And to complete the circle – well, imagine a pebble dropped into a pool. The ripples extend out to you guys, our walkers. You’re the third leg of the stool (to mix my cliches). The point being that there’s a wonderful little eco-system here which works brilliantly for one and all. London Walks is like a big, bouncing, friendly, happy, welcoming, extended family. Take a resonance imaging “snapshot” of this little enterprise and you’d see that it’s mercifully free of a lot of the poisons – the tensions and unpleasantries and resentments – that seem to go with the territory in a lot of rigidly hierarchical “concerns”. You’ll walk by London Bridge, the Clink Prison Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Rose Theatre, the Queen Square Park and Garden, and Southwark Cathedral. One could go on. London Walks guided by London’s most decorated guide.*** London Walks guided by seven different London Walks guides who’ve been invited to meet the Queen**** in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen field. London Walks guided by two MBEs. London Walks guided by a Museum of London Archaeologist. London Walks guided by five winners of the London Tourist Board’s Guide of the Year Award. London Walks guided by the legendary BBC producer and writer whom the Telegraph described as “the one true genius the BBC ever produced.” London Walks guided by historians who have authored standard works on London’s history. London Walks guided by “Britain’s favourite Guide” ( Breakaway, the legendary BBC Radio 4 Travel Programme).

I can’t stress enough how a professional and knowledgeable guide like Steve can enhance a walking tour experience. By the end of the tour the benefit of Steve’s presence was undeniable. I felt like my own story had gained a new chapter.’ From towpaths to off-road routes and riverbanks, Walking London’s Waterways will show you the best of the city’s waterfront areas and introduce you to aquatic areas you never knew were here. Whether you’re into secret walks or tree walks, loop walks or historic walks, there’s a London walking book for you. The books make great gifts for the walking lover in your life, too. Each of the 15 sections of this London walk features local landmarks like the Thames Barrier, Eltham Palace, Richmond Park, Oxleas Meadows, and the London Olympic Park. The book is a great companion guide as you walk the ring.London Walks puts you into the hands of an expert on the particular area and topic of a tour” The New York Times

And if you’re on the other side of the river, well make a beeline to the best outdoor book market in London. The one on the riverside, right by the National Theatre. You can’t miss it. Tables of books – heaven! – spread out directly underneath Waterloo Bridge (so it’s an outdoor market that’s weather proof!) on the southbank. Ask for Richard, London’s friendliest second hand book dealer. He’ll rustle up a leaflet for you. And pass the time of day with you very agreeably – talk books and prints and London generally. Interlude: you don’t need to take it from us or Travel & Leisure or Canadian television or the London Tourist Board – you can decide for yourself. Have a listen to this: It’s a Podcast Karen did on London’s oldest and most storied restaurant. Her visit there – her privileged access visit there – is one of the big stops on her Inside Story – Covent Garden Interiors Walk.] A reformed actress and occasional journalist, she was Independent Magazine’s Cultural Heritage Correspondent. Her gold standard walks are, needless to say, vivid and entertaining. So: “World’s greatest tour guide”, CBC star, Guide of the Year – no way she wasn’t going to front the flagship London Walks film!Last on my list of the best London walking books is Thames Path in London. This book will take you along the river from Hampton Court to Crayford Ness. It covers 50 miles (80 kilometers) of riverside scenery as it goes. Next on my list of London walking books is Walking London. As the name implies, this book covers a range of self-guided walks in and around the city. Tours guided by an OBE. Tours guided by two MBEs. Tours guided by seven different London Walks guides who’ve been invited to meet the Queen in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen field. Tours guided by London’s most decorated guide. Tours guided by the legendary BBC producer and writer whom The Telegraph described as “the one true genius the BBC ever produced.” Target London Tours guided by a distinguished former member of Scotland Yard’s Anti-Terrorism Squad. From famous areas like Notting Hill and the City of London to green spaces like Regent’s Park and local areas like Islington and Dulwich, it has a lot of walks you can enjoy in both known and lesser-known parts of London. London Walks is the oldest urban walking tour company on the planet. 2. London Walks is “the premier urban walking tour company in the entire world.” It’s the gold standard of this profession, this craft.