Kingston Loop Walk [Free Guide & Map]

The Kingston Loop Walk is an easy circular route that combines some of southwest London’s most iconic landscapes. Starting in the historic market town of Kingston upon Thames, the walk follows the River Thames to the magnificent Hampton Court Palace before crossing into Bushy Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Expect peaceful riverside paths, roaming deer, grand avenues and plenty of opportunities to stop at cafés, pubs and viewpoints along the way.

Last Updated: 26/07/2026

One of the best things about the Kingston Loop Walk is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers and blossom to Bushy Park, summer is perfect for relaxing by the Thames or enjoying a riverside pub, while autumn transforms the park into a sea of golden colours and marks the start of the impressive deer rut. 

Kingston Loop Walk Map

Do you want to do this walk? Simply download the GPS map for free below. Learn how to upload it onto your navigation map by following my step-by-step guide here.

Logistics for the Kingston Loop Walk

Highlights of the Kingston Loop Walk

The Kingston Loop Walk

So now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

Kingston-Upon-Thames

Our walk starts in Kingston-Upon-Thames. The name Kingston comes from the Old English Cyninges tūn, meaning “the King’s estate” or “King’s town”. The town played a pivotal role in the early history of England. The first surviving record of Kingston dates back to AD 838, when it hosted a meeting between King Egbert of Wessex and Ceolnoth, Archbishop of Canterbury. At the time, Kingston lay on the frontier between the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia, before becoming part of the newly unified Kingdom of England under King Æthelstan.

Kingston is best known as the coronation site of several Anglo-Saxon kings. Historical records confirm that King Æthelstan was crowned here in 925, followed by Æthelred the Unready in 978, while tradition associates several other Saxon monarchs with the town. The Coronation Stone, believed to have been used during these ceremonies, can still be seen outside the Guildhall today and remains one of Kingston’s most significant historic landmarks.

During the Middle Ages, Kingston flourished as an important market town on the River Thames. Today, Kingston upon Thames is a thriving university town and home to Kingston University. Before starting the walk, take a short detour to see one of London’s quirkiest public artworks: Out of Order, David Mach’s sculpture of twelve tumbling red telephone boxes in the Market Place.

When you leave the train station, head towards Kingston Bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll find the entrance to Bushy Park opposite St John the Baptist Church, on the other side of the roundabout.

Bushy Park

Enter Bushy Park, the second-largest of London’s eight Royal Parks, after Richmond Park, Covering 445 hectares (1,100 acres). The park is best known for its free-roaming herds of red and fallow deer, descendants of animals introduced when the park was used as a royal hunting ground.

Bushy Park’s history stretches back over 1,000 years, but it became a royal park in 1529 when King Henry VIII acquired the land after taking ownership of nearby Hampton Court Palace. Originally used for hunting deer, the park was later transformed by Sir Christopher Wren, who designed the magnificent Chestnut Avenue, a grand tree-lined boulevard linking the park to Hampton Court Palace. At its centre stands the elegant Diana Fountain, completed in the early 17th century and later relocated to its present position.

Not-to-miss highlights in Bushy Park include:

• Heron Pond – a tranquil lake often visited by swans, geese, and, of course, herons.
• Woodland Gardens – a quieter, landscaped corner filled with ornamental planting and colourful displays throughout the year.

If you visit in autumn, you may be lucky enough to witness the annual deer rut, when stags compete for mates by locking antlers in dramatic displays of strength.

Leave Bushy Park but the gate in front of the Diana Fontaine. Follow Hampton Court Road until you arrive at the entrance of the Palace.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was originally built in 1514 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the powerful chief minister of King Henry VIII. Wolsey transformed it into one of the grandest palaces in England, hoping it would reflect his wealth and influence.

However, Wolsey’s fortunes changed when he failed to secure the Pope’s approval for Henry VIII’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon. As he fell out of favour with the King, he realised that owning a palace grander than the monarch’s own residences was politically dangerous. In 1529, Wolsey handed Hampton Court over to Henry VIII in an attempt to regain the King’s trust. The gesture ultimately failed—Wolsey was stripped of his power soon afterwards and died before he could stand trial for treason.

Related Content: Hampton Court to Kew Walk

Henry VIII greatly expanded Hampton Court, turning it into one of his favourite royal residences. Today, visitors can still explore the magnificent Tudor kitchens, the Great Hall, the famous maze and the beautiful gardens that surround the palace.

Today, Hampton Court is one of only two surviving palaces of Henry VIII, the other is St James’s in London. From the riverside path you’ll also catch glimpses of the palace’s immaculate gardens.

Back to Kingston

From Hampton Court, continue along the Thames Path, following the river back towards Kingston. The path is flat and easy, with plenty of riverside pubs, cafés, and benches to pause for a rest.Crossing Kingston Bridge once more, you’ll find yourself back in the town centre. This is the perfect place to reward yourself with food and drinks.

Happy Discovery!

Final Thoughts on the Kingston Loop Walk

What makes the Kingston Loop Walk so enjoyable is its balance: part town, part parkland, part riverside. It’s long enough to feel like a proper day out but easy enough for almost anyone to complete. You can linger at Hampton Court, stop for a picnic in Bushy Park, or finish with food and drinks by the river in Kingston, the walk can be as relaxed or as full as you want it to be.

Bonus: My recommendation for food and drinks in Kingston is Stein’s London!

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