Frommer's Memorable Walks in London

This book has every feature that contributes to a good walking tour book: good maps, interesting tours, information about cafes and museums along the way, lots of interesting little bits of news about the places one is seeing, and lightweight portability!First, there is an overview map, which shows all of the eleven tours overlaid on a large (though not detailed) map of London. Then there is an individual map (with main streets identified only) for the individual tours: The City, Dickens's London, A Historic Pub Walk, Westminster & Whitehall, St. James's, The East End, Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury, Soho, Chelsea and Hampstead.I purchased several walking books of London before my most recent visit there and found this one the most useful; I walked six of these tours and thought each was worthwhile and enjoyable.Phone numbers and hours are listed for businesses and museums along your route. Each tour begins with a two to three page introduction and has a paragraph or two about each site listed, usually 20-30 places. The introduction also gives information about the best and worst times to try the walk, the closest tube stations to the beginning and end of the walk, and the approximate amount of time the walk requires. The book ends with general information about London, including transportation, a list of recommended reading, and a very good index.An excellent value.

This is not a general purpose travel guide. But, it is an excellent set of 11 walking tours in London. London is definitely a walking city, and you probably don't need this guide to take an interesting walking tour. But, it's nice to have a description and history of sites along the walk -- and the size of the book is just right for carrying in your back pocket while you're on the walk.