Holding hands, walking in rhythm, stopping for a view, a conversation, maybe a kiss… There’s no denying that going on a gentle stroll with your loved one has many charms and attractions.
It’s often also free and frequently is a great way to get to know a new city or location. But sometimes it’s nice to wander around a city you already know. This is the case now when I return to London, the city I used to live in.
I have a number of walking routes that I love to explore with my partner.
1. Serpentine and Hyde Park
The King of London’s parks stretches from Mayfair and the West End to Bayswater and Chelsea to to the west, meaning you can use the park to navigate across the city free from traffic. But Hyde Park is so much more, especially for romantic couples wanting to escape the hectic pace of the city.
Stroll around Lake Serpentine spotting swans and other wildlife at play, or walk the length of the park from east to west and you’ll see a riding school, the famous Speakers’ Corner and many pretty flower gardens.
2. Southbank
Another obvious one, but not to the extent that its charm is diluted, walking along Southbank is one of London’s best and most romantic walks. There are the views across the Thames of the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and more as well as the option to stroll along one of the bridges.
With music, dance and culinary festivals often being held on Southbank near Waterloo station, the famous book markets held outside the National Theatre and the option to walk as far as Tate Modern or the Globe, Southbank is as idyllic and iconic as London travel goes.
Some of the best London rooftop bars are also located in this area perfect for relaxing and taking in the amazing cityscape views.
3. Regent’s Canal
Possibly my favourite of all London walks is this surprisingly calm and peaceful route that traverses central London alongside Regent’s Canal. Follow the towpath from near Paddington where there’s the picturesque Little Venice and let it lead you around Regent’s Park to Camden and Kings Cross.
Catch up with it after it re-emerges from the Islington Tunnel and you’ll be able to explore parts of Angel, Shoreditch and Hackney. Always flat, often quiet and recently cleaned up as part of the preparation for the 2012 Olympics, walking along the Regent’s Canal will prove that you can escape it all while crossing the very heart of London.
4. Chiswick House
Often overlooked for its more famous neighbour Kew Gardens, the gardens at Chiswick House are one of West London’s best kept secrets. While not free to visit it’s worth the small entry fee to step inside the garden walls that house a lake and acres of beautifully kept gardens and walkways.
Pause to admire the Palladian villa, pop inside the elaborate glasshouses full of flowers and rest up afterwards with a coffee and cake at the recently refurbished cafe.
5. Hampstead Heath
For remarkable views of London from this northern crest, Hampstead Heath is a popular spot for picnics and parties among locals. However, these green and often wild looking pastures are big enough that you can still stretch your legs and feel a little alone in London. While we don’t blame you for getting up to see it, sunrises are spectacular on Hampstead Heath but any walk should be rewarded in one of Hampstead’s cozy pubs for the full British experience.
Which other cities do you like walking in, alone or with your loved one? Need more ideas? View my London travel guide.
