
Winter is the season for hiding under warm layers of wool and consuming nothing but mulled wine and soup for months on end. It’s easy to forget that you can still go outside. But perhaps it’s time to start considering a bit of gentle exercise? Here are our favourite Winter walks – and we’re even rewarding you with a nice pint at the end, because go on – you deserve it.
1. Go for a walk in Highgate Cemetery…
Although it may seem a little macabre, Highgate Cemetery is one of England’s greatest treasures, and really does have some of the finest funerary architecture in the world. There’s a strange beauty in the twisting vines and overgrown leaves that cover the ancient tombstones. Highgate Cemetery is definitely one of the most peaceful, idyllic winter walks in the city.
…and then stop off at The Flask.
The Flask in Highgate is a charming 17th Century pub, complete with a gorgeous open fireplace to thaw your toes next to after a frosty walk. Any thrill-seeking Londoners may be interested to know that ghosts are rumoured to haunt the haunt. Eek!
📍 You’ll find The Flask at 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU.
2. Stroll through Little Venice…
One of the loveliest places in all of London, this gorgeous section of the canal path, just north of Paddington, is fondly referred to as ‘Little Venice’. The area looks a treat all year round, but it’s particularly beautiful in the colder months. Amble along the river bank, examining the impressive houseboats, and take in the gorgeous scenery on your wintery walk.
…and then have a pint at The Warwick Castle.
Credit: @warwickcastlew9 via Instagram
You know what, why not stay a while and have a big old roast dinner at The Warwick Castle whilst you’re there? You’ve earned it, after all. This cosy, traditional pub, right in the heart of Little Venice, serves up some cracking pub grub.
📍 You’ll find The Warwick Castle at 6 Warwick Place, Maida Vale, W9 2PX.
3. Take a walk through Victoria Park…
Victoria Park boasts a massive 86.18 hectares of greenery, all of which are yours to explore. But if you don’t feel like going on quite so long a trek, just stroll around the park grounds and breathe in that crisp, Winter air. Brghhh, you can feel the sweet end-of-year chill just by looking at that photo, can’t you?
…then stop off at People’s Park Tavern.
Credit: @peoplestavern via Instagram
Inspired by the park itself, this grown-up hipster paradise is a village pub in Hackney, serving up hearty pub classics and a fantastic beer selection. If beer’s not your thing, you can order from the People’s Park Tavern’s extensive cocktail menu too.
📍 You’ll find People’s Park Tavern at 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT.
4. Take a walk on Hampstead Heath…
Next up we’ve got an oldie but a goodie. This large, grassy public park is one of the highest points in London, and boasts an abundance of wildlife, woodland and nature. And, if you find the right spot, you’ll discover a truly striking panoramic view of the London skyline from atop Parliament Hill.
…then have a drink at The Holly Bush.
Possibly London’s most Instagrammed pub (aside from The Churchill Arms, of course), The Holly Bush is a gorgeous 18th-century pub with a cosy fireplace and lots of delicious, warming food. Winter walk endings don’t get much better than this…
📍 You’ll find The Holly Bush at 22 Hollymount, Hampstead, NW3 6SG.
5. Stroll along The Parkland Walk…
The Parkland Walk follows the course of the old railway line that ran between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. The four-and-a-half-mile walk provides perfect tranquillity for stressed-out Londoners, without actually having to leave the city (God forbid). The best way to attack it, if you ask us, is to hop on a train to Highgate station and then follow the route towards Finsbury Park.
…then have a drink at The Faltering Fullback
The Faltering Fallback pub may have come from Ireland, but it’s clearly had a gap year on the way, given the Thai-heavy menu. But they’ve blended the worlds perfectly with TVs showing Gaelic football and Guinness on tap. The pub also happens to be green as a shamrock, with a leafy exterior and a picturesque beer garden to boot.
📍 You’ll find the Faltering Fullback at 19 Perth Road, Stroud Green, N4 3HB.
So there you have it – a roundup of London’s best Winter walks ending at pubs. Because let’s face it, ’tis the season for some fresh air, a cosy pint or two and a roaring fire, right?!