Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures Across London

Riverside walks, royal parks, historic neighbourhoods, and world-famous landmarks

‍London is one of the world’s most walkable cities — a place where riverside trails, royal parks, canals, and heritage neighbourhoods connect seamlessly into a network of routes perfect for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. From the Thames Path and Regent’s Canal to the hills of Hampstead Heath and the boardwalks of the Isle of Dogs, the capital offers more variety than many national parks, with leafy escapes, waterfront strolls, urban viewpoints, and hidden green corridors stitched throughout the city.

London stretches across 32 boroughs plus the historic Square Mile, each with its own character. In the west, vast royal parks and world-famous museums shape Kensington and Westminster; in the east, docklands, old wharves, and regenerated waterfronts define Tower Hamlets and Greenwich. North London offers panoramic outlooks and wild-feeling spaces, while the south blends riverside paths, woodland remnants, and peaceful suburban commons. No matter where you walk, London reveals a different story with every mile.

But London isn’t just for walking — it’s also an excellent destination for cycling holidays. Quiet canal towpaths, park routes, riverside lanes, and segregated cycleways make it easy to explore the city at your own pace. Ride the Thames Path Cycle Route, follow Regent’s Canal from Paddington to Limehouse, or branch into long-distance rides beginning or passing through London, such as London to Brighton, the Avenue Verte, or the Lee Valley cycle routes.

And when the day slows, London offers countless places to stay close to parks, canal paths, and riverfront routes. Choose from boutique hotels, B&Bs, canal-side apartments, heritage guesthouses, or pubs with rooms in neighbourhoods like Richmond, Greenwich, Hampstead, or Westminster — ideal bases for walking holidays, cycling trips, and slow, immersive urban exploration.

Walking in London

London’s walking network is extraordinary:

• Thames Path – 40+ miles of riverside walking across the city
• Regent’s Canal – a calm waterside corridor from Paddington to Limehouse
• Green Chain Walk – linking green spaces across South East London
• Capital Ring – a 78-mile loop circling the whole city
• Jubilee Greenway – a landmark route celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
• Park-to-Park walking – connecting Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath
• Royal Parks routes – St James’s Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park

These short and long routes make it easy to explore London entirely on foot, linking rivers, parks, neighbourhoods, viewpoints, and historic districts.

Regions & Areas to Explore

Tower Hamlets

Riverside paths, historic docklands, marinas, Canary Wharf boardwalks, and the Tower of London.
Top walks: Thames Path, Wapping, Limehouse Basin, Isle of Dogs Loop.

City of London

Roman origins, medieval lanes, churchyards, riverside viewpoints, and iconic architecture.
Top walks: St Paul’s to the Thames, Barbican Highwalks, Smithfield & Clerkenwell.

Southwark

Markets, riverfront paths, warehouse districts, and cultural landmarks.
Top walks: Tower Bridge to Bermondsey, South Bank, Rotherhithe & Surrey Docks.

Westminster

Royal parks, palaces, museums, and classic London views.
Top walks: St James’s Park Loop, Buckingham Palace to Hyde Park, Embankment & Westminster Bridge.

Greenwich (Royal Borough)

Maritime history, panoramic vistas, and riverside walks.
Top walks: Greenwich Park, Cutty Sark to the O2, Thames Path to Woolwich.

Camden & Regent’s Canal

Colourful neighbourhoods, canal towpaths, and vibrant markets.
Top walks: Little Venice to Camden Lock, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park.

Richmond & The Thames Valley

One of London’s most scenic stretches of the Thames.
Top walks: Richmond Park, Twickenham riverside, Kew Gardens.

Adventure Highlights

• 40 miles of Thames Path walking across the capital
• Royal parks and large green spaces ideal for slow, car-free exploration
• Historic docklands, cobbled streets, and vibrant market districts
• Iconic viewpoints including Tower Bridge, Parliament, The Shard, and Greenwich
• Canal-side walks connecting neighbourhoods and marinas
• Easy access to National Trails beginning near London

Outdoor Adventures in London

• Thames Path stages through central, east, and west London
• Wildlife watching in Richmond Park, Regent’s Park, and London Wetland Centre
• Photography walks around Tower Bridge, Westminster, and Canary Wharf
• Canal-side walking and gentle cycling along Regent’s Canal and Limehouse Cut
• Hill walks and viewpoints at Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park, and Crystal Palace
• Boat link-ups via Thames Clippers for one-way riverside walks

Featured Trails & Long Routes

• Thames Path (London Sections)
• Regent’s Canal Towpath
• Capital Ring
• Jubilee Greenway
• Green Chain Walk
• Lea Valley Walk
• London LOOP