Skip to content
Sunset

Golden Hour on the London Wall

Sip a pint in the shadow of the Romans, catch the last light on the ancient wall, and finish with a nightcap in a converted bank.

Best time: 16:20About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 15:35

    The Old Doctor Butler's Head

    Start with a drink at The Old Doctor Butler's Head. This pub claims to be one of London's oldest, tracing its history to 1610. It is open until 23:00 on weekdays, so you can comfortably grab a pint here before heading to the wall. The walk from here to the viewing spot is short and straightforward.

  2. 16:00

    London Wall

    Walk to London Wall. This section of the historic fortification is located just 26 minutes from the anchor point, but it is the specific spot mentioned in the context for viewing. Find the section of the wall built by Romans and stand ready as the sun begins its descent toward the SW.

  3. 16:20

    London Wall

    Watch the sunset. At 16:20 on 15 January, the sun sets toward the SW, casting a golden glow over the Roman remains. The light starts around 15:23, but the peak moment is the sunset itself. Enjoy the view of the historic wall as the day ends.

  4. 16:45

    The Crosse Keys

    End the evening at The Crosse Keys. Located in a converted bank building, this JD Wetherspoons pub offers a grander space than most city pubs. It is open until 23:00 on weekdays (until midnight on Fridays), making it a perfect spot to relax after the sunset. The walk from the wall is short, keeping you in the immediate vicinity.

Local tip

The Old Doctor Butler's Head is open Mo-Fr 11:00-23:00. The Crosse Keys is open Mo-Th 09:00-23:00. Both are easily accessible on foot from London Wall.

Check before you go

  • The Old Doctor Butler's Head is open Mo-Fr 11:00-23:00.
  • The Crosse Keys is open Mo-Th 09:00-23:00; Fr 09:00-24:00.

Worth knowing

  • The Old Doctor Butler's Head is open at 15:35 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
  • The Crosse Keys is open at 16:45 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to London