10 of the Best Walks and Walking Routes in London

London is widely regarded as one of the world's great cities to visit, London is also among the most historically interesting cities in the world, and some of the best walks in London range from the landmark-filled Westminster Walk and the historic London Wall Walk to the Hampstead Heath Circular Walk and themed routes such as the Harry Potter walk from King’s Cross to Millennium Bridge.

Rich in tradition, culture and the arts, at its centre are the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower (home to the Big Ben bell) and Westminster Abbey – all lining the River Thames. For affluent travellers who want to explore the capital through well-curated, self-guided routes, walking is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to take in London’s history, royal sights, green spaces, contemporary art and film locations at your own pace. There’s literally a walk for every mood, whether it’s a gentle hour-long stroll in one of the many inviting parks or an action-packed full-day hike. You could easily immerse yourself in nature, discover cute hamlets, admire works of art or even spot wildlife without leaving the capital. London is well-organised with no hills, wide pavements, courteous people and clearly displayed signs – which further ease the walking way.

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The First-Class.com guide to the ten Best Walks in London:

Westminster, one of the best walks in london — Westminster

1. Westminster

London's Westminster Walk takes you to major landmarks such as Big Ben, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Churchill War Rooms, and Westminster Abbey – arguably London's most important seats of royal and political power. The recommendation is to take a circular route that starts and finishes at Westminster Underground Station, to ease logistics, following the River Thames. Some of these prestigious landmarks date back more than 1,000 years, and most can be visited throughout the year.

Buckingham Palace is a highlight, built in 1705 the Royal Family have resided there since 1837 when Queen Victoria moved there from St James's Palace. Parts of Buckingham Palace are open to visitors during selected periods of the year and well worth it to get an appreciation of the grand size – there are 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms – and the architectural design and precious art and tapestry that the palace holds. Look out for Trafalgar Square’s monuments and time it to see the changing of the guards at the Horse Guards Parade, or pop into one of Whitehall’s pubs where politicians are known to mingle. Big Ben’s bell ringing out from the iconic clock tower will anchor your day.

people sitting at the London Wall — London Wall

2. London Wall

The London Wall was built by the Romans around the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD, with the purpose of protecting the port town of Londinium on the north bank of the River Thames. The area later became the City of London, often known as the Square Mile, is the place from which modern-day London grew. The London Wall Walk was established by the Museum of London in 1984.

Starting at the Tower of London, it ends at the Museum of London near the Barbican. It consists of 21 marker panels which provide a history of the area– and guidance to the next panel. Just under 3 kilometres long, the walk takes you to the historical gates, towers, and portions of the wall still standing today. This small district is at the heart of the capital where contemporary design, global financial giants and a dense workforce thrive alongside history. If you’re looking to visit the old London Wall, it is recommended that you download a map to follow.

Hampstead Heath Circular Walk in London — Hampstead Heath Circular Walk

3. Hampstead Heath Circular Walk

Hampstead Heath is one of London's largest and most varied public parks, untamed walking experience with great views across the city. It is home to 30 ponds, a variety of wildlife such as muntjac deer and terrapins, and brightly coloured rhododendron bushes. One of London’s biggest green spaces at over 320 hectares of woodland and meadows. A self-guided circular walk takes in the highlights.

Hampstead Health Circular Walk — Hampstead Heath Circular Walk

Climb Parliament Hill – about 98 metres high, for the best city views, pass by the ponds and admire Kenwood House, a white country mansion. Other interesting stops are Highgate Cemetery and the lesser-known Waterlow Park. In winter if it is snowing, a popular spot for sledging when snowfall is sufficient. The skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City of London, along with St Paul’s Cathedral and other landmarks, remind you that you’re still within the city.

4. Jubilee Greenway – Little Venice to Camden

The Jubilee Greenway is a 60-kilometre route that was created in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and her 60 years on the throne. Offering 1 kilometre for each year of her reign, it is well signposted with glass waymarkers. The walk’s 10 sections cover much of the capital and have made use of existing walking and cycling routes wherever possible. London also has the Jubilee Walkway, a separate route covering 15 miles of central London.

Section 1 has you beginning at Buckingham Palace and joining Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Royal Parks with Paddington Station and the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice. Section 2 takes in the residential, business and recreational zone as Regent’s Canal links Little Venice and Camden, giving this stretch a quieter side of London, while also passing Lord’s Cricket Ground and Park and London Zoo. Continue the walk to Camden for a tasty meal or drink and spend time on Warwick Avenue before heading back to the city.

5. South Bank

London’s South Bank is one of the classic London walks for taking in cultural venues, river views and iconic landmarks in South London. Many visitors enjoy the area in the evening, when the riverside lighting glow above the Thames and it is less crowded and more relaxed. Wander past the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall, Somerset House across the Thames and always moving views of Big Ben and Westminster – best seen from Waterloo Bridge. You can easily extend inland to Covent Garden after the riverside stretch.

South Bank from the other side — South Bank

You might consider starting from Westminster Bridge and heading east along the South Bank, as that core stretch is about 1.5 miles long, with pub stops along the way. In the lead-up to Christmas, you’ll find night markets here. Shakespeare’s Globe sits neatly on this route too, and continuing west-to-east toward Tower Bridge follows one of London’s classic landmark walks. If you want to keep going afterwards, Leicester Square makes a lively West End add-on.

6. The City and Spitalfields

The Spitalfields is one of east London’s most vibrant areas and is within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. A fast-changing area that brings rich sights and experiences with it, Spitalfields has changed, adapted and developed over the past 500 years to create an interesting cultural mix. The local buildings and street names remind us of how the district was shaped over the years by the arrival and later large-scale departure of its Huguenot and Jewish communities.

shops at The City and Spitalfields — The City and Spitalfields

Seek out Fieldgate Street Synagogue, Nelson Street Synagogue, and the Neuron Pod by acclaimed architect Will Alsop. They were followed by the arrival of London’s world-famous Bangladeshi community. Walking the Spitalfields brings you fine collections of Georgian architecture and the extraordinary variety of Brick Lane which is described by many as the heartland of the Bangladeshi community in Britain. For families, Spitalfields City Farm is a practical nearby stop, with animals and a playground for kids. East London also includes Walthamstow Wetlands, one of the largest urban wetland reserves in Europe, if you want a more nature-led extension.

7. The Line

The Line is London’s first dedicated contemporary public art walk and brings together art, nature and heritage on the city’s popular pedestrian and cycle routes. Designed to follow the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian, it features works by leading contemporary artists. The majority of sculptures are loans from private collections and galleries and include the likes of Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit.

The route runs between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2 to the Greenwich Peninsula. Registered as a charity it was co-founded by Megan Piper and the late regeneration expert Clive Dutton who was committed to enhancing the urban environment. Highlights on display include Joanna Rajkowska's splendid ‘The Hatchling’. Aside from the art, there are a lot of other landmarks and you even take the IFS Cloud Cable Car over the Thames.

8. The Thames Path

The Thames Path, one of Britain’s National Trails, runs for 80 miles along the river through London. The route takes you on a quiet, rural path and rewards you with natural and cultural sights as it passes through meadows rich in wildlife and historic towns. Highlights include the city of Oxford, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, the Palace of Westminster, Greenwich, and the royal naval college.

ducks swimming in The Thames river — The Thames Path

The Hampton Court Palace to Albert Bridge section is 23 miles, while the Putney to Tower Bridge section is around 15 kilometres and takes you Battersea Park and past historical sites such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The next takes you through Chelsea and the Embankment to reach the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Whole Thames Path at around 300 kilometres, takes about 14 days and is ideal for regular walkers. Well-paced it allows time to explore and take in the views along the way. Historic pubs are another pleasure of this route.

Diana – Princess of Wales Memorial Walk in london — Diana – Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

9. Diana – Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk is a 12-kilometre-long circular trail in central London that’s dedicated to the memory of Diana. Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 6 July 2004, it is located next to her Kensington Palace home. Charted by 90 plaques that take you within sight of famous buildings and locations associated with the Princess during her lifetime. The plaques are the work of sculptor Alec Peever and are etched in aluminium with a rose emblem at the centre. The rose symbolises the Princess's enduring image and also symbolises Britain's traditions and heritage.

The walk weaves through four of London’s eight Royal Park including Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park making it a gloriously green affair. You’ll pass three grand palaces including Kensington, Buckingham and St James’s, plus numerous other sights, including the Albert Memorial and Kensington Gardens’ Italian Gardens and other meaningful locations associated with the Princess. The route runs in a sweeping figure of eight, and you can join from anywhere and end up back where you began. Hyde Park Corner is a recommended point of departure.

Harry Potter Walk – from King’s Cross to Millennium Bridge, one of the best walking routes in london — Harry Potter Walk – from King’s Cross to Millennium Bridge

10. Harry Potter Walk – from King’s Cross to Millennium Bridge

The Harry Potter Walk brings you to the many locations used in the Harry Potter movies. Millennium Bridge is a popular one with the best views from the right of the bridge, where St Paul's Cathedral can be seen. It’s said that when the film premiered and a ceremony was held, the bridge was closed due to a high number of people. Leadenhall Market’s beautifully covered pathways were used to film the Diagon Alley scenes in the first Harry Potter film. Platform 9 ¾ – King’s Cross Station is one of the most iconic locations.

At St Pancras station, look out for the luggage trolley stuck halfway between the wall on the platform. Great Scotland Yard appears as the Ministry of Magic visitor entrance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Piccadilly Circus was used as the filming location in the film when Ron, Hermione, and Harry narrowly avoided being hit by a London bus. A great scene in Prisoner of Azkaban is when Harry’s riding through London on the Knight Bus. The vehicle magically flattens to fit through two double-decker buses. The Lambeth Bridge has a footpath so you can walk the same route as the Knight Bus. It’s a great location for views of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

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