St James's to Kensington

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Walk directions

From Charing Cross tube turn left into the Strand and left again into Northumberland Street. Bear left along Northumberland Avenue and, after a few paces, cross and turn right into Great Scotland Yard by Nigeria House.

At the end turn left into Whitehall, cross to the other side and head for the arch of Horse Guards Parade, where the guards are on duty for an hour at a time. Continue through the arch to a gravel square used for the Beating the Retreat ceremony in June.

Enter St James's Park to the left of the Guards Monument and follow the path that bears left around the lake, taking the first right-hand fork. Continue along this path, past weeping willow trees, to a blue bridge.

Cross the bridge, stopping halfway across to enjoy the views: westwards is Buckingham Palace and eastwards is Horse Guards Parade, where the skyline looks almost fairytale-like. Turn left, past the Nash Shrubberies, and leave the park on the right. Cross The Mall and enter Green Park from Constitution Hill.

Take the second path on the left and continue over another set of paths. At the next junction take the second path on the left. Where the next paths cross, take the left-hand path that inclines slightly to Hyde Park Corner.

Use the pedestrian crossing to first reach the central island and Wellington Arch, and then Hyde Park itself. Cross the road, Rotten Row, and follow the left-hand path through a rose garden with a cherub fountain. Dogs are not allowed in the Rose Garden; follow the dotted route on the map if necessary. After 350yds (320m) follow a path to the right of the Dell Restaurant and continue beside the Serpentine.

Walk under the Serpentine Bridge and up some steps on the right. Cross the bridge and enter Kensington Gardens. Take the middle path and continue ahead, ignoring other paths to eventually pass a bandstand, then turn right at the next opportunity.

At a junction bear left along the path that runs to the left of the gates to the Kensington Palace state apartments. At the end turn left to reach Kensington Road. Pass the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington Church Street and cross Kensington High Street to the tube station on the left.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Mainly tarmac paths through the parks

Landscape - Parkland with occasional busy road and hum of traffic

Dog friendliness - On lead through gardens. Not allowed in the Rose Garden, Hyde Park in AA Street by Street London

Toilets en route - In each park

About the walk

'The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God's Heart in a garden, Than anywhere else on earth' This short, 19th-century verse, written by Dorothy Gurney, summarises why this walk is special. Unlike some of the other, less worn routes, the Royal Parks...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Greater London is one of the world’s largest urban areas; 33 boroughs stretching north to Enfield, south to Croydon, east to Havering, west to Hillingdon and with central London at the heart of it all. Greater London contains a multitude of parks and green spaces, from the six Royal Parks to other huge open spaces like Hampstead Heath and Clapham Common.