10 Best Walks In London, England

1. Little Venice to Camden

Up first we have a walk from Little Venice to Camden. This walk takes you along Regent’s Canal and is about two miles (3.2 km) long. You’ll start in Little Venice, the start of Regent’s Canal, and a beautiful neighbourhood with canal boats, cafes along the water, and great pubs. The walk will take you through beautiful Regent’s Park and past the London Zoo.

You’ll then make your way to Camden, a quirky neighbourhood known for attracting alternative subcultures. Today, you’ll find a market full of stalls where you can do some shopping, plenty of restaurants, and of course piercing and tattoo shops. This walk is perfect if you want to enjoy the calm of the canal, while ending up in a vibrant location with plenty to do.

Little Venice to Camden

Website: Little Venice to Camden

2. South Bank Stroll

Another waterside walk is the South Bank Stroll. This journey takes you along the southern side of the River Thames, a popular stroll for Londoners and tourists alike. The route generally runs from Lambeth Bridge in the west of London to Tower Bridge in the east, and of course, you can start at either end.

Besides enjoying the River Thames, one of the best aspects of this walk is that it takes you past some of London’s best attractions. If you start at Lambeth Bridge, you’ll pass Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, the Globe, and you’ll end at the Tower of London. You can make a whole day of it and stop in at some of your favourite attractions, or just enjoy the view.

South Bank Stroll

Website: South Bank Stroll

3. Inner Temple Garden

For a beautiful view, you can stroll through the Inner Temple Garden. Located in the oldest part of London, this garden itself is quite old. It’s recorded in medieval times as an orchard and, over the years, has undergone a number of changes. Today it spans about 3 acres (1.2 ha), and, inside its gates, you’ll find lush green grass, sculptures, and plenty of beautiful flowers. The flowers change seasonally, but this colourful oasis in London is known for its roses and chrysanthemums. If this all sounds great to you, please note one important thing: the garden is only open to the public from 12:30 to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday, so make sure to plan your visit during these hours.

Inner Temple Garden

Address: Temple, London EC4Y 9AY

Website: Inner Temple Garden

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12:30pm - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

4. Modern Hall Park

Up next we have Modern Hall Park, a park owned and operated by the National Trust. It’s located in south London, along the River Wandle. This large park is around 125 acres (50 ha) in size and contains riverside paths, footbridges, and a beautiful rose garden. And, once you’ve had a nice walk through the park, there are other things to explore, including a cafe, a garden centre (the only garden centre run by the National Trust, in fact), and a used book store.

Modern Hall Park

Address: Morden Hall Rd, London SM4 5JD

Website: Modern Hall Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

5. St. James's Park

If you’re looking to stay in central London, a walk through St. James’s Park is an excellent option. This park spans about 57 acres (23 ha) and boasts colourful flower beds, a lake, a fountain, and is home to a number of pelicans. It’s one of eight Royal Parks in London, providing some nice greenery for city dwellers.

Once a month there is a walking tour with a guide who will share insights about the park, so check the website if you’re interested in learning more. And there’s plenty to do once you’ve had your walk. There’s a cafe on-site, so you can enjoy a post-walk cup of tea, and famous attractions, like Buckingham Palace, are practically right next door.

St. James's Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ

Website: St. James’s Park

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

6. Hampton Court to Albert Bridge

For those who are looking for a longer walk, the Hampton Court to Albert Bridge path is a great option. This path is part of the Thames Path National Trail and is about 23 miles (37 km) long. Your journey will take you along the river and you’ll pass plenty of excellent attractions along the way.

You’ll walk past Hampton Court Palace, where the trail starts. Along the way, you’ll see Kew Gardens, Chiswick Mall, and Chelsea. And of course, there’s plenty to stop off and do while you walk, as you’ll walk past plenty of pubs, cafes, and shops. This is a great way to explore the Thames outside of central London.

Hampton Court to Albert Bridge

Website: Hampton Court to Albert Bridge

7. Hampstead Heath

Up next we have Hampstead Heath, one of London’s most beloved outdoor spaces. This heath spans about 790 acres (320 ha) and it’s one of the highest points in the city. There’s plenty of paths to walk through the heath, taking you past the more than 25 ponds, playgrounds, and Kenwood House, a stately home.

Of course, there’s also plenty of beautiful greenery to take in, including grassy areas and tall trees. And there’s more than just walking to do: you can swim and fish in some of the ponds, use the sports facilities to play tennis, or enjoy a cup of tea in the cafe.

Hampstead Heath

Website: Hampstead Heath

8. Richmond Park

Another popular green spot in London is Richmond Park. This park dates back to the 17th century when Charles I created it as a deer park. Today the deer still remain and the park takes up 2,360 acres (955 ha). There are plenty of trails to walk in the park, taking you past trees, greenery, and beautiful flowers – be sure to keep an eye out for the deer!

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the park, including hiring a bike and biking the trails, fishing in Pen Ponds, and playing a game of rugby. There are also historic buildings to explore and a cafe to relax in.

Richmond Park

Website: Richmond Park

9. Lee Valley Regional Park

Lee Valley Regional Park is located in the northeast of Greater London and is, in fact, Greater London’s biggest park at 10,000 acres (4,047 ha). The park runs along both the River Lea and the River Thames, providing stunning views as you walk the park’s trails, which cover 26 miles (42 km). In addition to the green space and rivers, this park offers lakes, heritage sites, and a sports arena. So you can also fish, play a game of golf, or visit the Forty Hall and Estate, a Jacobean Manor House. There’s certainly enough to do in Lee Valley that you can make a full day of it!

Lee Valley Regional Park

Website: Lee Valley Regional Park

10. Wandle Trail

Our list finishes with the Wandle Trail, a 12.5 mile (20 km) trail which follows the River Wandle in southwest London. The trail passes through many parks, providing walkers with ample opportunity to enjoy green spaces. The trail also passes a couple of historic buildings: Merton Abbey Mills and Morden Hall. And of course, there are plenty of options if you’re interested in stopping for a drink and snack. The Wandle Trail is a great way to explore southwest London while enjoying scenic riverside views.

Wandle Trail

Website: Wandle Trail

Walk London

While London is a bustling metropolis, there are plenty of opportunities to explore its green spaces. Whether you want to walk along the River Thames or take a casual stroll through a park, there’s a walking trail for everyone. So, pick your favourite from this list and start planning your day out!