This walk starts in the beautiful Georgian legal area of Lincoln’s Inn. You would never think you were in the middle of London. It feels more like you’re in the beautiful squares of Oxford or Cambridge universities. You may even see a Harris hawk, used to keep the local pigeons on their toes (or talons). Then we see where a Georgian legend of a demon barber and a pie shop was turned into a famous Victorian novel. Then it’s into the beautiful Georgian legal area known as the Temple to see more lovely architecture, London’s second oldest street marker (the oldest is coming up later) and an old pub which was once London’s most (in)famous coffee house. We then see Dr Johnson’s old pub, with his statue outside; a couple of historic churches and then, as promised, the oldest street marker. Then it’s the Bow Street Runners and a grand opera house, before heading for the river via various places of interest including a Water Gate (effectively a Georgian water taxi tank). We finish with a lovely stroll through ornate gardens.

Start: Corner of High Holborn and Chancery Lane outside Cotswold Outdoor Clothing shop, close to Chancery Lane underground station
Finish: Victoria Embankment Gardens, close to Charing Cross and Embankment stations