Our favorite walks in London vary from city strolls within the metropolis centre to wild hikes in royal parks. Every features a map and directions, together with an unforgettable expertise within the capital.
LAST UPDATE: 12 Jan 2024
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For a metropolis of 9 million folks, London is a remarkably various place to take pleasure in a stroll. Royal Parks present a slice of inexperienced amongst the city jungle. Towpaths wind alongside canals and rivers. Pedestrianised streets present traffic-free entry to chill neighbourhoods.
Having lived and labored in London for the final 30 years we’ve walked a number of town. In actual fact, exploring on foot is among the finest methods to see London.
In these walks you may discover the city centre, ramble royal historical past, admire fashionable artwork or escape to one in all London’s many inexperienced areas.
Our high walks in London vary from 1 to 4 hours, and every embrace easy-to-follow directions with a map you may take with you in your smartphone.
For extra hikes throughout the southeast of England learn: finest walks close to London.
MAP | BEST LONDON WALKS
On the map under, we have now organised our favorite walks in London into straightforward (crimson / 2-4 miles); medium (4-6 miles / purple); and longer (6-9 miles / orange).
Estimated strolling instances are included, however the routes have been designed to move London’s finest locations of curiosity. So, you can simply spend half to a complete day exploring every of those routes.
Easy methods to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of places, then click on on the places to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to save lots of to your Google Maps.
EASY
1. QUEEN’S WALK
The Queen’s Stroll (typically known as the Queen Elizabeth Stroll) is among the hottest walks in London.
Heading alongside the South Financial institution of the Thames River it admires probably the most well-known landmarks within the UK together with the Homes of Parliament, London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Because it promenades alongside the riverbank it passes second-hand markets, the Shakespeare Globe and the most effective fashionable artwork galleries on this planet, the Tate Trendy.
Formally the stroll runs between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. However we’ve picked a barely amended model that covers all of the landmarks however begins and finishes at tube stations.
- Distance – 2 miles (3.5 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 1 hour
- Finest Time – Morning: the crowds are fewer
- Map & Directions – Queen’s Stroll London
EASY
2. SHOREDITCH STREET ART
London is wealthy with nice avenue artwork, however nowhere is extra blessed than Shoreditch. Gritty partitions are filled with vibrant murals, placing typography, and political statements.
Road artwork is, by its very nature, ephemeral. New avenue artwork pops up simply as outdated favourites disappear. This rotating lifecycle is what makes this stroll in Shoreditch so interesting.
We’ve picked all our favorite artwork and artists and put them collectively on this fascinating stroll. We do our greatest to maintain it updated however tell us in the event you spot a brand new Banksy.
In the event you’d slightly be part of an organised tour, take a look at this well-rated Shoreditch Road Artwork tour.
- Distance – 3.3 miles (5.5 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 1 hour, half-hour
- Finest Time – Afternoon: to cease for curry or a bagel in Brick Lane
- Map & Directions – Shoreditch Road Artwork Stroll
EASY
3. NOTTING HILL WALK
During the last hundred years, folks from all around the globe have flocked to dwell in Notting Hill. Main the way in which had been Caribbean immigrants within the Fifties and Sixties, who at present dwell facet by facet with Moroccan, Spanish and Portuguese communities.
Because of this, Notting Hill is a various and multicultural neighbourhood.
This London stroll explores one of the best issues to do in Notting Hill together with the colorful homes, the Portobello Market, and places from the well-known movie. At both finish, you may go to two wonderful museums, the Museum of Manufacturers and the Design Museum.
A scenic stroll by stunning Holland Park is within the center.
- Distance – 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 1 hour, half-hour
- Finest Time – Friday & Saturday: cease at one of many many nice brunch spots in Notting Hill
- Map & Directions – Notting Hill Stroll
EASY
4. LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Few cities show Christmas Lights with the identical sense of extravagance as London, annually gloriously illuminating grand streets.
One of the simplest ways to see the lights is on this stroll which begins at Mayfair, passes by Soho, and ends in Covent Backyard. You’ll go to the colourful Carnaby Road, elegant Regent Road and the spectacular Fortnum & Mason show. Highlights embrace the annual façade at Annabels and the gorgeous lights on New Bond Road.
It’s an amazing stroll any time of 12 months but it surely’s the most effective issues to do in the event you’re in London at Christmas.
- Distance – 3.2 miles (5.2 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 1 hour, half-hour
- Finest Time – Late night: when it’s quieter
- Map & Directions – London Christmas Lights Stroll
EASY
5. SOUTH BANK WALK
This London stroll initially follows the identical route because the Queen’s Stroll talked about above. However slightly than crossing the river over to St Paul’s, the stroll continues alongside the south financial institution of the Thames.
The good thing about that is you get to climb London’s premier skyscraper, the Shard; feast on avenue meals from town’s finest meals market, Borough Market; and go to the Tower of London. There’s wonderful avenue artwork and different cultural highlights together with the Southbank Centre and the Shakespeare Globe.
This is among the hottest walks in London and for good motive.
- Distance – 3.8 miles (6.2 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Finest Time – Morning: have lunch at Borough Market
- Map & Directions – London South Financial institution Stroll
MEDIUM
6. REGENT’S CANAL WALK
Regent’s Canal cuts its approach by the parks and diversified city structure of northern London. A towpath runs alongside most of its route, permitting for a traffic-free stroll to discover a few of London’s best neighbourhoods.
We’ve designed a route that covers one of the best sections of the canal. The stroll begins and finishes at two not too long ago regenerated London neighbourhoods: Paddington and King’s Cross. Alongside the way in which, it passes the mansions and narrowboats of Little Venice, the leafy banks and grand homes of Regent’s Park, and Camden Market.
This is a superb, principally traffic-free option to see a few of London’s finest neighbourhoods.
- Distance – 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 2 hours, quarter-hour
- Finest Time – Spring: flowers dot the banks of the canal
- Map & Directions – Regent’s Canal Stroll
MEDIUM
7. ROYAL PARKS & PALACES
This stroll is a royal introduction to the pomp and ceremony of London. Exploring the imperial and political coronary heart of town, it contains 4 royal parks, 4 royal residences, the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Beginning in Kensington Gardens, the stroll continues by Hyde Park, Inexperienced Park and St James’s Park through a gorgeous, enjoyable route with few roads to cross till you attain Westminster.
Alongside the way in which you may cease off on the Queen’s Gallery, the superb Churchill Struggle Rooms and peer down Downing Road. Time the stroll to coincide with the Altering of the Guard on The Mall for the last word London expertise.
- Distance – 5.1 miles (8.25 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 2 hours, half-hour
- Finest Time– Morning: – See the Altering of the Guard at 11 am
- Map & Directions – Royal Park & Palaces Stroll
MEDIUM
8. HAMPSTEAD HEATH WALK
This beautiful stroll explores Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath, a big historical parkland in north London.
Go to Kenwood Home, a grand house that includes artworks by Rembrandt, Turner and Constable, earlier than strolling as much as Parliament Hill, the most effective viewpoints in London.
Subsequent, head by the forest and heathland to achieve the Hampstead Bathing Ponds, the place you may take a refreshing dip in nature and sunbathe in a secluded location.
End up at Hampstead Excessive Road the place you may strive a pint in one of many conventional pubs within the village.
- Distance – 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Finest Time – Summer time: to swim within the ponds
- Map & Directions – Hampstead Heath Stroll
MEDIUM
9. REGENT’S PARK & CAMDEN TOWN WALK
This stroll is an effective way to discover the world north of central London, a vibrant neighbourhood recognized for eclectic markets, dwell music, old-school pubs, and delightful inexperienced areas.
All through 4.5 miles it passes by Regent’s Park, the most-regal of London’s parks, and Primrose Hill, well-known for its commanding views over central London.
Ending in Camden City, you may spend a while exploring the market, see nice avenue artwork and possibly even catch a dwell music occasion.
- Distance – 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 2 hours quarter-hour
- Finest Time – Afternoon: end with a night in Camden
- Map & Directions – Regent’s Park & Camden Stroll
MEDIUM
10. CITY OF LONDON WALK
The Metropolis of London, referred to as the sq. mile, is the small historic coronary heart of town. That is the place London first got here to life earlier than it expanded past the unique boundaries within the Seventeenth century.
This London stroll is a step again in time.
You’ll go to the stays of a Roman temple, move the Tower of London, discover the medieval church of the Knights Templar, and peer up at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll go to the establishments that helped construct London together with the Royal Courts of Justice, the Financial institution of England, and Royal Change. As town is an attention-grabbing mix of outdated and new, you may as well head to Sky Backyard for unbelievable views over London.
- Distance – 4.5 miles (7.25 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 2 hours, quarter-hour
- Finest Time – Any time however e book a slot for the Sky Backyard upfront.
- Map & Directions – Metropolis of London Stroll
LONGER
11. OLYMPIC PARK & THE LINE
This stroll is a superb exploration of artwork and structure in London. It begins at Stratford Station, then follows the Lea River by east London earlier than ending in North Greenwich.
The hike consists of two sections. Firstly, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the marginally oblique route (attributable to constructing work) passes the velodrome, the aquatics centre, London stadium and the brand new V&A East, which can open in 2025.
Secondly, it follows The Line, an bold public artwork mission that connects the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the O2 in Greenwich. The artworks alongside the route contains Birds by Tracey Emin, DNA DL90 (Procuring Trollies) by Abigail Falls, Demon with Bowl by Damien Hirst, and Quantum Cloud by Antony Gormley.
We’ve marked a few of our favorite items of artwork on the map under; the whole listing is on the official Line information.
This London stroll requires a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Automotive. You may pay utilizing contactless, and the views over the O2 and the Isle of Canines are wonderful.
- Distance – 6.1 miles (9.8 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 3 hours
- Finest Time – Any time, however keep away from West Ham house video games at London Stadium
- Map – Olympic Park & The Line Stroll
LONGER
12. CHELSEA TO TOWER HILL
This stroll is an extended model of the South Financial institution Stroll above, going from Chelsea to Tower Hill. It’s an amazing selection if the climate is sweet and also you’re searching for an extended stroll alongside the Thames.
Starting at Sloane Sq. Station it ambles by Chelsea and previous the Royal Hospital earlier than reaching the banks of the river Thames.
Take an optionally available detour throughout the bridge to discover the newly renovated Battersea Energy Station space or proceed alongside the north financial institution of the river to pop into Tate Britain free) to discover one of the best of British artwork.
Subsequent up is the gorgeous Victorian gothic structure of Westminster Palace, after which you cross Westminster Bridge and be part of the South Financial institution Stroll.
- Distance – 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 3 hours
- Finest Time – Early morning: for the reflections throughout the Thames
- Map – Chelsea to Tower Hill Stroll
LONGER
13. EPPING FOREST
Epping Forest is sort of 6,000 acres of historical woodland that cuts a slender inexperienced hall within the city panorama. It’s a beautiful place to hike close to London.
Many of the strolling is below a mild swaying cover of leaves. Periodically the timber half to disclose small patches of heath or ponds that are house to a wide range of wildlife.
There are many routes to select from in Epping Forest. The Oak Path is the most well-liked however, in our opinion, it’s the least good because it spends more often than not in timber with out a lot variation.
Our decide is the 7.5-mile stroll which begins and ends at Queen Elizabeth’s Looking Lodge close to Chingford Station. You’ll expertise the forest, but additionally go to the searching lodge, stunning ponds and stroll by open sections with beautiful views.
- Distance – 7.5 miles (12 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 3 hours, half-hour
- Finest Time – Spring: flowers are out, and buds are on the timber
- Map – Epping Forest Stroll
LONGER
14. WAPPING TO GREENWICH WALK
This stroll, primarily alongside the Thames River, explores three very totally different sides of London.
First, it heads by the outdated docklands of Wapping and Limehouse. What was bustling docks and industrial areas are actually fashionable residences perched over the waterfront. Solely the superb outdated pubs appear to have survived.
Secondly, it weaves by Canary Wharf and the Isle of Canines the place gleaming new skyscrapers tower above the waterways.
Lastly, it ends at historic maritime Greenwich. Cease on the superb Painted Corridor within the Previous Royal Naval Faculty and peruse the full of life native market. On the Greenwich Observatory, stand on the meridian and admire magnificent views over London.
- Distance – 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 3 hours, half-hour
- Finest Time – Late afternoon: goal for sundown on the Greenwich Observatory
- Map – Wapping to Greenwich Stroll
LONGER
15. RICHMOND PARK WALK
Regardless of being consumed by town, Richmond Park nonetheless retains a wild, rugged really feel. Tucked throughout the sweeping grasslands you’ll discover wild deer and stag, in addition to vibrant gardens and grand lodges.
From Henry’s Mound, Windsor Fortress could be seen glimmering within the distance. To the east, the skyscrapers of town loom above the timber.
Profiting from its proximity to the Thames, this stroll heads alongside the banks of the river. You’ll go to Richmond city at one finish and Ham Home – a large Seventeenth-century pile peering over the water – on the different.
- Distance – 9 miles (14.5 kilometres)
- Strolling Time – 4 hours
- Finest time – Autumn: when the leaves are altering color and the stags are rutting.
- Map – Richmond Park Stroll
