In this article, you'll learn the following:
Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your mental and physical health. There are an array of benefits - from helping you to reduce stress and boost creativity, to making your heart, muscles and bones healthier, and more, it's something we should all be doing regularly.
Taking the same route every day can get boring. Mix it up and hop on a train to London to reap the benefits of walking while enjoying the history, culture and stunning sights of one of the most iconic cities in the world.
There are plenty of self-guided walking tours in London to enjoy, whether you want some much needed 'me time' or are looking for free and fun-filled things to do with loved ones. Give these a go...
City of London Children's Trail
Explore the city’s landmarks with the help of Draco the Dragon and see what hidden gems you can unearth throughout the day on the City of London Children's Trail.
There are three coloured trails to choose from:
The Yellow Trail – City Stories, which consists of St Paul’s Cathedral, Museum of London, Guildhall Art Gallery, London's Roman Amphitheatre and more.
The Blue Trail – Skyscraper Sketching, an exploration of London’s finest architecture, from the Gherkin and Leadenhall Market to lesser-known gems such as St Helen Bishopsgate Church and Sculpture in the City.
The Green Trail – Towers on the Thames, which takes you on an exciting journey to the Monument, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Dunstan-in-the-East and more.
Learn more about the City of London Children's Trail.
Collect your map from the City Information Centre to get started. There are plenty of fun activities and stickers included – so don’t forget to bring a pen or pencil. If you’re travelling with kids, you won’t want to miss this one!
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: each trail is around 45 minutes long
Starting Point: City Information Centre, St Paul’s Churchyard
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
Designs of the Times
One of the most exciting London city walks for architecture lovers, the Designs of the Times walking route showcases all of London’s most important and impressive buildings. During your tour, you’ll enjoy a mix of historical architecture, such as St Paul's Cathedral and Temple Bar, and the more modern-day design of the Gherkin and The Shard.
Learn more about the Designs of the Times route.
Download the map and you’re good to go!
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: 90 minutes
Starting Point: St Paul’s Cathedral
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
City of London Tree Trail
If you’re in search of an outdoor activity to boost your mood, then the City of London Tree Trail is just the ticket. It’s easy to forget London’s greenery when the buildings, landmarks and city bustle take centre stage. But just a few steps away from the busy roads will unearth another side to London. Learn about the vital role the trees play in the city as you embark on your trail, with over 11 types of tree to look out for. Opt for the 2-mile city trail or the 2.5-mile river trail.
Learn more about the City of London Tree Trail.
Download the map to start your adventure.
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: 1-2 hours, depending on the trail
Starting Point: Either Temple for the River Trail, or St Paul’s Cathedral for the City Trail
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
Dickens' Magic Lantern
Many talented and famous creatives have roamed the streets of London, including author Charles Dickens. In a two-hour trail dedicated to the renowned novelist, do the Dickens' Magic Lantern retrace Dickens’s steps as he gathered inspiration for his bestselling novel, Oliver Twist.
It’s the perfect summer outdoor activity with an educational twist. Starting at Doughty St, your map will guide you through many notable spots, including the Charles Dickens Museum, which was Dickens’s former home, Mount Pleasant, the River Fleet and the Betsey Trotwood pub.
If you love seeing the inspiration behind a book or a movie, then take a look at our Railway Movie Trail and get planning your next trip.
Learn more about the Dickens' Magic Lantern route.
Download a copy of the map to get started.
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: 2 hours
Starting Point: Doughty St
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
Historic pubs in the city
Guiding you through some of the city’s oldest pubs, you’ll get a real feel for what a good ol’ trip to the boozer felt like back in the day with this Historic Pubs of the City tour. Many of these pubs were the inspiration for London’s famous figures, including Shakespeare and Dickens! The route is based in Square Mile and features these popular pubs:
- Jamaica Wine House
- The Globe
- Cittie of Yorke
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- Ye Old Watling
If you’re after inspo for other London pubs to visit while you're out check out our pick of the South West’s top waterside pubs, or take a look at London’s best sports bars to visit. Cheers!
Learn more about the route and see the map.
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: Anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on how many stops you make
Starting Point: Leadenhall Market
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
Sculpture in the City Family Trail
If you’re enjoying a family weekend in London, make sure the Sculpture in the City Family Trail is in your itinerary! This is a fun, interactive journey through the city’s hidden wonders, narrated by actress and writer Martha Howe-Douglas of Horrible Histories. Along the way, you’ll encounter and learn about many famous monuments, like Leadenhall Market, the Leadenhall Building, St Andrew Undershaft and the Gherkin.
Learn more about the Sculpture in the City Family Trail.
Download the Bloomberg app to access your audio guide and map.
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Approximate length: 1-2 hours
Starting Point: Choose from a number of different landmarks along the route
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
Get inspired for more adventures with SWR
We hope you enjoy our selection of self-guided tours of London. If you're looking for more strolling inspiration, check out our guide to the best walks along the Thames, and discover the best walking trails in the South West.
Get cheap train tickets when you book direct with us. Book in advance to get the best price, and save even more with a Railcard or GroupSave.
Discover exclusive discounts on dining, hotel stays, and entertainment with SWR Rewards when you travel with SWR.
