Kingston Loop Walk [Free Guide & Map]

Looking for an easy and scenic walk just outside central London? The Kingston Loop Walk combines riverside paths, royal history, and one of London’s most beautiful parks. This 10-mile (16km) circular route takes you from Kingston upon Thames through Bushy Park and past the grand Hampton Court Palace, before returning along the Thames Path.

While it’s especially enjoyable in warm weather, the route can be walked in any season — from spring blossoms in Bushy Park, to summer picnics by the Thames and fiery autumn deer rutting.

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

The walk begins in Kingston upon Thames, one of London’s most historic towns. Its name literally means “King’s Town”, and for good reason – several Saxon kings are believed to have been crowned here as early as 838 AD. The town grew as a key market centre on the River Thames and was officially granted a royal charter in the 13th century.

Today, Kingston blends its royal past with a lively modern character and is home to Kingston University. Before you set off on the walk, don’t miss the quirky “Out of Order” sculpture – a line of twelve toppled red telephone boxes by artist David Mach From here, follow the riverside and cross Kingston Bridge into Bushy Park.

Bushy Park

Crossing Kingston Bridge brings you into Bushy Park, London’s second-largest Royal Park, covering an impressive 445 hectares (that’s roughly the size of 600 football pitches). The park dates back to Tudor times, when it was enclosed as a royal hunting ground for Henry VIII, who also resided at nearby Hampton Court Palace.Today, Bushy Park is famous for its free-roaming red and fallow deer, which have grazed here for centuries. It’s also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for its wildlife, ancient trees, and historic landscapes.

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.
• Chestnut Avenue & Diana Fountain – the grand tree-lined avenue designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century, with the striking bronze Diana Fountain at its centre.

If you visit in autumn, you may be lucky enough to witness the annual deer rut, when stags can be seen clashing antlers during the mating season.

Hampton Court Palace

Leaving Bushy Park behind, the route follows the Thames Path to the magnificent Hampton Court Palace – one of the most iconic royal residences in England.

Related Content: Hampton Court to Kew Walk

The palace was originally built in 1524 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s powerful chief minister. When Wolsey fell out of favour just five years later, he gifted the palace to the King in an attempt to win back his trust. The plan didn’t work, but Henry happily took over the property, transforming it into one of his favourite homes.

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.

Bon appetit!

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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