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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.
A photo of the back of two women walking along Regent's Canal with a floating restaurant and houseboats and a bridge in the foreground
Stroll Regent's Canal during the summertime for picturesque views. Credit: Shutterstock. 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 year-round walks. Step outside onto the rustling leaves during autumn, or soak in the sunshine as the days get longer. From its outdoor markets to the many parks and outdoor spaces, the city has some incredible walking routes to experience the changing seasons.

London's bridges

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 photo of two people walking along a path next to the river Thames with the iconic black fish lampposts lining the side

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 of James 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.

Explore Walthamstow Wetlands, London Fields and more green spaces on the Green Link Walk, a 15-mile walking and wheeling route that stretches from Epping Forest to Peckham town centre. Follow the Green Link Walk signs along this accessible route which links up with five other Walk London routes.

London is made up of 47% green space and is the world's first National Park City, so build up your step count at one of its 3,000 parks. 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.

Discover secret stories, ancient relics and engineering marvels such as the ironwork of St Pancras International Railway Station along an 18-mile Station Loop, linking 10 of London’s railway stations.

Benefits of walking

Cherry blossom tree next to Regent's Canal with two swans

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

A photo of lots of people dressed for summer walking and sat along Regent's Canal as the sun shines down on them

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. Or, check out more sustainable transport options in London.

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