Quiet London: From Putney Bridge to Fulham Palace

Walking in London and making new discoveries is one of the things I love to do when I have a few spare hours.  There is always something new, or beautiful or interesting to see. And the joy of exploring by foot is that you can wander wherever the mood takes you, making detours into interesting streets or stopping for a coffee as you please.  Of course a London walk always leads to lots of photo opportunities too. Something you will have gathered by now I’m always rather partial to.

Walking by the river is always relaxing and the stretch of river from Putney Bridge to Fulham Palace Park and Gardens is a lovely meander for a sunny or cloudy day.

Begin your walk at Putney Bridge Station. A little deceptively Putney Bridge station is actually located in Fulham, rather than Putney.  It just happens to be as the name suggests right beside the bridge.  After you exit this small quaint station I would suggest you absolutely have to go to Hurlingham Books.

Hurlingham Books

I am told this book shop is a local institution and I can see why, as will you if you take  my advice and stop by! Hurlingham Books is literally covered in books. The large store front window is piled high with the spines of the books helpfully facing outwards.  Outside the shop is a table selling one pound book offering lots of temptation before you have even set foot inside.  I picked up a Penelope Lively novel within moments of browsing.  Step inside and you will literally have to step over the piles of books which take up almost every available space within this little shop.  The shelves are packed floor to ceiling with books of all genres, shapes and sizes.  This is a wonderful place to browse and come across that book which has been on your to be read wish list for so long you had forgotten you needed it.  In addition to the Penelope Lively novel I also picked up two Virago Modern Classics. One by Elizabeth Taylor and one by Elizabeth Von Armin. Both authors I have been wanting to read more of.

The Thames Path

After you have satisfied your literary cravings, make you way towards the river for views of Putney Bridge and the ever changing sky line, before beginning you walk towards Fulham Palace.  There are a couple of options here, both of which are lovely.  If it’s the river you are craving then stay on the Thames Path alongside it and enjoy the views of the passing rowers and occasional pleasure craft whizzing by.  If the sun is hot, as it was on the day I was last there, this is a lovely walk with lots of trees and dappled shade. And being by the water is always cooling don’t you think.

Bishops Park

If you fancy  straying slightly away from the Thames Path, then take yourself into Bishops Park which runs along side it.  This is a good option for a picnic and some reading of all the books you will have undoubtedly purchased at Hurlingham Books.  There are wide open spaces with play areas or little tucked away spots.  There is a pretty square known as a memorial garden where roses were still in full bloom just 10 days ago. There is also an ornamental lake and urban beach, so something for everyone!

Fulham Palace and Garden

Fulham Palace was the home of the  Bishops of London since AD704 and continued to house bishops until 1973 when the last Bishop of London moved out.  It has been recently restored and is now ‘free’ to visit. The palace rooms are open to wander through, there is a lovely drawing room cafe, lots of open space and a rather lovely walled garden…you know how I do love a walled garden! This is a lovely place to spend time in. The day I went parts of it were closed as an event was taking place, so I definitely intend to go back.

 The Palace Gardner

If you are inspired by the gardens at Fulham Palace you may want to drop into The Palace Gardener.  A very lovely garden centre on Bishops Avenue full of glorious plants and other treasures.  There are lots of shopping opportunities and Tea and cake can also be enjoyed at the scandal chic inspired cafe.

…….And if you want to go further then continue along the river to Hammersmith Bridge (my favourite London Bridge), stopping off at one of the pretty pubs which are situated just beyond the bridge. Or if you are feeling thirsty before you get that far, The Crabtree Pub has a large outdoor seating area and serves a good G&T.  Or of course if you are feeling especially flush you may want to drop into the renowned River Cafe for lunch – although with antipasto starting at £23 and secondi dishes from £39, you may decide to save it for a (very) special occasion!

However far you decide to walk this is a lovely peaceful area and one I highly recommend discovering.