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Where London slows to walking pace — and the Thames becomes your compass.
The Thames Path (London Section) is one of the most accessible long-distance trails in the South East of England, perfect for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Following the river for 79 miles (127 km) from the Thames Barrier in the east to Hampton Court Palace in the west, it passes world-famous landmarks, royal parks, riverside pubs, and hidden green spaces along the way.
Ideal for self-guided holidays, urban ramblers, or weekend explorers, this section blends nature, history, and culture in a way that only London can. With the river always beside you, navigation is simple, and the scenery shifts from maritime industry to regal architecture, wildflower meadows to Georgian lanes.
East London: Begin at the Thames Barrier, where tidal waters meet post-industrial Docklands and maritime Greenwich. Follow the river through Rotherhithe, past Tower Bridge, and into the heart of Central London — with views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
Central to West London: West of Westminster, the trail softens. Stroll through Battersea Park, past riverside cafés and leafy embankments toward Putney, Barnes, and Kew Gardens. Here, walkers step into nature — with kingfishers, willows, and long stretches of riverside calm.
Richmond & Beyond: Beyond Richmond, the river meanders past Ham House, Twickenham, and Bushy Park, ending at Hampton Court Palace — a regal finale to a journey that blends history and water at every turn.
Accommodation is plentiful and varied — from boutique city hotels and historic inns to countryside-style B&Bs in outer London boroughs. Richmond, Kew, and Greenwich make ideal bases, with excellent transport links and riverside charm.
Many walkers divide the route into day sections, using the Underground and National Rail to return to a single base each evening. Others opt for multi-day walking breaks, staying in different neighbourhoods along the river for a fuller experience.
From hidden gardens and riverside pubs to art galleries and royal residences, the Thames Path (London Section) offers walking holidays with culture, comfort, and ease.