Today I want to share my top picks for country walks in London with you. These free self-guided London walking tours are great ways to get into the city’s parks and green spaces and discover the natural beauty of the UK capital. If you love nature, they’re perfect London walks for you to take to explore the city’s gardens, waterways, and rural areas. Read on for the routes, maps, photos, and videos for these scenic walks.
Country Walks in London
I’ve written a lot about walks in the countryside over the years. From country walks in the UK to country walks near London, I’ve covered paths and trails throughout Britain. But until now I haven’t written about country walks in London.
It’s about time I did, though. The UK capital is so full of parks, gardens, and green spaces that there are plenty of country walks you can take without leaving the city.
From the Royal Parks to the River Thames and Hampstead Heath, there are plenty of places you can walk in nature within the M25. My self-guided country walks in London will take you to some of the most beautiful.
If you love cities and the outdoors in equal measure, these walks are just the things for you. They’ll show you the best of London’s natural beauty and let you discover both famous areas and off-the-beaten-path places as you stroll.
I hope you enjoy these country walks in London as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them. My self-guided London walks are great ways to see the UK capital and get some exercise while you’re at it.
You can read about more walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks as well. You can get it on Amazon here. There are additional ideas for getting into nature in London in my London walking books post, too.
1. Hampstead Heath Walk
First on my list of country walks around London is one in Hampstead Heath. This green space is my favorite park in London.
Both vast and wild, Hampstead Heath feels like it’s in the middle of the English countryside. Its hilltop location means it has great views of the London skyline, too. It makes for one of the best country walks in north London.
This nature walk will transport you to one of the city’s most beloved parks. Along the way you’ll see everything from stately homes in London to centuries-old pubs and secret gardens with pergolas. There are ponds to swim in, too.
This north London country walk is perfect for you if you want to experience one of the city’s best parks and see a variety of views and points of interest as you go.
You can find the directions, map, photos, and video on my blog post about Hampstead Heath walks.
2. Royal Parks Walk
Next on my list of country walks in London is my Royal Parks walk. These green spaces in central London are some of the most famous in the city. From Hyde Park to St James’s Park, they’re known for everything from stunning gardens to bucolic lakes.
My self-guided London walk goes through the major Royal Parks in central London.
As you make your way from Kensington Gardens to Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park, you’ll pass everything from formal gardens to contemporary art galleries and royal palaces in London.
This walk is ideal if you enjoy both green spaces and all things royal. You can find the route, map, and photos on my blog post about the best walks in London.
3. Richmond Walk
Next on my list of country walks in London is my Richmond walk. This area is home to a lot of great green spaces and waterfront paths.
This self-guided London walk will take you to Richmond Green, along the River Thames, through Petersham Meadows, up Terrace Gardens, and into Richmond Park, one of the biggest green spaces in the city.
On the way you’ll see everything from historic Ham House to Ted Lasso filming locations and riverside pubs.
This walk is a great choice if you like parks and waterfront areas as much as you enjoy hidden lanes and quiet corners. You can find the route, map, photos, and video on my Richmond walk blog post.
4. Dulwich Walk
My Dulwich walk is next on my list of country walks in London. This part of south east London feels like a village in the city. It’s known for its beautiful houses, parks, woods, and famous picture gallery.
My self-guided London nature walk will take you through Dulwich Park, alongside Belair Park, and around the leafy streets of Dulwich village.
This country walk in south London is perfect if you like a mix of village atmosphere and green space. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Dulwich walk blog post.
5. Greenwich Walk
Next on my list of country walks in London is my Greenwich walk. This part of the UK capital is known for its maritime history, Royal Observatory, riverfront area, and enormous park.
My self-guided country walk in south east London will take you from the River Thames to Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
Along the route you’ll take in everything from the Cutty Sark to the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, and pretty gardens. You’ll also get to see some of the area’s leafy side streets.
This walk is just the thing if you like a mix of nature and history. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Greenwich walk blog post.
Country Walks in London
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these self-guided London walking tours as much as I’ve enjoyed creating the routes and maps.
Parks, gardens, and riverfront areas are some of the best things about London, and these tours are great ways to to see the best of them.
Beyond the walks, I’ve published a lot more about London’s green spaces. From the best parks in London to spring gardens in London and summer gardens in London, there’s plenty to delve into.
I’ve even written guides to Regent’s Park, Hyde Park in autumn, and Hampstead Heath in autumn.
I have more self-guided country walks in London in the pipeline, too. They’ll all end up here and on my London walking map once I’ve published them. You can bookmark this page or pin it on Pinterest to see the new ones when I add them. Happy walking!
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