Finding the best walks in London? A walking tour is the best way to explore London, a city which blends history and modernity. There are so many beautiful places to walk in London, whether for the ultimate exploration of London’s rich history or the immersive admiration of natural beauty. So today, we will reveal the best walks in London. Let’s explore London with our feet. By the way, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella. After all, British weather can be unpredictable.
Best Walks in London: Central London
The Jubilee Greenway
The Jubilee Greenway, among the nice walks in London, is a 67-kilometre (37-mile) route opened in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It covers most of the capital, with all clearly signposted. As a route between Buckingham Palace and the winding waterways of Maida Vale, it is too long to hike the whole trail. Therefore, it is divided into 10 different routes for you to explore, some of which are shown here. We recommend you ascend Constitution Hill, walk across Hyde Park, pass Kensington Palace and Paddington, and finally end at Little Venice. By this time, continue walking to Camden, where you will find plenty of delicious food, or head over to Warwick Avenue for a stroll.
- Feature: one of the best walks in central London for attractive sights
- Length: The whole tour lasts approximately 9 hours, but you can choose smaller segments.
Royal Parks
Royal Parks are the best parks to walk in London. Each park has its unique charm, making this route a delightful exploration of green spaces. Begin your walk in London’s largest Royal Park, Hyde Park, then pass through Green Park, a tranquil park, and finally arrive at Buckingham Palace. By this time, skip the Mall and come to St James’ Park, which boasts an iconic lake. Afterwards, leave the park and rush into Trafalgar Square. By the way, the National Gallery is located on the square. If you love art, don’t miss this art history classic.
- Feature: among the best parks in London for walks
- Length: 1 hour or more
Nice Walks in London: North London
Hampstead Circular Walk
Hampstead Circular Walk starts and ends at Hampstead Heath (Northern Line), regarded as one of the “wildest” and best walks in London. It is a vast and ancient North London heathland covering 320 hectares and passing through some hills. We recommend climbing Parliament Hill to admire stunning panoramic city views, passing Mixed Bathin Pond, and marvelling at the whitewashed Kenwood House. On the path, you will witness some of the most beautiful parts of Hampstead Heath. Furthermore, if you would like to extend your walk, visit Highgate Cemetery and nearby Waterlow Park, a less-known green space. By the way, if it snows in the winter, don’t miss the chance to sledge in this 20-acre park just as locals do.
- Feature: best places to walk in London for city views
- Length: at least 1hr 15mins
Parkland Walk
The Parkland Walk, the best free walking tour in London, used to be an old and abandoned railway between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace in North London. However, it was later filled in and planted with greenery, stretching 4.5 miles. In this way, it becomes the most extended nature reserve in London. More than 200 species of wildflowers and many wild animals live here, from butterflies and birds to hedgehogs, foxes, and even rare wild muntjac deer. It’s hard to imagine that this is actually the scenery in a metropolis like London! All in all, take a stroll along this path, and you will enjoy the greenery and rare tranquillity.
- Feature: among the best London walking tours for the connection with nature
- Length: 45 minutes-1 hour
Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal stretches 14 kilometres (8.6 miles) from Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin. This serene walk, one of the best canal walks in London, takes you through some of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods and hidden gems. Start your walk in Little Venice to enjoy the colourful houseboats and the picturesque views of its canals, then head to Regent’s Park, a beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and the London Zoo. Finally, end your walk at King’s Cross, where you can shop and try delicious food there. Undoubtedly, living near Regent’s Canal is convenient and happy, with the free admiration of picturesque views and well-equipped amenities. You can rent a room near Regent’s Canal through uhomes.com at a lower price. For example, iQ Shoreditch and iQ Tufnell House are 2 suitable choices.
- Feature: among the best London walks for a lovely weekend wander
- Length: 1 hour
Best London Walks: East London
The Line
The Line is London’s first pedestrian walkway designed for modern and contemporary art. This 3-mile route must be one of London best walks for seeking art, where you can view installations and sculptures by contemporary artists, including works by Damien Hirst and Anthony Gormley. Linking the Olympic Park and the O2 along the river and Greenwich Meridian in East London, the outdoor exhibition program offers a journey through a vibrant urban landscape.
- Feature: among the best walking tours in London for getting cultured
- Length:2-3 hours
Lea Valley
The Lea Valley was known for the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics. However, it is not only a sporting landmark but also a beautifully landscaped area. The main 15.6-mile route takes you on a scenic stroll along towpaths and through Walthamstow Marshes, a site of particular scientific interest and home to diverse flora and fauna. Still, you can also follow The River Lea, the lifeblood of the valley that offers scenic views. By the way, the end of the trail is The Grapes in Limehouse, one of London’s oldest bars. You can have a drink there, as one of the best places to walk in London at night.
- Feature: the best walk in London for peace and tranquillity amid the hubbub
- Length: 2 hours
Best Walking Tours in London: South London
Green Chain
Green Chain, a 50-mile route, is divided into 11 sections and spans fields, parks and woodlands from Thamesmead to Nunhead Cemetery. As the best walking route in London for sightseeing, its biggest charm is that you can stop at any time to admire famous attractions along the way, such as the decorative arts at Eltham Palace and the 18th-century Gothic architecture of Severndroog Castle. By the way, the entire route is clearly signposted, allowing you to explore as you wish.
- Feature: best walking route in London for sightseeing
- Length: 2 hours 45 minutes
Sydenham Hill Wood
Sydenham Hill Wood is the oldest nature reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust, a hidden gem in South London. Among the best places to walk in London, the wood is home to 200 species of diverse woodland flora and fauna, such as tawny owls, bats, and woodpeckers, making it a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Moreover, you can discover the remnants of Victorian gardens, including the picturesque folly, which adds a touch of historical intrigue to your walk. In addition, it is also highly recommended you follow the well-marked nature trails that guide you through different habitats, from dense woodland to open glades.
- Feature: among the best walks in London for woodland wandering
- Length: 90 minutes
The Wandle Trail
The Wandle Trail, one of London’s best-kept secrets, is a 14-mile route following the River Wandle from Croydon to the River Thames at Wandsworth. The route must be on the list of the best walks in London. Start your walk at Carshalton Ponds, surrounded by historic buildings and charming parks, then head to Morden Hall Park, a stunning green space with wetlands, meadows, and a historic rose garden. By the way, a delightful stop along the Wandle Trail is Deen City Farm, home to various animals and offers an interactive experience. Finally, end your walk at Wandsworth Common, where you can relax and enjoy the wide-open spaces.
- Feature: one of the nice walks in London for unexpected discoveries
- Length: roughly an hour
Best Places to Walk in London: West London
The Thames Path
Thames Path (184 miles) follows the river from its source in the Cotswolds, but as it approaches London, the path provides routes through central London. For convenience, there are 2 best walks along the Thames in London for you to choose from. One will take you through Battersea Park and then past all the top historical attractions in South Bank, including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the theatres, galleries and more. The other line (Northern Line) is across Hurlingham Park and Chelsea, then heading to Westminster and Embankment, finally ending at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Both options are colourful. By the way, if you find a London student accommodation near The Thames Path, it will be much more convenient to wander through the whole route at any time. uhomes.com rental platform will help you find the most cost-effective room with all utility bills included, such as Wellington Lodge and Moonraker Point.
- Feature: among the nice walks in London for day sightseeing
- Length: The route is too long to do in one go, so it entirely depends on you.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park, among the best parks in London for walks, is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, covering 2,500 acres. It’s a haven for wildlife, including over 600 free-roaming deer. Besides, you can start your journey at Richmond Gate, the historic entrance which offers a grand entry point to the park, and then head to Isabella Plantation for the appreciation of the blooming azaleas and rhododendrons during the spring.
- Feature: one of the best walking routes in London for watching frolicking deer
- Length: at least an hour
Conclusion about the Best Walks in London
In conclusion, the 12 best walks in London have been introduced in the blog. Suppose you are attracted by the picturesque views, cultural diversity, or historical charm of those nice walks in London. In that case, you can take the best walking tour in London this weekend to experience London’s unique glamour!
FAQ about the Best Walks in London
Where to go on a walk in London?
You can choose to go for a walk in central London, which has many of the best places to walk in London. We will list some places below:
- Hyde Park, Jubilee Greenway
- Tower Bridge, The Thames Path
- Tate Modern, The Thames Path
Which Britain's best walks?
There are plenty of Britain’s best walking routes, and we will list some in the following part.
- Malham Tarn Estate, Yorkshire Dales
- Tryfan, Gwynedd
- Buttermere, Lake District
- Mam Tor, Peak District
Which London park is best for a walk?
With numerous walkable parks in London, we will list some of the best parks in London for walks below:
- Richmond Park
- Regent’s Park
- Epping Forest
- Hampstead Heath
- Victoria Park
Where to go on a hike in London?
Below are some of the best places to hike in London.
- Hampstead Heath: Hampstead Heath is a vast and ancient North London heathland passing through some famous hills, like Parliament Hill, which is one of the most suitable and best places to walk in London.
- Green Chain: The Green Chain spans fields, parks and woodlands from Thamesmead to Nunhead Cemetery, which is regarded as the best walking route in London for sightseeing.
- Sydenham Hill Wood: Sydenham Hill Wood is a hidden gem in South London, home to 200 species of diverse woodland flora and fauna. It is among the best places to walk in London, especially for those nature lovers.
