To escape the city without leaving it, to get some fresh air during the hot summer days or simply to stroll by the water, there are so many reasons to do some River Thames walks. With this selection of walks from a gentle promenade to a challenging hike all accessible from London, you are spoiled for choice. Take your pick!
At A Glance
In a hurry? No problem. Check the table below for the key data on the best River Thames walks in London. I go into more detail for each walk in this article.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo to Greenwich | 7.8miles (12.55 km) | 65.6 ft (20 m) | 3 hours 30 min | Easy |
| Oxford Thames Path | 6.6 miles (10.62 km) | 36 ft (8 m) | 2 hours 35 min | Easy |
| Hampton Court to Kew | 11 miles (17.7 km) | 43 feet (13 m) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Richmond to Kew | 8.6 miles (13.84 miles) | 177 feet (54 m) | 3 hours 30 min | Easy |
| Belvedere to Greenwich | 15.4 miles (24.8km) | 171 ft (52m) | 6 hours 20 min | Challenging |
| Bourne End Circular | 7.61 miles (12.24 km) | 445 feet (135 m) | 2 hours 45 min | Easy |
| Twickenham to Windsor | 27.96 miles (45 km) | 95ft (29m) | 9 hours 15 min | Hard |
| Henley Circular | 10.4 miles (17km) | 561 ft (171 m) | 4 hours 20 min | Intermediate |
Best River Thames Walks
So now we had an overview of the River Thames walks, let’s get into more detail!
1 – London Thames Walk from Waterloo to Greenwich
We start our run down of the best River Thames walks near London with the iconic walk in London Thames Path. This is a MUST DO. This leg takes you from Waterloo Station to Greenwich passing by popular landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Discover or re-discover London with a new perspective wandering on the Thames Path.
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics for the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Distance: 7.8miles (12.55 km)
- Ascent: 65.6 ft (20 m)
- Highest Point: 49.2 ft (15 m)
- Lowest Point: 0 ft (0 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Jubilee, Bakerloo or Northern Line to Waterloo Station. Waterloo Station is on fare zone 1.
- For the return, take Thameslink, DLR or Southeastern Train from Greenwich Station. Greenwich Station in on fare zone 2/3
- Both journeys are within London’s rail and tube network, so you can travel using your Oyster Card or contactless card
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Please bear in mind that the path is paved all the way, so it is highly recommended that you wear trainers. Tarmac can be hard on the sole of your feet so hiking shoes and boots are not suitable for this type of terrain.
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that the banks of the Thames Path are pretty much exposed with few options to find cover.
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day for the same reason as above
- Additional Information
- Toilets are available at the Surrey Dock Farm
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
- Where to eat and drink:
- Many options throughout the walk as you are in the city
- My advice is the Surrey Dock Farm for a coffee and snack break on the way
Highlights of the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Southbank
- Somerset House
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The City
- The Shakespeare Globe
- The Great Hall
- The Golden Hinde
- Southwark Cathedral
- The Shard
- Hay’s Galleria
- HMS Belfast
- Tower Bridge
- Cumberland Wharf
- Canary Wharf
- Surrey Docks Farm
- Circumsphere
- Sayes Court Park
- Peter the Great Statue
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
2 – Oxford Thames Path Circular
Let’s get out of London for a walk alongside the Thames Path in the historic city of Oxford. This circular walk starts with a gentle stroll on the river banks, from residential areas to open lands passing by the ruins of Godstow Abbey and the village of Wolvercourt. You make your way back to Oxford via Port Meadow, a 300 acres (120 ha) pasture with horses grazing. A perfect mix of river, field and historic spots to see a different side of Oxford.
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics for the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Distance:6.6 miles (10.62 km)
- Ascent: 36 ft (8 m)
- Highest Point: 210 ft (64 m)
- Lowest Point: 184 ft (56 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Direct trains from Paddington or Marylebone to Oxford. The journey takes approximately 1 hour with the fast train and 1 hour and 30 minutes with the slow train
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket.
- Please note that Chiltern Railway requires that you book a seat to guarantee your access to the train.
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Packed lunch if you are not planning on stopping at a pub for lunch
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that as you are walking on the banks of the Thames, the path can get muddy, so don’t forget to pack your gaiters
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day
- Additional Information
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
- Where to eat and drink:
- The Trout Inn, Godstow
- Oxford Retreat Pub, Oxford
Highlights of the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Oxford
- River Thames
- Godstow Hamlet
- Godstow Abbey and Nunnery ruins
- Wolvercote Village
- Port Meadow
- Oxford Christmas Market – if you are going around Christmas time
3 – Hampton Court to Kew via the Thames Path
Walk from a royal residence to a royal garden with this Thames Path route from Hampton Court to Kew. Wander along the river banks passing by Kingston-Upon-Thames, Teddington, Richmond and Twickenham. And I have a pub recommendation for you at the end. Here is your next Sunday stroll sorted!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Hampton Court to Kew Walk
- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
- Ascent: 43 feet (13 m)
- Highest Point: 36 ft (11 m)
- Lowest Point: 10 ft (3 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Direct trains from Waterloo Station. The journey takes 35 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can take the local buses R68 and 411 to Hampton Court Station depending on where you live
- What to bring with you:
- It is an easy walk in the city never far from civilisation and amenities should you need more water or buy additional snacks.
- Wear comfortable footwear. However, prefer a pair of trainers to the usual hiking shoes as the path is paved.
- Wear comfortable clothing, and avoid wearing a pair of jeans as they absorb sweat but don’t dry easily. Prefer a good pair of gym leggings or shorts depending on the weather.
- Bring with you a backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks and packed lunch
- Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Hampton Court Station and in Richmond at Buccleuch Gardens.
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
- Pub Stop: Coach & Horses, Kew
Highlights of the Hampton Court to Kew Walk
- Hampton Court
- Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Canbury Gardens
- Teddington Lock
- Richmond
- Richmond Railway Bridge
- Old Deer Park Obelisk
- Syon Park and Syon House
- Kew Gardens
4 – Richmond to Kew via the Thames Path
This is the shortest version of the walk from Hampton Court to Kew but with an additional park walk. Starting in the Royal Park of Richmond, searching for deer, the route then links to the Thames Path on the lively Richmond promenade. Continue your journey towards Twickenham before ending in Kew by the Royal Gardens. Bonus: there is a pub recommendation at the end!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Richmond to Kew via Thames Path Walk
- Distance: 8.6 miles (13.84 miles)
- Ascent: 177 feet (54 m)
- Highest Point: 187 ft (57 m)
- Lowest Point: – 7ft (-2 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- District Line, Overground or South Western Railway trains to Richmond Station, fare zone 4
- The station is also well-served by buses. From there you can walk to Richmond Park (20 minutes) or you can take bus 371 to Cambrian Gate ( 10 minutes)
- For the way back, District Line or Overground from Kew Station, fare zone 3 &4
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Prefer trainers as the path is paved
- Gaiters if it has been raining,
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is shining,
- Water and snacks
- Additional Information:
- There are public toilets in Richmond Park located by the park’s main entrance, Richmond Gate.
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
- Pub Stop: The Greyhound, Kew
Highlights of the Richmond to Kew Walk
- Richmond
- Richmond Park
- Deer
- White Lodge
- Pen Pounds
- River Thames
- Twickenham Bridge
- Richmond Lock
- Thisleworth Marine
- Old Deer Park
- Syon House
- Kew Gardens
5 – Belvedere to Greenwich via the Thames Path
This is the continuation of the Thames Path after the Waterloo to Greenwich walk (see point 1). Starting in Belvedere in the borough of Bromley, this walk takes you back to London via the Thames Path. Passing by the Crossness Nature Reserve, the Erith Marshes, Woolich and the O2 arena, this stroll combines nature and city walks. And why not end at the Greenwich Market and enjoy some food in the park overlooking Greenwich University?
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
- Distance: 15.4 miles (24.8km)
- Ascent: 171 ft (52m)
- Highest Point: 157 ft (47.8m)
- Lowest Point: -10 ft (-3m)
- Walking estimate: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Challenging due to the distance. However, you can shorten the walk and do Woolwich to Greenwich which is 6.94 miles (11.16km) to make it an easy walk
- How to get there:
- Trains from London Bridge to Belvedere. The journey takes 30 minutes
- Belvedere is in fare zone 5 so you only need your Oyster card or contactless card
- For the way back, DLR from Greenwich Station or buses 129, 199 and 326
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing
- Pair of trainers for walking on concrete
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is shining
- Rain gear if some showers may come
- Water, snacks and packed lunch if you do not want to stop at Greenwich Market
- Additional Information:
- There are public toilets in the O2
- This is a stile-free walk
- Where to Eat: Greenwich Market
Highlights of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
- Crossness Nature Reserve
- The Assembly
- Hydra and Khali
- The O2
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
- Greenwich Park
- The Royal Observatory
6 – Bourne End Thames Path Circular Walk
This circular trail starts with a hill walk, overlooking the River Thames before entering a forested area. You then cross the suspension bridge leading to the charming town of Marlow before making your way back to Bourne-End via the Thames Path. This easy walk is really worth doing to discover the beauty of the Thames in the heart of the Chilterns.
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics for the Marlow Thames Path Circular Walk
- Distance: 7.61 miles (12.24 km)
- Ascent: 445 feet (135 m)
- Highest Point: 249 ft (76 m)
- Lowest Point: 75ft (23 m)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Walking estimate: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- How to get there:
- There are no direct trains from London
- You have to get a train from Paddington Station to Maidenhead Station and change in Maidenhead for a train to Marlow
- The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing
- If the weather is nice and the path is dry, a pair of trainers will suffice, nonetheless, if it has been pouring during the week, the path can get muddy so you would need a pair of walking shoes
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case of showers
- Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- Kissing gates on the Thames Path
- The second part of the walk is dog friendly but the first part has some stiles (unless you can carry your dog above the stiles)
Highlights of the Marlow Thames Path Circular Walk
- Bourne End
- River Thames
- Quarry Wood
- Marlow Suspension Bridge
- Bourne End Marina
7 – Thames Path from Twickenham to Windsor
Are you in for a challenge?
Then, there is the Thames Path walk from Twickenham to Windsor to satisfy your challenge craving. Embark on an ultra-marathon of 45 km alongside the sinuous River Thames. You start your journey at the most iconic rugby Stadium and end at the Royal Castle of Windsor, passing by highly rated landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace, Runnymede and the Magna Carta. Will you dare take on the challenge?
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Twickhenham to Windsor Thames Path Walk
- Distance: 27.96 miles (45 km)
- Ascent: 95ft (29m)
- Highest Point: 115 ft (35m)
- Lowest Point: -3 ft (-0.9m)
- Walking estimate: 9 hours and 15 minutes at an average speed of 4.8 km/hour
- Difficulty: Hard
- How to get there:
- Trains to Twickenham Station which is located in fare zone 5 or local buses to Twickenham Station (281 and H22)
- For the return journey, there is no direct train from Windsor to London
- Take a train from Windsor to Slough and change in Slough for a train to London Paddington. The journey takes between 25 to 40 minutes depending on the waiting time when changing train
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing
- If the weather is nice and the path is dry, a pair of trainers will suffice, nonetheless, if it has been pouring during the week, the path can get muddy so you would need a pair of walking shoes
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case of showers
- Additional Information:
- There are public toilets at Hampton Court and Shepperton Locks
- This is a stile-free walk
- Pub Stop: The Carpenter’s Arms, Windsor
Highlights of the Twickhenham to Windsor Thames Path Walk
- Twickenham
- Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
- Walton-on-Thames
- Runnymede & the Magna Carta
- Windsor Castle
8 – Henley Thames Circular Walk
We end our list of the Best River Thames Walks near London with this day-circular stroll in Henley. On the edge of the Chiltern Hills, AONB, Henley is a pretty and posh countryside town lying on the bank of the River Thames. This walk takes you from a river towpath to a woodland trail passing by a cute village on the way. An easy stroll for your next day out!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Henley Thames Circular Walk
- Distance: 10.4 miles (17km)
- Ascent: 561 ft (171 m)
- Highest Point: 518 ft (158 m)
- Lowest Point: 98ft (30 m)
- Walking estimate: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Train from Paddington Station to Twyford and change at Twyford for a train to Henley-on-Thames.
- The journey takes around an hour, depending on the waiting time at Twyford Station
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing & footwear
- The path can get muddy so pack a pair of gaiters if you are going on or after a rainy day
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case the heavens open
- Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets on this walk
Highlights of the Henley Thames Circular Walk
- Henley-on-Thames
- Temple Island
- River Thames
- Hambleden village
- Great Woods
Best River Thames Walks Maps
Want to do these walks? Simply download the GPS maps by clicking on the link under the images below. If you need some advice on how to upload the map on your navigation app, please check my step-by-step guide here.
Final Thoughts on the Best River Thames Walks
There are also so many rivers walks that you can do within a reasonable distance from London. From the River Ouse with the Lewes Circular to the River Arun with the walk from Amberley to Arundel without forgetting the River Darent and the River Chess Valleys.
Check my River Walks page to find out more about these walks.
And you, what are your favourite River Thames Walks? Let me know in the comments below.
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