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London Winter Walks: Discover the Best Sight-seeing Routes this winter

1st November 2025

London Winter Walks: Exploring the City’s Magic in the Cold Season

London transforms in winter, it’s such an atmospheric city at any time of the year but when some areas of the UK plunge into cloudy skies, furrowed brown fields and leaf-less tree silhouettes, London fills up with fairy lights glowing across bridges, the scent of pub fire places sparking into action, and quiet parks inviting you to wander for hours when time permits. Whether you’re a local, or visiting, embracing any of the huge number of London winter walks is such a relaxing way to see the city views without the hub-bub.

So, rummage in your wardrobe or hit the shops to find a women’s long winter coat or better still a waterproof winter coat (showers aren’t always the snowy fluffy type, unfortunately, at this time of year), a comfortable pair of shoes and take in the fresh air in the city!

South Bank to Battersea: Riverside meandering and City Lights

One of the most scenic London winter walks starts along the South Bank. With views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Big Ben, it’s a route that captures the heart of the city and a backdrop you will have seen in many a film over the years. Iconic buildings and flat, easy walking delivers a relaxed Sunday afternoon vibe on this stroll through the heart of the city. The Thames breeze can be brisk, so throw on a waterproof winter coat with an insulated lining to make sure you’re warm and dry before heading out

Hampstead Heath: Wild Beauty in the Winter Frost

Hampstead Heath is ideal for walkers seeking fresh air and open space. In winter, the park’s undulating hills and easy pathways creates a sense of freedom and an escape from the noisy freneticism of the city.

Situated in North London, the park is nearly 800 acres so there are a lot of access and exit places. Featuring Parliament hill and Kenwood house alongside many feature woodlands and ponds, decide which part of the park suits you best before you begin. If you’re going by tube either Hampstead or Highgate tube stations are where to jump off to get to the park.

After your walk, stop in Hampstead Village for coffee and a slice of cake — you’ll find many fabulous coffee shops to choose from with “The Nook” and “Ginger and white” being two of our favourites

Richmond Park: A Royal Winter Wonderland

For a truly magical experience, explore Richmond Park. Home to free-roaming deer and sweeping views of London, it’s another peaceful escape from the city buzz.

Since the park is vast (approximately 2,500 acres!) and exposed to the elements, a waterproof winter coat will be needed in the winter months. Throw on your coat and a pair of sturdy walking shoes and write off the day in this beautifully peaceful part of London.

Notting Hill to Kensington Gardens: mixing urban city streets with the Flora and fauna

Another great walk which swaps film setting with the tranquillity of nature, set off from Notting Hill toward Kensington Gardens. The pastel houses of Notting Hill look even more charming against grey winter skies and the walk to Kensington gardens in Hyde park is only approximated 30 minutes so it’s a great one if you’re short of time. Stop by the Italian Gardens Fountain in Kensington for a scenic winter snapshot.

Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park: Views That Steal the Show

For postcard-worthy views of London’s skyline, head to Primrose Hill. Start in Regent’s Park, where winter flowers bloom even when it’s at its coldest, then climb the hill for a panoramic cityscape.

You’ll often find shows and festivals being held there in summer, but it’s equally as charming in Winter where the canal path heads west towards Paddington or east towards Camden and Kings Cross.

Opt for a long winter coat for women that’s quilted or padded for extra insulation. Accessorize with gloves and a soft beanie — perfect for staying warm while capturing that skyline selfie.

St-Dunstan-in-the-East

Easily the tiniest park on this list, St-Dunstan-in-the-East is more of a public garden, but it’s so different to anywhere else on this list we have added it here as it is quite special.

The ruined church that it’s based around dates back to the 1100s, was patched up after major damage in the Great Fire of London, fully rebuilt in the 1800s, and finally bombed to bits in the Blitz in 1941.

Dwarfed by all the glass and chrome buildings nearby, with ivy growing up the charred stone and sprawling trees everywhere, it’s a great place to sit on a bench with a takeaway sandwich away from the noise and crowds of the city.

Greenwich to the Thames Barrier: A Walk-Through History

Start your journey in Greenwich, home to the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, and follow the Thames Path east to the Thames Barrier. This historical route offers stunning river views and fascinating landmarks.

The river wind can be chilly, so a waterproof winter coat will be needed on your journey through time. Visit the Cutty Sark in Greenwich and reward yourself with the many tea and scones which can be found in a Greenwich café.

St James’s Park

With Buckingham Palace on the western edge, St James’s Palace to the north, Whitehall and Downing Street to the east, and Westminster Abbey to the south, St James’s Park couldn’t be in a more prestigious location.

Fortunately, there’s more to the park than being surrounded by grand buildings. A large lake runs through the middle of it, surrounded by meadows and reed beds that are home to all kinds of wildlife…and not just the usual ducks and squirrels!

Pelicans have lived there since they were gifted to King Charles II by the Russian ambassador in 1664, and they’re fed beside Duck Island Cottage at the eastern end of the park between 2:30 and 3:00pm each day.

Of course, given the location, it’s hardly a surprise that St James’s Park hosts its fair share of major events. Royal weddings, jubilee celebrations, military parades, it’s seen it all, and there always seems to be something happening there.

If you’re planning a visit, just double check you won’t be sharing the experience with a few hundred thousand other people first!

Greenwich Park

From the Cutty Sark to the village feel of its cobbled streets, and its 180-acre park this part of London is very special

While the vista from Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath is impressive, the view from the Royal Observatory is seriously impressive.

As well as being able to straddle the Prime Meridian and stand in the eastern and western hemispheres at the same time, the story of the observatory and the astronomers who lived and worked there is fascinating.

Head over to One Tree Hill in the east of the park for another great viewpoint, and don’t forget to check out the gardens in the southern part of the park either: they’re a great spot for spotting cherry blossoms in spring, but are worth the visit year-round.

Beyond the beauty of the parks and landmarks, London winter walks are about slowing down. The quieter streets and soft winter light create a calm that’s rare in such a vibrant city.

Whether you’re admiring the deer in Richmond, exploring riverside paths in Greenwich, or sipping coffee after a chilly stroll, each walk reminds you that winter has its own kind of wonder.

So, wrap up in your long winter coat, pull on your gloves, and step into the season with confidence — because with the right waterproof winter coat, there’s no such thing as bad weather!