Love the city but crave a bit of green? London offers an incredible mix of scenic walking routes that blend nature, history, and culture—all without leaving the capital. Whether you're after riverside strolls, leafy woodland trails, or a walk through centuries of heritage, there’s a perfect route waiting for you.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve curated 12 of the best walking routes in London, from peaceful paths like Hampstead Heath and Sydenham Hill Wood to iconic stretches along the South Bank and Thames Path. These walks are perfect for locals looking to unwind, visitors eager to explore, or anyone wanting a break from busy city life.
Most routes are easily accessible by public transport, dog-friendly, and suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you’re starting from East London, North London, or even right near our Greenwich apartments, there’s an inspiring walk nearby.
Ready to explore the best of London—on foot?
Where to walk in London?
The Thames Path
This iconic long-distance trail stretches 294km along the River Thames. You don’t need to walk it all—sections around South Bank, Hampton Court Palace, and Canary Wharf are perfect for day walks.
Of course, we don’t expect you to be taking on the full trail but you can enjoy various sections on both the north and south banks.
Best For: Riverside views & major landmarks
Try: South Bank walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
Distance: ~5 km
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Transport for London has a great breakdown of all the different routes along The Thames Path that you can explore but some of the key highlights of this walk include:
- Hampton Court Palace
- Canary Wharf
- Houses of Parliament
- South Bank
- Battersea Park
Hampstead Circular Walk
A lush green walk that offers a relaxing walk in nature. The Hampstead circular walk is between 7.32 km and 10.59 km long, depending on whether you opt for the easier walk or the steeper walk.
Along this walk, you’ll get to enjoy Preacher’s Hill and Hampstead Ponds. You’ll also be taken around the stunning Kenwood House, where you can choose to explore the grounds a little more, pop into the gift show or grab a refreshment in the on-site cafe.
Best For: Nature and countryside feel
Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy by the ponds
Distance: 7–10 km loop
Time: 2–3 hours
Plan your walk with the help of the London Ramblers Hampstead Heath Circular Walk guide.
Parkland Walk
There are two sections to the Parkland Walk that you can enjoy, either the North walk which takes you from Cranley Gardens to Muswell Hill. Or, if you’d prefer the South walk, you can walk from Holmesdale Road in Highgate to Finsbury Park.
With the northern section running at around 2km and the southern section stretching approximately 3km, you could combine the two and enjoy a full 5km walk through some of London’s woods and wildlife habitats.
Distance: ~5 km
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Best For: Woodland vibes in North London
Highlight: Urban foxes and railway heritage
Green Chain Walk
Another walk that is conveniently split into two distinct sections. Green Chain Walk takes you all the way from the River Thames to Nunhead Cemetery and takes you through lush woodland and vast green fields and parks.
Distance: ~6–7 km
Time: 2 hours
Best For: Family-friendly green escapes
Navigation: Well-signposted and split into sections
On this route you’ll be able to see some stunning sights along the way, such as:
- Eltham Palace
- The Horniman Museum and Gardens
- Oxleas Woods
- Severndroog Castle
Oxleas Meadows and Wood
With 8,000-year-old woodland and a cosy café at the summit, Oxleas is ideal for a full day out. If you’d like to explore Oxleas Woods by itself, then there is a walk you can do that takes you solely through the woods and meadows.
Distance: 3–5 km (varied loops)
Time: 1–2 hours
Best For: Hilltop views and peaceful woods
Tip: Refuel at the café with a hot drink and slice of cake
You’ll even find a delicious cafe at the top of the hill of the meadow, where you can grab a refreshment before carrying on your walk. Oxleas Woods are a very popular hiking spot with walkers and there are lots of different routes you can take around the area. Komoot has pulled together a great blog with 15 of the best walking routes around the woods and meadows which is worth checking out.
London Wall Walk
For history lovers, you might want to immerse yourself in London’s rich history, in which case the London Wall Walk is a great way to spend some time outdoors.
Best For: History and architecture
Distance: 2.8 km
Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
This route is signposted with various plaques that offer information about the history of the wall. You’ll start with the first plaque near the Tower of London called ‘Postern Gate at The Tower’. From here, you’ll carry on up to Tower Hill to find the second plaque.
All the plaques are numbered allowing you to keep track of the direction you’re heading and the 2.8 km walk will lead you right up to the Museum of London.
Abney Park to Hackney Marshes
A varied walk that comes in at around 5.2 km and shows you some of Hackney’s green open spaces and parks, as well as taking you through the historic Abney Park Cemetery.
Distance: ~5.2 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Best For: Hidden green spaces in East London
Highlight: Spiritual home of Sunday league football
Abney Park is a 13-hectare park dating from around the 1700s and is filled with wildflowers, elm trees and cedars. For sports lovers, Hackney Marshes offers a slice of football history with pitches dating back to 1946 and is often known as the spiritual home of Sunday league football.
The Wandle Trail
If you’re in need of a dose of uninterrupted wildlife and green spaces then The Wandle Trail is perfect for you. Situated in southwest London, this is a hub of natural beauty spanning 15 miles along the river Wandle.
Distance: ~3 km
Time: ~30–45 minutes
Best For: Birdwatching and nature lovers
Short Walk: Morden Hall to Colliers Wood (~30 mins)
The whole trail is around 20km from East Croydon Station to the Thames Path however there are shorter walks within the main route that are better for a casual walk with friends and family. For example, heading out from Morden Hall to Colliers Wood Station will take only 30 minutes.
Victoria Park
There are lots of circular walks around Victoria Park and one of our favourites is the Regent's Canal and Victoria Park circular. This route takes you along an easy trail right in the heart of London.
Distance: ~6 km
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Best For: Colourful canals and urban green space
Fun Fact: Spot unique murals along the canal
Not only will you enjoy everything that Victoria Park has to offer, but you’ll also follow the canal to see rows and rows of colourful canal boats. For those that love street art, this walk will take you past some amazing pieces of work before turning you around and leading you back to the green of the park.
South Bank
London’s South Bank is steeped in history and a great place to take in some of the most popular sights. This South Bank Thames walk is a quick 5 km that is easy for all fitness levels, you’ll also be immersed into some of London’s more contemporary culture with the Tate Modern Gallery and the beautifully restored Globe Theatre.
Distance: ~5 km
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Best For: Iconic London landmarks
Nighttime Tip: Walk at dusk for city lights and quieter paths
South Bank walk is also stunning during dusk or nighttime when the city is fully lit up. You’ll be able to avoid the busiest tourist crowds and get to see some of the most historic sights including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and a number of protected remnants from the Blitz.
Sydenham Hill Wood
Nestled in the borough of Southwark lies Sydenham Hill Wood, one of London Wildlife Trust’s oldest nature reserves.
Distance: ~6.9 km
Time: 2 hours
Best For: Autumn colours and birdlife
Managed by: London Wildlife Trust
This is a great loop walk that spans around 6.9 km, with a nice mix of history, nature and wildlife. It is particularly beautiful in the autumn months when the trees are just starting to turn, but the reserve is always open to visitors no matter the season.
Hilly Fields and Greenwich Park
This circular walk shows you the very best that Greenwich has to offer. It’s a relatively easy loop that is around 9.5 km, paved and dog friendly.
Distance: ~9.5 km
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Best For: A full day out in Southeast London
Pet Friendly: Perfect for dog walkers
Not only will you enjoy the vibrant flower beds of Greenwich park, but you’ll also get a taste of the area's rich maritime history and its perfect mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. As this trail takes you through Greenwich, there are plenty of opportunities to stop at one of the area’s many cafes and restaurants for light refreshments, brunch or lunch.
How safe is it to walk around London?
Yes, London is a walkable and safe city. All routes above are popular, well-maintained, and accessible. Central areas like South Bank remain busy and well-lit into the evening.
FAQs – Walking in London
Is London a walkable city in 2025?
Yes. London features pedestrian-friendly routes, green corridors, and well-connected public transport.
What is the best walk in London for history lovers?
The London Wall Walk offers a self-guided historical tour from the Tower of London to the Museum of London.
Which walking route is best for nature and peace?
Try Oxleas Woods or Sydenham Hill Wood for forest settings and tranquillity.
Can I take my dog on these walks?
Most routes like Greenwich Park and Hampstead Heath are dog-friendly. Look for leash signage.
What’s the best riverside walk in London?
The South Bank trail offers unbeatable views and easy access to cultural landmarks.
All of the recommended walks above are perfectly safe and you’ll regularly pass other Londoners enjoying the wide-open spaces.
