London riverside walk: Best paths, hidden spots, and scenic routes along the Thames

When you think of a London riverside walk, a peaceful, car-free path following the River Thames through the heart of the city. Also known as Thames Path, it’s not just a trail—it’s where Londoners go to breathe, think, and escape the noise without leaving the city. You don’t need a map to find it. Just head to any point along the river and you’ll likely find a worn path, benches under willows, and people walking dogs, reading, or just staring at the water.

The Thames riverside, a continuous network of public footpaths stretching over 180 miles from the source to the sea isn’t one walk—it’s dozens. In riverside parks London, green spaces lined with walking paths, historic landmarks, and quiet coves along the river, you’ll find St James’s Park’s pelicans and Buckingham Palace views, or the wilder stretches of Richmond where deer roam near the water. Walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you’ll pass the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye—all without stepping on a road. Walk from Greenwich to Kew and you’ll pass markets, gardens, and old pubs where locals still order pints by the water.

What makes these walks special isn’t the sights—it’s the rhythm. Morning runners pass joggers with headphones. Midday, couples sit on benches with takeaway coffee. At sunset, artists sketch the light on the water. You’ll find families feeding swans near Battersea, students reading under the arches of Tower Bridge, and retirees watching boats drift by. No ticket required. No crowds forcing you forward. Just the river, the sky, and your own pace.

Some paths are paved. Others are muddy after rain. Some have cafes every 200 yards. Others have nothing but reeds and birdsong. The London walking trails, officially maintained paths that connect parks, bridges, and historic sites along the Thames are designed for everyone—whether you’re walking 20 minutes or 20 miles. You can start at Vauxhall and end at Hampton Court. Or just walk from Waterloo to Southwark and back. There’s no wrong way.

These routes aren’t just for tourists. Locals know the best benches, the quietest corners, the spots where the light hits the water just right in winter. You’ll find hidden staircases down to the river, forgotten gardens behind warehouses, and little plaques marking where poets once walked. The Thames doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It just flows—and so do the people along it.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who walk these paths every day. From sunrise yoga on the South Bank to late-night strolls past lit-up bridges, these posts show you not just where to go—but why it matters. Whether you’re looking for a quick break or a full-day escape, the river’s waiting.