Temple and Fleet Street

Possibly one of the most fascinating and least-well-trodden areas of central London, Temple and Fleet Street borders both City and West End. This is the heart of London's legal district, with three of the four main Inns of Court set either side of Fleet Street, itself once the home of the English newspaper industry.

You'll visit squares, courtyards and alleyways on the Trail of our murder suspects, passing such historic locations as Dr Samuel Johnson's house, Samuel Pepys's birthplace, and the Temple Church, known for its ancient connections to the Knights Templar. The Temple Church was the setting for a scene in Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code', and it's easy to pick up on the sensation of mystery in the hushed quiet of the Temple courtyards.

This is a circular route on the north bank of the Thames which takes in the fascinating back streets between The Embankment, Fleet Street and High Holborn. There are public toilets, cafes and pubs en route. The Trail does take you into some of the Inns and you are requested to act with decorum as you hunt for clues. Public pedestrian access to and from the Middle Temple is ONLY via the Tudor Street entrance after 8 pm and at weekends.

Approximate distance 2 miles.
Estimated completion time 1.75 hours.
Nearest Tube Station: Temple (District and Circle Lines)
The Trail starts and ends close to Temple Station.
The Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although there are some cobbled areas and kerbs which may need some assistance or negotiation.