"Which is London's longest Street?"

London has many streets and roads, but which is the longest?

There are a few contenders, depending on what criteria you are assessing it against.

1. A1 road, which passes through London, has a length of 410 miles (659 kms) and extends to Edinburgh, though it changes names multiple times.
2. Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, is also noted for its significant length at roughly 2.5 miles (4 kms).
3. Green Lanes, the longest thoroughfare, is sometimes cited as the longest, as this road runs for roughly 7.45 miles (12 kms) from Newington Green to Winchmore Hill, though it is not a 'street' in the same localised sense.
4. Streatham High Road is a major, very long, linear road stretching for 1.8 miles (2.9 kms) as part of the A23. 

However, Rotherhithe Street, Southwark, is generally recognised as the longest continuously-named street in London. It stretches for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kms), following the River Thames in a meandering semi-circle along a historical route.

So, let's explore London's longest street.

Starting at Rotherhithe Street's western end you enter a narrow pedestrianised path, sandwiched between the converted warehouses of Bombay Wharf and Hope Wharf, before you arrive at the historic St Mary's Church. 

There has been a church on this site since Saxon times, but this current building dates from 1715, with the stone spire being added in 1739. In 1876 restoration work was undertaken, where the north and south galleries were removed, the pulpit was lowered and new seating arrangements were made. The altar, in the Lady Chapel, and the two bishop's chairs, in the north aisle, were constructed from timber from the 'Fighting Temeraire'. Plaques inform you that Captain Christopher Jones, along with three of the part-owners of the 'Mayflower', were buried in the churchyard, in 1622.

Walking with friends: London Bridge to Rotherhithe... and beyond

Monday February 16, 2026: Sunny spells with light showers, winds at 4 mph, 10°C (50°F)

I made my way to London, via the Metropolitan and then Jubilee line, and arrived at London Bridge station, where I met up with my friend Ashley. It had been a long time since we had seen each other, let alone made a walk together, so I was excited for this one.

Our walk began by visiting the King's College London Guy's Campus, where we saw one of the few remaining pedestrian alcoves from the old London Bridge. We left the campus and made our way along Newcomen Street, where I pointed out the coat of arms affixed to the wall above the door of 'The Kings Arms' pub. This massive coat of arms was once above the entrance to the southern entrance to the old London Bridge. From here we made our way up Borough High Street towards London Bridge, where we joined The Queen's Walk, heading east.

We stopped for a drink at 'The Vault 1894' , which is situated beneath the southern approach of Tower Bridge. The window offers a unique perspective of the River Thames and Tower Bridge. Suitably refreshed we began our walk.

We made our way along Shad Thames, which was empty of people, before we made our way onto the waterfront walk by Butler's Wharf. Relics of the history of the wharves are placed at irregular spots along this pedestrianised thoroughfare, that include propellers, anchors and the such. There are also a few pieces of public art, like 'Exotic Cargo' by Peter Randall-Page.

'The Blacksmiths Arms'

The Blacksmiths Arms, Rotherhithe.

Saturday September 10, 2022.

Wandering, as I do, around the streets of London I invariably stumble across a fair few pubs. Many of these I pass by, unless something about it catches my eye. This is what happened when I was walking through Rotherhithe and came across The Blacksmiths Arms.

Beautifully decked out with colourful hanging baskets and potted flowers, I decided to venture inside. Besides, I was thirsty.

And what a wonderful pub it is. Walking inside is like stepping back in time as it still maintains some original fittings and looks every bit the 200+ year old pub.

With its horseshoe bar, dining room at the back, comfortable armchairs and sofas and bar stools, it is a really relaxing place to take a break. There are, also, tables and chairs out front, where you can sit in the fresh air.

There is also a function room that can be hired out for private events.

Isle of Thanet plaque.

The walls are full of photographs, paintings and various pieces of history, concerning the pub and the surrounding area, so there is a lot to peruse as you wait for a meal or sip your drink.

One photo showed Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, sipping a drink at the bar, so I had to do the same.

Me standing where Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother once stood.

The staff were friendly and there were a great selection of ales, lagers and spirits that would appeal to everyone.

This is definitely a place that I would revisit, should I find myself walking through Rotherhithe, again.