7 Best Walks in London

London is a city best enjoyed on foot. You really get to know a place when you spend hours just wandering around, soaking up the sights and listening to sounds. London is a very walkable city, with plenty of scenic river routes, parks tracks and forest trails. So, lace up those comfortable shoes and enjoy some of the best walks in London.

7 Scenic Walks in London

1. The Jubilee Greenway Walk

This route takes you from Little Venice to Camden along the tranquil towpath of Regent’s Canal. It has a countryside feel even though you are in the middle of the city. So if you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, this is the walk for you. An easy 2.3 miles (3.7km) stroll, the walk takes in Lord’s Cricket Ground, Regent’s Park and Camden Lock.

2. The Jubilee Walkway – The City Loop

The City Loop is a short, circular walk around the heart of the City of London. Start your walk at Bank tube station and make your way to Number 1 Poultry where you’ll find the Jubilee Walkway panel. Look out for the Jubilee Walkway discs in the pavement and follow the route for 2 miles (3km). You’ll take in some of London’s most iconic sights. For instance, you’ll see St Paul’s Cathedral, The Museum of London and The Barbican.

3. Hampstead Heath Circular Walk

Hampstead Heath is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. It is one of the biggest open spaces in London and a wonderful place to walk whatever the weather. There are plenty of places to visit in the Heath, for instance, Parliament Hill and Kenwood House. The Hampstead Heath Circular Walk begins and ends at Hampstead Underground Station and you walk for 6.58 miles (10.59km) along surfaced or semi-surfaced paths. This London walking route also takes you past Highgate Cemetery, which is well worth a visit.

4. Thames Path

The Thames Path route covers both the north and south banks of the River Thames and offers walkers lots of things to see and do. The full length of the Thames Path is 79.5 miles (128km) but you can tackle it in chunks if you don’t fancy walking it all in one go. Follow the Thames Path National Trail symbols and the Thames Barge Symbol way-markers and take in royal palaces, historic landmarks, open spaces and plenty of places to eat and drink. One of our favourite sections is the walk from Hampton Court to Albert Bridge.

5. The Line

This route runs between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. It follows the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian. This delightful walk is London’s first contemporary art walk, so you’ll be rewarded with art installations and sculptures as you stroll along. This walk is three miles (as the crow flies) but the winding walk will take around three hours to complete, but probably longer as you’ll want to stop and enjoy the wonderful views and artworks.

6. Dollis Valley Greenwalk

The Dollis Valley Greenwalk is a 10-mile (16km) route that links the many green spaces dotted along the Dollis Valley in the London Borough of Barnet. The walk starts at Moat Mount in Mill Hill and descends through Barnet and into Hampstead Heath. The mostly flat route is along hard surfaces so it is an ideal route for wheelchair users and buggies. The walk takes roughly 6 hours to complete and you’ll see lots of wildlife and there are lovely spots to stop and enjoy a picnic.

7. Parkland Walk

The Parkland Walk in Islington is London’s longest nature reserve. This 4.5-mile (7.2km) linear route follows the abandoned railway line that once ran between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. It’s a wonderfully serene walk that takes you through tunnels, past old train stations and under the mysterious Crouch End Spriggan sculpture that emerges from beneath an arch.