As the seasons change, grab your trainers, put on your coat and head out on a lovely walk in the capital. London is a city of fast walkers, charging down the pavements, but it's nice to switch up the pace a bit. Head out for an urban stroll and you'll discover that this vast, sprawling city is full of surprising green spaces, winding alleyways, and canal trails that are itching to be explored.
Whether you’d like to dive into the past with a historical hoof around town, zone-out in an area of blissful nature or check out some of the city’s biggest attractions, there's an endless array of beautiful spots for a London walk.
Hampstead Heath Circular Walk (4.5 or 6.5 miles)
This self-guided circular walk explores the highlights of Hampstead Heath, one of London’s wildest and most precious green spaces. Climb Parliament Hill for panoramic views of the city’s skyline, pass by the bathing ponds (stop for a dip if you’re feeling brave) and admire the imposing white mansion Kenwood House. The walk takes you through some of the prettiest parts of Hampstead, too. Want to extend your walk? Visit Highgate Cemetery – atmospheric architecture surrounded by a peaceful wilderness that’s nowhere near as bleak as it sounds. Near Highgate Cemetery is a lesser-known green space called Waterlow Park. If it’s snowing, a visit to this 20-acre park is a must, as locals love using it for sledging. There are also three ponds for wildlife-spotting and gorgeous skyline views from the benches.
The Jubilee Greenway is a 60km route created in 2012 for (as its name suggests) the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to mark her 60 years on the throne. The whopping loop offers 1 kilometre for each year of her reign. Well-sign-posted with glass paving slabs throughout, the walk’s ten sections cover much of the capital. The first section offers walkers a picturesque route between Buckingham Palace and the winding waterways of Maida Vale. You’ll head up Constitution Hill, through Hyde Park, past Kensington Palace and Paddington before ending up among the picturesque canals and boats of Little Venice. Continue the walk to Camden where you might find some tasty takeaway food options, or mooch to Warwick Avenue to head back to the city.
For other pretty walks in and around a glorious city, take a look at Time Out's guide here