Waterloo Bridge has been awarded the accolade of one of the UK's best views, according to readers of The Telegraph. The sweeping vista from the bridge takes in the towering glass skyscrapers of the City, the shimmering Thames at midday, and the age-old walls of Westminster, offering a breath-taking experience for millions of visitors to London each year.
The recognition came after The Telegraph published a feature on 'The Ten Best Views of Britain', which focused largely on rural, chocolate box village landscapes and omitted London entirely. Readers overwhelmingly suggested that one enduring London beauty spot deserved an honourable mention: the view from Waterloo Bridge.
Why Waterloo Bridge Stands Out
For tourists and UK visitors alike, the first sweeping view of the 300-year-old dome of St Paul's Cathedral standing majestically among towering skyscrapers above the flowing Thames is one to take your breath away. Laurence Traynor, a reader, wrote: "My favourite view is to be found heading south over Waterloo Bridge at sundown. I’m lucky enough to see it most days, and it never fails to impress. Being on a 90-degree bend in the river, looking left you get to see across the City and as far as Canary Wharf; off to the right you have The Palace of Westminster and views down towards Vauxhall and beyond. It really shows London off to its best."
London's Beauty Spots Gain Traction
London's home turf beauty spots are gaining increasing traction from locals, fed up with being told they have to head to the hills of the Chilterns or the Kent Weald for inspiration. US blogger Candance recently took to TikTok to praise a West London walk along the Thames, beginning in Putney and winding through Fulham before ending in leafy Hammersmith.
In a video, Candace, who is from the US but has lived in London for several years, said: "You need to take this walk in London. You're going to start from Putney Bridge Station, wandering down past the neighbourhood's charming Hurlingham Books, jumping onto the high street and past the ancient All Saints' Church. Head into Bishop's Park and Fulham Palace, and the walled garden, if it's open. A forest wander out, and you'll stroll past Putney Bridge, onto a beautiful river walk. Pick up a mid-walk coffee and continue on your gorgeous South West London stroll down the Thames. Honestly, you'll feel like you've left the city altogether. It's magical."
Slowly but surely, the grand Hammersmith Bridge will come into view. Walk over the bridge and end with a Hammersmith pub stop or roast. If you're straight walking, this walk will take you a little over an hour, but of course, you'll be taking in lots of pit stops to enjoy it to the fullest.
Similar circular walks along the Thames are also available on the All Trails website, which describes the route as "relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels". They also state that the route is dog-friendly and that "river views are wonderful year-round."
