Where footpaths reveal the softer, slower side of the city.
London is one of the most walkable cities in the world — a place where historic streets, hidden parks, and surprising greenways create a patchwork of calm amid the capital's energy. It’s a city of contrasts: royal gardens and ancient woods, urban commons and quiet canals, all connected by centuries-old routes.
Walking in London isn’t about wilderness — it’s about rhythm, layers, and discovery. Each trail tells a story, whether you’re tracing the River Thames, climbing to views on Parliament Hill, or wandering through woods older than the city itself.
This National Trail follows the River Thames across the city — from the leafy calm of Richmond and Kew Gardens to the heart of Westminster and the lively paths of the South Bank, ending at Greenwich and the Thames Barrier. A riverside route rich in heritage, contrast, and atmosphere.
An inner orbital trail of 78 miles (126 km) connecting parks, woods, and waterways across suburban London. Highlights include Wimbledon Common, Highgate Wood, the River Lea, and hidden greenspaces that show the city from the edges in.
North London’s elevated escape. Walk through Hampstead Heath for skyline views from Parliament Hill, dip into woodland trails and swimming ponds, or follow the Parkland Walk, a leafy trail along a disused railway line linking Finsbury Park to Highgate.
Explore trails through Dulwich Woods, Sydenham Hill, and Greenwich Park, or follow stretches of the Green Chain Walk. Further east, escape into the River Roding, Rainham Marshes, or the wilder edges of the Thames Estuary.
London is layered, living, and endlessly walkable — a capital where footpaths open up space, history, and stillness in ways only walking can reveal.
Yes. While it’s not a wilderness destination, London is one of the best cities in the world for walking. You’ll find an extensive network of signed trails, greenways, and riverside paths — perfect for slow, self-guided exploration with excellent public transport connections.
The Thames Path and Capital Ring are the two most established long-distance trails. The Thames Path runs right through the heart of the city, while the Capital Ring forms a green loop through parks, woods, and neighbourhoods on London’s edge.
Absolutely. Places like Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, and Sydenham Hill Woods offer true pockets of wildness. Follow the Parkland Walk, Green Chain Walk, or sections of the London Loop for peaceful, tree-lined trails.
London has a wide range of places to stay — from boutique hotels near green spaces to riverside B&Bs and serviced apartments. Look for places in walkable areas like Richmond, Hampstead, Greenwich, or Dulwich if you want quick access to trails and calm surroundings.
Yes — that’s one of the city’s greatest strengths. Walk between world-class museums, historic sites, and local markets via riverside paths or park routes. You can create your own themed walks — from royal parks and architecture to film locations or literary routes.
