Our July walk

A journey through time (with a bonus corgi) – our July walk

There's a new London-themed sculpture trail dotted through central London from Victoria to the Strand. So we joined the throng of visitors to find a few of the pieces and enjoy the many interesting diversions along the way.

Tracking down the teapot quickly, we strode out in search of the telephone box, enjoying the view of the beautiful Westminster Cathedral while we were there. The Guard was a little more challenging to find – it was away for repair – but thanks to the police on duty by Buckingham Palace, we followed the sound of a military band to watch the Belgian Cenotaph parade.

St James's Park delivered a crown and two herons, then, in search of the pocket watch, we happened on a bonus corgi, part of another trail, of corgis that had been installed as part of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The postbox sculpture brought us to the Supreme Court, for a pause to admire its architecture and wonder at the frieze of Tudor characters (a bit of post-walk research has revealed that it's the Duke of Northumberland offering the crown of England to Lady Jane Grey).

On our way to find the rain boots in Victoria Tower Gardens, we passed the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst. Next, along the Embankment for the top hat and near it, a tree with long seed pods which we found again in Embankment gardens – an Indian bean tree was the guess and it turned out to be right.

In search of the tea cup, in need of an actual cup of tea we peaked a little early – but it was found and along the way, a curious plaque. Most of the statues we had seen along the embankment commemorated the work of men, some with women in allegorical roles (the weeping woman is on the monument to Sir Arthur Sullivan) but the plaque to Henry Fawcett was placed there by his "grateful countrywomen". The UK Parliament website lists Henry Fawcett as liberal MP for Hackney from 1865 and a supporter of votes for women.

Before our tube journeys home from Temple, there was time for a quick look at the art terrace The Artist's Garden – including a twirl of Lucy Gregory's kinetic sculpture It's all kicking off, a row of cancan legs. 

Photos by Alison, Christine and Lydia.

Fancy joining us on one of our walks? Look out for our monthly Coming up blogposts or if you're a member, the monthly e-newsletter.