The Best Walks in the City
Team Neat pal Katie Morgan checks out the best places in London for weekend wandering and a breath of fresh air...
London is not only known for its vast, busy city but also for its gorgeous parks and green spaces. With Hyde Park, Green Park and Regents Park right in the city centre, there is always a chance to get your dose of mother nature just a skip, hop and jump away from the main roads and tube stations.
Here are my favourite weekend walks you can do without getting on a plane or even leaving the City.
The Wilderness - Hampstead Heath
If it is a nice day you can even go swimming in the outdoor ponds - I dare you!! The Heath is the most amazing place to explore and get lost in. Every time I go to the Heath I manage to stumble upon a new path or area. Grab your muddy shoes and explore the wilderness of London. To get there; Get the Northern line to Hampstead station or the overground to Hampstead Heath station.
The Canals - Little Venice to Kings Cross
This one isn't 'wilderness' but it is a lovely walk or ride and a great way to soak up London's culture. Start at Little Venice in Paddington (Beany Green Cafe which was on our smashed avo brunch blog post recently) and meander around towards Camden Town and eventually Granary Square in Kings Cross. To get there; The nearest tube station is Paddington.
The Waterfront - Southbank
Waltz along from Borough market up towards Jubilee Gardens near the London eye. Avoid the peak touristy times so you aren't bumping into people but this is a great walk. There are some really pretty houses on the canals, the London zoo, graffiti of Camden, buskers, lots of locals living in the wooden canal boats and plenty of nature. To get there; Get the Jubilee or Northern Line to London Bridge.
The Manicured Landscape - Kew Gardens
It doesn't matter which time of the year you go, it is always beautiful. The colours of the autumn leaves are stunning, the Christmas lights are magical and the spring brings out bright flowers by the hour. Kew gardens is the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world and right on London's doorstep. To get there; get the District Line or Overground to Kew Gardens station and walk.
Pride and Prejudice style -Morden Hall Park
A stunning park located in South London full of little quaint foot bridges over the meandering river. The trees are stunning. It honestly looks like something out of a movie with Mr Darcy. To get there; ride the Northern Line all the way to the end, Morden.
To See the Deer - Richmond Park
Only a short tube ride to the outskirts of London and you can walk around the knee high grass fields amongst the wild deer. There will be people riding their horses, keen runners getting their miles in and a whole lot of natural air, not to mention the cute little English pubs to get lunch at. To get there; get the Overground or District line to Richmond.
So pack some water, a rain coat (just in case, it is London after all), some snacks and a charged phone and off you go what Mother Nature has to offer.
This blogpost is written by Katie Morgan, an Aussie blogger who writes about all things health, nutrition, fitness, love and travel on her website: Kale and the Kettlebell. She’s dedicated to living a healthier, happier and more active lifestyle. Obsessed with protein pancakes, smoothie bowls and nut butter, Katie is a big advocate for everything in moderation. Her hottest tip? Stop trying to eat and exercise for how you look - focus on how you feel and you will be surprised with the results. “Take care of your body – it’s the only place you have to live forever”