Walking with family: London Bridge to St Katharine Docks... and beyond

Sunday September 29, 2024.

With the Metropolitan line completely closed and the London Overground (Lioness line) not going beyond Finsbury Park, uncle Martin, Keilyn and I took the 09:24 fast train from Watford Junction to Euston, then a Northern line, via Bank, to London Bridge.

From here we crossed Tooley Street and took the stairs down to the Contorted Tunnel, which would lead us to Hay's Galleria.

Our first stop was Café Piazza, where we sat and had hot drinks. Vanilla latte, for me, Cappuccino, for Martin and a Hot Chocolate with cream and mini marshmallows for Keilyn.

Suitably refreshed we headed out of Hay's Galleria and headed to HMS Belfast.

With tickets in hand we boarded this historic vessel and begun our exploration. Our first surprise was seeing a German Navy Corvette-class ship, named Magdeburg, moored on her port side.

Across nine decks we clambered, exploring every inch of the ship that was open. The boiler room and one of the gun turrets were closed for maintenance. 

We made our way from the Quarter deck towards the Fo'c'sle, before we headed up the decks sitting in the Admiral's chair, the Captain and Navigating Officer chairs, before reaching the Flag deck.

Then we headed down to visit the Mess decks, Sick bay, the Galley, the Engine room, the Chapel, Operations room, the Lower steering position, Gun turret and everything in-between.

Two and a half hours later we disembarked HMS Belfast and stopped for some lunch from one of the street vendors, that had setup along The Queen's Walk.

We then made our way to Tower Bridge, ascending the steps on the eastern side, and crossed the River Thames, heading for St Katharine Docks.

Besides the normal barges and super yachts, that call this Marina home, we spotted the Rowbarge 'Gloriana' and so headed towards her.

Then we made our way around the Marina to spot the Galeon Andalucia, which was our main purpose of visiting these docks.

I had seen the Galeon via television and through photographs, but nothing had prepared me for the sheer size of this replica 17th ship. She is enormous.

We continued to meander our way around the Marina, admiring the boats, yachts and other vessels, and the wonderfully vibrant vitreous enamel panels, by artist Dale Devereux Barber.

After leaving St Katharine Docks we made our way beneath Tower Bridge towards HM Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, where we visited the gift shop.

After a few purchases were made we continued along the north walks of Oystergate and Hanseatic, passing the Anglo-Saxon dock at Queenhithe, before joining Paul's Walk.

Soon we found ourselves at the London MillenniuM Footbridge, which we crossed, keeping our eyes peeled for the small pieces of artwork below our feet. 

The artist, Ben Wilson, turns dropped chewing gum, that is flattened into the treads of the bridge, into miniature pieces of art, which are completely unique.

After arriving on the south bank we headed to a small newsagent to purchase some snacks and drinks, which we ate outside, while Keilyn went to explore the beach, as the tide had gone out.

Continuing westward we found ourselves at the Southbank Centre and popped in to the Royal Festival Hall to pick up their brochure for the October/November performances, which Martin was interested in.

We then made our way to Waterloo underground station, where we caught a Northern line train back to Euston. As the time was approaching 5 o'clock, we noticed that much of the engineering work had finished, so we caught the 17:00 London Overground (Lioness line) back to Watford Junction.

Martin dropped Keilyn and I at home, at 18:00, before heading off home himself.

It was a great day out walking along the River Thames, visiting various vessels with great company.

Distance travelled:

• Bus - 0.0 miles
• Cable Car - 0.0 miles
• Car - 3 miles
• DLR - 0.0 miles
• Ferry - 0.0 miles
• Overground - 17 miles (Lioness line)
• River Boat - 0.0 miles
• Taxi - 0.0 miles
• Train - 16 miles 
• Underground - 6.3 miles
• Walking - 4.6 miles