The London Backstreet Walk - Hyde Park to the Tower

This walk is predicated on two beliefs. The first, platitudinous if rarely put to the test, is that the centre of London is small enough for people of ordinary fitness to be able to traverse it on foot. The second is likely to be greeted with scepticism: that one can walk across the capital from Hyde Park Corner to the Tower of London without having to walk alongside main roads for more than a couple of hundred yards.

This is London seen from parks, gardens, alleys, backstreets and pedestrian zones. As the crow flies it is 3⅓ miles, but as avoiding traffic requires some circuitous deviations – and enjoyment is enhanced with a few choice digressions – nearly 9 miles are conquered.

The route – which is far from obvious, as may be understood – is laced with delights and surprises. Many famous buildings are passed or glimpsed, but largely the interest lies in unexpected clusters of historic buildings, picturesque vistas and labyrinthine alleys, patches of parkland and well-tended gardens, the contrast between medieval street patterns and recent architectural behemoths.

Some special arrangements have been made which will allow glimpses of normally hidden interiors. A glass of champagne in a Georgian theatre and lunch in an Elizabethan hall are among the treats. But the main point of the day is to provide the satisfaction of accomplishing a unique journey under one's own steam through the heart of the most vibrant, varied and fascinating city in Europe.

For an insight into the Culture Days experience, view our video of The London Backstreet Walk, below.