15 Free Self-Guided Walks in London (+ Maps)

These free self-guided London walks range from urban strolls in the city centre to wild hikes in royal parks and gentle ambles along canals. Each includes a map with instructions for a great day out.

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. We have designed a series of walks that take you through many of the capital’s most interesting parts.

These self-guided walks are completely free and range from 1 to 4 hours. Each includes easy-to-follow instructions with a map you can take with you on your smartphone. Walk all 15, and you’ll know London as a home.

To escape into the green spaces across southeast England, read our best country walks near London. If you are visiting London for the first time, our four-day itinerary includes many short sections of the best walks as you explore.

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. All the walks are free, although many suggest sights you may want to pop into, some of which cost.

• 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.

EASY WALKS IN LONDON

1. QUEEN’S WALK

The Queen’s Walk (sometimes called the Queen Elizabeth Walk) is one of London’s most popular sightseeing routes.

Heading along the South Bank of the Thames River, you’ll pass the UK’s most famous landmarks, 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 that 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 fantastic 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 compiled all our favourite art and artists on this fascinating walk, which we update regularly.

The walk also delves into Shoreditch and the East End of London, where you’ll find vintage clothes stores, old record shops & some excellent pubs and restaurants. It’s one of our favourite 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 Notting Hill 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. It is best done from mid-November to early January when the Christmas lights are on and festivities have begun.

You can 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 is excellent for seeing the big sights.

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 through a mix of parks and urban architecture in north 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 self-guided 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. Begin the walk in the morning and grab lunch at the stalls in vibrant Camden Market.

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

This is an excellent way to see some of London’s best neighbourhoods. The details are 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 relaxing walk in London’s parks while also exploring the imperial and political heart of the city.

The walk includes four royal parks, four royal residences, and two of Britain’s most famous buildings.

It starts in Kensington Gardens, continues through Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park via a beautiful, relaxing route with few roads to cross.

Along the way, you pass Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. You can stop at the Queen’s Gallery and the excellent Churchill War Rooms and peer down Downing Street.

It ends in Westminster Square, where the imperious Houses of Parliament face off with Westminster Abbey. Paul and I walk this route at least once a year and love it.

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.

It starts in Hampstead Village and heads across the heath to Kenwood House, a (free to visit) grand home featuring artworks by Rembrandt, Turner and Constable. The trail then climbs up Parliament Hill for one of the best views 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.

It ends in Hampstead Village, where you can choose between old-world pubs or cute cafes to unwind.

Our Hampstead Heath walk map has all the details.

• 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.

During its 4.5 miles, it passes through Regent’s Park, one of London’s prettiest green spaces, and Primrose Hill, which has one of the best views over central London.  

Finishing in Camden Town, you can peruse the market, see excellent street art and maybe catch a live music event. Exploring the area is one of our favourite free things to do in London.

All the details and our self-guided 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. LONDON CITY 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 an excellent option for uncovering some of the city’s ancient and medieval history while surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

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.

To fully capture the interesting blend of old and new, head to the Sky Garden for incredible (free) views over London.

Paul and I loved putting together this walk. The city has so many hidden corners, and we discover something new every time.

Follow the self-guided route on our City of London walk map.

• 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 others, Paul and I like this walk because it explores an area of London that few people get to.

• 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.

You can take an optional detour across the bridge to explore the newly renovated Battersea Power Station area or continue along the river’s north bank to visit Tate Britain (free) to see 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. 

The complete self-guided route is on our Chelsea to Tower Hill map.

• Distance – 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometres).
• Walking Time – 3 hours.
• Best Time – Early morning: for the reflections across the Thames.

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. The Oak Trail is the most popular, but in our opinion, it’s the least good as it spends most of its time in trees without much variation.

Our pick is this 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 – Self-Guided 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, where we recommend you see the impressive Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, stand on the meridian, and admire magnificent views over London from 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.

Richmond Park is one of our favourite free places to visit in London, and this walk captures the best of it.

• 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.

COUNTRY WALKS NEAR LONDON

If you enjoy hiking, we have compiled a list of our favourite country walks near London. Each can be reached by train, making for an excellent day out.

London is also blessed with incredible sights around its edges. Paul and I keep uncovering new places, and you can find our pick on our best day trips from London post.

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.