One of a series of free walks from the Westminster Guides supported by Inside Out to celebrate open-air arts and culture in Westminster!

This is an eclectic and diverse walk along the riverbank of the Thames primarily through Victoria Embankment Gardens. Some of the nicest gardens in central London following the flow of the river.

Please meet at Embankment Station- riverside exit. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start. The walk will finish close to Embankment station.

The walk begins with the memorial to Henry Fawcett (blinded at the age of 25) for the contribution by him to social reform in the 19th Century as well as his lasting legacy to the Post Office. We then look at one of London’s most obscure war memorials commemorating the men who died fighting in the Imperial Camel Corps.

It’s Scotland’s most famous poet next Robert (Rabbie) Burns followed by the York House Watergate for the dramatic life of York House’s most famous inhabitant – George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham plus a look at the work of Sir Joseph Bazalgette who dramatically improved sanitation in London after the horrors of cholera outbreaks and ‘The Big Stink’ of 1858!

After that, we wander into the area once called ‘The Adelphi’ to look at London’s 1000th Blue Plaque and hear all about the Women’s Freedom League and their advocacy of women’s rights including the right to vote before moving on to the site of the old Hungerford Market, now Charing Cross station to hear about the country’s first Black voter (John London). We reconnect with the river and the gardens to learn about the complicated colonial legacy of Sir James Outram and the man who has saved thousands of life at sea, Samuel Plimsoll.

This is one of 25 "A Wander through Westminster" Walks offered by the City of Westminster Guides in conjunction with the Inside Out Programme that celebrates open-air art and culture in Westminster. Why not join in other Inside Out activities on offer: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/experience-inside-out-westminsters-free-outdoor-arts-festival?

Some Practical Details:

Please dress for the weather, with light, breathable attire, a hat, sunglasses, fan, and sunscreen in the case of hot weather and an umbrella and rainwear should the weather be inclement. Wear sensible shoes or sandals and carry a bottle of water with you.

All walks are led by trained City of Westminster Guides who love to share their knowledge of the borough with residents and visitors. Please respect their time and efforts by cancelling your place should you not be able to attend to allow someone else to join.

Description supplied by the event organiser.