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 Mayflower'

The Historic Mayflower.

It was a wonderfully warm Saturday afternoon as I, and my work colleagues, Gary and Steve, entered the historic 16th Century Mayflower pub, in Rotherhithe Village. Having heard so much about this place, it was about time that I visited it. And, I can tell you, it was not a disappointment.

Wooden beams and a small wooden bar, with various artefacts, which included books, models, flags, drawings and paintings and so much more, really gave the place a feeling of history.

Behind the bar of The Mayflower.

The covered seating area, which was built on decking, stretched out over the River Thames, giving a wonderful view across the river to Wapping. You could see from the Thames River Police Museum, in the northeast to almost the Prospect of Whitby. Behind the old converted warehouses, you can make out the Walkie-talkie, the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin.