Picture the scene – it’s the morning after Christmas, December 26. Somehow you’re awake, but all you’ve done so far is move from the bed to the sofa. Memories of yesterday’s revelry are filling your head as you peer into the kitchen at the mountain of washing up still to be done. You’re starting to wonder if it’s even possible at this point to break the cycle of going from drunk, to hungover, to drunk again, interspersed with lengthy periods of Christmas feasting. At this point, there’s nothing else for it. It’s time for everyone to head out for one of those classic Boxing Day walks!
So round up the family, shake the cobwebs out of your head, and wrap up nice and warm, then head out on one of these gorgeous Boxing Day walks around London to keep the festive magic alive. Or at least to start to feel vaguely human again…
1. Victoria Park
If you fancy going on a bit of a hike, why not trek the entire 86.18 hectares of Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets? If you don’t feel like going on quite so long an adventure then you can easily just stroll around the park grounds taking in the crisp, city air, while you check out the picturesque park. Plus, thanks to the sheer enormity of the park, there’s always plenty of space for everyone – you won’t be the only one on a Boxing Day walk after all!
📍Grove Road, London, E3 5TB.
2. Little Venice
One of the dreamiest spots in all of London, Little Venice offers winding canals, gorgeous houseboats and a handful of fantastic cafes to break up the walking. (And plenty of pubs too, don’t worry!) While it doesn’t look anything like Venice, there’s still an undeniable charm about this picturesque spot that allows you to walk by the water, right near the centre of London. Just head to Paddington station, and you’re basically already on the walk! It’s a properly idyllic backdrop for Boxing Day walks.
📍Paddington Basin, London, W2.
3. The London LOOP
Known as the M25 for pedestrians (but a lot prettier), the London Outer Orbital Path is 152 miles long, so you’ll certainly burn off all that Christmas feasting and drinking if you walk the whole thing! But then… that would take a few days… So why not pick one of the 24 easy-to-digest sections? They cover everywhere from Kingston to Cockfosters, Bushy Park, and more – across the parks, woods, and fields of Outer London. If you manage to complete the whole LOOP, you can even download a nifty little printable certificate from TfL’s website. Read more about it here.
📍You can start wherever takes your fancy on this route!
4. Primrose Hill
Just a 10-minute walk from Camden Town, this lovely London green space boasts a remarkable view of the city skyline and is a fab place to walk off your Christmas dinner. It’s invigorating and stunning – the perfect combo for Boxing Day walks!
📍Primrose Hill Road, Camden, London, NW3 3DE.
5. Kew Gardens
Perhaps the most magical of all magical Boxing Day walks is a wander around Kew Gardens. Their Christmas lights trail is still in full splendour until early January, so if you can nab yourself a ticket, there’s a spectacular day out to be found here. You’ll want to act fast though before they sell out completely! But even if you can’t nab a ticket you can walk around the area while it’s light and enjoy the splendid nature of the area.
📍Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB.
6. Hampstead Heath
If you’re more of a roving stroller than someone looking to follow a proper route, Hampstead Heath is a great spot to explore. Home to stunning vistas, and the jaw-dropping Hampstead Pergola, it’s a great spot for walking off the Christmas excess.
📍 Hampstead Heath, London, NW5.
7. Battersea Park
Another sprawling spot to explore for those of you heading out for Boxing Day walks is Battersea Park. Spanning 83 hectares, you’ll find this stunning bit of greenery and parkland to be just the right spot for a brisk walk – or a trudging stroll, depending on the hangover.
📍 Battersea Park, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ.
8. Barnes & Hammersmith
For a lovely riverside walk in west London, start your journey at Barnes Bridge and follow your way around the bend in the Thames until you reach Hammersmith Bridge. There are plenty of pubs by the river along the way so you can stop off for a little fuel, in case you weren’t done with the festive antics just yet. C’mon, it’s Christmas!
📍Queen Elizabeth Walk, London, SW13 9WT.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best places to enjoy Boxing Day walks this December. Get those legs moving and that holiday fog that’s settled over your brain will clear in no time!