While the Met Office has predicted a white Christmas is unlikely for most of the UK this year, the festive magic is far from cancelled. After indulging in one too many roast potatoes and mince pies, a bracing winter walk is the perfect remedy. London, even without a blanket of snow, is brimming with locations that transport you straight into the heart of a Christmas film.
Enchanting Walks Within the Capital
Richmond Park and Richmond Hill offer an experience unlike any other in London. Spanning a vast 2500 acres, the park is home to ancient trees, serene ponds, and the famous herds of deer. On a crisp morning, you could easily imagine them as Rudolph and his companions. A short walk away, the viewpoint from Richmond Hill provides sweeping views over the Thames winding through meadows. For the full experience, descend to the river and follow the Thames Path towards Teddington, where a well-earned pint in a cosy pub awaits.
Another excellent Thames-side route is the walk from Chiswick to Hammersmith. This path showcases beautiful riverside houses, historic pubs, and the elegant Hammersmith Bridge. It's a picturesque stroll perfect for spotting river wildlife, though it's wise to check tide times beforehand to avoid any flooded paths.
For a dose of classic London charm, Primrose Hill is a must-visit. The village-like streets, dotted with independent cafes and shops like the famed It's Bagels, lead up to the hill's summit. The reward is one of the best panoramic views of the city skyline, which becomes particularly spellbinding at sunset.
Historic Heaths and Cinematic Forests
Hampstead Heath and the stunning Kenwood House provide a walk steeped in history and beauty. The stately home looks as if it has been lifted from a period drama, while the sprawling Heath offers miles of walking paths. Keep your eyes peeled, as the area is known to be a favourite haunt of celebrities including Harry Styles and Ryan Gosling.
If you wish to truly escape the urban buzz, head to Epping Forest. This ancient woodland stretches 13 miles from east London into Essex, featuring majestic ancient trees, Iron Age mounds, and peaceful ponds. It's the quintessential setting for a refreshing Boxing Day walk, making you forget the city is just a stone's throw away.
Festive Lights and Escapes to the Country
For pure festive sparkle, a stroll from St Christopher's Place to Bond Street is unbeatable. This route lets you admire the dazzling Christmas lights and luxurious window displays of the West End while avoiding the worst of the Oxford Street crowds. Be sure to finish on Regent Street to see its iconic angel installations.
Venturing slightly further afield, Verulamium Park in St Albans is just a 20-minute train ride from St Pancras. The historic city, with its Georgian architecture and abundance of pubs, is magical at Christmas. The park itself features a large lake, waterways, and nearby Roman ruins, perfect for a wander followed by mulled wine in Britain's oldest pub.
For fans of the film The Holiday, two villages compete for your attention. The picture-perfect Denham in Buckinghamshire is only 19 minutes from Marylebone station and offers circular walks past a quaint church, a scenic canal, and enchanting woodland, ideal for building an appetite for a pub roast. For the actual filming location, head to Shere in Surrey. Although over an hour's drive or a train and taxi journey from London, you can visit the pub where the characters had their first date and explore the charming village with its independent shops.
So, wrap up warm, pull on your boots, and step into your own personal Christmas movie scene this winter.
