The Jubilee Walkway, originally known as the Silver Jubilee Walkway, is a 15-mile walking route through the heart of London, created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977[1][4]. This iconic trail connects many of London’s most famous landmarks and attractions, offering both tourists and locals an excellent way to explore the city on foot[3].
Origin and Development
The walkway was conceived by the Environmental Committee, chaired by Max Nicholson and assisted by Misha Black, as part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee[4]. On June 9, 1977, the Queen herself officially opened the walkway by unveiling a plaque on the South Bank Lion[4]. The trail was marked with over 400 silver pavement discs to guide walkers along the route[8].
Key Points of Interest
The Jubilee Walkway is divided into five loops, each showcasing different aspects of London’s rich history and culture:
1. Western Loop (6 miles):
– National Gallery
– Trafalgar Square
– Westminster Abbey
– London Eye
– Tate Modern
– St Paul’s Cathedral[2]
2. Eastern Loop (5 miles):
– Tate Modern
– Tower Bridge
– Tower of London[2]
3. City Loop (3 km):
– Bank junction
– Barbican Centre
– St Paul’s Cathedral[3]
4. Camden Loop (6 km):
– British Museum
– British Library
– King’s Cross[3]
5. Jubilee Loop (1.7 miles):
– Trafalgar Square
– Buckingham Palace
– St James’s Park[2][3]
Significance of Chosen Points
The points along the Jubilee Walkway were carefully selected to showcase London’s most iconic landmarks, historical sites, and cultural institutions[1]. These locations represent various aspects of British history, art, governance, and monarchy, providing walkers with a comprehensive overview of London’s significance[5].
For example, the Western Loop includes sites like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, highlighting Britain’s political and religious heritage. The Eastern Loop showcases London’s maritime history with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The City Loop focuses on London’s financial district, while the Camden Loop emphasizes the city’s intellectual and cultural contributions[2][3].
Map of the Jubilee Walkway
Where you can find comprehensive maps of the walkway:
- The Transport for London (TfL) website offers interactive maps for each section of the Jubilee Walkway
- The Go Jauntly app and website provide detailed maps and walking directions for the Jubilee Walkway sections
The Jubilee Walkway continues to be a popular attraction, with over a million people enjoying the trail annually[5]. It not only serves as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign but also provides an excellent means for people to discover the rich tapestry of London’s history and culture on foot[1][5].
