Finding the perfect London hotel can feel like a daunting task. You want a place that’s central and walkable to all the major sights, but navigating a city as vast as London can be overwhelming. Fear not, intrepid traveler! Let’s dive into the heart of the city and explore the best areas to base yourself for an unforgettable adventure.
The Westminster/Whitehall Area: Your Walkable Oasis
For the ultimate walkable experience, look no further than the Westminster/Whitehall area. This vibrant neighborhood offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and accessibility. Two of the most notable hotels in this area are the Royal Horseguards Hotel and the St. Ermin’s Hotel, both with rich histories and charming atmospheres.
Exploring London on Foot
London, though vast, boasts a remarkable network of walkable routes. You can easily stroll from your Westminster hotel to iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, West End theatres, British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Hyde and St. James Parks, Buckingham Palace, and the Kensington museums. Even the South Bank sights, like the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the National Theatre complex, are within comfortable walking distance.
We’ve personally walked from Westminster to all of these destinations, and we can attest to the joy of exploring London at your own pace. Yes, some walks might be a bit longer, maybe 2.2-2.5 miles, but that’s an hour of healthy outdoor activity! We much prefer a brisk stroll to the hustle and bustle of the underground.
Walking Through Parks and Along the Thames
For sights to the west of St. Ermin’s, there’s a charming path through the parks—St. James Park, with its tranquil lake and vibrant flowers, Green Park, a verdant expanse of lawn and trees, and Hyde Park, home to a rose garden, a large lake, and the Princess Diana memorial fountain. To the east, you can cross the Thames and follow the Thames Path, a pedestrian-friendly route offering stunning views of London’s classic buildings.
For sights on the north side of the river, like St. Paul’s, you can use the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian-only marvel. For the Tower of London, the iconic Tower Bridge boasts a pedestrian path that’s well-separated from the traffic.
Navigating London with Ease
Should you find yourself a bit farther afield and need a break from walking, you can hop on a London double-decker bus or a Thames commuter boat (now known as Uber boats) to return to Westminster.
Here’s a helpful schematic map of London’s bus routes that connect the major attractions.
Choosing the Right Hotel: Royal Horseguards vs. St. Ermin’s
While both St. Ermin’s and the Royal Horseguards Hotel are great options in Westminster, we slightly favor the Royal Horseguards for one particular reason. We simply detest crossing the Westminster Bridge. It’s often crowded and filled with people watching the unsavory shell games.
Our preferred bridge is the Hungerford Bridge, just downriver. It’s a railway bridge with separate pedestrian bridges—the Golden Jubilee bridges—on either side. They offer a pleasant and scenic river crossing where you can even stop to take photos.
The Royal Horseguards Hotel is conveniently located at the base of this bridge. While other Westminster hotels are close enough to access the pedestrian bridges, the Royal Horseguards makes it a breeze.
Immerse Yourself in the Walkable Wonders of London
Whether you choose the Royal Horseguards or St. Ermin’s, the Westminster/Whitehall area will provide you with an ideal base for exploring London on foot. Embrace the walkable nature of the city, wander through its historic streets, and discover the beauty that unfolds at every corner. London awaits!
