Architectural London

On the Thames Path (north side)

London is a mix of old and new, sometimes sitting alongside each other Often I moan about the highrise buildings. Do we really need more? Vauxhall is a good example. Over the last decade more and more have been built. While the architecture of new apartments is fascinating, I would hate to live in them. So much glass and the way some curve in, they cannot see much sun and then they turn back on one another. Not much privacy. They are still building there. However, they do make interesting subjects for photography. And this is what I found when I was last in London.

My walk took me onto the north bank of the River Thames (crossing at Blackfriars Bridge) and walking towards Tower Bridge, though I didn't quite get that far as I came off at Lower Thames Street. I walked around parts of London I didn't know well, back streets I'd never used before. I did have my trusty London map (a physical map book which has been so useful over the years as it highlights where churches and other points of interest are). And there was Google Maps for those tricky moments because I always have them. 

Blackfriars

Bklackfriars Bridge

Looking to the south bank and the Globe Theatre

Queenhithe

My route occasionally doubled back as something caught my eye. I walked past Fenchurch Street station, Sky Garden and around The Monument. I think my days of climbing that many stairs have gone. I was tempted to go up for the view, but doubted I would make it! Bank is always a confusing spot for me with so many ways to go. I headed to Poultry because there is one photoshot I always enjoy capturing when there. 

Monument

One Poultry

St Paul's Cathedral

Paternoster Square

Then it was off to Eastcheap and at some point Mansion House. In the distance I saw St Paul's Cathedral and headed in that direction, walking through the gardens. I ended up walking Ludgate Hill and approaching Holborn Viaduct before entering Fleet Street, Kingsway and eventually Aldwych and coming back to the river and crossing back to the south side of the Thames at Waterloo Bridge.

Old Bailey

I enjoyed seeing all the different buildings and trying to sort out in my head how everything fitted together in my head (map-wise). The good thing about London (and for me) is that you are never far from a London tube station, so there is always a way out if too tired, or you end up somewhere you didn't intend (that's me!). The other good thing about London is there is so much to see and every alley or road brings along another treasure. 

Holborn Viaduct

Holborn

Oldest pub?

London School of Economics

Bush House

View from Waterloo Bridge

Usually, I am someone who likes to know where I am going and have it all planned out, but I am beginning to enjoy these random walks, and have plans to do it again. There are so many parts of London still to explore and more architecture to discover. Hope you enjoy the photos.