With more of us choosing to spend our weekends exploring green spaces, there’s never been a better time to get outdoors and discover the many hiking trails around London.
Here I’ve rounded up some of the best hikes near London and my favourite walking spots, including Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, and more, all just a short distance from the city centre.
Essential gear for hiking near London
You need to have the right gear for a successful hike, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. My handy checklist will put you on the right track:
- Hiking boots or comfortable shoes
- Moisture-wicking, active clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Navigation equipment (map, compass, mobile navigation app)
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
- First aid kit
- Headtorch (and spare batteries)
- Backpack
“Outdoor equipment can be expensive, but buying the very best gear isn’t always necessary. It’s only when venturing to wilder landscapes with harsher conditions (such as hiking in the Peak District) that high-end gear is truly worth the money.”
Top 3 short hikes near London
Short on time? That shouldn’t stop you from getting your walking boots on. Here are my top three short hikes near London to include in your travel itinerary.
Richmond Park Circular
- Start location: Kingston Gate, Richmond Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes (aside from the Isabella Plantation)
Both a National Nature Reserve and London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, there’s no better place to experience the great outdoors near London than Richmond Park.
Take a stroll through ancient woods, rolling hills, and wide-open grasslands and you’ll immediately forget you’re in the capital at all. Keep an eye out for the herds of deer that call Richmond Park home (just don’t be tempted to get too close to them), smell the wildflowers, and spot the birds.
The park’s perimeter is also home to the Tamsin Trail, a seven-mile stretch that’s known for being one of the best hikes near London for locals and tourists alike.
Hampstead Heath Circular
- Start location: Hampstead Heath Tube Station
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Located just outside of Islington in north London, the 4.5 miles of walkways around Hampstead Heath are perfect for families and furry friends.
Explore the bathing ponds and visit the beautiful former stately home Kenwood House, before continuing to my favourite spot – the Model Boating Ponds wildlife sanctuary. Finish up with some epic vistas over the city at the romantic Parliament Hill viewpoint.
Goring to Pangbourne
- Start location: Goring & Streatley station
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Accessible by train from both its start and end points, the Goring to Pangbourne trail is a much-loved section of the 184-mile Thames Path, known for being one of the finest hikes near London.
Ramble along the Hartslock Nature Reserve, spotting soaring red kites and rare orchids blooming in the wildflower meadows.
The five-mile stretch is perfect for stopping off at pretty pubs, admiring the stunning scenery, and getting a closer look at the iconic River Thames.
Top 3 long hikes near London
If you have the time, saving the weekend for a long hike near London is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the British countryside. Check out nearby peaks and explore the South Downs National Park, one of the best UK national parks.
The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk – Seaford to Eastbourne
- Start location: Seaford Peace Garden
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog-friendly: Yes
The South Downs Way National Trail covers 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. But my favourite stretch has to be the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk. This is an incredible day trip adventure and one of the best hikes near London.
Hikers can be up and walking within just 2h 30min (by train or by car) from Central London. The 13.5-mile hike is demanding – the majority of it is uphill – but the sight of the famous chalky white cliffs and the jaw-dropping ocean views make it more than worth the effort.
Oak Trail, Epping Forest
- Start location: Theydon Bois Underground Station
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes
One of 14 green spaces managed by The City of London, Epping Forest is one of the best hikes near London and is easily accessible via the London Underground.
Head for Oak Trail, where you’ll find a series of tracks, pavements, and well-trodden paths that take you approximately 6.5 miles around the forest’s woodland. You’ll also get the chance to explore the much-loved Deer Sanctuary and the ancient earthworks of Ambresbury Banks in this three-hour expedition.
Box Hill Circular
- Start location: Box Hill Shepherd’s Hut
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog-friendly: Yes
A challenging eight-mile hike with steep climbs and many steps, the Box Hill Circular is a popular hike in Surrey, just outside of London.
Travel an hour and a half by car or train to Box Hill Shepherd’s Hut, the main starting point for the hike. Make sure you stop at the King William IV pub for a bite to eat just before the halfway point – I’m a big fan of the beef roast for a mid-hike refuel.
“For longer, more challenging routes, your choice of hiking gear will have more of an impact on the success of your adventure. British weather is notoriously unpredictable so never underestimate the power of a good waterproof coat.”
The best family-friendly hike near London: Greenwich Park
- Start location: St. Mary’s Gate, Greenwich Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
St. Mary’s Gate is the best starting point if you’re looking to explore Greenwich Park with the kids (and dog) in tow. With more than 182 acres to roam across and with a two-mile perimeter, the Royal Park is the perfect size for families to spend a fun-packed day in the great outdoors, making it one of the best hikes near London for kids and grown-ups alike.
Visit the world-famous Royal Observatory and don’t miss the chance to stand on the Greenwich Prime Meridian Line. It’s this point that divides the globe into its Eastern and Western hemispheres.
Mt top hike near London for spring and summer: The Line
- Start location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Make the most of the warmer weather by planning a day out along The Line, London’s first dedicated public art walk, which is known for being one of the best hikes near London to appreciate the city.
Best experienced in full sunshine, The Line runs between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula. The four-hour walk takes in dynamic local exhibitions, award-winning cafés, and inspiring works by some of the world’s finest contemporary artists.
The best hike near London during winter and autumn: Kensington Gardens
- Start location: Black Lion Gate
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Perfect for a crisp autumnal stroll or a fully-fledged snow day, Kensington Gardens is my top pick of the Royal Parks when it comes to the best hikes near London.
Enter through Black Lion Gate, next to the Diana Memorial Playground, and head down Broad Walk until you hit the vast Serpentine Lake. There, you can feed the geese and swans, before meandering along the park’s many footpaths. Keep an eye out for horses – the park has its own stables, so you’ll often spot them trotting along here.
If you are looking for more great UK adventures, I have you covered. Check out the best walks in the UK or why not try hiking in Ireland.
Frequent questions about hiking in London
The South Downs National Park is closest to the City of London and can be reached by car or by train. With excellent transport links, the New Forest is also easily accessible from London for a hiking day trip.
Although a relatively flat city, London offers elevation pockets that are great for training hills. Complete a loop around Crystal Palace and Dulwich Wood (500ft of elevation), run around Alexandra Palace and Park (240ft of elevation) or tackle Primrose Hill (200ft elevation) to build up your endurance.
Although it can seem daunting at first, hiking is one of the most inclusive activities offered in the UK. To get started, invest in some sensible footwear, a waterproof layer, and a way to navigate (OS Map, Mobile Navigation app, etc.). Start small and head out into a nearby park or local hills to get a taste of the great outdoors.
