This short walk over the Thames is “tourism ground zero” in London
An entrance located on Waterloo Road and opened with the Stratford extension of the Jubilee line on 24 September 1999. Westminster and the rest of the line was established on 20 November 1999, with Westminster station opening for passengers a month later.
Walk as if we were about to cross Waterloo Bridge and disappear down onto the South Bank walkway.
The Royal Festival Hall – Robert Matthew’s concert hall – is the only permanent legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain and the westernmost of the various South Bank venues.
Under Hungerford Bridge
Ray Davies, member of The Kinks, drew inspiration for the iconic 1967 song “Waterloo Sunset” from the particular view he witnessed during his St Thomas’s hospital stay in the early 1960s. Taken outside by a nurse, Davies gazed upon the captivating sight of the sky, river, and surrounding buildings, which sparked his creative muse.
Interestingly, Davies initially intended to title the song “Liverpool Sunset,” with the “dirty old river” referring to the Mersey River. However, his perspective shifted when the Beatles released their own song titled “Penny Lane.” To avoid confusion and differentiate his work, Davies altered the reference point, shifting the focus to Waterloo. Thus, “Waterloo Sunset” was born, carrying with it a powerful sense of place and evoking the enduring charm and allure of the city.
The striking white stone of the Shell Centre dominates the nearby Jubilee Park, contrasting with the modern curves of the London Eye. Jubilee Park retains its charm, providing a pleasant environment for visitors. The area was created in 1977 to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee on land that was used for the Dome of Discovery during the 1951 Festival of Britain.
Near Westminster Bridge, you can find St. Thomas’s Steps. In 1952, Lord Noel-Buxton undertook an unusual endeavour at this location. Wearing ordinary clothes, he ventured into the Thames River during low tide in an attempt to demonstrate that it was still possible to ford the river at this point. However, as the water reached his neck and continued to rise, Lord Noel-Buxton had to acknowledge that the ford had disappeared over time.
A brief diversion under Westminster Bridge takes us to the Covid wall. St Thomas’s Hospital here, which was originally located where London Bridge station stands today, relocated to its current site in the 1860s. The hospital has a long history of providing medical care and has played a significant role in the healthcare landscape of London.
Westminster Bridge offers a classic view of London, with prominent landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament in sight. Then into Westminster station.
Enter Westminster station. Take the District Line to Baron’s Court. Change trains here to the Piccadilly, filming the station from the inside. Get a Heathrow train to Northfields.