Something that can come as a surprise to visitors and newbies to London is the sheer amount of greenery in our fair city. London is stuffed to the brim with parks, nature reserves, and green spaces. As such, it’s also full of all manner of walking trails and routes – from nature wanders to metropolitan exploration. But every great walk needs a reward at the end. And nothing quite beats a refreshing pint, right? With that in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide of lovely London walks that end at cosy neighbourhood pubs.
1. 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 and is a charming spot for a riverside amble. As you stroll, you can examine the impressive houseboats that line the canal and take in the scenery along the way. If you follow the Thames, you can enjoy a lovely two-mile walk to Camden!
… and then have a pint at the Hawley Arms.
If you’ve trekked from Paddington to Camden, this is the spot to stop for a pint. The one-time local of the original Secret London office (we miss those days), this pub was once a favourite haunt of London icon Amy Winehouse. It’s tucked just away from the busy-ness of Camden, making for a great ambience, with a banging selection of food and drink.
đź“Ť You’ll find the Hawley Arms at 2 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8QU.
2. Take a wander around Victoria Park…
Victoria Park boasts a massive 86.18 hectares of greenery, all of which are yours to explore. There’s plenty to see here, too, with a charming pond in the middle, a Chinese pagoda, the Sunken Garden, a water park area, a skate park, playing fields, and more. There is also a market on the weekends, and don’t miss a chance to relax with a coffee and a pastry at the Pavilion Cafe Victoria Park.
… then stop off at People’s Park Tavern.
Inspired by the park itself, this grown-up hipster paradise is a village pub on the edge of the park that serves up hearty pub classics and a fantastic beer selection. The Hackney pub is also home to an impressive beer garden, so you can soak up some rays as you relax with your post-walk pint.
đź“Ť You’ll find People’s Park Tavern at 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT.
3. 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 is a stunning spot for a wander. Spread across two sites, divided by a road, the cemetery has been growing and changing since 1839 and boasts infamous residents and impressive architecture.
… and then stop off at The Flask.
The Flask in Highgate is a charming 17th-century pub, complete with tucked-away snugs and a gorgeous open fireplace. Any thrill-seeking Londoners may be interested to know that ghosts are rumoured to haunt the haunt. Eek!
đź“Ť You’ll find The Flask at 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU.
4. Take a walk on Hampstead Heath…
Now, this one’s a classic – and for good reason! 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. Also, be sure not to miss the chance to explore the stunning Hill Garden and Pergola.
… 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 that is stunningly picturesque all year round. We’ll drink to that!
đź“Ť 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 an 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 is a legendary Irish pub in London – just as famous for its beer garden as for the Thai food. They’ve got TVs showing Gaelic football and Guinness on tap, and the whole place is wonderfully verdant and green. The pub boasts a leafy exterior and a picturesque beer garden that you won’t want to leave.
đź“Ť You’ll find the Faltering Fullback at 19 Perth Road, Stroud Green, N4 3HB.
6. Take a walk along the Thames…
One of the easiest walks you can do in London is to just wander along the path next to the Thames. After all, there’s no chance of getting lost – you just stick next to the Thames. (Unless you manage to start off in the wrong direction entirely…) Along the way, you get to enjoy a closer look at our city’s famed waterway and views of the skyline – without any pesky buildings blocking the way.
… and then stop pretty much anywhere.
Thanks to our guide of riverside pubs in London, you can stroll as much (or as little) as you want before stopping for a pint. And there are some truly stunning boozers to choose from. Our favourite Thames-abutting pub – in fact, one of our favourite pubs in the whole city – has to be the gorgeous Trafalgar Tavern.
đź“Ť You’ll find the Trafalgar Tavern at Park Row, SE10 9NW.
So there you have it – some of the best London walks that end at charming, cosy pubs. Because let’s face it – not much beats a picturesque walk and a rewarding pint, right?!