Walking is the best way to explore a city, whether you’re a first time visitor or a local wanting to deepen your knowledge. Outdoor London winter activities are limited, especially now the twinkling pop-up ice-rinks have popped down, but a good walk can be completed at pretty much any time, in any weather (although preferably downpour-free), with anyone, is good exercise and free of charge. Everyone feels better after a good walk, right?
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral on your London walk
Walk London has put together seven different London walks covering all sorts of points of interest and nearly every borough. Here are some of our favourites:
For an escape from city life try a section of the Green Chain Walk, which winds its way through the green spaces of South London including Crystal Palace Park and Oxleas Woods. Enjoy a breath of fresh air and plenty of greenery.
The Jubilee Walkway is ideal for visitors, connecting the capital’s most famous sights – Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Leicester Square, the Tate Modern and the British Museum. Perfect if you’re staying with us, too, as Buckingham Palace is only five minutes away!
Buckingham Palace during last year’s Olympics
The Thames Path Walk speaks for itself. Choose a bite-size chunk and take a moment to ponder London’s main vein. Whether you choose Hampton Court Palace, the hub of central London or the East India Dock, all have their own charm.
The Jubilee Greenway Walk was established last year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and is 60 miles long – one mile for each year of Her Majesty’s reign. Section 1 of this walk begins at Buckingham Palace – a hop, skip and jump from Flemings – passes through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, up to Bayswater and Paddington and ending at Little Venice, the picturesque pocket of Regent’s Canal where you can take a boat trip or cosy up in a cafe or pub.
Get out from underground, step off the bus and don’t flag down that taxi and you’ll reap the benefits of some fantastic winter walks and attractions.
Been on one of these walks or recommend another? Tell us on Twitter!
