Embankment to St Paul’s: Hidden Streets, History & Surprises

Join us for a fascinating walk from the Thames Embankment to St Paul’s, exploring layers of London’s history—from grand 18th-century design to quirky hidden corners.
We begin in Victoria Embankment Gardens, passing through York Gate—once the private river entrance to York House. This area was transformed in the 19th century with Joseph Bazalgette’s revolutionary sewage system, which reshaped the Thames and created the embankment we see today.
From here, we head into the Adelphi area, originally designed by the Adam brothers in the 18th century. While much was replaced in the 1930s by the Art Deco New Adelphi building, some elegant originals survive—and we’ll even explore a rare underground street revealing traces of old London.
For further info about this area see for example: Adelphi, London - Wikipedia
Along the way, we’ll spot a working 19th-century sewer gas lamp—powered by methane—and visit the charming Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, the last remaining part of the once-grand Savoy Palace.
Our route takes us past some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Savoy Hotel, Somerset House, St Mary-le-Strand, King’s College London, the disused Aldwych tube station, the Royal Courts of Justice, and the historic Twinings Tea Shop and banks.
We’ll also pass historic churches and traditional pubs, including St Dunstan-in-the-West, whose clock was the first in London to feature a minute hand. Nearby, we’ll peek into Hen and Chicken Court—famously linked to the fictional barber Sweeney Todd.
Although we’ll pass the intriguing Temple area, it won’t be part of today’s route. Inner Temple Lane. Part of the Secret London series by Historic UK
Instead, we’ll explore the lanes off Fleet Street, once the heart of Britain’s publishing world. These hidden passages lead us to Red Lion Court and Dr Johnson’s House and a sculpture of his cat.
We continue to St Bride’s Church, long associated with journalists and said to have inspired the traditional tiered wedding cake.
St Bride's: The Church That Inspired The Wedding Cake - Living London History
Our walk ends near St Paul’s at Shaw’s Booksellers, a perfect spot to relax after the journey.
Shaws Booksellers - Fuller's Pub and Restaurant in St. Andrew's Hill
Important: You join and walk at your own responsibility.