Sunnier climes are here, bringing balmy days to the capital and banishing grey skies. So, when you want to meander through green spaces and hidden gems? Whether trails beside the Thames, across hills with city skyline views or passing famous landmarks are more your thing, take a peek at our list of the best London walks this summer and where to drink nearby.
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The Jubilee Greenway, Section 1 And 2 (6 miles)
Nearby Stops: The Palm House, TH @ 51, Hero of Maida, Darcie & May Green, The Engineer
The best walks in Central London this summer? The Jubilee Greenway is an absolute whopper - one kilometer for every year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, to be exact. Luckily for you, we've picked out a small part to try. Go from our very own Buckingham Palace, along the south and west edges of Hyde Park and up to Little Venice. Then carry on the most popular stretch to Camden to have your fill of pretty canalside scenes.
Spanning palaces and picturesque neighbourhoods, The Jubilee Greenway is a must.
Diana Princess Of Wales Memorial Walk (7 miles)
Nearby Stops: Quaglino's, The Rooftop St James, The Churchill Arms, The Victoria
The best walking route in London for sightseeing this summer, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk features four of the city's eight Royal Parks: Kensington Gardens, Hyde, Green and St James's. Of course, it then also includes these green spaces' palaces and mansions on the circular ramble - perfect for packing in loads of landmarks.
From babbling water features to grand palaces, this one has central sights aplenty.
Tasmin Trail, Richmond Park (7.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: Lass O' Richmond Hill, 144 On The Hill, King's Head
The Tamsin Trail is a Richmond Park staple offering long walks in London that are ideal for summer. Following somewhat of a perimeter around this famous space, it's well sign-posted, has views of St Paul’s Cathedral through the trees at King Henry’s Mound and boasts plenty of smaller paths for side quests.
Walk among the red and fallow deer here.
Capital Ring, Abney Park To Hackney Marshes (3 miles)
Nearby Stops: The Princess of Wales, The Jolly Butchers
Starting at the Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, this small part of the epic Capital Ring is worth a look for serenity, wildlife and amazing pubs in equal measure. There are views of Walthamstow Marshes nature reserve from Springfield Park, before the River Lea guides you south to Middlesex Filter Beds and Hackney Marshes.
It's the ideal outdoor escape for dogs too.
The Thames Path, Hammersmith To Richmond (6.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: The Dove, The Old Ship, The Black Lion, One Over The Ait, No 1 Duke Street
There are so many options for The Thames Path, but how about a stand-out favourite? The Hammersmith to Richmond route springs to mind, promising plenty of greenery along the winding river. Begin your quest on Lower Mall, before following the waterfront past Chiswick playing fields to reach Kew Bridge and then your final destination. Plus, you can expect Royal Botanic Gardens and Syon Park before your destination.
Self-guided London walks in summer are topped of by this beauty.
The Parkland Walk, Alexandra Palace To Finsbury Park (4.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: The Naturalist, Someday
Maps of hidden London walks for summer bring us to The Parkland, which spans a disused railway line through the forest between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park. Also known as the city's longest nature reserve, it's home to muntjac deer, foxes, hedgehogs, bats and butterflies - quite the haven for British wildlife or any of your own furry companions too.
Queen’s and Highgate Wood make up a good portion of this trek.
London LOOP, Section 12 (4.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: Chez Melissa
Something of an M25 - minus the cars and plus a whole load of beaut scenes - the London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) is 150 miles long. If you want the best walks near London by train for summer, we'd suggest section 12; a route from Uxbridge to Harefield West along the Grand Union Canal, with Broadwater Lake, the marina and a stunning mill house making up the sights.
Check out one of the best walks near London this summer.
The Green Chain Walk, Thames Barrier To Eltham Palace (7.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: Eltham GPO
If you're after unusual walks in London this summer, listen up. This small taste of the 50-mile Green Chain Walk feels like a meeting of two worlds, covering sections five and six. The Thames Barrier is your starting point. Then it's a case of following the path south via Maryon Park, Charlton Common and Eltham Common to Severndroog Castle. Next, you'll see hidden gem Eltham Palace on your way from Oxlea Meadows to finishing in Eltham.
Between castles, palaces and the Thames barrier, the architectural feats on this walk are stunning.
Hampstead Heath Circular Walk (6.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: The Garden Gate, Dartmouth Arms, The Spaniards Inn
Hampstead Heath Circular Walk has 4-mile and 6-mile versions, with the latter including an extension to take in Highgate. Both go over Parliament Hill and across the rest of the trip, you'll uncover why this is one of the city's most beloved green spaces. The loop passes outdoor bathing ponds, has views for days and lets you admire the white-washed walls of the 17th century Kenwood House.
This is one of our favourite summer day trip hikes from London.
The Line (5 miles)
Nearby Stops: Two More Years, Barge East, Beer Merchants Tap, All Bar One O2
A London summer walk combining contemporary art with outdoor exercise, The Line is the best of both: cultural and active. Kick off between the stadium and aquatics centre in Queen Olympic Park. From Waterworks River to River Lea, Bow Locks and beyond, the southerly stroll extends all the way to the O2 (with some public transport usage on the way).
Art installations line the way.
Cox's Walk, Sydenham Hill Wood (0.5 miles)
Nearby Stops: Belair House, The Wood House
If a much-needed reprieve from scorching days is needed, then Cox's Walk and the further 11 hectares of Sydenham Hill Wood are your best bet. Complete with shady pathways, an 18th century oak-lined avenue and an ornamental footbridge over the railway track, it's a short but sweet ramble that's only 25 minutes from the Overground.
A top pick of the best walks in London this summer for shading from the sun.
Loving summertime strolls? Check out our guide to London waterside walks and where to drink nearby. Then sign up to our bi-weekly newsletter and stay in the know.
