These eight landmarks and parks are starting points for our favourite city walks in the Home of Big Ben and the Thames River; tap the links out to see the full routes.
LessAn exploration of some of the most iconic parts of London, lasting anywhere from three hours to a day depending on how long you stay in each location. Start at Buckingham Palace, head through St. James’ Park, past Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column before crossing Waterloo Bridge, strategically placed on the apex of the Thames, providing the best views in the city. Meander back along the South Bank, crossing Westminster Bridge to the political heart of the city, and indeed the country.
London's South Bank area is a perfect place to enjoy hundreds of years of history as well as the vibrant contemporary city culture. This walk begins at the Tower of London, scene of many a gruesome imprisonment over the centuries and home of the crown jewels today. It crosses the river on the fabulous feat of Victorian engineering, Tower Bridge, and then skirts along the river passing Shakespeare's beautifully restored Globe Theatre, ending at the magnificent Tate Modern Gallery.
This walk takes you to some of London’s hidden treasures, slightly off the beaten path. Discover the bohemian Camden Town with its jungle of quirky fashion markets and international cuisine. Stroll through one of London’s most iconic green spaces, Regent’s Park. Be sure not to miss the street artists at Covent Garden, dip into the Thames area to remember the heart of the city and step into the hidden world of the Regent’s Canal, an oasis of calm and once London’s best kept secret.
The most popular section of the Capital Ring Walk begins at Stoke Newington Railway Station and heads towards Springfield Park and Hackney Marshes. If you have time we suggest you checkout the entire Ring Trail, which can be done over many days and will expose you to some of the finest scenery and historic sites London has to offer.
Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and grassy meadows a mere four miles from the heart of London. It covers over 800 acres and has some of the most breath-taking views of the city. Enjoy a lazy ramble on the Heath, take in the views from Parliament Hill and then eat a roast at one of the many local pubs, washed down with a refreshing pint like a proper Londoner.
This walk takes you from Westminster Bridge, painted green like the leather seats in the Houses of Commons, to Tower Bridge, the iconic symbol of London. You will be inspired by culture and creativity with the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the Book Market and the Skating Park along South Bank, and reminded of an age-old political and historical backdrop as you wander past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster.
Explore this Thames-side suburb, from Strawberry Hill Station to Saint Margaret's Station. Archaeology shows that people were living in this area during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages as well as the Roman period. The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the coming of the railway around 1860 all shaped the land. Public open space remains, by the river and in parks linked with some of the historic buildings.
This fabulous portion of London's Greenway is easily accessed via the Stratford bus station. The path starts alongside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and passes the beautiful Abbey Mills Pumping Station. In 1931, Gandhi visited London and would go on long early morning walks, often along this very route, gathering thoughts and well-wishers alike. Today, the Greenway provides a wonderful traffic-free route to enjoy with family and friends.