London’s Loveliest Walks

Whether you know London like the back of your hand or you’re still discovering the city, there’s no better way to explore it than by foot, weather permitting of course. We’ve compiled a list of the best London walks to enjoy this autumn/winter, as chosen by Addison Lee employees across the business. We’re proud of our knowledge of London roads, but it seems we know its paths pretty well too.

The Thames Path covers so many areas in London and is a total of 184 miles long, so we’re not suggesting you walk the entire length. Instead, you can pick and choose where you start and finish your walk. Starting in Wandsworth, the Southbank route takes you through Battersea Park, where you could stop off in the Prince Albert Pub on Albert Bridge Road, or at the redeveloped Battersea Power Station which has a good selection of pubs, restaurants and bars. From the 1st to the 31st of October, London Restaurant Festival is at Battersea Power Station with special menus and events from a number of restaurants. Check it out and book a mid-walk lunch here and then set off, fuelled to take in the sights of the Southbank – Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament and the many galleries and theatres.

The Thames Path also runs through Richmond, in the South West. It’s a beautiful setting and a real escape from the chaos of the city. Richmond riverside has quaint shops, quirky house boats and plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants. The White Cross pub serves simple sandwiches, perfect for a pit stop, or seasonal British meals to take your time with. It’s dog friendly too!

The Parkland Walk in North London takes in the longest local nature reserve in the city. The Parkland Walk is 4km long, following a former railway line from Finsbury Park up to Highgate and then on to Alexandra Palace. It’s not the longest or most strenuous walk, but it’s an ideal route to walk the dog or go for a run. There is also a dedicated Wildlife Trail open from 09:00 to 18:00 every day starting near Highgate station, a great chance to spot hedgehogs, birds and some of London’s wildflowers. 

Hampstead Heath is huge and houses many walks. The Hampstead Heath Circular Walk is 4 miles long, starting on Hampstead High Street. Towards the start you’ll pass the ponds as you head up Parliament Hill. The view of central London at the top is so worth any huffing and puffing on the way. The home stretch takes you through the woods and some of the prettiest parts of Hampstead.

You could walk along the Towpath from Putney to Hammersmith. Start at Putney Bridge and head along Putney Embankment, where you’ll pass the famous boat houses. This is also the start of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, and throughout the year you’ll often see rowers. If you cross the river there’s Fulham Palace Gardens and Bishop’s Park and along the river, you’ll be able to see Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club. As you continue, the path takes on a more rural feel, past the London Wetland Centre which is really tranquil. You’ll soon spot the former Harrod’s Furniture Depository, an impressive building now redeveloped into flats. You’re then on the approach to Hammersmith and its iconic green bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge is closed to traffic at the minute but you can end the walk by warming up in The Dove, a traditional pub tucked away on a street behind the river where the song Rule, Britannia! Is meant to have been written in 1740.

London is full of great walks, it was impossible to mention them all, but we hope we’ve given you inspiration for some wholesome winter weekends. You can let us know your favourite London walk by emailing  londonisourlocal@addisonlee.com.

Don’t forget that if the weather breaks or you simply can’t be bothered getting yourself home by foot Addison Lee can get you home safely, even if you took the dog with you. You can book our pet friendly service through the app or on our website.