Greenwich is a great place to explore on foot.
With its stunning parks, historic sites, and lovely Thames-side paths, it has something for everyone.
Whether you’re wanting a leisurely stroll, a peaceful hike, or a more challenging walk, you’ll find it here.
I’ve put together a list of the 15 best walks in Greenwich, from classic trails to hidden gems.
Plus, I’ve included some tips on how to get the most out of your walk.
So grab your walking shoes and let’s explore!
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature’s beauty – you won’t regret it!
Spanning over 183 acres, Greenwich Park offers a variety of activities and attractions to explore.
It was once the hunting grounds of Henry VIII and is now one of London’s most popular parks.
From beautiful flower gardens, rolling hills, and a majestic lake, Greenwich Park is a great place to take a peaceful stroll or have a quiet picnic.
The park also boasts an array of monuments, statues, and historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory and the Queen’s House.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk or an exciting adventure, Greenwich Park is the perfect place for you.
With its stunning views and endless possibilities, it’s no wonder why Greenwich Park is a local favorite.
Thames Path
Stroll along the Thames Path and be enchanted by its beauty and history.
This path follows the River Thames in Greenwich and offers a scenic walk with plenty of interesting sights.
You’ll have spectacular views of the river, the boats, the skyline, and the Tower Bridge.
The view of the Cutty Sark against the sky is truly breathtaking.
You’ll also get to enjoy the wildlife along the banks of the river such as ducks, geese, and swans.
As you walk, you can learn about the history of the area, including the Thames Barrier, the O2 Arena, and the Royal Naval College.
The Thames Path is suitable for both a leisurely stroll and a more energetic hike.
Whatever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views and a great sense of satisfaction.
Oxleas Woods
Oxleas Woods is a stunning expanse of nature, perfect for exploring and discovering its many wonders. The woods cover over 250 acres and are just a short distance from the River Thames, making them a great location for a leisurely walk.
The woods are home to an array of wildlife, including badgers, owls, and foxes, as well as a variety of flora and fauna. You can also find a number of historical sites, such as Eltham Palace and Severndroog Castle.
There are plenty of paths to follow, as well as seating areas where you can take a break. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, Oxleas Woods is the perfect spot for a peaceful and enjoyable walk.
Eltham Park South
Eltham Park South is an idyllic spot for a peaceful stroll, boasting breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings that will leave you feeling revitalized. Situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Eltham Park South is home to a plethora of wildlife.
Expect to spot a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, crows, and starlings, as well as wildflowers and trees such as oak and birch. The park also houses an impressive lake that is perfect for fishing or simply taking in the scenery.
The park is well-maintained and boasts a variety of pathways, making it easy to find your way around. There are also several benches and picnic spots scattered throughout the park, so you can take your time and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, Eltham Park South is the perfect place to go. Spend the day taking in the stunning views, wildlife, and lakeside activities, and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated.
Avery Hill Park
Avery Hill Park is an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway, offering stunning views, plenty of wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
The park’s grounds provide plenty of space for visitors to relax, take a leisurely stroll, and explore the area.
It’s also a great place to go for bird watching, with many species of birds flocking to the park’s wide open spaces.
The park also features a number of different pathways, allowing visitors to traverse the grounds in whatever way they see fit.
Additionally, the park is home to several monuments and memorials, including ones dedicated to Queen Victoria and the London Olympics.
All of these elements provide visitors with a unique opportunity to take in some of the natural beauty of the area.
The park’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect way to spend a day or two exploring the area and taking in the sights.
Sutcliffe Park
Sutcliffe Park is a tranquil oasis of nature in the heart of London, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
This 27-acre park is situated in the Eltham area of Greenwich and boasts a range of attractions, from its wooded areas, open parkland, a lake, and a children’s playground.
The park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, with a variety of paths, trails, and footbridges to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of sports, such as tennis, basketball, and volleyball.
There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas where visitors can relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area.
The park also features a café that sells refreshments and light snacks.
Sutcliffe Park is a great destination for a peaceful and enjoyable walk in the great outdoors.
Lesnes Abbey Woods
Just a stone’s throw away from Sutcliffe Park, Lesnes Abbey Woods is a stunning woodland area offering visitors a tranquil escape. It’s an ideal spot for a summer’s day stroll, with a huge array of wildlife to be appreciated.
There’s a variety of different paths and trails to explore, so it’s easy to find a route to suit you. The woods stretch out to the south and west of the ruins of Lesnes Abbey, and the landscape is beautiful. The ancient trees and ponds provide a peaceful atmosphere, and there’s plenty of places to stop and take in the views.
The terrain is relatively flat, making it a great option for those looking for an easy stroll. As well as the abbey ruins, there are also a few small hills, so you can get a bit of an elevation change if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a great spot for bird-watching, with plenty of different species to spot, including owls, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.
The area is also home to a wide variety of wildflowers and plants, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
All in all, Lesnes Abbey Woods is a must-see location for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful walk in the countryside.
Charlton Park
Charlton Park is a picturesque green space offering locals and tourists alike a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a great spot to take a stroll, and it’s easy to get there from central Greenwich via bus.
The park itself is quite large, with lots of open spaces for running, playing, and relaxing. The main attraction is the river, which is lined with trees, making it a great place for a picnic.
The park also has a playground, tennis courts, and a cafe, so there’s plenty to do. For those looking for a longer walk, the park has a network of trails, which take you through the woodland area, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy some fresh air.
Blackheath Common
Blackheath Common is an expansive area of grassland and woodland, just a short walk away from Charlton Park. It offers visitors a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. With its rolling hills, woodlands, and large open spaces, the Common is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Paved paths make it easy to explore, and the surrounding trees provide shade from the sun. There are plenty of benches to sit and take in the views. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the local wildlife, such as foxes and deer. The Common also offers plenty of interesting plants and trees to explore, including rare species like the uncommonly seen Spindle tree.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a more adventurous hike, Blackheath Common is the perfect place for both.
Maryon Park
Nestled just south of Blackheath Common, Maryon Park is a lush, green oasis, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Along its paths, you can take a pleasant stroll through the park’s diverse landscape, passing meadows of wildflowers, towering trees, and grassy glades.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and squirrels.
The park has several historic features, including the ruins of an old windmill, a stone bridge, and a well-preserved stone circle.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, you can continue on to nearby Maryon Wilson Park, where you can explore the remains of a fascinating 18th-century deer enclosure.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an invigorating outdoor adventure, Maryon Park is an ideal destination.
Blackheath Village
Just minutes away from the tranquil Maryon Park lies Blackheath Village, a vibrant hub of activity and culture.
From bustling markets to relaxing cafes, Blackheath Village is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
The main streets are lined with independent stores, from quaint cafes to specialist boutiques.
The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with a real sense of community spirit.
The village also has a wide variety of restaurants and pubs, perfect for a spot of lunch or dinner.
For those looking to explore further afield, the surrounding area is full of beautiful parks and open spaces, ideal for a peaceful walk in the countryside.
Blackheath also offers great views of the city skyline, making it a great place to pause and admire the beauty of the city.
Kidbrooke Village
Leaving Blackheath Village, the next stop on my exploration of the best walks in Greenwich is Kidbrooke Village.
This area is filled with picturesque streets lined with grand Victorian houses and plenty of green space. It’s easy to lose yourself in the tranquility of this delightful corner of the borough.
The best way to experience Kidbrooke Village is to take a meandering stroll through its streets. As you wander, you’ll come across a variety of independent shops and restaurants, including a sweet shop and a fish and chip shop.
There are also plenty of spots to stop and take in the views, such as the top of Kidbrooke Park which offers a panoramic view of the area. The park itself is also a great place to spend an afternoon, with its rolling hills, lush green spaces, and variety of wildlife.
Plumstead Common
Heading south from Kidbrooke Village, Plumstead Common is a stunning area to explore for nature lovers. It’s a great place to go for a leisurely walk and observe the diverse range of fauna and flora.
The common is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, rabbits, herons, and a selection of woodland birds. Along the walk, you’ll pass by a number of ponds and lakes, each full of life. There are also a number of different trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult.
The terrain varies, from grassy fields to wooded areas and marshland. No matter where you go, you can expect to find beautiful wildflowers and a variety of trees, including oak, ash, birch, and willow. You may even come across an old Roman fort or ruins, which adds a unique charm to the area.
Plumstead Common is a great place to wander and discover the beauty of nature.
Hall Place Gardens
Leaving behind the enchanting beauty of Plumstead Common, I turn my attention to the next lovely walk on my list – Hall Place Gardens.
Situated in the heart of Bexley, it’s a picturesque destination perfect for a peaceful stroll. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with winding paths, lush lawns, and a variety of trees and shrubs.
As I wander through the grounds, I’m delighted by the array of vibrant flowers which are in full bloom. The tranquility of the area is further enhanced by the presence of a large pond, and the sound of birdsong fills the air.
After exploring the gardens, I take a break in the Hall Place tea room, enjoying a delicious cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.
Maze Hill Park
Making my way to the next destination on my list, I visit Maze Hill Park in Greenwich – an idyllic spot for a tranquil stroll. Set atop a cliff, the park provides stunning views of the River Thames, the old town, and the London skyline. The park has a unique atmosphere, with its ample greenery, winding pathways, and grassy hills.
In addition, there are plenty of benches and pavilions where you can relax and take in the views.
As I walk around the park, I take in the sights and sounds of the area. I can hear the birds singing in the trees and the sound of the river lapping against the shore.
I take some time to explore the park, admiring the various trees and shrubs, as well as the variety of wildlife that inhabit the area.
I also take some time to appreciate the different sculptures and monuments that dot the grounds, providing an interesting contrast to the natural beauty of the park.
Conclusion
I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the green spaces of Greenwich, and I can safely say that the area boasts some of the best walks in London. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s something to suit all tastes.
From the historic Greenwich Park to the Thames Path and Eltham Park South, there’s plenty of natural beauty to discover. The woodlands of Oxleas Woods and Avery Hill Park are particularly delightful, as is the greenery of Kidbrooke Village, Plumstead Common, and Hall Place Gardens.
It’s no wonder why Greenwich is a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With so much natural beauty and so many scenic routes to choose from, it’s a great place to get out and explore.