London – Rivers, Royal Parks, and Green Corridors

Waterways, parkland, and historic streets connected by continuous paths

Riverside paths, canals, and wide green parks shape London, where routes follow the Thames, trace old towpaths and former rail lines, and link Royal Parks, commons, and woodland into one of Britain’s most walkable and varied urban landscapes for steady, self-guided exploration on foot.

The geography is shaped less by elevation than by water and open space. The Thames curves across the city from west to east, forming a natural spine for movement, while canals such as Regent’s Canal and the Lee Navigation create quieter corridors away from traffic. Between these waterways lie large areas of parkland, heaths, and commons, where wooded slopes, meadows, and open viewpoints offer space that often feels far removed from the surrounding streets.

Much of London’s landscape is protected or preserved as public green space. The Royal Parks — including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, and Richmond Park — form the backbone of the city’s outdoor network. These sit alongside places such as Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, and the wetlands of the Lee Valley, where woodland, grassland, and wildlife habitats are maintained within the capital. Footpaths pass easily between riverfront, park, and neighbourhood, allowing continuous journeys through the city without needing to rely on roads.

Movement through London often follows historic or linear routes. The Thames Path traces the river through docklands, wharves, and historic bridges, while the Capital Ring forms a broad circuit linking parks and outer districts. The Green Chain Walk connects green spaces across the south-east, and the London LOOP circles the outer boroughs through woodland, farmland, and suburban edge. These routes reveal how closely London’s walking network is tied to its waterways, heritage, and long-established public access.

Walking here is shaped by rhythm and proximity. Landmarks, cafés, markets, and transport links appear frequently, making it easy to combine shorter stages into longer journeys. A single day might move from palace gardens to canal towpaths, from historic streets to open heath, creating variety without leaving the city.

This is a landscape best understood step by step: beside the river, through parkland, and between neighbourhoods where history, everyday life, and green space remain closely connected.

Routes & Landscapes Across the Region

The Thames Path follows the river across the capital, linking Richmond, Westminster, the South Bank, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich along continuous waterfront walking.

Regent’s Canal and the Lee Valley provide quieter towpath routes between Little Venice, Camden, King’s Cross, Hackney Marshes, and the eastern wetlands.

The Royal Parks — including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, and Bushy Park — create large, walkable green spaces connected by park-to-park routes.

Long-distance circuits such as the Capital Ring, London LOOP, Green Chain Walk, and Jubilee Greenway link neighbourhoods, commons, and woodland into extended urban journeys.

Boroughs & Areas of London

Central districts, riverside neighbourhoods, and outer green spaces each offer distinct experiences — from historic Westminster and the City to Richmond’s parkland, Greenwich’s riverfront, and the wooded edges of Hampstead and Epping — providing natural bases for exploring the city on foot.

Beginning to explore London

London’s walking trails, waterways, and green spaces form a connected network rather than a single destination. Following its riverbanks, parks, and historic streets reveals how landscape and settlement remain interwoven across one of the world’s most accessible cities.