Transport for London.

The Jubilee Greenway. Section 9 of 10.

Westminster Bridge to Buckingham Palace.

Section distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometres).

Introduction. The political and ceremonial heart of England is showcased in this fitting final section, with some of Britain's most iconic architecture: Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St. James's Palace, Clarence House, numerous memorials - a snapshot of London history from every angle. This is the ninth section of the Jubilee Greenway. Although it is short, it is packed full of sights. This section completes the route back to Buckingham Palace, started in section one, after the 60 kilometres of the Jubilee Greenway. Look out for the Jubilee Greenway discs in the pavement as you go round.

Section start: Westminster Bridge.

Nearest stations to start:

Westminster or Westminster Pier .

Section finish: Buckingham Palace.

Nearest stations to finish:

Victoria , Green Park or Hyde Park Corner .

Directions.

Starting at Westminster Bridge (County Hall side), go under the bridge through a subway. The subway is partly hidden from view, but becomes obvious once you approach the bridge steps. Carry on along Albert Embankment, with St. Thomas' Hospital on the left and the River Thames on the right.

Cyclists must follow an alternative route along Lambeth Palace Road, turning right to cross Lambeth Bridge and then right onto Millbank. Rejoin the walking route at the Houses of Parliament.

Did you know?St. Thomas' Hospital was originally founded early in the 12th century as part of the Priory of St. Mary Overie, and was rededicated to St. Thomas the Martyr and then to St. Thomas the Apostle. In 1871 it was moved from Southwark when the railway arrived to its present site on the South Bank.

At the next bridge, swerve slightly to the left to come up to the pavement and turn right to cross the Thames over Lambeth Bridge.

At the other side, either take the two flights of broad steps immediately down on the right into Victoria Tower Gardens (past a play area) or carry round the corner slightly onto Millbank for a step-free route into the same park via a gate.

Walk through Victoria Tower Gardens towards the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. At the end, go through a gate back onto the pavement and turn right. Cross over the pedestrian crossing here and turn right again towards Parliament Square. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben will then be on the right.

St. Margaret's Church and Westminster Abbey are over to the left, as well as a Jubilee Walkway information panel.

Did you know?St. Margaret's Church is often called 'the parish church of the House of Commons', as it is so close to the Houses of Parliament, and is frequently used for political memorial services as well as society weddings.

Leave Parliament Square by the opposite corner that was entered (via Great George Street); if the other Jubilee Walkway information panel with tactile information is reached, turn away from Big Ben up Great George Street, and then turn right into Horse Guards Road.

Great George Street leads to St. James's Park. Enter the park through the first gateway on the left and walk up the east side of the park, parallel with Horse Guards Road. On the right are the Churchill War Rooms, established in the summer of 1938 and now open to the public, passing Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Shortly, a square opens out on the right hand side, this is Horse Guard's Parade.

Did you know?Horse Guards was originally a small guardhouse in 1649 in the tilt-yard of the Palace of Whitehall. This was replaced between 1663 and 1665 with a larger building and the present building was designed by William Kent and constructed between 1750 and 1758. The annual Queen's birthday parade, or 'Trooping the Colour', takes place on Horse Guards Parade. Often there are other parades here so listen out for military bands.

Keep straight ahead, following the Jubilee Walkway through St. James's Park.

Cyclists are not allowed on the route in St. James's Park. Instead, follow Horse Guards Road, then turn left onto The Mall. At the big roundabout by Buckingham Palace dismounting might be preferable then walk across the pedestrian crossings rather than go all the way round with the traffic. Arrive at Buckingham Palace, the end of section nine. To continue on section one, keep the Victoria Memorial on the right and cross Constitution Hill to join a cycle path.

Continue on towards the Mall, the broad avenue ahead. Staying inside St. James' Park, turn left and proceed up towards Buckingham Palace, parallel with The Mall. On the other side of The Mall are the Duke of York steps with a statue of Prince Frederick, brother of George IV, on the top, Carlton House Terrace, part of John Nash's design for the area and the memorial to King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth.

Did you know?Strolling down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace you will also pass other Royal residences, St. James's Palace and Clarence House, on the right. St. James's Palace remains the senior Palace of the Sovereign, whilst Clarence House is the official London residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

The Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace are in view at the top of the Mall.

Did you know?The Victoria Memorial commemorates Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and was designed by Sir Aston Webb, who was responsible for the re-landscaping and improvement of the Mall and the facade of Buckingham Palace. Work began in 1903 and the memorial was unveiled by King George V on 16 May 1901. It's made of 2000 tons of marble and 800 tons of granite.

Walk around the Queen Victoria Memorial to stand once again in front of Buckingham Palace - back at the start of section one of the Jubilee Greenway. On arriving here, this section has been completed.

This is the end of section nine.