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Best London walks

Get ready to walk London! Walking is a healthy, free and environmentally friendly way to get around London.
Girl and boy smiling walk side by side over Westminster Bridge in London
Walking in London. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

  • Many landmarks are closer to each other than you might think, so walking can often save time.

  • The Transport for London (TfL) website provides resources for walkers, including routes and accessibility information.

  • London walking tours are a great way to see the capital.

London provides the setting for some fantastic walks, from its bridges to the many parks – the city has some incredible walking routes. 

Step outside and soak in the views on some of the best London walks.

London's bridges

London's Tower Bridge crossing the river Thames with blue sky and white clouds in the background.
Tower Bridge. Image courtesy of © Mark Griffiths Photography.

London's bridges provide some of the best views in London if you're on foot.

Wherever you find yourself along the Thames, you’ll be close to at least one famous bridge, such as Tower Bridge or the newer Millennium Bridge. Head southwest and you'll spot the Grade II-listed Albert Bridge, which connects Chelsea on the north bank and Battersea on the south side of the river.

When the sun sets, take an evening stroll along the river Thames and watch as the Illuminated River installation paints London’s iconic bridges with light.

Best walking routes

A stag with large antlers in a mist-filled park at sunset.
A deer in Richmond Park. Image courtesy of © visitlondon.com/Jon Reid.

You don’t necessarily need an itinerary to discover London's hidden gems. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot – there’s always something interesting around every corner.


There are plenty of walking tours for those who prefer a more organised approach. Try a themed walk and stroll in the footsteps ofJames Bond, or see the London sites that inspired Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle with the Sherlock Holmes Tour.

Many visitor trails take in famous attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Guildhall, the Bank of England Museum and the Tower of London.

Go off the main tourist trails and discover walks at London's lesser-known locations, such as the city farm in Crystal Palace Park.

London is made up of 40% green space and is the world's first National Park City, so build up your step count at one of the 3,000 parks of varying sizes. Explore the sights and sounds of London's best parks, from finding the deer at Richmond Park to spotting pelicans and parakeets at St James's Park near Buckingham Palace.  

Find one of the many canal routes for a different perspective on London. Walk the Regent's Canal from Camden Lock to King's Cross and see the man-made wonders of the locks used for raising and lowering boats along the way.

Benefits of walking

A large tree covered in pink blossom next to a small pond with two white swans swimming.
The Regent's Park. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

As well as getting around easily, walking can be a great way to see the sights, either independently or as part of an organised tour. Additionally, walking helps to improve the air quality in London and can also help you to maintain your overall health. 

Resources for walkers

The TfL website features useful resources for walkers. You can discover leisure routes across the capital, accessibility information and special walking events. 

 

TfL’s online journey planner is a handy tool for London walkers as well as those planning a journey on public transport – click on the Cycling and Walking tab for those options.

Tips for walking

Brightly painted houseboats along Regent's Canal with a line of brown brick houses on the opposite bank.
Houseboats on Regent's Canal. Image courtesy of Shutterstock / Cup Of Spring.

Remember that cars drive on the left in the UK, so be careful to look in the correct direction for oncoming traffic when crossing the road. It's always a good idea to know where you're heading and to take the same precautions as you would in any major city.

Mobile apps such as the Visit London app and Google Maps are useful tools for finding your way around London, but remember to keep an eye on where you're going and watch out for traffic and other footpath users! Check out more great apps to help guide you around London on foot.

If you're out on foot, you may also be interested in cycling in London and information on London's cycle hire scheme.

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