An Unexpected Walk Across London

One of the best decisions of the day turned out to be one that hadn't been planned at all.

Instead of continuing through Covent Garden, I headed towards the Golden Jubilee Bridges, passing the Maple Leaf—London's Canadian pub—along the way.

Crossing the eastern pedestrian bridge turned out to be spectacular.

To my left stood St Paul's Cathedral.

Farther in the distance, Tower Bridge framed the skyline.

The Thames sparkled in the afternoon sun while boats moved steadily up and down the river.

Once across, I turned right and followed the South Bank.

Soon the enormous London Eye came into view.

As impressive as it was, it wasn't actually my destination.

Instead, I continued underneath Westminster Bridge.

Then, just before emerging on the other side...

...there it was.

One of the most iconic views in London.

The Palace of Westminster rising above the river, with Elizabeth Tower—better known around the world as Big Ben—standing proudly beside it.

I don't think I'd realised quite how magnificent it looks in person.

Naturally, this required a few selfies.

Okay... quite a few.

After crossing Westminster Bridge, I continued towards Trafalgar Square, before wandering north along St Martin's Lane to Cecil Court.

Unfortunately, I arrived just after the little bookshops had closed for the day.

From what I could see through the windows, though, this place looks absolutely magical.

Rows upon rows of independent booksellers.

Old maps.

Rare books.

Prints.

I already know I'll have to come back.

With that, my spontaneous detour came to an end, and I made my way back towards Covent Garden to continue the route I had originally intended to follow hours earlier.

Sometimes the unplanned chapters become the highlights of the day.Read more