Keen to slow down and leisurely explore London? Grab your comfortable shoes for five of the best leisure walks in London.
Sometimes we all just need to swap the hectic pace of travel for a slower pace. To relax the mind & body, as well as be more mindfully present for our experiences. Know what I mean?
London is a great place for walking. It has walks for everyone: from walking tours and self-guided routes, to plenty of open spaces and winding alleyways well-suited for aimless exploration.
There is something for everyone’s pace and taste, to include more than a few beautiful locations to take a stroll.
Come and see for yourself!
Exploring London with Wellness in Mind
I love walking London because there’s always something to match my mood. Making it easy to personalize a walk to fit my current self-care routine.
Taking mindful photo walks allows me to explore architectural details, as well as, explore green spaces. Which are always good when you need to digitally detox from modern life.
London is my regular weekend getaway for exactly that reason, because it’s ideal for wellness travel.
An easy trip from Italy, it allows me to indulge in Indian & Thai food, as well as yoga class or two! And, there’s nothing like its festive fun & joy at Christmas!
London is an engaging travel destination because there are so many wellness inspired things to do.
And while it’s easy to jam pack the day with its iconic attractions and unique experiences, it’s beneficial to slow down once in a while.
So you can relax & enjoy the scenery.
Walking as Self-Care
Walking is enjoyable simply because it’s freedom and fresh air rolled up in one.
In addition, it’s a super convenient self-care tool because it can be done anywhere in the world, making it a simple way to stay healthy.
An ideal way to stay in shape while traveling, walking can be worked into any length itinerary. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a wellness weekend getaway, or tech-free vacation.
Most importantly, walking lets you wander off the beaten path and go where the wind blows.
There are great and unexpected delights to be found when we travel this way!
5 London Leisure Walks to Boost Well-Being
Here are five beautiful places for a leisurely stroll in London, locations where you can relax and simply stroll without agenda.
These are some of my favorite spots in the city to simply wander on foot and take in all of the beauty around you. And to take photographs, of course!
Richmond Upon Thames Waterfront
Just outside of central London is one of London’s most beautiful boroughs, Richmond Upon Thames.
With lots of parks and open spaces, like Richmond Park and The Thames Path, its an idyllic place for nature lovers. In addition, it’s well suited for longer walks.
But for a leisurely stroll, I like to wander through along the waterfront.
There are places to stop for a drink and lots of benches where you can relax & unwind. You’ll find it a tranquil change of pace to wander along the river.
A nice ending point for a walk is Petersham Nurseries. If you are a fan of garden centers, this is not to be missed. It’s aesthetic plant heaven and a visit here is sure to bring joy to your day.
St. James Park
St. James Park is located right in the heart of London and is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Whitehall.
This makes it one of the more convenient leisure walks in London.
This 57 acre Royal Park has quite a bit to offer for such a small space. It includes the Mall and Horse Guards Parade, which makes it an idyllic walk for experiencing the grandeur of classical architecture.
But, perhaps the best part of the park is the wildlife. Look out for waterfowl, squirrels, and of course the pelicans (usually by the lake where their daily feeling time is 2:30)!
If you’re inspired by animals, St. Jame’s Park is a lovely place to pass the time with a leisurely stroll.
Regent’s Park
Regents Park is one of London’s prettiest Royal Parks. Combining large open spaces with formal gardens, it provides an inspiring backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
Regent’s Park shines in the springtime when the Cherry trees along the Avenue Gardens come to life. Punctuated by the colorful bulbs throughout the sculpted garden beds, it makes for a sigh worthy experience.
Queen Mary’s Garden is also a treat for the senses when its more than 12,000 roses begin to bloom.
Wandering here will remind you how elevating it feels to spend time alongside nature. It’s a wonderful space for relaxation in London and a brillant way to cultivate well-being.
Brompton Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery is one of the seven large garden cemeteries known as The Magnificent Seven, that were established around London in the 19th century.
While it’s easy to think of these spaces as gloomy, they are actually beautiful & peaceful places to experience.
The cemetery was a popular place for families to walk and picnic during the Victorian era. A tree lined drive runs through the heart of the cemetery, where still today it is idyllic to stroll as you take in the monuments and memorials.
The great circle and colonnade are the architectural focal point, and were inspired by the piazza in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Visiting historic cemeteries is something I often seek out when traveling in England. When visiting a new location, it’s a unique and solitary way to find a sense of place.
Some of my other favorites include Glasgow’s Necropolis and the historic graveyards of Edinburgh.
The Southbank at Sunset
The Southbank is a lively area along The Thames River. It’s full of historic pubs, arts venues, street performers, and food stalls. Which makes it quite perfect for a leisurely stroll.
But for me, a leisurely stroll at sunset is the best way to appreciate the iconic skyline. There’s something spectacular about the light as it fades behind Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.
For an ethereal feeling the winter season is best. Blue hour is early, but the light is soft and diffuse.
If you are looking to seek out more wellness travel opportunities like walking, move London up the bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.
One of these leisure walks in London is sure to make you smile & sigh with satisfaction, I promise!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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