London has more than its fair share of gorgeous green spaces with 3,000-plus parks. Its most famous ones are the eight gorgeous Royal Parks. While summer is a time to picnic, London takes on a different ambiance in winter when the cold mist descends, and the frost makes the grass sparkle. So, don your warmest gloves and woolly hat for our pick of beautiful and bracing winter walks in London.
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Hampstead Heath Winter Walk
For the best winter walks, London’s Hampstead Heath is a worthy contender for top spot. The acres of woods offer shelter from icy breezes and a proper city escape. Pull on your wellies or hiking boots for this park because the paths feel more rural than you’d imagine.
Walk around the ponds and take a stroll up to Parliament Hill at sunset for panoramic city views and watch the lights turn on across the capital. Then take your Hampstead Heath walk to the high street for a coffee or visit La Creperie for a delicious treat.
Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JP. The nearest underground stations are Hampstead and Golders Green on the Northern Line.
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Kew Gardens Winter Walk
Whether you’re walking the twinkling Christmas light trail or finding snowdrops around the rock gardens, Kew is full of pretty lakes, woods and paths for a crisp London winter walk. The arboretum’s redwoods and Japanese Douglas-fir trees are glorious in winter.
Explore the huge Victorian glasshouse and warm up among the tropical plants in the Palm House. And the Victorian Plaza cafe has indoor seating and plenty of coffee and snacks.
Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE. Kew Gardens underground station is 500m from the Victoria Gate entrance.
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Richmond Park Winter Walk
Go in search of wildlife on your Richmond Park walk this winter. There are more than 650 deer roaming wild in the park, and mornings are the best time to photograph them (from a distance). The best and longest walking route is the Tamsin Trail around the edge of the park, which passes several deer-spotting locations.
Head to King Henry’s Mound for views of St Paul’s Cathedral through the telescope. For fresh coffee and delicious cake, visit The Butler’s Pantry in pretty Pembroke Lodge.
Richmond Park, TW10 5HS. The nearest underground station is Richmond Station (District Line).
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Greenwich Park Winter Walk
Home to the Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Meridian Line, Greenwich Park’s vast grasslands offer stunning views of Canary Wharf, so make sure you visit on a clear winter’s day.
Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY. The nearest tube is North Greenwich (Jubilee Line).
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Victoria Park Winter Walk
Visit the Chinese pagoda by the lake at this historic park in South Hackney. Go on Sunday and wander through the weekly pop-up market on your Victoria Park walk.
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. The nearest underground station is Mile End.
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Hyde Park Winter Walk
This is central London’s largest park, and it’s relatively flat – perfect for an easy winter stroll. Visit the famous landmarks before grabbing a warm drink at The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen.
Hyde Park, W2 2UH. The nearest tube stations are Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch on the Central Line. Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly Line.
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Alexandra Palace Park Winter Walk
Come for the skyline views over the capital on your walk. Watch or join the skaters at the ice rink and enjoy pizza with a view from the Phoenix cafe at Alexandra Palace Park.
Alexandra Palace Park, N22 7AY. The nearest tube station is Wood Green (Piccadilly Line).
End your nice winter walks around London in style with a cosy fireside tipple and plenty of homely comforts when you book into one of our rooms or suites at The Clermont, Charing Cross or The Clermont, Victoria.
