London certainly comes alive in the spring. The sun is finally here, the rain has mostly stopped and Londoners can't wait to get out – we just want to have a nice walk and feel nature waking up around us. Since 20% of London is public green space, we have so many choices in this city.
I've lived in London for over 20 years, and every spring I'm surprised to find new routes to explore the city on foot. Here are some of my favorites.
richmond park
Deer, bluebells and open space
everyone knows richmond park The Royal Park is one of London's largest green spaces, covering over 2,000 acres, so where should you go? The most eye-catching sight is the herd of 630 wild red deer and fallow deer that have made their home here. west london garden. At dawn and dusk, they gather in playgrounds and nearby open spaces. Remember to keep your distance, especially during rutting season (September to November) and calving season (May to July). I recommend bypassing the main entrance to Richmond Hill, walking a short distance along the Thames, and entering through Petersham Gate. This puts you next to King Henry Mound and with protected views St. Paul's Cathedral —Have a telescope for a closer look. My favorite place in Richmond Park is isabella plantationIn spring, fields of evergreen rhododendrons and hyacinths cover the ground.
Where to stay: exist Bingham River House Located in Richmond, it has library-style interiors and a country house resort feel. Here you are perfectly situated between the water and the park. The restaurant uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to help you spend your day in nature.
start: Richmond (Richmond Station)
ending: Kingston (Kingston Station)
terrain: A leisurely walk on sometimes paved roads with a few hills
length: Anywhere between 3 miles to a full day's walk
Highlights: Get so close to nature and animals roaming freely in a well-tended park. Standing next to the pen pool, you feel like the city has almost disappeared.
city walk
canal towpath
waterside walk
If there's one London walk I'll never tire of, it's the canal towpath along the northern edge of central London: the Grand Union and Regent's Waterways. Start the walk in Little Venice, following the canal and its colorful houseboat community, sloping northeast through Regent's Park. When you head to Camden, look for the paving stones marked “Jubilee Greenway” and you can detour to the nearby markets to browse for antiques, arts and crafts. Complete the walk kings cross station Have a drink in a stylish spot overlooking the water Coal drop fieldor – my local recommendation – king charles i bar.
Where to stay: based on Dorset Plaza Hotelnear the start of the Little Venice Trail. Like the towpath, the hotel has its roots in the Regency period, and that heritage is still felt in its colours, fabrics and quirky British décor.
start: Little Venice (Paddington Station)
ending: King's Cross Station (King's Cross Station)
terrain: Mostly flat and paved, on a path shared by many cyclists
length: 4 miles or you can choose to continue all the way to Hackney
Highlights: Camden's cheerful 'Punk's Not Dead' flag, and restored Gas Tank Park At King's Cross station, wrought iron frames now serve as reflections of the area's industrial past.
Parkland Walk
high above the city
this North London The walk feels like a stroll along the elevated boulevard, which is – Parkland Walk It was once a railway line. There's still some evidence of past lives, as you'll come across several abandoned platforms that sit oddly in the landscape, sort of like lampposts in the woods of Narnia. A route highlight is Highgate Wood, a favorite of many Londoners – despite being surrounded by the city, this ancient woodland has a moody and mysterious feel. If you're looking for a longer hike, the northern extension of the Parkland Walk runs from alexandra palace — There’s no better view of London than from the top of the city.
Where to stay: Make a reservation at your favorite gastropub bull and lastLocated just off Hampstead Heath, stories of famous and infamous characters have inspired the decor of seven impeccable rooms. It's only a short bus ride from the start of Highgate Walk.
start: Highgate Wood (Highgate Station)
ending: Finsbury Park (Finsbury Station)
terrain: Relaxing walk on a rough gravel road with several hills
length: 4.5 miles, optional onward travel
Highlights: Moody street art abounds beside disused railway arches – look out for Spriggan, a Cornish elf sculpture bursting from the brickwork – and the spring bluebells at Highgate Wood.
green walk
brent valley
Green and peaceful
The charm of this stretch of the Brent River remains a secret that many Londoners have yet to discover. This Thames tributary hasn't always looked great, but after a concentrated effort to clean up and restore the wildness of the creek, Brent Valley has become my favorite green walk in west London. Begin your adventure at Brent Meadow, where you'll discover the walk's highlight: the majestic Wharncliffe Viaduct, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The road passes through the arch and from there follows the River Brent until it reaches Perryville Park — Search around until you find an orchard with newly planted pear trees. If you want to continue into the woods, follow the signs saying “Capital Loop” which will take you to Mount Horsen. From there, you'll enjoy sweeping views of London; on a clear day, you can see the Chilterns and even Windsor Castle.
Where to stay: exist High Road Villa The Chiswick Hotel is an intimate hideaway decorated in Art Deco brass and brick, where you can explore West London's chic shops and cafes, before taking a 20-minute taxi to Brent Meadow.
start: Brent Meadows (Hanwell Station)
ending: Perivale Park (South Greenford Station)
terrain: Enjoy an easy walk on bumpy and narrow nature trails
length: 3 miles, optional to continue uphill
Highlights: The clear, shallow waters of the River Brent flow calmly, and the wildflowers and pale roses of Mount Horsen.
Historic Trail
Wapping Foreshore
Encounter on the Thames
this East London The trail is more of a stroll than a walk, maybe even a ramble. Before setting off, be sure to check the Thames water levels – Wapping Foreshore is only accessible at low tide. I love walking down the narrow lanes and stairs of this peninsula on the edge of London – it feels like a secret only known to those lucky enough to get there at the right time. London was built on the banks of the Thames, and every day new items fell into the river and reappeared on the foreshore. You'll need permission to join the Loaches in their hunt for treasure, but anyone can watch and get curious. No trip to Wapping is complete without a drink in the pub. Prospects for WhitbyBuilt in 1520, a noose still hangs over the river in memory of those who died there.
Where to stay: London City Hotel A grand hotel that recalls the charm of the Old Town – it's also a members' club with a huge wellness center, ideal for relaxing those tired leg muscles. It's just a short walk from the route's end at the Tower of London.
start: Shadwell Basin (Shadwell Station)
ending: Tower of London (Tower Hill Station)
terrain: There are sand and rocks near the water and the stairs are uneven
length: 1.5 miles, plus rummaging
Highlights: Look back on 2,000 years of London's history with these brick and ceramic shards and part of the red bascule bridge at the entrance to Shadwell Basin.
ria river
Explore East London's past and future
The Thames is the undisputed king of London's waters, but if you're looking for something a little different, there's London's other river, the River Lea. Technically the Lea Valley Walk starts at a higher point, but for the highlights I'd recommend starting at Tottenham Lock and heading south along the river from there – this skips the calm reservoir and takes you straight into East London's vibrant riverboat community and vast green spaces. This walking route takes you through one of my favorite (albeit slightly rougher) areas of London, including Hackney Wick, London's most expressive creative hub. You can stop there for a drink grow Admire the street art along the water and maybe catch some live music; or take a detour to Lord Napier's Star Enjoy the rooftop terrace. From there, the road becomes green and quiet again, as the River Lea remains an interesting reminder that no matter how busy London becomes, there is always more urban wilderness left behind.
Where to stay: Comfortable and warm, yet extremely stylish, Red Church Townhouse exist shoreditch is the place to continue exploring East London’s street art and creative scene. Located on one of Shoreditch's most colorful streets, just a few stops on the Tube from the end of the Bow Locks walkway.
start: Tottenham Locks (Tottenham Hale Station)
ending: Bow Locks (Bromley-by-Bow Station)
terrain: Gravel paths and sturdy stairs
length: 6 miles, or the entire 16 miles of the River Lea Walk from Waltham Abbey to East India Docks
Highlights: Watch a narrowboat operating a vintage lock that enables boats to travel up or down the river, as well as Paula Haughney's “Nature's Throne” sculpture at Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve.
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Jessica Forsythe is a cultural journalist based in London. She writes about the city, well-being, belonging, and the way we live now. Read more of her work www.jessicafurseth.com or follow her @jessicafurseth on Instagram.
