Well, you could just hop on a bus or tube and walk! Nothing wrong with that. But after years of doing this, I wanted more information about London and how to find areas I didn't know and would never find on my own. A great place to start is Andrew Duncan's Walking London. My copy is battered and well used, evidence that I really enjoyed these walks.
I have done nearly all these walks. According to the tally I kept on the contents page, all except two. And I'm sure I've done the Dulwich one, just not ticked the list. I've come close to doing the Hampton Court one, but I was knackered after walking around Hampton Court itself. Maybe I will sometime soon.
Once you have done all these walks or want something a bit different, there are loads of walks around London books in book shops. However, if you want something a bit different, head to your nearest charity shop and look for the old guides. Some of the commentary is antiquated and a bit quaint and can be very funny at times. I enjoy looking for buildings that still exist and imaging those that did not survive and have since disappeared. I found a wonderful book for the grand total of £1 about 8 years ago : Walks Around London written and wonderfully illustrated by Joan Bloxam, published in 1937. It is now out of print but you can find secondhand copies on line.
She is very to the point on her walks and very no nonsense! I enjoyed finding the exact positions where she made her sketches from. I also discovered some amazing buildings and histories.
I did once think about taking photos of all the places she sketched. However, I haven't. Maybe that's a project for the future and a different blog.
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