Top 10 Best Places to Hike in London

London's most beloved wild space, this 320-hectare ancient heath offers rolling meadows, dense woodlands, swimming ponds, and Parliament Hill's iconic skyline views. The varied terrain provides genuine countryside walking just 6km from central London.

The largest of London's Royal Parks at 955 hectares, home to over 600 free-roaming deer, ancient oak woodlands, and stunning views from King Henry's Mound. The diverse landscape offers everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes.

A 296km national trail following England's most famous river from source to sea. The London section offers car-free walking past world-famous landmarks, from Westminster to Greenwich, with options extending to the Thames Barrier and beyond.

An ancient woodland and former royal hunting forest stretching 19km along northeast London's boundary. The 2,400-hectare forest offers extensive trail networks through ancient pollarded trees, Iron Age earthworks, and tranquil glades.

A compact but rewarding 39-metre summit offering one of London's most photographed panoramas. The gentle climb through Regent's Park continues to the hilltop viewpoint, perfect for sunrise walks and evening city light spectacles.

A fascinating Thames-side walk from the Cutty Sark through the Royal Naval College to the Thames Barrier. The route combines maritime heritage, modern architecture, and industrial landscapes with wide river views.

An 8.6-mile towpath walk from Little Venice to Limehouse, passing through Camden Lock, Victoria Park, and the Olympic Park. The peaceful canal corridor offers a different perspective on London with houseboats, street art, and waterside cafes.

The connected royal parks in central London offer 253 hectares of landscaped grounds, including the Serpentine lake, Italian Gardens, and Diana Memorial Walk. The easy terrain suits leisurely walks past monuments, fountains, and Kensington Palace.

A stunning section of the North Downs Way near Dorking, offering chalk downland walking with panoramic views across Surrey and Sussex. The area features ancient box woodland, the famous zigzag road, and excellent wildlife spotting.

A 26-mile trail following the River Lea from Hertfordshire through East London's marshes and Olympic Park to the Thames. The route passes nature reserves, historic waterways, and regenerated post-industrial landscapes.

The Elizabeth Line has opened new hiking possibilities, connecting distant parks and green spaces across London. This curated trail links multiple parks accessible from Elizabeth Line stations, from western Berkshire to eastern Essex.

Europe's largest urban wetland reserve has expanded its trail network, offering longer walking options around 10 Victorian-era reservoirs. The enhanced paths provide better access to bird hides and wildlife viewing areas.

The revitalized south bank section from historic Rotherhithe through Surrey Quays to Canary Wharf showcases London's regenerated docklands. New waterfront paths and improved signage make this maritime heritage route more accessible.

Spring transforms Kew's 326 acres into a botanical wonderland with magnolias, cherry blossoms, and bluebells. Extend the walk along the Thames to Richmond, passing through riverside meadows bursting with spring wildflowers.

Late April and May carpet Epping Forest's ancient woodland floor with stunning bluebells. The marked bluebell trails guide visitors through the best displays, particularly around High Beach and Bury Wood areas.

Combine a heath walk with a refreshing dip in the legendary wild swimming ponds. The route connects the men's, women's, and mixed ponds through meadows and woodland, offering London's most unique summer walking experience.

The long summer evenings make this the perfect time to walk London's South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Street performers, outdoor bars, and the golden hour light on Parliament and St. Paul's create a magical atmosphere.

Autumn's deer rutting season transforms Richmond Park into a wildlife spectacle. The red deer stags compete for mates with impressive displays, while the ancient oaks and bracken turn golden. Early morning walks offer the best wildlife encounters.

The ancient beeches and oaks of Epping Forest put on a spectacular autumn display from late October. The golden canopy and carpet of fallen leaves create perfect conditions for atmospheric forest walking.

Winter brings crisp air and clear views from Greenwich Park's hilltop observatory. The bare trees open up vistas across the Thames to Canary Wharf, while the nearby Christmas market adds festive cheer to the maritime village.

Frosty mornings transform Hampstead Heath into a winter wonderland, with ice-tinged grass and misty city views from Parliament Hill. The hardy swimming pond community continues year-round for the truly adventurous.