London wears its charms well in spring — particularly when you’re on a proper wander. This seven-mile walk begins and ends at one of our key properties in the capital, YHA London Central, but steers clear of the big-ticket riverside sights in favour of some of the city’s myriad other attractions. So if the idea of combining the likes of London Zoo, the Abbey Road crossing and Lord’s Cricket Ground into a single walk appeals, read on.
Regent’s Park, which dominates the first half of the route, was once used for deer-hunting and tenant farming until the Prince Regent — later to become George IV — turned it into a public park in the early 1800s. It’s a good thing he did. Today it’s one of the city’s most enjoyable Royal Parks, a 410-acre spread of grasslands, lakes, formal gardens and wild meadow.
Some 120 bird species have been recorded here, but keep your eyes peeled too for wolves, warthogs and other unlikely creatures as you pass London Zoo. Here since 1828, and part of global wildlife conservation society ZSL, it’s one of the walk’s first big landmarks. As the route snakes southwest along Regent’s Canal and wriggles around NW8, you’ll also encounter the golden dome of London Central Mosque, the watery world of Little Venice and the bastion of cricketing tradition that is Lord’s.
Special mention also goes to the Abbey Road crossing you’ll traverse in the second half of the walk, immortalised by The Beatles on the cover of their album of the same name. It sits just feet away from the recording studios themselves. Take care if you’re planning to recreate your own Fab Four photograph and note too that some of the other roads, you’ll cross along the route don’t have pedestrian crossings.
A few words on access. The route follows roads, paths and parks, with flat surfaces and, in places, narrow pavements. The canal towpath is open to the water — keep your eyes peeled for bikes, too — and there are shallow steps on the route down from Blomfield Road to the canal before Little Venice basin. For step-free access to the basin continue along Blomfield Road, turn left onto Westbourne Terrace Road Bridge, cross the canal and immediately turn left.
Why not book a stay?
One of the world’s most historical cities, London has something for everyone: from arts and culture to fine foods and entertainment, making it the perfect spot for a city break in England.
YHA offers accommodation in the city centre, including in Oxford Street and Earl’s Court, so there’s a great selection of cheap hostels in London if you want to stay somewhere central. If you’d prefer to stay outside of the city centre, or are looking for an activity break, London Lee Valley offers fantastic accommodation set in thousands of acres of tranquil country parkland – and all just a 25-minute train journey from the centre of London!
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Photo credit: Vitor Miranda / Adobe Stock
