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Hyde Park and its surrounding parks offer some of the best walking routes in London. With picturesque views, historical landmarks, and vibrant green spaces, these parks provide a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Highlights include the serene Diana Memorial Fountain, the lively Speakers’ Corner, and the beautiful Italian Gardens. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to explore, there’s something here for everyone.
Discover the sights and sounds of London through its stunning parks, making it easy to enjoy nature while being in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to visit local cafes and hotspots to refuel along the way!
If you’re searching for the best walks in London, look no further than Hyde Park and its neighbouring green spaces. There’s something wholly calming about wandering through tree-lined avenues, listening to water trickle through fountains, and letting the city’s steady rhythm fade into the background. Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens sits right at the heart of it all – your trusted guide and retreat after a day on your feet.
With over 350 acres to explore, Hyde Park is a favourite for locals and visitors year-round. In autumn, the park turns gold and russet, the horse chestnut and oak leaves crinkling underfoot. The paths winding along North Carriage Drive and The Serpentine are a pleasure – an easy stroll for anyone seeking fresh air, heritage, and a peek at Londoners at leisure.
Highlights of Hyde Park:
Before your visit, you can check opening hours and seasonal highlights by reading useful advice from The Royal Parks.
Tucked away on the south side of The Serpentine, the Diana Memorial Fountain is one of Hyde Park’s most contemplative spots. Designed as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, its gently sloping curves create calming sounds as water flows along the stone. For walkers, it’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and watch children hop across the channels.
Accessibility is at the heart of the Memorial, with smooth paths and nearby benches for visitors needing a comfortable rest. Come in autumn and you’ll be surrounded by the gentle hush of falling leaves. If you’d like a detailed look at the design or background, useful tips are available on the Royal Parks’ official page.
No London walking tour would be complete without a stop at Speakers’ Corner. Situated near the Marble Arch entrance to Hyde Park, this storied patch of ground is synonymous with free expression. On Sundays, you’ll find old-school orators and spirited debates – part performance, part local tradition.
Whether you stay to listen or simply pass by, the sense of history here is unmistakable. It’s a wonderful start or finish to a Hyde Park walk, and a sharp reminder that London’s parks are as much about people as they are about plants.
Want to learn more about this corner’s legacy? Visit The Royal Parks Speakers’ Corner page for a thoughtful introduction.
After an hour or two on your feet, few pleasures match a hot drink in view of the water. The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen sits right on the lakeside, offering milk teas, pastries, and sandwiches, all with gentle views across The Serpentine. In cooler months, the mist rises early and adds a cinematic feel to the scene.
The patio is perfect in summer, but you’ll find the inside just as inviting as the temperatures drop. If you’re organising a route for friends or colleagues, agree to meet here – it’s central and relaxing. Menus and current opening hours can be found at The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen’s main site.
At the north-west corner of Kensington Gardens – with Hyde Park just next door – you’ll find the Italian Gardens, a sequence of ornamental pools, stone urns, and swirling fountains. Inspired by Renaissance landscapes and designed for quiet strolling, it’s an ideal stop on any west London walk.
The gardens are at their most striking in the early morning or towards dusk, when the carved fountains sparkle in soft light. If you’re a film fan, you may recognise the Italian Gardens from appearances in British cinema.
For season updates and visitor information, The Royal Parks’ Italian Gardens page has all you’ll need.
If Hyde Park reveals the city’s stately side, then Hampstead Heath shows off its wild heart. Sprawling across nearly 800 acres in North London, The Heath is a mix of woodlands, rolling meadows, and placid ponds. It’s easy to forget you’re in the capital when you’re crossing open fields, crunching autumn leaves beneath your boots, or pausing beside Kenwood House to watch clouds drift overhead.
Best walking routes at Hampstead Heath:
Bring a map or use a reliable walking app: footpaths criss-cross in all directions, and it’s easy to detour if something catches your eye. For up-to-date advice and a history of the Heath, the City of London website has essential guides.
Walking and picnicking go hand in hand at Hampstead Heath. For something more special than a supermarket sandwich, head to Euphorium Bakery near Hampstead Heath station. It’s an inviting spot known for plump pastries and generous sandwiches – ideal fuel for a long afternoon out.
Whether you grab a pain au chocolat or a spinach and feta baguette, the bakery makes local picnics a pleasure. Plan to arrive just after the morning rush for the widest choice. You’ll find their opening hours and more on the Euphorium Bakery website.
If you’re seeking a fusion of literature and landscape during your London walks, Keats House is a gem. The famous Romantic poet John Keats lived and wrote here, and today, the house and garden are open for visitors. It’s an oasis of calm set just off the Heath, with tranquil beds of flowers and a wisteria-draped verandah.
Take a guided tour, discover manuscript displays, or simply relax in the gardens. Want practical info, opening times, or current exhibitions? The City of London Keats House page is an excellent resource.
If you have time for a longer adventure, Richmond Park rewards walkers with a sense of grandeur. It’s nearly 2,500 acres – one of London’s biggest Royal Parks – with ancient oaks, quiet ponds, and herds of deer. Autumn reveals the park at its finest: fiery foliage, stags standing among misty fields, and winding shingle paths curving through bracken.
A few recommended trails:
Always dress for the weather, as exposed areas can be windy. For directions, maps, and wildlife tips, the Royal Parks’ dedicated Richmond Park page is comprehensive.
Moments from Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park is cherished for its storybook bridges, gentle lakes, and colony of friendly squirrels. Locals weave it into their commute, while visitors find it a picturesque break from the crowds of Westminster. Bright flower beds bloom from spring, and in autumn the paths become canopied in colour.
For a peaceful walk, cross the Blue Bridge for city views, then circle back along the lake – spotting pelicans, ducks, and perhaps one of London’s famed black swans along the way. It’s just under a mile all the way around, so it’s perfect if your day is packed but you crave fresh air.
The Royal Parks website keeps up-to-date on the flora and fauna you’ll encounter.
Whether you’re travelling from abroad or are a local walker looking for inspiration, here’s how to make the most of London walks London style:
Planning to experience walks in London first-hand? With a base at a hotel near Hyde Park, every garden, path, and leafy avenue is close by. Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens offers warm hospitality, contemporary comfort, and practical advice for exploring the parks – whether you need a packed breakfast before heading to the Heath or a quiet spot for tea after a busy afternoon outside.
Groups and business travellers value the reliable Wi-Fi, quiet atmosphere, and flexible meeting spaces. Leisure guests enjoy effortless access to all the Royal Parks and a friendly welcome back, day or night. From your first walk to your last cup of tea overlooking the gardens, you’ll feel at home and ready to explore more of London’s great outdoors.
Ready to plan your London walking tour? Book your stay at Thistle Kensington Gardens and let our friendly team guide you to the parks, pathways, and secret leafy corners that make this city singular.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens offer a wide, easy-to-navigate space with historic landmarks and well-marked paths. The route around The Serpentine, from Speakers’ Corner past the Diana Memorial Fountain to the Italian Gardens, is both iconic and manageable for all ages.
Yes, many of the Royal Parks organise group walks and themed tours—like wildflower strolls, bat walks, or art history routes. Visit The Royal Parks homepage for current offerings.
Autumn and winter bring migratory birds to The Serpentine, while Richmond Park is famed for its herds of red and fallow deer. Stay on marked paths, keep a respectful distance, and consider carrying binoculars for a closer look.
Absolutely. Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens balances business amenities with prime access to central London’s parks—a perfect match for mixing work and leisure.
Most of the major Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens, have well-maintained paths suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. There are step-free café options and accessible loos at main locations. Always check each park’s website for specific details before your visit.
