Walking along the Thames in the evening

Oct 10 2010: London sunrise 716am BDT, sunset 618pm BDT, civil twilight ends 652pm BDT.

Data from the US Naval Observatory Data Services webpage

Enjoy

Not sure what time it gets dark, but I would not worry about safety at all. The South Bank is also buzzing and there are lots of restaurants along there so there will be lots of people around.

Never had a problem nor saw any problems in the last ten years...

Especially around the National Theatre and The Globe, things just stay busy. Tourists are walking, but also people are exercising and out with families. I always felt safe on my own (30 year old woman).

I've done it alone and never felt that I was unsafe. I even got to see the magician David Blane hanging out in his glass box one time while there. It was funny.

Thanks for all the replies everyone! My friend and I actually figured out that we'll gain an hour flying in from Rome so it gives us 1 more hour of daylight. 5 months and counting! Oh and Bonne, my husband was there I believe it was 03 and he saw David Blaine hanging out in that box too.

Claudette, you'll be fine along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge all the way up to the Tower and London Bridge (and almost certainly beyond, but that's the limit of my walks.)

My suggestion: Walk or Tube to Westminster Station. Gawk for a bit at Big Ben and Parliament. Walk across Westminster Bridge to the South Bank of the Thames. You'll see the London Eye. Just turn left down the steps on the other end of the bridge and keep walking. Do a bit of research on what's located along the South Bank, too, so you can identify the bridges and won't pass up something you where you might want to linger.

Lots of places to grab dinner or a snack. Almost certainly you'll see street performers. Lots of other folks will be out walking, too, and the areas around the Eye can be pretty congested. You'll notice, too, police officers on foot patrol.

Note on weather: Bring along a light jacket for wearing when it's gusty and in the low 50's, or lower. I was there last mid-October and bought a heavier jacket than the windbreaker I brought with me. UK weather is much, much better than its reputation, but the country is located much to the north of southern California, the sun's rays hit you at a much lower angle , and it does get cloudy.

Be sure to include a walk across the (pedestrians only) Millenium Bridge from the Tate modern to St. Paul's Cathedral. Also, don't miss the huge statue of Boadicea, the Celtic queen who fought the Roman legions, on the north bank of the Thames right next to Parliament and the Thames.

My husband, 2 children and I visited London last October. As we walked about many sites after dark, I was always aware of how safe I felt. Of course, we were in London central and always lots of people around. But I think I would feel safe in any of the areas we were, even traveling alone. I was amazed! I can't say the same about NYC

My husband, 2 children and I visited London last October. As we walked about many sites after dark, I was always aware of how safe I felt. Of course, we were in London central and always lots of people around. But I think I would feel safe in any of the areas we were, even traveling alone. I was amazed! I can't say the same about NYC