There are a number of interesting places in and around London for a good walk – whatever your mood might be. Right from park perambulations to South bank strolls and Canal circuits!
Discover some of the best walking routes to enjoy in the British capital:
- South Bank Stroll: Tate Modern to Jubilee Gardens
The sunset at the South Bank is magical!
Be it the glowing Victorian lamp-posts above the Thames, the dramatic architecture of Westminster lit up from below, or the views of Tower Bridge.
When night falls, the South Bank quietens down, the attractions close, and it becomes a place to appreciate the beauty of the city without the throb of commuters and tourists. And during the rains, is the best time to appreciate the recognizable sights of London in their natural state.
- St James’s Park: London’s oldest royal park
St James’s is the oldest Royal Park in London and is situated quite close to Westminster, St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace. It’s a great place to engage with British wildlife – squirrels that eat from your hand, and of course see the park’s most famous pelicans.
It’s not the quietest of walks– St James’s Park is one of the busier, touristy places – but it’s still worth it.
- Parkland Walk: Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace
One of London’s best walks, the Parkland Walk will take you through north London neighborhoods you might otherwise miss – Muswell Hill, Highgate and Crouch End.
Also on weekends, walkers can check out the Wildlife Trail: a recently added section of the walk which protects ‘environmentally sensitive’ flora and fauna.
- The Jubilee Greenway: Little Venice to Camden
Regent’s Canal is the most pleasant canal walks in London. It’s an especially lovely walk on a sunny day when the canal barges and boats are more active.
If you like street food, Camden is the better destination. It’s an easy walk, about two miles, which makes you feel like you’re on the towpath of some countryside canal, rather than in the midst of a big city.
- The Thames Path: Hampton Court to Albert Bridge
There are several amazing spots as you walk along the Thames – right from the spectacular Albert Bridge to the Tudor Architecture of the Hampton Court Palace.
Hampton Court Palace gardens are perfectly designed example of nature at its best. There are also the Amazonian growths of Kew Gardens, hidden among bushy woodlands, the verdant plains of Marble Hill House, Petersham Meadow for a truly British countryside and a view protected by Parliament since 1992, and the simplistic beauty of Syon Park.
The River Wandle of the Modern Hall Park meanders through the 125-acre park, and is home to feathered friends such as cormorants and herons, along with around 100 other species of birds. It’s an ideal spot for bird watching, and also features over 2,000 roses. The park is open throughout the year, and has no entry fee – allowing you to explore the tree-lined pathways and the greenery.
The Inner Temple Garden is a home to several British birds – robins, thrushes and tits – bees, and several varieties of butterflies. It’s also home to various types of flowers: tulips, poppies, geraniums, dahlias and snowdrops, to name a few.
The manicured lawns are lovely for a sit-down picnic, and many of the paths are lined with benches to allow quiet contemplation and an appreciation of your idyllic surroundings.
- Hampstead Heath Circular Walk
The enormous Hampstead Heath nature reserve offers a walking experience with great views across the city. The Heath has over 30 ponds, huge bright rhododendron bushes, and a vast variety of wildlife.
It’s one of the biggest green areas in London – over 791 acres of woodland and meadows. Open and breathtaking, the park offers an experience of England’s wildness within the city.
Whether you’re a tourist or a localite, go ahead check out these places for a nice walk. You can also brighten things up by going for these walks with a partner! Register today on thisTangle.com and find yourself a walking partner.