15 Beautiful Walks In London For Sightseeing (+ Maps & Details)

These wonderful London walks range from urban strolls in the tourist centre to wild hikes in royal parks. Each walk includes a map with instructions for an unforgettable experience in the capital.

For a city of 9 million people, London is a remarkably diverse place to enjoy a stroll.

Royal Parks provide a slice of green amongst the urban jungle. Towpaths wind alongside canals and rivers, and pedestrianised streets provide traffic-free access to cool neighbourhoods.

Paul and I have lived and worked in London for the last 30 years and we firmly believe exploring on foot is the best way to see it. In fact, we designed our London itinerary to be mostly walkable.

In these walks you can explore the urban centre, ramble royal history, admire modern art or escape to one of London’s many green spaces.

The walks range from 1 to 4 hours, and each includes easy-to-follow instructions with a map you can take with you on your smartphone.

For more hikes across the southeast of England read: best walks near London.

WALKS IN LONDON MAP

We have put all these walks on the map below so you can get a feel for where they are located

• Easy Walks – Marked in red are between 2 and 4 miles.
• Medium Walks – In purple are between 4 and 6 miles.
• Longer Walks – The longer walks in orange are between 6 and 9 miles.

Estimated walking times are included, but the routes have been designed to pass London’s best places of interest. So, you could easily spend half to a whole day exploring each of these routes.

EASY WALKS IN LONDON

1. QUEEN’S WALK

The Queen’s Walk (sometimes called the Queen Elizabeth Walk) is one of the best walking routes in London for sightseeing.

Heading along the South Bank of the Thames River, you’ll pass the most famous landmarks in the UK including the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Along the South Bank, there are some great second-hand markets, the Shakespeare Globe and one of the best modern art galleries in the world, the Tate Modern.

Officially the Queen’s Walk runs between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. But we’ve picked a slightly amended version which still covers all the best landmarks but starts and finishes at Underground (tube) stations.

Our Queen’s Walk London has all the instructions and a map.

• Distance – 2 miles (3.5 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 1 hour.
• Best Time – Morning: the crowds are fewer.

2. SHOREDITCH STREET ART

London has wonderful street art, but nowhere is more blessed than Shoreditch. Gritty walls are packed with vibrant murals, striking typography, and political statements.

Street art is, by its very nature, ephemeral. New street art pops up just as old favourites disappear. The rotating lifecycle of art makes this walk one of the best things to do in London.

We’ve picked all our favourite art and artists and put them together on this fascinating walk which we keep updated regularly. It’s one of the most unusual walks in London.

All the details are in our Shoreditch Street Art walk which includes a map to follow along.

• Distance – 3.3 miles (5.5 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 1 hour, 30 minutes.
• Best Time – Afternoon: to stop for curry or a bagel in Brick Lane.

3. NOTTING HILL WALK

Over the last hundred years, people from all around the world have flocked to live in Notting Hill. Leading the way were Caribbean immigrants in the 1950s and 1960s, who today live side by side with Moroccan, Spanish and Portuguese communities.

As a result, Notting Hill is a diverse, multicultural area, and one of the best walking neighbourhoods in London.

This walk features the best things to do in Notting Hill including the colourful houses, the Portobello Market, and locations from the famous film.

At either end of the walk, you can visit two excellent museums, the Museum of Brands and the Design Museum. A scenic stroll through beautiful Holland Park is in the middle.

Follow the details on our Notting Hill self-guided walk guide.

• Distance – 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres)
• Walking Time – 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Best Time – Friday & Saturday: stop at one of the many great brunch spots in Notting Hill.

4. LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Few cities display Christmas Lights with the same sense of extravagance as London, each year gloriously illuminating grand streets.

The best way to see the lights is on this walk which starts at Mayfair, passes through Soho, and ends in Covent Garden.

You’ll visit the vibrant Carnaby Street, elegant Regent Street and the spectacular Fortnum & Mason display. Highlights include the annual façade at Annabel’s and the beautiful lights on New Bond Street.

The walk includes many of our favourite things to do in London at Christmas and we. update it every year with the new displays.

Follow the route on our London Christmas Lights self-guided walk.

• Distance – 3.2 miles (5.2 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 1 hour, 30 minutes.
• Best Time – Late evening when it’s quieter.

5. SOUTH BANK WALK

This London walk initially follows the same route as the Queen’s Walk mentioned above.

But rather than crossing the river over to St Paul’s, the walk continues along the south bank of the Thames.

The benefit of this is you get to climb London’s premier skyscraper, the Shard; feast on street food from the city’s best food market, Borough Market; and visit the Tower of London.

There’s excellent street art and other cultural highlights including the Southbank Centre and the Shakespeare Globe.

This is one of the most popular walks in London and great for sightseeing.

Read more in our South Bank walk guide.

• Distance – 3.8 miles (6.2 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 1 hour, 50 minutes.
• Best Time – Morning: have lunch at Borough Market.

MEDIUM WALKS IN LONDON

6. REGENT’S CANAL WALK

Regent’s Canal cuts its way through the parks and varied urban architecture of northern London.

A towpath runs along most of its route, allowing for a traffic-free walk to explore some of London’s finest neighbourhoods.

We have designed a route that covers the best sections of the canal.

The walk starts and finishes at two recently regenerated London neighbourhoods: Paddington and King’s Cross.

Along the way, it passes the mansions and narrowboats of Little Venice, the leafy banks and grand houses of Regent’s Park, and Camden Market.

This is an excellent, mostly traffic-free way to see some of London’s best neighbourhoods and you can find all the details on our Regent’s Canal Walk.

• Distance – 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 2 hours, 15 minutes.
• Best Time – Spring when flowers dot the banks of the canal.

7. ROYAL PARKS & PALACES

This is perfect if you’re looking for a walk in London’s parks.

Exploring the imperial and political heart of the city, it includes four royal parks, four royal residences, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Starting in Kensington Gardens, the walk continues through Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park via a beautiful, relaxing route with few roads to cross until you reach Westminster.

Along the way you can stop off at the Queen’s Gallery, the excellent Churchill War Rooms and peer down Downing Street.

All the details plus our tips for timing your visit are in our Royal Parks & Palaces walk.

• Distance – 5.1 miles (8.25 kilometres)
• Walking Time – 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Best Time– Morning: – See the Changing of the Guard around 11 am.

8. HAMPSTEAD HEATH WALK

This lovely walk explores Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath, a large ancient parkland in north London.

Visit Kenwood House, a grand home featuring artworks by Rembrandt, Turner and Constable, before strolling up to Parliament Hill, one of the best viewpoints in London.

Next, head through the forest and heathland to reach the Hampstead Bathing Ponds, where you can take a refreshing dip in nature and sunbathe in a secluded location.

Our Hampstead Heath Walk has all the details including where to have a traditional pint in a wonderful pub to cap off a great day out.

• Distance – 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometres)
• Walking Time – 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Best Time – Summer: to swim in the ponds.

9. REGENT’S PARK & CAMDEN TOWN WALK

This walk is a great way to explore the area north of central London, a vibrant neighbourhood known for eclectic markets, live music, old-school pubs, and beautiful green spaces.

Throughout 4.5 miles it passes through Regent’s Park, perfect if you’re up for a walk in London parks, and Primrose Hill which has one of the best views over central London.  

The whole day is one of the many great free things to do in London.

Finishing in Camden Town, you can spend some time exploring the market, see great street art and maybe even catch a live music event.  

All the details and our easy-to-follow map are on our Regent’s Park and Camden Town walking guide.

• Distance – 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometres)
• Walking Time – 2 hours 15 minutes
• Best Time – Afternoon: finish with an evening in Camden.

10. CITY OF LONDON WALK

The City of London, known as the square mile, is the small historic heart of the city. This is where London first came to life before it expanded beyond the original boundaries in the 17th century.

This London walk is a step back in time and another great London sightseeing walk.

You’ll visit the remains of a Roman temple, pass the Tower of London, explore the medieval church of the Knights Templar, and peer up at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Along the way, you’ll visit the institutions that helped build London including the Royal Courts of Justice, the Bank of England, and the Royal Exchange. As the city is an interesting blend of old and new, you can also head to Sky Garden for incredible views over London.

Follow our detailed walk of the City of London.

• Distance – 4.5 miles (7.25 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 2 hours, 15 minutes.
• Best Time – Any time but book a slot for the Sky Garden in advance.

LONGER WALKS IN LONDON

11. OLYMPIC PARK & THE LINE

This walk is a great exploration of art and architecture, and if you have the time, a brilliant longer walk in London.

It starts at Stratford Station, then follows the Lea River through east London before ending in North Greenwich.

The hike consists of two sections.

Firstly, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the slightly indirect route (due to building work) passes the velodrome, the aquatics centre, London stadium and the new V&A East, which will open in 2025.

Secondly, it follows The Line, an ambitious public art project that connects the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the O2 in Greenwich.

The artworks along the route includes Birds by Tracey Emin, DNA DL90 (Shopping Trollies) by Abigail Falls, Demon with Bowl by Damien Hirst, and Quantum Cloud by Antony Gormley.

We have marked some of our favourite pieces of art on the map below; the complete list is on the official Line guide.

This London walk requires a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. You can pay using contactless, and the views over the O2 and the Isle of Dogs are excellent.

Although a little longer than some of the others, this is one of our favourite unusual walks in London.

• Distance – 6.1 miles (9.8 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 3 hours.
• Best Time – Any time, but avoid West Ham home games at London Stadium.
• Map – Olympic Park & The Line Walk.

12. CHELSEA TO TOWER HILL

This walk is a longer version of the South Bank Walk above.

It’s one of the most beautiful walks in London and a great choice if the weather is good.

Beginning at Sloane Square Station it ambles through Chelsea and past the Royal Hospital before reaching the banks of the river Thames.

Take an optional detour across the bridge to explore the newly renovated Battersea Power Station area or continue along the north bank of the river to pop into Tate Britain free) to explore the best of British art.

Next up is the stunning Victorian gothic architecture of Westminster Palace, after which you cross Westminster Bridge and join the South Bank Walk. 

• Distance – 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 3 hours.
• Best Time – Early morning: for the reflections across the Thames.
• Map – Chelsea to Tower Hill Walk.

13. EPPING FOREST

Epping Forest is almost 6,000 acres of ancient woodland that cuts a narrow green corridor in the urban landscape. It’s a wonderful place to hike near London.

Most of the walking is under a gentle swaying canopy of leaves. Periodically the trees part to reveal small patches of heath or ponds which are home to a variety of wildlife.

There are plenty of routes to choose from in Epping Forest. The Oak Trail is the most popular but, in our opinion, it’s the least good as it spends most of the time in trees without much variation.

Our pick is the 7.5-mile walk which starts and ends at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge near Chingford Station.

You’ll experience the forest, but also visit the hunting lodge, beautiful ponds and stroll through open sections with lovely views.

• Distance – 7.5 miles (12 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 3 hours, 30 minutes.
• Best Time – Spring: flowers are out, and buds are on the trees.
• Map – Epping Forest Walk.

14. WAPPING TO GREENWICH WALK

This walk, mainly along the Thames River, explores three very different sides of London.

First, it heads through the old docklands of Wapping and Limehouse. What used to be bustling docks and industrial spaces are now modern residences perched over the waterfront. Only the excellent old pubs seem to have survived.

Secondly, it weaves through Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs where gleaming new skyscrapers tower above the waterways.

Finally, it ends at historical maritime Greenwich.

Make sure you have time to see the amazing Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College.

You can also stand on the meridian and admire magnificent views over London at the Greenwich Observatory,

• Distance – 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 3 hours, 30 minutes.
• Best Time – Late afternoon: aim for sunset at the Greenwich Observatory.
• Map – Wapping to Greenwich Walk.

15. RICHMOND PARK WALK

Despite being consumed by the city, Richmond Park still retains a wild, rugged feel.

Tucked within the sweeping grasslands you’ll find wild deer and stag, as well as colourful gardens and grand lodges.

From Henry’s Mound, Windsor Castle can be seen glimmering in the distance. To the east, the skyscrapers of the city loom above the trees.

Taking advantage of its proximity to the Thames, this walk heads along the banks of the river. You’ll visit Richmond town at one end and Ham House – a giant 17th-century pile peering over the water – at the other.

This is another location we have included on our top free things to do in London.

• Distance – 9 miles (14.5 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 4 hours.
• Best time – Autumn: when the leaves are changing colour and the stags are rutting.
• Map – Richmond Park Walk.

MORE LONDON SELF-GUIDED WALKING GUIDES

• Our favourite 15 walks in London with maps.
• See the best Shoreditch Street Art on our self-guided walking route.
• Enjoy the picturesque stroll along the Regent’s Canal walk.
• Explore one of London’s best green spaces on our Hampstead Heath walk.
• Take the iconic walk through Regent’s Park and Camden Town.
• See the grandeur of London on our Royal Parks & Palaces walk.
• See the best Instagram spots on our Notting Hill walk.
• Explore the heart of historic London on our City of London walking tour.
• Take a historic stroll along the Queen’s Walk London.
• Our Southbank London walk covers several iconic landmarks.
• See the best of the lights on our Christmas Lights walking route.