Keen to lace up your shoes and wander through London’s hidden pockets of beauty? Well then, let me tell you that London has some really nice walking trails.

At first glance, London might seem like a city of bustling streets and towering buildings, but take a closer look and you’ll find a walker’s dream - serene canals, sprawling parks, historic alleyways, and riverside paths that weave through centuries of stories. With more trees than people in some areas, it’s no surprise that London is often called an ‘urban forest.’

Walking has always been my favorite way to explore this city. There’s something magical about stumbling upon a quiet garden square, following a trail along the Thames, or getting lost (in the best way) in one of its many green havens.

In this article, I’ll tell you about the best walks in London, so that you can get the perfect dose of nature while exploring this city.

Best Walks in Central London

Central London has something for everyone from riverside strolls along the Thames to walks steeped in royal heritage.

1. Southbank Walk & Tower Bridge

If there’s one walk beloved by both tourists and locals, it’s the Southbank Walk. This scenic route along the River Thames places you right in the cultural heart of London, offering stunning views and an ever-changing cityscape.

What to Expect

Also known as The Queen’s Walk, this path officially stretches from Tower Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, taking you past some of London's most iconic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll spot London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, National Theatre, BFI Southbank, and the Southbank Centre.

This walk offers a mix of modern and historic London, from brutalist architecture to centuries-old structures. You’ll also find fantastic street food stalls, lively performers, and plenty of riverside cafés to stop and take in the view. Whether you walk this route during the day or in the evening when the city lights reflect on the Thames, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Details

• Starting Point: London Bridge or Lambeth North

• Distance: 3.2 km / 2 miles

• Highlights: Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge

2. London Wall Walk: Tracing the City’s Roman Past

For history lovers, the London Wall Walk is a fascinating journey into the city’s ancient past. Built by the Romans in the late 2nd century, the London Wall once encircled the city and was maintained well into the 18th century.

What to Expect

Established in the 1980s by the Museum of London, this walk starts at the Tower of London and winds through the City of London, ending at the Museum of London. Along the route, you’ll encounter well-preserved sections of the wall, with some areas dating back nearly 2,000 years. The walk takes you past historic sites, hidden gardens, and modern skyscrapers, blending the past with the present in a uniquely London way.

Details

• Starting Point: Tower Gateway or St Paul’s

• Distance: 2.8 km / 1.7 miles

• Highlights: Tower of London, Museum of London, Roman wall remains

3. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

This beautifully designed walk was created to honor Diana, Princess of Wales, and takes you through some of the city’s most breathtaking green spaces.

What to Expect

Spanning four royal parks - St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens—this walk showcases London’s lush green heart. As you follow the path, you’ll pass landmarks associated with Diana, including Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’s Palace, and Spencer House. Bronze plaques set in the ground guide you along the way, making it easy to follow the route.

This walk offers a unique glimpse into royal London, but it’s also a wonderful way to escape the city's hustle and immerse yourself in nature.

Details

• Starting Point: Various access points

• Distance: 11.2 km / 7 miles

• Highlights: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St James’s Park

4. Jubilee Walkway: Landmarks and History in One Route

The Jubilee Walkway is one of the most comprehensive walks in London, linking many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Originally created for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, this route remains a favorite for both tourists and Londoners.

What to Expect

The walkway consists of five interconnected loops, forming a total of 24 km (15 miles) of walkable paths. You don’t have to complete the full distance, but even covering a section will take you past some of London’s most iconic sights. Highlights include City Hall, the Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament.

As this route passes through central London, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at historic pubs, cozy cafés, and riverside restaurants for a quick break.

Details

• Starting Point: Various locations

• Distance: 24 km / 15 miles (broken into loops)

• Highlights: St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, City Hall, Tate Modern

5. Westminster Walk: The Ultimate Sightseeing Route

If you want to see as many famous landmarks as possible in one walk, the Westminster Walk is your best bet. This route takes you past London’s most recognisable sights, making it a must-do for first-time visitors.

What to Expect

Starting and ending at Westminster Tube Station, this walk takes you past the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. If you time it right, you can even witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The route also passes Westminster Abbey and winds through the peaceful greenery of St. James’s Park, making it an excellent choice for those who want a mix of history, architecture, and nature. The 10-mile distance is long but easy to walk, with plenty of benches and cafés along the way.

Details

• Starting Point: Westminster Tube Station (Circle or District Line)

• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles

• Highlights: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park

Best Walks in South London

6. Crystal Palace Park to Nunhead Cemetery: A Hidden Gem Walk

This section of the Green Chain Walk is a must for a walk that blends history, nature, and some of South London’s best green spaces. This walk is scenic and fascinating, covering parts of London’s oldest woodland, stunning hilltop views, and a historic cemetery.

What to Expect

The route begins at Crystal Palace Park, home to the famous (if not entirely accurate) Victorian dinosaur sculptures. From there, the path takes you through Sydenham Hill Park, One Tree Hill, and the stunning gardens of the Horniman Museum. Finally, you’ll arrive at Nunhead Cemetery, one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries and a peaceful, atmospheric place to end your journey.

This walk offers a little bit of everything - Victorian history, panoramic views of London, and a deep dive into lesser-known parts of the city.

Details

• Starting Point: Crystal Palace Station

• Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 miles

• Highlights: Crystal Palace Park, One Tree Hill, Horniman Museum, Nunhead Cemetery

7. The Wandle Trail: A Riverside Escape

If you’re looking for a long but rewarding walk that follows a historic river through South London, the Wandle Trail is a perfect choice. This 14-mile route offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, taking you through parks, nature reserves, and industrial heritage sites.

What to Expect

The walk follows the River Wandle from Wandsworth to Croydon, a route that once supported over 90 mills. Along the way, you’ll pass Merton Abbey Mills, a historic site where William Morris produced his famous textiles, and Bell Lane Creek, a hidden spot teeming with wildlife.

This is an ideal walk for birdwatchers, history buffs, or anyone who wants to explore a lesser-known side of London’s waterways.

Details

• Starting Point: East Croydon Station

• Distance: 20 km / 14 miles

• Highlights: River Wandle, Merton Abbey Mills, Bell Lane Creek

8. Vanguard Way: A Trail Through South London’s Green Belt

One of South London’s best-kept secrets, the Vanguard Way is a long-distance path that starts in Croydon and stretches all the way to Newhaven on the Sussex Coast. While the full trail takes multiple days, the first section is a fantastic half-day walk.

What to Expect

Starting in Croydon, this route quickly takes you out of the city and into open countryside, passing through peaceful woodlands and commons. The first section to Chelsham Common is a great introduction, offering rolling fields and wide-open skies.

If you’re up for a longer trek, you can continue to Limpsfield Chart in the same day—just be sure to start early!

Details

• Starting Point: East Croydon Station

• Distance: 11 km / 6.9 miles

• Highlights: Croydon countryside, Chelsham Common, Vanguard Way Trail

9. Sydenham Hill Wood: A Walk Through London’s Ancient Forest

Once part of the Great North Wood, Sydenham Hill Wood is one of the largest remaining sections of ancient woodland in London. This walk is perfect for nature lovers, offering a tranquil escape from the city.

What to Expect

This walk takes you from Sydenham Hill Station through dense woodland filled with more than 200 species of trees and plants. You’ll pass overgrown railway tracks, spot rare birds, and end at the beautiful gardens of the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. If you want to extend your walk, you can continue into Dulwich Park.

Details

• Starting Point: Sydenham Hill Station

• Distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 miles

• Highlights: Ancient woodland, Horniman Museum, Dulwich Park

10. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Art & Nature Walks

Relive the excitement of the 2012 Olympics while exploring one of London’s best modern parks. With two well-marked walking routes, this is a great option for those looking for a shorter, more structured walk.

What to Expect

The first route is an art walk, showcasing around 30 public art pieces, including a moving mural by Miya Ando commemorating 9/11. The second option is a nature walk, covering 560 acres of parkland with spots for birdwatching and wildflower spotting.

Whether you’re into art, nature, or just a good stroll, this park has something for everyone.

Details

• Starting Point: Stratford or Hackney Wick Station

• Distance: 3.2 km / 2 miles (nature walk), shorter for the art walk

• Highlights: Olympic Stadium, public art, birdwatching spots

11. The Line: London’s Contemporary Art Walk

The Line is London’s first contemporary art walk, connecting Greenwich and Stratford via a unique outdoor gallery.

What to Expect

This 6.9 km route takes you past sculptures by artists like Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley, each positioned to complement the surrounding landscape. The walk starts at the O2 in Greenwich and finishes in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with scenic river views, industrial backdrops, and a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

This is a must-do for art lovers and those looking for a different kind of walking experience in London.

Details

• Starting Point: North Greenwich Station

• Distance: 6.9 km / 4.2 miles

• Highlights: Contemporary sculptures, Thames views, IFS Cloud Cable Car

Best Walks in East London

12. Lea Valley Walk: A Riverside Escape

If you’re looking for a walk that combines marshlands, green spaces, and striking modern architecture, the Lea Valley Walk is the perfect choice. This long but peaceful route follows the Lee Navigation Towpath from Waltham Abbey to Limehouse Basin, offering a unique perspective on East London.

What to Expect

This 15.6-mile walk takes you through a mix of rural marshlands and urban landscapes, offering a fascinating contrast between nature and city life. You'll pass through Walthamstow Marshes, one of the last remaining areas of semi-natural wetland in London, before reaching the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. It’s a quiet, scenic route, mostly flat, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Details

• Starting Point: Waltham Cross Station

• Ending Point: East India Station

• Distance: 25.10 km / 15.6 miles

• Highlights: Walthamstow Marshes, Hackney Wick, Canary Wharf, Limehouse Basin

13. Epping & Theydon Country Walk: A Woodland Adventure

For those who enjoy getting lost (just a little) in nature, the Epping & Theydon Country Walk is an enchanting choice. This route takes you through ancient woodlands that date back thousands of years, with towering hornbeams and leaf-covered trails.

What to Expect

This six-mile walk winds through Epping Forest, one of London’s most historic green spaces. The route feels timeless—archaeological finds date back to 7500 BC, and parts of the forest look like they haven’t changed in centuries. The trail is well-marked, but the dense foliage and winding paths make it easy to get a little off-track (which, honestly, is part of the fun).

The best part? You’re never far from a cosy pub in Epping or Theydon Bois, making it a great walk to combine with a traditional Sunday roast.

Details

• Starting Point: Epping Station (Central Line)

• Ending Point: Epping Station (circular route)

• Distance: 9.7 km / 6 miles

• Highlights: Ancient woodland, hornbeam trees, peaceful countryside, hidden trails

14. Regent’s Canal Walk: From Little Venice to Limehouse

A classic London walk that takes you from the picturesque waters of Little Venice to the historic docks of Limehouse, Regent’s Canal offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and urban charm.

What to Expect

This 8.6-mile towpath walk begins in Little Venice, a beautiful canal district filled with houseboats, floating cafés, and narrowboats. From there, it passes through bustling Camden, where you can take a detour to explore the famous markets, before weaving through the creative hubs of King’s Cross and East London.

Regent’s Canal is celebrating its 200th birthday soon, and its evolution from an industrial waterway to a trendy walking route is remarkable. While working barges no longer dominate the canal, you’ll find vibrant street art, waterside cafés, and even a floating bookshop along the way.

Details

• Starting Point: Warwick Avenue Station (Bakerloo Line)

• Ending Point: Limehouse Station (DLR)

• Distance: 13.8 km / 8.6 miles

• Highlights: Little Venice, Camden Market, King’s Cross, Hackney, Limehouse Basin

15. Art in the Park Trail: Stratford’s Outdoor Gallery

For art lovers, the Art in the Park Trail in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a hidden gem, showcasing an array of contemporary sculptures, murals, and installations integrated into the landscape.

What to Expect

This 3-mile trail was designed to help visitors experience art as part of the environment. It includes the Living Walls, a collection of striking urban murals, steel structures submerged in water, poetry etched into stone, and the towering ArcelorMittal Orbit, Anish Kapoor’s spiralling red sculpture.

The trail is compact and easy to complete in a couple of hours, but if you’re up for a full day of public art exploration, you can combine it with The Line, another East London art walk stretching from Greenwich to Stratford.

Details

• Starting Point: Hackney Wick Station

• Ending Point: Stratford Station

• Distance: 4.8 km / 3 miles

• Highlights: Living Walls murals, ArcelorMittal Orbit, urban sculptures, poetic installations

Best Walks in North London

16. Hampstead Heath Circular: A Green Escape

One of London’s most beloved green spaces, Hampstead Heath is an 800-acre expanse of rolling meadows, woodlands, and scenic viewpoints. This circular walk is a perfect way to experience its natural beauty and rich history.

What to Expect

Once a retreat for monks escaping the Black Death, Hampstead Heath still feels like an escape from city life. The walk offers breathtaking views from Parliament Hill, a stop at the historic Kenwood House, and a glimpse of the famous swimming ponds.

A real highlight is the Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden, a stunning hidden gem covered in climbing plants and vines. It’s one of the prettiest gardens in London and an absolute must-visit.

Details

• Starting Point: Gospel Oak Station

• Ending Point: Gospel Oak Station (circular route)

• Distance: 9.7 km / 6 miles

• Highlights: Parliament Hill, Kenwood House, Hampstead Ponds, Hampstead Pergola

17. Alexandra Park Walk: A Short but Stunning Stroll

If you’re after spectacular views with minimal effort, this walk around Alexandra Park is perfect. It’s short, sweet, and offers some of the best panoramas in North London.

What to Expect

Starting at Alexandra Palace Station, the walk quickly leads into the beautiful Victorian-designed Alexandra Park, with its tree-lined paths and sweeping city views.

The Alexandra Palace, sitting proudly above the park, adds a historic touch, and there are plenty of green spaces to relax and soak in the surroundings.

Want to extend the walk? You can connect it to the Parkland Walk (see below) for a longer adventure.

Details

• Starting Point: Alexandra Palace Station

• Ending Point: Alexandra Palace Station (circular route)

• Distance: 2 km / 1 mile

• Highlights: Alexandra Palace, panoramic city views, landscaped gardens

18. Parkland Walk: A Hidden Slice of Nature

Following an old railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace, the Parkland Walk is a peaceful, nature-filled escape that feels like stepping into the countryside.

What to Expect

This 3-mile trail is London’s longest nature reserve, winding through woodlands and quiet pathways. It’s a haven for wildlife, home to birds, bats, and even the occasional Muntjac deer.

Despite running through urban North London, the trail feels wonderfully secluded, making it a perfect choice for those wanting a scenic, uninterrupted walk.

Details

• Starting Point: Finsbury Park Station

• Ending Point: Alexandra Palace Station

• Distance: 5.5 km / 3 miles

• Highlights: Abandoned railway bridges, wildlife sightings, lush greenery

19. Canonbury Walk: A Leafy, Local Escape

This charming walk from Canonbury to Newington Green takes you through peaceful, tree-lined streets and past historic landmarks, all while tracing the course of the New River.

What to Expect

You’ll pass through some of North London’s prettiest residential areas, stopping by Highbury New Park, St Stephen’s Church, and the historic Canonbury House.

Unlike some of London’s busier walks, this route remains a bit of a hidden gem, perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful stroll away from the crowds. Once you arrive at Newington Green, there are plenty of cafés and pubs waiting for you.

Details

• Starting Point: Canonbury Station

• Ending Point: Newington Green

• Distance: 4.8 km / 3 miles

• Highlights: Canonbury House, Highbury New Park, quiet residential streets

Best Walks in West London

20. Tamsin Trail: A Scenic Loop Around Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of London’s greatest green spaces, and the Tamsin Trail is the perfect way to experience its beauty. This circular route follows the park’s outer perimeter, offering stunning views, peaceful woodlands, and the chance to spot the famous herds of deer roaming freely.

What to Expect

The trail provides a fantastic introduction to Richmond Park, passing through expansive grasslands, ancient oak trees, and picturesque ponds. The walk highlights King Henry’s Mound, a historic viewpoint with a direct line of sight to St. Paul’s Cathedral in central London. Legend has it that Henry VIII once stood here, awaiting news of Anne Boleyn’s execution.

A short detour will take you to Isabella Plantation, a breathtaking 40-acre woodland garden famous for its vibrant azaleas that bloom in April and May.

Details

• Starting Point: Chiswick Station

• Ending Point: Chiswick Station (circular route)

• Distance: 12 km / 7.35 miles

• Highlights: King Henry’s Mound, deer herds, Isabella Plantation

21. Chiswick Riverside Walk: History Along the Thames

This riverside walk meanders along both sides of the River Thames, passing through the charming areas of Chiswick, Barnes, and Hammersmith. With a mix of scenic river views and historic landmarks, this is one of the most picturesque walks in West London.

What to Expect

Starting at Chiswick Station, the route leads you to Chiswick House, an exquisite 18th-century Palladian mansion set in one of the earliest landscaped gardens in England. If time allows, it’s well worth exploring the house and gardens before continuing the walk.

The route takes you past Hogarth House, the former home of the famous artist William Hogarth, followed by a stretch of historic riverside homes at Hammersmith Terrace. You’ll also pass Kelmscott House, where the influential designer William Morris lived for almost 20 years.

A particularly tranquil spot is the Leg of Mutton Reservoir, a hidden wildlife haven. From here, continue through Mortlake, crossing the river at Chiswick Bridge before looping back to the station.

Details

• Starting Point: Chiswick Station

• Ending Point: Chiswick Station (circular route)

• Distance: 11.5 km / 7 miles

• Highlights: Chiswick House, Hogarth House, Leg of Mutton Reservoir, Thames views

22. Wimbledon Common: A Countryside Escape

Wimbledon Common is the perfect place if you’re looking for a countryside-style walk without leaving London. This vast green space offers woodlands, meadows, and hidden gardens, making it a great destination for a refreshing nature walk.

What to Expect

This route starts in Wimbledon Common, where you’ll walk along winding bridleways and across open heathland. The landscape changes throughout the walk, with dense woodland, rhododendron-filled gardens, and small ponds adding variety to the scenery.

A highlight of the walk is Cannizaro Park, an elegant landscaped garden featuring walled gardens, exotic trees, and colorful flower beds. Nearby is Cannizaro House, an 18th-century manor-turned-luxury hotel that once hosted figures like Oscar Wilde and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

The walk continues through the heart of the common, passing picturesque picnic spots before looping back to Wimbledon Station. If it has rained recently, be sure to wear sturdy boots as some trails can get muddy.

Details

• Starting Point: Wimbledon Station

• Ending Point: Wimbledon Station (circular route)

• Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

• Highlights: Wimbledon Common woodlands, Cannizaro Park, historic Cannizaro House

23. Isabella Plantation: A Hidden Gem in Richmond Park

Tucked away within Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden offering one of London's most beautiful short walks. Known for its stunning azalea displays in spring, this peaceful spot is a must-visit for nature lovers.

What to Expect

The Victorian-era garden, planted in the 1830s, is carefully preserved to maintain its rich biodiversity. Evergreen azaleas, vibrant rhododendrons, and flower-lined ponds create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in April and May when the blooms are at their peak.

There are multiple short trails within Isabella Plantation, ranging from gentle strolls along the streams to slightly longer loops around the surrounding woodland. Visitors are encouraged to tread carefully to protect the delicate ecosystem.

For those wanting a longer walk, you can combine Isabella Plantation with the Tamsin Trail for a more extensive Richmond Park exploration.

Details

• Starting Point: Richmond Station

• Ending Point: Richmond Station (circular route)

• Distance: Various routes available

• Highlights: Azalea and rhododendron blooms, peaceful woodland trails, wildlife sightings

Long Walking Trails in London

If you're looking for long(er) walks in London, you're in for a treat! These trails showcase everything from the city’s historic heart to its green outer edges, offering riverside strolls, royal landmarks, and hidden countryside pockets. Whether you’re after a day hike or an epic multi-day challenge, these walks have something for every explorer.

24. The Thames Path: London’s Iconic Riverside Trail

Distance: 128 km / 79.5 miles
Starting Point: Thames Barrier (East)
Ending Point: Hampton Court (West)
Best for: Iconic bridges, riverside views, and varied cityscapes

The Thames Path is London’s most famous long-distance trail, stretching alongside the River Thames from the Thames Barrier in the east to Hampton Court Palace in the west.

You can choose to walk along either the north bank or the south bank, each offering its own unique perspective of the city. On this route, you’ll encounter London’s most famous bridges, from the striking Millennium Bridge to the iconic Tower Bridge, as well as historic sites like the Houses of Parliament and Shakespeare’s Globe.

As you move further out, the urban landscape softens, giving way to quieter, more rural sections, particularly as you reach Richmond and beyond. Whether you walk a small stretch or take on the full route over multiple days, this is a truly rewarding way to see London from the water’s edge.

25. Jubilee Greenway: A Royal and Olympic Legacy Walk

Distance: 60 km / 37 miles
Starting Point: Buckingham Palace
Ending Point: Limehouse Basin
Best for: Royal landmarks, Olympic history, and London’s grand parks

Unlike most long-distance trails that skirt around London’s edges, the Jubilee Greenway weaves right through the heart of the city. Created in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, the route celebrates both royal history and sporting heritage.

Starting at Buckingham Palace, the path takes you past Kensington Palace, through Regent’s Park, and alongside the Olympic Park in Stratford. It’s a route packed with variety, from grand royal residences to leafy parks and canalside paths.

Given its length, the Jubilee Greenway is best tackled in smaller sections. Fortunately, Transport for London has broken it down into 10 manageable stages, each with convenient public transport links. This makes it a perfect weekend challenge or a series of day hikes for those keen to discover new parts of the city.

26. Capital Ring Walk: A Loop Through London’s Hidden Treasures

Distance: 126 km / 70 miles
Starting Point: Various entry points
Best for: Grand estates, secret green spaces, and historic sites

The Capital Ring Walk is a 70-mile circular route that loops around inner London, passing through nature reserves, historic estates, and lesser-known neighborhoods. It’s neither fully central nor at the city’s edge but instead winds through fascinating pockets of London that many people never explore.

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems like:

• Eltham Palace – a mix of Tudor grandeur and Art Deco elegance

• The remnants of the Great North Wood – a once-vast ancient woodland

• Abney Park Cemetery – one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries, filled with history and striking architecture

Because of its length, most walkers tackle the Capital Ring in sections, dipping in and out whenever they have a free weekend. Each stage offers a different side of London, making it one of the most rewarding long-distance walks in the city.

27. London Loop: The Ultimate Long-Distance Walk

Distance: 241 km / 150 miles
Starting Point: Various entry points
Best for: Exploring London’s outer edges, countryside escapes, and hidden villages

This 150-mile trail encircles the very edges of Greater London, taking you through forests, riverside paths, and charming villages that feel miles away from the urban rush.

Unlike the Capital Ring, which sticks closer to inner London, the London Loop plunges into the city’s most rural areas. As you walk, you’ll pass through ancient woodlands, historic manor houses, and even sections of the Green Belt. Some of the highlights include:

• Epping Forest – a vast stretch of ancient woodland with deer and hidden trails

• Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace – a royal deer park with history dating back to Henry VIII

• Havering Country Park – a peaceful escape with wide-open fields and wildflowers

Because of its sheer size, the London Loop is best tackled in stages. Thankfully, it has been split into 24 manageable sections, each of which can be completed as a day hike. This makes it one of the best ways to discover the lesser-known green spaces around London while escaping the city’s hustle and bustle.

Which Long-Distance Walk Should You Choose?

• If you love riverside walks, opt for the Thames Path

• If you want royal landmarks and Olympic history, try the Jubilee Greenway

• If you prefer hidden parks and historic estates, explore the Capital Ring

• If you’re looking for a multi-day challenge and countryside escapes, take on the London Loop

Whichever route you choose, London’s long-distance trails offer an incredible way to see the city from a fresh perspective. 

Discovering London, One Walk at a Time

London is a city best explored on foot. Whether you’re meandering through leafy parks, following the River Thames, or uncovering hidden gems in quiet neighborhoods, every walk tells a different story. For those seeking a classic city walk, trails like the Thames Path or Jubilee Greenway weave through iconic landmarks and showcase London’s ever-evolving skyline. If you’re after something a little quieter, the Capital Ring and London Loop reveal a more tranquil, green side of the city, proving that London’s greatest escapes are often just a few steps away.

No matter which path you choose, walking in London is about more than just getting from A to B. It’s about slowing down, noticing the details, and experiencing the city in a way no tube ride or bus journey can match.

So lace up your walking shoes, pick a route, and let London surprise you - one step at a time.