Lambeth & Vauxhall Walk

This 6km walk takes us through a fascinating stretch of riverside London, layered with art, history, and a touch of the unexpected. We begin near the former London Necropolis railway station — once the departure point for Victorian funeral trains — and close to where William Blake once lived. Along the way, you’ll even spot vibrant depictions of Blake’s visionary work brightening a local tunnel. From there, we pass the imposing Lambeth Palace, the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the charming Garden Museum, dedicated to Britain’s gardening heritage. We’ll wander by the historic Marine Society, stroll along Lambeth Walk and through its Recreation Ground, soaking up the character of this resilient neighbourhood. Lambeth was once an industrial powerhouse: the Royal Doulton pottery company was founded here in 1815, and its former headquarters still displays the company’s exquisite tiles — a colourful reminder of the area’s craft heritage. As the walk continues, old and new London collide. We pass Damien Hirst’s Newport Gallery and the unmistakable headquarters of MI6, rising dramatically above the Thames. Tucked away nearby is Bonnington Square, a wonderfully community-spirited enclave with a lush shared garden — a peaceful contrast to the surrounding city. And that’s only part of the story. Many more surprises await before we finish at the Marketplace beside Vauxhall Station. A compact walk, rich in stories — from visionary poets to secret agents, Victorian industry to contemporary art. Please note that this walk is undertaken at your own risk.