London in 1 Day for Friends - Meet at Waterloo Station & Banksy Tunnel (Leake Street Arches)
In Collaboration with Great London Tours. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Energetic 4.5-hour guided walking hike through Central London’s top sights with a Borough Market lunch break and optional pub finish — perfect for groups of friends who want great photos, good food and a social pace.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Great London Tours, inspired by the tour City Hike London (2-part tour with Borough Market lunchbreak). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at Waterloo Station & Banksy Tunnel (Leake Street Arches)
- Views from the South Bank, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square
- Riverside walk to St Paul's, Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern
- 45-minute Borough Market lunch break
- Finish crossing Tower Bridge and optional pub social
Itinerary
Day 1
Guided City Hike — start at Waterloo Station (meet inside), follow the South Bank and Westminster sights, pass royal parks and squares, cross the Thames multiple times, lunch at Borough Market, and finish at Tower Bridge with optional pub social.
Meet at Waterloo Station — check-in & intro
Meet your guide inside Waterloo Station (next to Boots, between platforms 11 & 12). Quick safety briefing, introductions and route overview before we set off.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to find the meeting spot and grab a coffee at the station's cafes — good chance to join a group chat.
- Travel light: bring a small daypack and water bottle — large luggage is not suitable for the hike.
- Group-friendly: if you're meeting friends, send a photo of the meeting spot to avoid confusion on arrival.
Leake Street Arches (the 'Banksy Tunnel') — graffiti tunnel walk
Short walk from the station to Leake Street Arches — a colourful legal graffiti gallery under the rail arches — a great spot for group photos and an urban vibe warm-up.
Tips from local experts:
- Perfect for candid group shots — ask your guide for the best angles and least crowded spots.
- Watch your step — the arches can be slightly uneven and may be shaded/less ventilated on hot days.
- If you love street art, note the rotating murals so you can check for new works after the tour.
South Bank walk to London Eye & cross Westminster Bridge
Walk along the Thames to see the London Eye and then cross Westminster Bridge for classic views of the river and the Houses of Parliament.
Tips from local experts:
- Group photo tip: the best wide-angle shots of the Eye + Parliament are from mid-span on Westminster Bridge.
- Keep small groups together when crossing the bridge — it can be busy; assign a buddy to count heads.
- If someone wants to ride the Eye afterwards, your guide can point out the ticket booth and typical wait-times.
Big Ben & Palace of Westminster — photo stop
Short walk across to the north bank for a classic photo with Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for the eastern pavement for less foot-traffic and a clear Parliament backdrop.
- If you want audio context, ask your guide about the tower’s history — quick historical nuggets are great for social sharing.
- Big Ben (the bell) and Elizabeth Tower are often scaffolded for works — your guide will recommend the best unobstructed shots on the day.
Parliament Square & Westminster Abbey — statues & façade
Walk through Parliament Square to see famous statues and the exterior of Westminster Abbey — quick photo and story stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Statue spotting: your guide will point out the lesser-known figures — great trivia for the group.
- Public toilets: there are limited facilities nearby; plan short bathroom breaks here if needed.
- Crowd hack: if Trafalgar-bound groups want calmer photos, your guide will steer you to quieter corners of the square.
Whitehall & Horse Guards Parade — pass 10 Downing Street
Walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing Street to Horse Guards Parade and the mounted King's Life Guard (may be seen from distance).
Tips from local experts:
- Keep camera ready for the cavalry if they’re out — morning changes can happen and make for memorable shots.
- Respect security zones: photos are fine from public areas but follow guide direction near official entrances.
- Group-friendly: this street is wide — good for the guide to regroup and share stories without blocking pedestrians.
St. James's Park — quick stroll through the park
A pleasant walk through St. James's Park with views toward Buckingham Palace and opportunities to sit and relax briefly.
Tips from local experts:
- Benches: there are lots of seats — perfect for regrouping and quick snack bites from pockets.
- Wildlife: feed-free birdwatching is fun for groups — great natural contrast to the city photos.
- Shade-scan: on hot June days the park paths offer cooler shade routes — follow the guide's shaded path suggestions.
Buckingham Palace — photo stop at the forecourt
Quick photo opportunity at the front of Buckingham Palace — see the Royal Mews and the palace façade.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want the palace without large crowds, slightly offset to the front-right near the Victoria Memorial.
- For groups: step aside to allow other tourists quick photos — keeps the pace moving for the hike.
- Changing of the Guard: if scheduled on your day, your guide can advise whether it's worth waiting for (timing varies).
Green Park, St James's Palace & Clarence House — royal route
Pass through Green Park and by St James's Palace / Clarence House en route up The Mall toward Admiralty Arch.
Tips from local experts:
- Straight-line walking: this stretch is scenic and direct — good moment to snap candid group photos on The Mall.
- Group spacing: keep a comfortable interval to enjoy commentary; the guide will pause for short talks.
- Hydration: use this quieter stretch to sip water — the busy central sights are coming up.
The Mall & Admiralty Arch then Trafalgar Square
Walk up The Mall, pass Admiralty Arch and arrive at Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's Column and the National Gallery exterior.
Tips from local experts:
- Photo tip: The Mall framed by Admiralty Arch makes a dramatic entrance photo for groups.
- Quick gallery option: if a subset wants the National Gallery, the guide can point out entry info — otherwise we keep moving.
- Meeting point: Trafalgar is a loud, open space — pick a distinct statue or fountain as a quick regroup spot.
Victoria Embankment — riverside walk toward St Paul's
Follow the Victoria Embankment along the Thames toward St Paul's Cathedral with views of the city skyline.
Tips from local experts:
- This riverside walk is a good opportunity for panoramic skyline shots — ask your guide for the best photo stops.
- If anyone needs a short rest, there are benches along the Embankment and small cafés nearby.
- Group challenge: split into small photo duos and trade shots to capture varied perspectives of St Paul's.
St Paul's Cathedral — exterior close-up
Arrive at St Paul's for a close-up look at the dome and façade (no entrance included). Your guide shares architectural and historic highlights.
Tips from local experts:
- Group photo: the steps in front offer a classic vantage — try a low-angle shot to capture the dome.
- If your group wants to enter later, your guide can give ticket/queue advice — entrances often have lines.
- Accessibility: there are step-free routes nearby; ask your guide if anyone needs an easier path.
Millennium Bridge — cross to Bankside
Cross the pedestrian Millennium (Wobbly) Bridge for great river views, arriving on the Bankside with Tate Modern and Globe nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Bridge tip: stand mid-span for the best cityscape shots looking toward St Paul's and the South Bank.
- Bankside extras: Tate Modern and Globe are worth separate visits — note them for an evening plan with friends.
- Crowd note: the bridge can be busy; keep the group compact and cross as a unit to stay with the guide.
Bankside riverside walk past Tate Modern & Shakespeare's Globe
Stroll the lively Bankside waterfront, passing the Tate Modern and the reconstructed Globe Theatre — great food/cafe atmosphere before lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- If someone wants a coffee or small snack pre-lunch, there are popular cafés on Bankside — great for quick refuels.
- Great group photo location: the riverside with the Globe and modern skyline behind is a contrast everyone loves.
- If your group likes contemporary art, Tate Modern's Turbine Hall is a popular post-tour meet-up idea.
Borough Market — 45-minute lunch break
Explore London’s famous food market — 45 minutes to sample street food, share small plates and recharge with friends. Cards accepted at many stalls, but carry small cash for some sellers.
Tips from local experts:
- Group strategy: pick 2–3 stalls and share small plates to try more foods while keeping costs down.
- Local favourites: try a Scotch egg, gourmet grilled cheese, or fresh oysters if your group is adventurous — ask stall vendors for sharable portions.
- Seating hack: benches can be scarce — split into smaller groups to find seating or take food to the nearby riverside for a scenic picnic.
London Bridge — views both ways
Short walk to London Bridge for panoramic views of the skyline and downstream toward Tower Bridge.
Tips from local experts:
- Photo tip: face downstream toward Tower Bridge for a classic line-up of modern and historic architecture.
- Group convenience: there's a cluster of coffee shops on the north end if anyone needs a quick restroom stop.
- Keep an eye on river traffic: boats and ferries make interesting moving backgrounds for group shots.
The Monument to the Great Fire of London — quick history stop
Make a brief stop at The Monument to learn about the 1666 Great Fire and enjoy the surrounding City area.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group likes climbs, The Monument can be climbed separately later — on the tour we view it from outside.
- Good photo: the Monument framed with nearby old City buildings makes for atmospheric shots.
- Nearby conveniences: there are public toilets and coffee shops in the nearby streets if needed.
Secret parks & Roman walls (Tower Hill area)
A short stroll through a quieter historic patch near Tower Hill to see a surviving section of the old Roman city wall — a nice change of pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Insider moment: this quieter patch is ideal for small-group chats and a pause to compare favourite tour highlights.
- Footing: some paths are cobbled — wear trainers and watch your step for comfortable group walking.
- Local lore: ask your guide for spooky or surprising historical anecdotes — great for sharing afterwards on social media.
Tower of London — exterior route & stories
Walk the outer perimeter and hear tales of the Tower’s 900-year history (exterior views; entry tickets not included).
Tips from local experts:
- For groups wanting entry later, your guide will advise on ticketing and typical queue times — often best to pre-book.
- Best photo spot: along the riverside for an iconic view with the Tower in the foreground and modern glass towers behind.
- Souvenir tip: small souvenir shops near the Tower sell unique London gifts without the heavy crowds inside.
Walk across Tower Bridge — final landmark & group photo
Cross the iconic Tower Bridge as the tour’s grand finale; finish at a recommended nearby pub for optional drinks and socialising.
Tips from local experts:
- Finish-line photo: the bridge’s walkway provides an unbeatable final group picture — time it for good light in summer evenings.
- If your group wants to split the bill at the pub, many nearby pubs accept cards and can prepare grouped tabs — ask staff on arrival.
- Optional extension: consider a short visit to the Tower Bridge Exhibition later if the group wants to continue exploring.
Optional: Pub social at The Dickens Inn (St Katharine's Dock)
Optional post-hike social at a classic riverside pub — grab a pint or a plate, relax and compare favourite moments from the hike (food/drink at own expense).
Tips from local experts:
- Group seating: The Dickens Inn offers large tables in the dock area — call ahead for larger groups to reserve when possible.
- Try local ales: the pub lists rotating craft and local beers — great for a celebratory toast after the hike.
- Split-pay advice: use group-pay apps or ask staff for separate receipts if you prefer to split bills quickly.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 21 |
| Total Places | 21 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Outdoor, Meal, Nightlife |
