London Bridge Hotel

London Winter Walks

Posted on 06/11/2024 by London Bridge Hotel

As winter settles in, London is transformed into a city of twinkling lights, crisp air, and beautiful scenery. Strolling through the city’s parks and riverbanks during the winter months is a special treat, with frost-covered trees, festive lights, and iconic landmarks adding to the festive atmosphere. We’ve rounded up the best London winter walks to enjoy during the colder months, whether you’re a visitor or a local looking to discover the city’s more festive side.

Southbank to Tower Bridge

Southbank is a year-round favourite for walkers, but it’s particularly enchanting in the winter. From Westminster Bridge, you can follow the Thames eastward, taking in the twinkling Christmas lights, the bustling winter market along the Southbank, and the festive atmosphere stretching along the riverside. You’ll pass landmarks like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Tate Modern, before reaching Tower Bridge.

There’s plenty to see and do around Christmas in the London Bridge area. You’ll be rewarded with the Winter by the River Market, close to Tower Bridge, or pop into Borough Market to get yourself a hot drink and delicious food as a reward for your efforts!

Distance: 2.5 miles (approx.)
Highlights: Festive lights, winter markets, iconic landmarks
Where to stop: Borough Market, Southbank Winter Market, Winter by the River market

Greenwich Park

If you want a walk that mixes breathtaking views and historical charm, Greenwich Park is the place for you. This expansive park, home to the Royal Observatory, is one of the best panoramic views of London.

You can begin your walk at the bottom of the park and proceed uphill through wide, and hopefully frost-covered spaces, if it is cold and crisp enough. The view across the River Thames to Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena is particularly striking on a crisp winter afternoon when you reach the top.

Distance: Varies depending on the route
Highlights: Panoramic views, historic landmarks, frost-covered greenery
Where to stop: Royal Observatory, Greenwich Market, Cutty Sark

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park is Central London’s largest park and is a beautiful place for a winter walk. The park is relatively flat, so is a little easier than the Greenwich Park walk. Walk along the many paths through the park and enjoy the scenery and the serpentine lake in the centre.

Continue into Kensington Gardens, where you can explore the more intimate paths around Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial to give your walk a regal touch!

If you’re visiting the parks in December, Winter Wonderland is located in Hyde Park, so you can visit this bustling attraction after your walk. Book online to avoid disappointment!

Distance: Varies depending on the route
Highlights: Serpentine Lake, Kensington Palace, Albert Memorial
Where to stop: The Serpentine, Winter Wonderland, Speaker’s Corner

Hampstead Heath

Looking for a winter walk outside of central London? Hampstead Heath offers a perfect solution! Compared to London’s tidy parks, this sprawling parkland is wilder and more untamed, and is especially beautiful when frost or snow covers its hills.

The highlight of a winter walk here is climbing to the top of Parliament Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of London’s skyline – a particular highlight at sunset. The heath’s open spaces and wooded areas create a peaceful winter atmosphere that feels miles away from the city. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Heath covered in a rare blanket of snow, turning it into a true winter wonderland.

Distance: Varies depending on the route
Highlights: Wild parkland, panoramic views, woodland paths
Where to stop: Parliament Hill for the view, nearby cosy pubs

Richmond to Kew

For another walk along the Thames, but with a more rural feel, the walk from Richmond to Kew Gardens is a must. Start in Richmond, where you can explore the town before walking along the river toward Kew Gardens. End your walk with a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where the annual Christmas at Kew event features stunning light installations that transform the gardens into a glowing winter wonderland.

Distance: 4 miles (approx)
Highlights: Peaceful riverside paths, historic pubs, Kew Gardens
Where to stop: Richmond town, Kew Gardens for Christmas at Kew

Warm up at the London Bridge Hotel

If you are looking for a place to warm up, head over to the London Bridge Hotel. Here you’ll find a cosy Christmas-decked bar serving delicious food and unique cocktails. If you want to crash out, we have plenty of welcoming and comfortable rooms waiting for you! Choose from our comfortable standard room to our roomy studio suites.

Book over the weekend for an amazing weekend deal starting from £129 a night, fantastic for such a central location!