The Royal Walk Part 2
We are going to start the second part of Royal Walk in front of Buckingham Palace.
Turn your back to Buckingham Palace (I'm sure the Queen will understand), and walk around the left hand side of the Queen Victoria Memorial.
On the other side of the monument you will see the famous pink road leading down to Admiralty Arch, a set of arches crossing the road at the other end. This road is called The Mall. Why is it pink I hear you ask? Simply because of the material used to make the road surface safer for the horses of the Household Cavalry. Keep walking along Pall Mall until you reach Queen's Walk, a path running off to your left along the perimeter of the park, beside a building - Lancaster House.
Trek along the Queen's Walk, famous as the place where Charlie Chaplin made his first appearance on film (back in 1896 as a seven year old boy), until you see a small alleyway on your right. Now turn right and follow this alleyway around to Cleveland Row. Walk along Cleveland Row and stop in front of St James' Palace on your right. This is where the London apartments of Princes Charles, William and Harry are.
St. James Palace - built by King Henry VIII - is no longer used for official royal engagements, though foreign ambassadors are still received there. As you continue walking along St. James Street, you will see many Gentlemen's Clubs. Look for Brookes at number 60-61. Founded in 1764 Brookes had a reputation as a gambling den. It is also reputed that Black Velvet - the drink that mixes Champagne and stout - was probably invented here in 1861.
Walk along St. James Street until you get to Jermyn Street on your right and one of my favourite London streets. This street is famous for it's interesting stores including the cheese haven that is Paxton and Whitfield; Bates - the gentlemen's hatter; Herbie Frogg - men's clothing; and of course Geo F. Trumper - a barber and hairdresser to Royalty (amongst others).
At the end of Jermyn street you will find Duke Street or (if open) cut through the Piccadilly Arcade which will take you out to Piccadilly (Piccadilly is named after a still collar called 'pickadils sold by a draper in this area in the 17th century) Street. Turn right and here you will see Fortnum and Mason. The store stocks a super selection of food, in particular fine teas and chocolates.
Retrace your steps back to Jermyn Street and walk along until you reach the junction with Regents Street, at which point, turn left, walking up the hill to Piccadilly Circus. At the first set of traffic lights, cross Regents Street in front of the statue of Eros. Here you will see the Criterion Hotel - famous as the hotel bar where Sherlock Holmes met Doctor Watson in a Study in Scarlet. Walk past the hotel and turn right at Haymarket. Walk along Haymarket - past Burberrys to your left - and take a left at the end into Cockspur Street. Walk along this street and stop in front of the National Gallery - the large building overlooking Trafalgar Square, constructed in 1805 to celebrate England's victory over France. Nelson's column stands in the centre of the square. The lions surrounding the columns base are rumoured to be made out of melted down French cannons captured during the naval battle of Trafalgar.
Head across Trafalgar Square, passing around the left hand side of Nelson's Column. Cross the first pedestrian lights, then turn right and cross again at the next lights, which lead to the island in the centre of the road.The road directly in front of you leads to Whitehall.Walk along Whitehall, passing Banqueting House on your left, until you reach Horse Guards on your right. Stop at Horse Guards, then continue to the gates of Downing Street, a short distance further along Whitehall, on the right, and stop again. Downing Street is the official residence of the British Prime Minister and was built in 1680.
Enjoy the walk!