The Secret City Walk – A to Z of Things to do & Places to Visit in London

The Secret City Walk is a fantastic stroll that begins at Tower Hill Station overlooking the Tower of London and finishes at St Paul’s Station, a stones throw from St Paul’s Cathedral – two London icons. However the good news, is that this City Walk mostly steers clear of the tourist trap places and takes you on a journey through time as you wander down centuries old alleyways and courtyards where you will discover hidden churches, inns, buildings and gardens.

The Secret City Walk is by fella called Richard Jones, which I discovered online when trying to research hidden places in the City of London. This free walking guide gives you almost idiot prove directions, which will lead you on a magical journey through the streets of London. .

The beauty of this walk by Richard is that he not only gives you directions, but also provides an insight into what you pass by on your journey – a history lesson! The Secret City walk can be found by clicking the link… I printed off the guide and wandered happily along the route clutching it in my hand, looking like a real tourist! Because I chose to do the walk on a Sunday, certain places such as the Guildhall and St Bartholomew Museum where closed and most of the secret inns. The Temple of Mithras is also not viewable due to construction work. But the plus side,  much of walk was deserted of people…

The Secret City of London Walk

The walk began for me at the viewing platform beside Tower Hill Station, which was quite busy with excited tourists… and who can blame them – a great view.

Next to Tower Hill Station is Trinity Square Gardens, which isn’t on the tour, but I couldn’t resist popping in for a look. There were some memorials to Merchant Seamen who died in both World Wars and to some of those executed on the former Tower Hill Scaffold. A pretty garden that is worth popping into for a visit.

 Only 5 minutes walk away from the crowds of baying tourists at  Tower Hill Station I found myself in much quieter surroundings  peering up at the ferocious spiked gate of St Olave’s Chruch, which also has some rather sinister ornate skulls and cross bones greeting visitors! Dickens mentions St Olaves Church in his essay ‘The City of Absent’ in the Uncommercial Traveller and describes it as one of his best beloved churchyards.

London’s most beautiful and impressive Victorian Market is best visited on a Sunday when all the shops are shut. All was quite as I savoured the atmosphere of Leadenhall Market until a large group of tourists led by a twat… sorry slip of the tougne, I meant to say a tour guide  in a Harry Potter scarf  appeared to spoil the tranquilly -  the guide was in such a rush, it looked like  someone had shoved a rocket up his ass, that’s why I detest guided tours!

Throughout the walk you will pass by hidden gardens, such as the one at St Peter upon Cornhill church,  where you can grab a seat and enjoy some contemplation… or have lunch like I did…

You will wander down loads of historic secret alleyways which  make you feel like you have truly left the modern City of London – traffic jams, gleaming multi story office blocks and the crowds of people seem a million miles away. Dickens placed the Counting House of A Christmas Carol’s Ebenezer Scrooge  amongst the maze of alleyways that you will walk through…

I passed by very few people whilst walking through the various little alley’s.

I walked past so many many historic pubs and restaurants  that I never even knew existed – all of which were shut.  No wonder the City boys fucked up the economy – they are too busy boozing it up!

Unfortunately the Royal Exchange was closed so I couldn’t venture inside, but that didn’t stop me marvelling at the beauty of the building.

The Church of St Stephen Walbrook is reputedly one of  the most beautiful churches in London, which was built by Christopher Wren. The alter was carved by the renowned sculptor Henry Moore. I just wish it was open so I could have popped in for a visit. I will be back!

Down another alleyway, lurked another closed pub the Williamson Tavern which in the 17th century was the site of the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

The City of London’s Guildhall was shut, however I have visited here in the past, and it was nice to be able to enjoy the beautiful courtyard without having to share it with very many people!

Love Lane, was once upon a time a Red Light District and why it is meant to be named after the services that could be found there is beyond me. Why is it not called Sex Lane, because that is what prostitutes provide, not love!

West Smithfield was once upon a time a site for the public execution of heretics and dissidents in London. William Wallace the Scottish freedom fighter and patriot was murdered here, hung, drawn and quartered – his memorial plaque is always worth visiting!

The walls of St Bartholomew’s hospital which lead to the King Henry VIII Gateway – built in 1702 and which features the only outdoor statue of the King Henry VIII in London – still bear the signs of damage caused by shrapnel from a Zeppelin raid on the area in 1916. Inside St Barts there is a nice courtyard outside the church where you can sit and relax…

The Church of Holy Sepulchre Without Newgate, was a departure point for knights setting off on the crusades. The 18th century watch-house was built to guard the freshly buried bodies in the churchyard – body snatching was a lucrative business in those days…

By this stage I was hoping the Viaduct Tavern which dates from 1875 was open and it wasn’t. This ornate looking bar is the City’s only surviving Victorian Gin Palace. I will return in the near future for a drink and to check it out…

At times during the Secret London  walk I felt like I was almost a character in a Dickens novel! The walk is seemingly 2 miles long and will take you 2 hours – which must be London speed. It took me fours hours, but I was taking lots of pictures, stopped for a  packed lunch and had an ale – I wasn’t in a rush and near should you be!

This blog post has only scratched the surface of the many delights which I encountered on what is a must do walk…

C = City Walk. For more from the A to Z of Things to do & Places to Visit in London

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