London walking tour

I agree that a pub walk probably isn't your best choice, and the Ripper walk I don't recommend either because it may or may not be age appropriate, and also because it's just not an exciting part of the city to see now. (No spooky alleyways in that part of town anymore.) I think London Walks does a Friday afternoon Dickens walk and a Sherlock Holmes walk around 2 or 2:30pm. Given your late arrival, however, you might just want to grab a map and wander the area around your hotel (depending on where you are staying), or stroll along the Embankment (something I try to do on every visit).

I did the Jack the Ripper walk when I was 12 and loved it. I went on the night walk though and it was very dark and involved a lot of alley ways!

I would be wary of signing up for a walk as they can be quite tiring at the best of times. I can't imagine doing one after I'd got off the 'plane! I'm sure you could cobble a walk together using guide books and the internet.

Actually, one of the London Walks pub walks may be a fine choice. These walks focus on the history of the area ... they are not really about drinking. They typically will stop in 2 pubs along the way for about 15 minutes each and will finish at a third. It is not necessary to go into the pub. The guide normally gives a departure time. I've been on many walks where people have chosen not to go into the pub and instead have spent that time looking around the area.

However, I agree with Laura from the UK's warning. I often find that I am a bit of a zombie by the evening of the day I arrive. The good thing about the walks is you can drop off if it gets to be too much.

If you want to do something on your own, I'd suggest that you take a walk on the pathway along the South Bank of the Thames perhaps starting near the London Eye and walking up towards Tower Bridge. You will get great views of London.

London Walks offers numerous Friday afternoon and evening walks.

They are an excellent tour company and the good thing is you don't have to sign up prior to the tour. Just show up at the starting point. You can decide at the last minute which tour to take and whether or not you're up for it.

Thanks for posting that link, Frank II. As I plan my itinerary, I find myself with two evenings in London and might be looking for something to do. I like that you can just show up if the mood strikes.

Over the years, I've done over a dozen walks with them. Every one was terrific. And if traveling on your own, you may meet others in the same boat.

On some I've met other solo travelers and shared a meal, done some mutual sightseeing, or just went out for a drink. On a couple, I even met some locals.

Our family went on a Bealte Walk, but our kids are older - 19 and 23. We enjoyed it immensely, and were able to see areas of the city that we probably wouldn't go on our own.

While I was in London in September, I took a 'Jack the Ripper' walk. Personally, I thought it was the biggest waste of my time on the entire trip (& that includes getting lost!). Unless you & family enjoy Jack the Ripper, I wouldn't bother with that particular walk. I think the afternoon you arrive is perfect for the walk. Not only will it help you acclimate to the time change, it will help you orient yourself to the city as well. I took two pub walks in different areas and enjoyed them immensely. The guides do a great job at keeping everything family friendly for the most part - nothing worse than what you'd hear watching TV!

A stop at The Ten Bells pub was encluded in th JTR tour we went on. I have to admit the whole walk was a bit on the ho-hum side. There are lots of other ghost walks that are more fun and many enclude a swift half at a pub (or two)along the way. Since a lot of young people are on these walks there isn't usually anything inappropriate.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am still looking into an appropriate London walks with a 14yo but the suggestion from Laura regarding taking a walk on the south bank of Thames river sounds really good.

When we arrive we like to wander around Covent Garden Market, down to Picadilly, then Leciester Square and over to Travalgar Square. Then we usually walk over to see Big Ben and the Thames. We can go at our own pace, stopping for a snack if we need one. It makes us "feel" like we are really in London! If we aren't tired, we usually then walk slowly down Pall Mall to see Buckingham and St. James Park. Then catch the tube to supper or back to our hotel.