Published on: 7th February 2023
The best way to experience London is absolutely on foot. Sure, the tubes will get you from A to B fast, but you miss so much of the amazing city when you’re underground. If you’re visiting London and need some help to navigate the city while walking, we’ve come up with the best places to walk in London.
The London City Wall Walk
This relatively short walk will take you from the Tower of London to the London museum. The walk was founded by the London Museum in the 1980s and is a great way to delve into London’s rich history. The Romans began building the wall between the years 190 and 225 AD and it continued to be maintained up until the 18th century.
The walk is around 2.8km long and is the perfect thing to do in London for anyone who is a history buff, or who wants to learn more about this phenomenal city. It’s also an ideal location if you’re staying in and around Bermondsey and you need some fresh air!
Kensington Gardens to Kensington Palace
This is one for anyone who loves manicured gardens and wants to see some of the less touristy sites in London. Situated close to the Lancaster Gate underground station, you can start your walk in the Italian Gardens and make your way across to Kensington Palace.
Royalists may like to know that Kensington Palace is the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the gardens are where you can find the famous Princess Diana Memorial. The garden’s fountains and exquisite landscapes offer you some peace and tranquillity after touring all the exciting London sights. The gardens are an ideal spot to step outside if you are staying in the area.
Camden Town
Camden Town is one of the most vibrant spots in London with iconic London Punks and Goths roaming the streets along the Camden Lock. The town has many shops, restaurants and bars, and you cannot leave Camden without visiting Camden market – one of the most impressive hubs for street food, crafts, clothing, and music.
Walking in Camden Town is less about exercise and more about experiencing Camden culture. It’s conveniently located only 2 stops away from King’s Cross St Pancras on the Northern Line, and Primrose Hill is only another 15-minute walk away from the market so you can take in the views of the London skyline after a day of shopping.
South Bank Walk
Another London spot where the vibe of the city comes to life, The South Bank walk will allow you to see all the sights of London where you can experience great music, incredible food and get your pictures in front of Tower Bridge. Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and Millenium Bridge are some of the sites you’ll come across as you stroll down the South Bank.
You can get to South Bank from Lambeth Bridge, Waterloo, London Blackfriars or from London Bridge and is a great activity to do in London if you choose to stay close by. Depending on where you start your walk, the route is around 6 km long and will take you all along the South side of the River Thames.
Hampstead Heath Circular Walk
This is one of the best places to walk in London, particularly if you are a fan of nature. The Hampstead Heath Circular Walk is one of the biggest green areas in the city, offering visitors 791 acres of wilderness to explore. The reserve is home to attractions such as Kenwood House and presents the opportunity to spot some of London’s wildlife including bats and deer.
To take full advantage of the walks around Hampstead Heath, there are several beautiful properties you can rent in the area, with stunning views of the Heath as well as the London skyline.
Regents Canal – Little Venice to Camden
Navigating the London canals is the best way to see what life on a London Barge is really like. Little Venice is one of the most idyllic-looking parts of London, so-called for charming cafes, shops, and boats dotted along the water’s edge. It’s not far from Paddington and is the starting point for the walk along the canals which lead to Limehouse in East London.
Walking from Little Venice to Camden Town is a popular route and only takes around 1 hour to complete. It’s the ideal stroll for anyone staying nearby and who likes to be close to the water while taking leisurely coffee breaks along the way.
The Thames Path – Battersea Park
Don’t be intimidated if you try and plot your route along the Thames Path and you see your starting point in the Cotswolds. The whole path is around 298 km which is not ideal if you just want to see London. However, the Battersea park section of the path is well worth a try with several ponds and lovely gardens for you to enjoy. Slightly on the outskirts of central London, Battersea is wonderful to stay in with easy connections to the city. The Thames Path through the area is perfect for quiet walks or catching up on some reading under a tree.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is great to take a leisurely meander through nature in the middle of Westminster. The park is surrounded by Mayfair, Paddington, and Belgravia and is directly opposite Kensington gardens. Visitors to Hyde Park can look forward to seeing famous sites like the Marble Arch, Speaker’s Corner, and Serpentine Lake.
The Westminster Walk
The Westminster Walk will take you around 2 hours and will take you past major London attractions like Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and 10 Downing St. If you get your timing right, you’ll also be able to see the Changing of the Guard along the way.
The route is perfect for anyone who has accommodation in Westminster and fancies exploring the city on foot and looking for things to do in London.
The Line Stratford
One of the best walks for all those art enthusiasts out there, The Line walk starts in Stratford and ends at the Greenwich underground station. The walk is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and will take you around 2 and a half hours to complete, although you can take as long as you want. It’s a great option for things to do in London especially if you are staying in Stratford.
London is Best Seen on Foot
There are so many places to walk in London that will guarantee you make the most out of your trip. With walks dotted around the city and on its outskirts, it’s the best way to see the city and experience all it has to offer.
