on a trip around the City of London. You’ll stop along some important landmarks in the area, such as the Lloyds Building, St Olave’s Church, and the old City Wall. Other weird and wonderful highlights include a stop at London’s tiniest public sculpture and the city’s first coffee house! The route also offers the opportunity to take in the views at Tower Bridge, before eventually circling back to Leadenhall Market.
This route is about 4km and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Download the full tour guide notes and view the route on Google Maps here.
Riverside route
This walk is for the step count enthusiasts! Beginning with the Leadenhall tour, the Riverside Route covers some of the same ground as the Circular City Route, but instead of going East, it goes South, giving you the chance to cross two of London’s famous bridges – London Bridge (going southwards), and Millennium Bridge (going northwards). It’ll also bring you past some of London’s most well known sites, such as Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, and St Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, this one is not to miss!
The route is 5.4km and takes approximately an hour to complete. Download the full tour guide notes and view the route on Google Maps here.
Nearby attractions
From political prisoners at the Tower of London, to architectural grandeur at St. Mary Axe, add another iconic destination to your Leadenhall Market visit. Read our top ten hotspots to immerse yourself in London’s rich history.