Lady’s 9 secret London walks you’ll want to take

Today I want to share A Lady in London’s secret London walks with you. There are lots of undiscovered places to explore on foot in the UK capital, and these self-guided London walking tours will help you find the best of them. From under-the-radar neighborhoods to off-the-beaten path waterways, these hidden walks in London will help you see the city from a local perspective.

secret London walks

From Hampstead to Dulwich, Greenwich to Richmond, my secret London walks cover London neighborhoods from north to south and east to west. Whether you like to be in a leafy village or a canalside area, there’s a self-guided walk in London you’ll love.

From charming squares to narrow passageways, side streets to hidden courtyards, these secret London walking tours will take you to some of my favorite hidden places around the UK capital.

You can see a lot more walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks, too. You can get it here. It’s just the thing if you love exploring under-the-radar areas in the city. There are more ideas in my London walking books post as well.

If you’re interested in more A Lady in London walks, my blog post about self-guided London walking tours has all the ones I’ve published in one place.

I’ve also compiled my east London walks, west London walks, south London walks, and north London walks into blog posts. You can find the relevant routes and maps on them.

1. secret London walks in Hampstead

The first of my secret London walks is in Hampstead. This is one of my favorite north London neighborhoods, and its village atmosphere makes it a great area for walks.

My Hampstead walk winds its way through the area’s eye-catching side streets, giving you an overview of the neighborhood and its hidden lanes as you go. It also features a number of good local Hampstead pubs.

This secret London walk is ideal if you want to get to know a part of London locals love. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the city, and it feels like a country village right in the UK capital.

If you want to go on this one, you can find the route, map, photos, and video on my Hampstead walk blog post.

2. secret London walks in Dulwich

The next of my secret London walks is in Dulwich. This leafy village in southeast London is similar to Hampstead in that it’s packed with attractive houses, pretty parks, and local museums.

This loveliest of secret London walks will guide you through the streets and green spaces in Dulwich village. It’s great if you’re looking to discover more of south London and want to find the best things to do in Dulwich as you go.

If you’re up for going on it, you can take a look at my Dulwich walk post for the route, photos, video, and map.

3. secret London walks in Greenwich

The third of my of my secret London walks is in Greenwich. This southeast London neighborhood is known for its maritime history, famous park, covered market, and Royal Observatory.

This secret London walk will lead you through Greenwich and show you heritage buildings, picture-pretty side streets, and one of the best views of London.

Along the way you’ll pass the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark, and Royal Observatory. You’ll also see local pubs and go through vibrant markets.

If you want to take this self-guided London walk, head over to my Greenwich walk post for the route, photos, video, and map.

4. secret London walks in Richmond

The next of my secret London walks is in Richmond. This area in southwest London is worth a visit for its riverfront atmosphere, expansive green spaces, and famous filming locations. It’s one of my favorite parts of London to explore.

Highlights of this London walk include Richmond Park, charming alleys like Brewers Lane, and great riverside pubs and restaurants.

On the way, you’ll take in the best of Richmond, from the little lanes to the Thames Path. At the end, you’ll have options for continuing your walk in whatever way suits your tastes.

If you’re interested in taking this walk, you can find the route, pictures, map, and video on my Richmond walk blog post.

5. secret London walks in Islington

Next on my list of secret London walks is one in Islington. This local area in north London has bustling shopping streets, peaceful canals, and lots of colorful doors to take in.

My self-guided London walk in Islington will lead you through the vibrant Camden Passage Market, into pretty squares, and down side streets full of heritage details.

This walk is perfect for you if you enjoy a mix of high streets and side streets, secret passageways, and great local atmosphere.

If you want to go on this one, you can take a look at the route, map, photos, and video on my Islington walk blog post.

6. secret London walks on Regent’s Canal

The sixth of my secret London walks will take you along Regent’s Canal from Maida Vale to King’s Cross.

This canal walk goes past everything from the colorful boats in Little Venice to the buzzing stalls in Camden Market. It even goes through the London Zoo in Regent’s Park.

This loveliest of secret London walks is perfect if you like to be on the water and take in a variety of sights and neighborhoods as you go. It’s a good alternative to the Thames Path, and a great way to see some local London neighborhoods.

If this London walk sounds good to you, you can find the route, map, and photos on my blog post about canal walks in London.

7. secret London walks in Clerkenwell

Next on my list of secret London walks is one in Clerkenwell, Smithfield, and Hatton Garden. These local areas not only show off historic London at its best, but are also home to some of the best markets and restaurants in the heart of the city.

My self-guided London walk in Clerkenwell reveals everything from narrow passageways to centuries-old stone arches. It will take you through one of the most historic markets in central London, too.

This walk is ideal if you’re into heritage architecture and great food. There are excellent coffee shops along the way, too.

If you’re curious about this secret London walk, you can find the full route, map, photos, and video on my Clerkenwell walking tour blog post.

8. Literary Walk

Next on my list of secret London walks is a themed London literary walk. This self-guided walk goes through several central London neighborhoods.

Along the way it shows off some of the UK capital’s most beloved independent bookshops, literary landmarks, libraries, and reading rooms.

This walk will take you to some of the best places to read in London, too, so make sure to bring a book with you when you do it.

If you want to go on this London walk, you can see the full route, map, and photos on my London literary walk blog post.

9. secret London walks in Holland Park

The last of my secret London walks is in Holland Park. This local area in west London is not only full of elegant houses, but also home to one of London’s most beautiful parks.

This London walk will lead you from the Holland Park tube station to the houses, green spaces, and mews streets the area is famous for. It’s perfect if you’ve done my Notting Hill walk and want to explore the area next to it.

If you’d like to do this one, you can find the route, map, and photos on my Holland Park walk blog post.

secret London walks

I hope my list of secret London walks has made you want to get outside and discover the best under-the-radar areas in the city. Whether you’re a local or want to live like one, these walks will help you explore the areas Londoners love. Happy walking!

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

Pin it!