From Concrete to Calmness: The Best Walks in London

When most people think of London, they envision a sprawling metropolis of skyscrapers and tube stations, built alongside the imposing structures of yesteryear and decorated by a spattering of red telephone boxes. Weaving within the city are the iconic London buses to make it easier to get from A to B, but did you know there are a variety of picturesque places to take a stroll within the capital? Here we’ll explore our four favourite walks in London, so you can get back to nature and relax.

St James’ Park

Nearest tube station: St James’ Park

Take a summer stroll through the oldest Royal Park in London, and enjoy a tranquil green space in the centre of one of the busiest cities in the world. The park has been a part of the Crown Estate since the 16^th century, and was originally used by Henry VIII as a deer park.

A walk around the park means you’ll be able to spot a variety of wildlife, including the plethora of species that have made Duck Island their home. In fact, it is said that the pelicans on the island are descendants from a pair given to Charles II in 1664 by the Russian Ambassador.

Weeping willows bow into glistening ponds, and the park’s iconic fountain welcomes you as you make your entrance. Just be mindful that there are opening times (5am – midnight everyday), so don’t forget about this if you’re heading off on a nighttime stroll or you could find yourself locked in!

South Bank: Tate Modern to Jubilee Gardens

Nearest Tube Station: Westminster (across Westminster Bridge)

There’s something uniquely magical about taking a stroll down Southbank at dusk. Looking across the Thames to Westminster Palace and Big Ben, with the iconic Victorian lamp-posts in the foreground, is a view that’s been featured in thousands of films, tv programmes and books. Capture the moment in your memory (and snap it on your phone!) for free, by meandering across Southbank.

Southbank is a long stretch of path with several tube stations nearby, so you can hop off wherever you’d like to begin your stroll.

Little Venice to Camden

Nearest Tube Station: Warwick Avenue

To stroll along Little Venice is to sample the iconic Italian city from which the area takes its name. The area is full of colourful riverboats, luscious greenery (season-permitting!) and, of course, the picturesque water that stretches from Paddington Basin to the west. Follow the Regent’s Canal Tow Path towards London Zoo for a peaceful walk that will make you forget you’re in the capital!

Once you’ve finished the walk, it’s just a further 15-minutes to Camden Market, where you can grab a bite to eat and browse the stalls after your excursion.

Hampstead Heath

Nearest Tube Station: Hampstead

Take a trip to a wilder side of London with a walk around Hampstead Heath. This huge nature reserve sits atop a hill, where you can gaze upon the UK’s misty capital in all its glory – but it’s not all about the views. Hampstead Heath is one of London’s largest green areas, with a whopping 791 acres of trees and meadows, and features a plethora of fascinating wildlife such as Pipistrelle bats, terrapins and Muntjac deer.

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