In this article, you'll learn the following:
Walking is proven to burn calories, lower blood sugar and enhance creativity – beat that! It also doesn’t cost a penny, making it one of the best free things to do in London and one of the top outdoor activities to boost your mood.
The River Thames streams directly through London like the city's veins. It supports many wildlife, from birds and bats to seahorses and seals. Coasters, cruise ships and yachts; rowers, sailors and canoers sail the Thames, offering some of the best boat trips in London. Over 200 bridges cross the river, including the iconic Tower Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in London.
Walking is one of the best ways to explore – and escape – the city. Thames walks feature city and suburban areas, including Richmond, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court and Westminster. Ready to explore the riverside? Dust off those walking boots – we’ve compiled a list of the best walks along the Thames!
Can you walk along the Thames in London?
You can walk along the north and south banks of the Thames. Created in 1996, the Thames Path National Trail has more riverside routes than you can shake a (walking) stick at. It’s 185.2 miles long (roughly equivalent to the distance between London and Doncaster)! The Thames Path is the longest river walk in Europe and would take two weeks to walk. Thanks to its length, the path suits all abilities – from beginner to experienced walkers.
Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge
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Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is the sightseer's walk through Central London. It’s the best Thames walking tour for a whistlestop 48 hours in London. Along the route, you’ll encounter modern structures, including Tate Modern, the Millennium Footbridge and the London Eye, and historic landmarks like Southwark Cathedral, County Hall and Shakespeare’s Globe – not to mention it passes through the bustling hub of South Bank.
This riverside walk features views of famous landmarks, including:
- London Eye
- The Shard
- London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Hungerford Bridge & Golden Jubilee Bridges
- Southwark Cathedral
- London County Hall
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- Royal Festival Hall
- South Bank
- Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- Tower of London
Difficulty rating: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Approximate length: 1 hour
Starting point: Westminster
Closest SWR station: Vauxhall
Richmond to Kew Gardens
The Kew Riverside Walk is the best trail to escape the bustling city. Fun fact: Over 20% of London’s land area is trees, which qualifies as a forest. Richmond to Kew Gardens is an excellent walk for wildlife lovers, showcasing London’s often-overlooked greenery.
Before arriving at Kew Bridge, you’ll pass several landmarks along tree-lined paths, including Richmond Palace, Twickenham Bridge and Richmond Lock – and what better place to cap off a wildlife walk than at the world’s largest botanical garden? Keep your eyes peeled for the parakeets that have made Kew Gardens and Richmond Park their home!
There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to stop at if you need a break. And if you’re too tired to walk back after touring the gardens, hop on the train from Kew Bridge to Richmond.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Distance: 8.5 miles
Approximate duration: 3.5 hours
Starting point: Richmond Park
Closest SWR station: Richmond
Kingston-upon-Thames to Hampton Court Palace
The Thames Barge Walk (so-called after the shipping vessels that used to grace its waters) takes you from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court Bridge. This U-shaped trail follows one of the Thames’s distinctive curves. There are 180 islands on the river, and approaching Hampton Court, two appear: Ravens Ait Island and Thames Ditton Island. Across the Thames, you’ll see Kingston-upon-Thames, Surbiton, and Hampton Court.
Hampton Court Palace is this walk's focus and finish line, but Hampton Court Park is a must-visit. It’s unmissable in scale (750 acres!) and scenery (famous for wild deer and ancient trees).
Difficulty rating: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Approximate length: 3 hours
Starting point: Kingston station
Closest SWR station: Kingston
Putney to Battersea
Putney Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in London (originally built in 1776). It’s also the starting place for this walk to Battersea.
Along this walk, you’ll pass Putney Bridge, Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Bridge before arriving at Albert Bridge. You’ll also pass through plenty of green spaces, including Wandsworth Park and Bridges Wharf Gardens, finishing at Battersea Park. The 200-acre green space has a boating lake, duck pond, cycle hire and even a zoo, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do once you’re there.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Distance: 3.7 miles
Approximate length: 2 hours
Starting point: Putney Bridge
Closest SWR station: Putney
Richmond to Hampton Court
The route from Richmond to Hampton Court takes you along the Thames Path. This is the city-dwelling country-lover’s walk. You’ll go through Rotary Gardens, a small, peaceful park overlooking the landing space for ferries and riverboats (hence the name).
Escaping the city’s sounds and sights, you’ll pass through Buccleuch Gardens and Petersham Meadows, past Ham Lake and Canbury Gardens. The winding route through the gardens mirrors the river’s curve. You won’t believe you’re not in the countryside. At the end of the walk, you’ll cross the river at Hampton Court Park.
Difficulty rating: Medium
Distance: 9 miles
Approximate length: 3 hours
Starting point: Richmond
Closest SWR station: Richmond
Richmond to Putney
If Richmond to Kew was no match for you, continue walking past Kew Gardens to Putney. Richmond has arguably the most picturesque parts of the river, but this route has even more greenery. It passes Hammersmith Bridge, an iconic London landmark and one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges. This route is the ideal way to spend an afternoon – it’s one of the longest on this list, but there are several riverside pubs and restaurants along the way (a sight for sore legs!).
Difficulty rating: Medium
Distance: 9 miles
Approximate length: 3 hours
Starting point: Richmond
Closest SWR station: Richmond
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