13 Circular Walks in London

Walking is my favorite way to explore London. The details are what make this city special, and they’re best taken in on foot. I’ve created countless free self-guided walking tours over the years, and today I want to share all my circular walks in London in one blog post. There are lots of great places to discover in the UK capital, and these easy routes will help you find some of the best. I’ve included a map, too.

Circular Walks in London

From popular parts of central London to local areas most visitors miss, my circular walks will show you a variety of London neighborhoods.

Whether you want to walk through an urban village, explore pretty mews, or delve into the city’s past, I’ve published a self-guided walk in London you’ll want to take.

You can find additional routes and maps in the book London’s Hidden Walks. You can get it here. It’s for you if you enjoy discovering local areas. There are more ideas in my London walking books post, too.

If you want a guided tour, there are great ones you can take with a local expert. From the famous Jack the Ripper tour to Westminster walks, street art tours, and food tours in the West End, they’re ideal ways to see the sights with an experienced guide. You can see options and book one here.

If you’re interested in more A Lady in London walks, my blog post about self-guided walking tours in London has all the ones I’ve published.

I’ve also written posts about everything from the best London night walks to unusual walks, Thames walks, and canal walks. You can find the relevant routes and maps on them.

1. Hampstead

First on my list of circular walks in London is one in Hampstead. This is my favorite part of the UK capital, and its village-like atmosphere makes it an ideal place to discover on foot.

Up in north west London, my Hampstead walk will take you to well-known places like Hampstead High Street, Flask Walk, and Hampstead Heath, as well as museums and squares.

The route also passes local pubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can stop for a meal or a drink.

This is one of the best circular walking tours in London if you love local neighborhoods and pretty streets in equal measure. There are fun shops along the route, too.

This walk is ideal if you want to explore a part of the UK capital locals love and visitors often miss. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city, and it truly feels like a village.

If you want to go on this one, you can find the complete directions, map, photos, and video on my Hampstead walk blog post. You can see more in the area on my guide to north west London walks.

2. London Bridge

Next on my list of circular walks is one that will take you through the London Bridge area. From Borough to Bermondsey, it will show you the big highlights and hidden gems of this part of the city.

My free self-guided London Bridge walking tour will take you past iconic spots like Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and City Hall.

It will also show you less obvious places like Vinegar Yard, Flat Iron Square, and Maltby Street Market. They’re great local markets, and fun places to have a meal, snack, or drink along the way.

The walk will also lead you down Bermondsey Street, one of the most exciting high streets in the area. Cafes, pubs, and restaurants abound here.

This is one of the best walks in London if you enjoy history, food, and riverside scenery in equal measure.

If you want go on this one, you can find the detailed route, map, photos, and video on my London Bridge walk blog post. You can see more in the area on my guide to south London walks.

3. Chelsea

Next on my list of circular walks in London is one in Chelsea. This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in west London, what with its colorful houses, buzzing high street, and riverfront scenery.

My self-guided Chelsea walk will take you through the back streets and secret gardens that make this area so lovely. From Bywater Street to the Chelsea Physic Garden, it has it all.

The walk will also reveal the retail highlights along the King’s Road and other beloved places in Chelsea.

This walk is the right one for you if you enjoy shopping and exploring in equal measure. Whether you want to spend more time browsing the boutiques on the King’s Road or visiting Carlyle’s House, there’s something for you.

If you do this walk on a Saturday, you can stop for a meal or snack at the famous Duke of York Square Market near Sloane Square, too.

If that all appeals, you can find the route, map, photos, and video on my blog post about a Chelsea walk. You can see more in the area on my guide to west London walks.

4. Holborn

My next circular walk is in Holborn. This part of central London is known for its rich past, historic legal institutions, leafy squares, and secret pubs.

My Holborn walk will take you along the area’s best passageways and to its historic sites. You’ll get a glimpse of everything from Lincoln’s Inn Fields to Hatton Garden, Sicilian Avenue, and Staple Inn as you go.

You’ll also pass the area’s famous museums. From Sir John Soane’s Museum to the Hunterian Museum, you’ll have the option of going in to see the collections.

If you love pubs, you’re in luck. This walk will take you by some of the most beloved historic pubs in London. From Ye Olde Mitre to The Ship Tavern and the Cittie of Yorke, there’s no shortage of places to stop for a drink.

This walk is ideal if you enjoy a mix of history, architecture, and tucked-away surprises. With all the optional stops, you can make it as long or short as you’d like.

If all that appeals, you can find the details, map, and photos on my blog post about a Holborn walking tour. You can see more in the area on my guide to central London walks.

5. Primrose Hill

My next circular walk is in Primrose Hill. This north London neighborhood is known for its charming side streets, colorful houses, and exciting high street.

There’s a park with sweeping views of London, too. Right above Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is worth the ascent for its panoramas of the city center and beyond.

My free self-guided walk will take you around to the best places in Primrose Hill and allow you to see pretty houses, garden squares, and famous filming locations.

The walking route will not only take you by local pubs and shops, but also let you walk along Regent’s Canal. It has a great mix of things to do and see.

If you do it on a Saturday, the route will bring you to a local food market, too. It’s the perfect place to get a snack or picnic to enjoy as you take in the views from the top of the hill.

If you’re interested in going on this walk, you can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Primrose Hill walk blog post. You can see more in the area on my guide to north London walks.

6. Little Venice

Next on my list of circular walks in London is one in Little Venice. This local neighborhood is known for its canals. The Grand Union Canal meets Regent’s Canal here, and there are lots of places to see around the waterways.

Little Venice is not only full of colorful boats, but also leafy parks, quirky cafes, and hidden pubs. It’s an ideal place to discover a part of London many visitors miss.

The route of this walk will take you from the Warwick Avenue tube station in Maida Vale to the houses, canals, and streets the area is known for.

Along the way you’ll find everything from parks to cafes and Paddington Basin. You’ll also see a famous hidden garden shop.

This walking tour is for you if you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path parts of London. It will allow you to discover a local part of the city and experience a slower pace of life.

If this one appeals, you can find the detailed route, map, photos, and video on my Little Venice walk blog post.

7. Belgravia

Up next is my circular walk in Belgravia. Littered with embassies and luxury hotels, this is one of London’s most elegant neighborhoods. The abundance of tucked-away mews and lanes makes it an ideal area to explore on foot.

The route of this walk goes past Belgravia’s embassies and down the famous Elizabeth Street, where you’ll find pretty cafes and shopfronts.

It will also take you along Motcomb Street, into Orange Square, and down winding lanes that lead to local pubs. Which is to say nothing of the grand squares, which you’ll see as well.

This walk is great if you enjoy seeing a mix of architectural styles, doing a bit of shopping, and being ensconced in luxury.

If you do it on a Saturday morning, you can go to the farmers’ market in Orange Square on Pimlico Road. It’s a fun place to browse.

If you want to go on this walk, you can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Belgravia walk blog post.

8. Dulwich

Next on my list is my free self-guided Dulwich circular walk. This leafy part of south east London feels like it’s a million miles from the city.

Dulwich is beloved for its grand houses, plethora of green spaces and cricket fields, enchanted woods, and renowned picture gallery. It feels like a country village that’s been transplanted in south London.

My walking route will take you through the leafy expanse of Dulwich Park, alongside Belair Park, and through the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood.

If you can time your visit to coincide with when the American Garden is in bloom in April or May, you’ll be in heaven. The rhododendrons and azaleas are nothing short of spectacular. It’s one of the best spring gardens in London.

If you have time, it’s worth popping down to Dulwich Wood, too. Together with Sydenham Hill Wood, this is the largest remaining part of the ancient Great North Wood in the Borough of Southwark. Crisscrossed by walking trails, it’s peaceful and beautiful.

This is one of the best south east London walks if you like a mix of village atmosphere and green spaces. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Dulwich walk post.

9. Greenwich

Also in the south east, my next walk is in Greenwich. This part of London is known for its maritime history, views, Royal Observatory, and covered market. There are famous filming locations here as well.

My self-guided walk will lead you around Greenwich so you can take in the area’s heritage buildings, explore the pretty side streets, and soak up one of the best views of London.

The route will take you past landmarks like the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House, and Royal Observatory.

You’ll also stroll by local pubs and through buzzing markets. It’s a great walk to do on a Greenwich day trip, as it covers the highlights of the area.

This one is for you if you enjoy a mix of history, green spaces, pretty streets, and views. You can make a full day of it if you go to all the museums and attractions along the way.

If you’re interested in going on this walk, you can find the full route, map, photos, video on my Greenwich walk blog post.

10. Holland Park

Next on my list of circular walks in London is one in Holland Park. This area is full of grand houses and beautiful mews, not to mention a high street full of pretty shops, cafes, and restaurants.

As the name implies, Holland Park is also home to one of London’s most beloved green spaces. The tulip gardens are gorgeous in spring, and the Kyoto Garden is lovely all year. There are peacocks, too.

The route of this walk will guide you from the Holland Park tube station to the houses, parks, and mews the area is famous for. It’s ideal if you like a mix of pretty facades and stunning gardens.

From the Leighton House Museum to Holland Park Mews, you’ll get a great overview of the area’s cultural highlights and hidden corners as you follow the route.

This walk is for you if you love exploring picturesque neighborhoods and you like pretty streets and parks in equal measure.

If you want to go on this one, you can find the detailed route, map, photos, and video on my blog post about a Holland Park walk.

11. Richmond

The next of my circular walks is in Richmond. This area in south west London is known for its pretty riverfront and expansive green spaces. It’s one of my favorite parts of London to explore.

My free self-guided walk will take you into Richmond Green, out to the Thames Path, through Petersham Meadows, up Terrace Gardens, and into Richmond Park, one of the largest green spaces in the UK capital.

Highlights of this one include charming alleys like Brewers Lane and plenty of riverside pubs and restaurants. There’s good shopping along the way as well.

While you walk, you’ll see the best of Richmond, from the narrow lanes to the Thames Path. At the end, you’ll have options for continuing your walk in whatever way suits your tastes.

You’ll also come across everything from 17th-century Ham House and Garden (it’s a National Trust property) to Ted Lasso filming locations. It’s worth spending a full day in Richmond to see everything.

This walk is ideal if you like parks and waterfront areas as much as you love little lanes and quiet corners. You can find the route, map, photos, and video on my blog post about a Richmond walk.

12. Knightsbridge

Another great circular walk is one in Knightsbridge. This luxurious neighborhood in central London is famous for department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but there’s a lot to discover beyond the retail highlights.

My self-guided walking tour in Knightsbridge will take you down Sloane Street, past luxury goods shops, and into side streets.

En route you’ll go down Brompton Road, see pretty brick buildings on Egerton Gardens and Pont Street, and explore beautiful places like Rutland Mews South.

You’ll also see squares like Trevor Square, Hans Place, and Montpelier Square. You’ll even get to walk through a hole in a wall on Rutland Street.

This walk is for you if you love the finer things in life and you want to explore one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

If that all appeals, you can find the detailed directions, map, photos, and video on my blog post about a Knightsbridge walk.

13. Paddington

Another great circular walk is one in Paddington. This part of the city is best known for its train station, but there are hidden mews and unique local attractions all throughout the neighborhood.

My self-guided walk will take you around to some of the best mews in London. You’ll even go through one that has working horse stables in it.

The route will also lead you past local attractions like the Alexander Fleming Museum. It’s dedicated to the life and work of Alexander Fleming, a scientist who was best known for his discovery of penicillin in 1928.

The route is ideal if you enjoy seeing hidden streets and local landmarks. It’s also great if you’re a fan of Paddington Bear, as you’ll get to see his statue in the station.

If you’re interested in going on this one, you can find the detailed route, map, and photos on my blog post about a Paddington walk.

Map

Circular Walks in London

I hope my list of circular walking routes has made you want to get outside and explore some of the best areas in the UK capital. Whether you’re a local or you want to live like one, these walks will help you discover the areas Londoners love.

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