Walking with Erin and Summer: Piccadilly Circus to Covent Garden... and beyond

Saturday December 28, 2024.

Erin and Summer, who had joined us on our last family walk, wanted to go to London to see Chinatown and have dinner out. So, after agreeing we set off as normal with a train to Baker Street and, to save time, a Bakerloo line train to Piccadilly Circus, from where our walk would begin.

Although they only wanted to visit Chinatown and eat out, I said that I would take them to some other places, as Summer explained that she didn't really get to see the sites. So, the first thing I pointed out was the World Time Linear Clock, at Piccadilly Circus station.

Chinatown was busy, as it always is, as meandered our way through the throng of people queuing to dine, tourists snapping photos of the gates and those just going about their daily business. The smell of the various foods, from restaurants and bakeries, was intoxicating, making me feel hungrier than I actually was. Unfortunately, Erin and Summer had already planned where we having lunch, so I would have to wait.

After walking through Chinatown we found ourselves on Leicester Court, where we saw the statue of Wonder Woman, before heading east, crossing Charing Cross Road onto Cranbourn Street and then Garrick Street. We walked up King Street and entered Covent Garden, where we watched a street performer juggling knives on a tightrope, before heading into the Apple Market building to peruse the stalls. 

At the northern end another entertainer was performing Shakespeare while balancing on a free-standing ladder. He followed this Shakespearean effort by juggling three clubs, while still atop the free-standing ladder. He was, quite possibly, one of the most entertaining performers that I had seen in a while. Erin and Summer enjoyed his performance, too, placing a £5 note in his hat at the end of his act.

From here we headed into the Jubilee Market Hall, checking out the wares on offer, before heading down Southampton Street to Strand. I pointed out the Savoy Hotel and its forecourt road that is the only road in England where you drive on the right side.

Continuing along Strand we turned onto Waterloo Bridge and crossed the River Thames. The cloud had fallen so low as to obscure many of the iconic buildings of the City of London. The Sky Garden was barely visible, while we couldn't even see The Shard, it being completely covered by clouds. Even the top of the Millennium Wheel was hidden in the clouds.

Reaching the South bank we joined The Queen's Walk, heading towards Jubilee Gardens. All of the Winter Markets were already closed and being dismantled, while other barriers were being erected in preparation for the New Years Eve Fireworks display.

Finally, we reached Belvedere Road where we would eat lunch at Neds Noodle Bar. It is not that Erin is obsessed with noodles.. well, actually she is, but Neds noodles are pretty good. Besides, Summer had never eaten here, so she was looking forward to trying them. The restaurant was busier than ever, but we still managed to find seating. Erin and Summer opted for egg noodles with soy sauce and chicken, while I chose udon noodles with yakisoba sauce and beef. All three of us ate using chopsticks, devouring the entirety of our meals.

Once finished we headed to the neighbouring convenience store, where drinks were purchased, before heading along Belvedere Road, pointing out the wooden paving blocks still in situ, on our way to Leake Street Tunnel, to see what new wonders the graffiti artists had created. Leake Street was quieter than normal, with barely an artist in sight, meaning the air was not filled with the usual spray paint fumes.

On leaving the Leake Street Tunnel we headed down Lambeth Palace Road, deciding to cross the River Thames via Lambeth Bridge, thereby avoiding the chaos on Westminster Bridge, where tourists and vehicles compete for space.

On reaching Victoria Tower Gardens we used the public toilets, before Erin and Summer checked out the various parts of Horseferry Playground, swinging, climbing and playing. We then continued through Victoria Tower Gardens, before joining Abingdon Street and walking beside the Palace of Westminster.

Avoiding the crowds, as best we could, we headed up Parliament Street onto Whitehall, passing Downing Street and arriving at Horse Guards Parade. A little early to witness the 4 o'clock 'Punishment Parade', we continued through to the parade ground onto Horse Guards Road and The Mall. We climbed the steps to Carlton House Terrace with the Duke of York Column towering above us.

At the top of the steps I pointed out the grave of 'Giro', a German dog that was buried here, before we made our way up Waterloo Place and Regent Street St James's, until we reached Piccadilly Circus station.

A last look around and we were soon heading down to the northbound platform of the Bakerloo line, where our train arrived and whisked us off to Baker street. Arriving at Baker Street we had enough time for Erin to go to the small shop, while Summer and I headed to Starbucks for hot drinks.

With drinks and snacks purchased we clambered up the stairs, from Platforms 1 & 2, heading to platform 4, where our train was about to leave. A minute after we sat down the train pulled out and we were on our way home.

It was a great day out and a wonderful way to bring a year of exploring London to an end.

Distance travelled:

• Bus - 0.0 miles
• Cable Car - 0.0 miles
• Car - 0.0 miles
• DLR - 0.0 miles
• Ferry - 0.0 miles
• Overground - 0.0 miles
• River Boat - 0.0 miles
• Taxi - 2 miles
• Train - 0.0 miles
• Underground - 37 miles
• Walking - 5.2 miles