More green space than you’d expect
Kingston sits at a fortunate crossroads: the Thames Path runs right through the town centre, Richmond and Bushy Parks are both within easy reach, and smaller green spaces dot the suburban streets. Whether you’re after a proper countryside walk, a quick riverside stroll, or somewhere to tire out the dog, this corner of southwest London delivers.
This guide covers the walks and parks we actually use — from well-known Royal Parks to hidden routes that most visitors miss.
Quick picks: find your perfect walk
Riverside walks
Thames Path: Kingston to Hampton Court
Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
The most popular walk in the area, and rightly so. Starting at Kingston Bridge, you follow the Thames Path through open meadows and parkland, eventually arriving at Hampton Court Palace. The route is flat, mostly paved, and suitable for all fitness levels.
The views improve as you leave Kingston behind — the stretch past Canbury Gardens opens up nicely, and by the time you reach Hampton Court Bridge, you’ve earned a coffee at one of the riverside spots.
Starting point: Kingston Bridge (Surrey side) Good for: Families, dogs, first-time visitors Tip: Walk one way, return by train from Hampton Court station
Canbury Gardens
Distance: 0.5 miles | Time: 20–30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Not a proper walk so much as a pleasant riverside stroll, but Canbury Gardens deserves a mention. The linear park runs along the Thames from Kingston town centre, with open lawns, benches, and a decent playground.
It’s the easiest green space to reach from Kingston station, making it ideal for a quick escape or a picnic lunch. The path connects to the longer Thames Path if you want to extend your walk.
Access: Lower Ham Road or via the riverside path Good for: Quick strolls, families with young children, dog walkers
Royal Parks
Richmond Park
Distance: Variable (2–8 miles) | Time: 1–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
London’s largest Royal Park is genuinely impressive. At 2,500 acres, it feels like proper countryside — ancient oaks, rolling grassland, and around 630 red and fallow deer roaming freely. On a misty autumn morning, you could forget you’re in London.
The park is accessible from Kingston via Robin Hood Gate or Kingston Gate. Isabella Plantation, with its azaleas and rhododendrons, is worth seeking out in spring. King Henry’s Mound offers views to St Paul’s Cathedral on clear days.
Getting there: 10 minutes by car from Kingston, or bus to Richmond then walk up Good for: Serious walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers Dog note: Dogs must be controlled, especially May–July during deer birthing season
Bushy Park
Distance: Variable (2–6 miles) | Time: 1–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
The second-largest Royal Park in London, but far quieter than neighbouring Richmond Park. Bushy Park has its own deer herd, a beautiful chestnut avenue (spectacular in May), and the Woodland Gardens — a former kitchen garden with ornamental plantings.
The Diana Fountain at the park’s centre makes a good focal point for a circular walk. The Pheasantry Cafe provides refreshments.
Getting there: Adjacent to Hampton Court Palace, easy to combine with a Thames Path walk Good for: Families, dog walkers, anyone wanting fewer crowds than Richmond Highlight: Chestnut Avenue in bloom (usually mid-May)
Hidden walks
Hogsmill River Walk
Distance: 2–6 miles | Time: 1–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This is the walk most visitors never discover. The Hogsmill River runs from Ewell through Tolworth and Kingston to join the Thames, and a walking route follows much of its length through surprisingly green corridors.
The valley is a Local Nature Reserve with kingfishers, herons, and wildflower meadows. John Everett Millais painted his famous “Ophelia” along this river. It’s muddy after rain, so stick to dry days, but on a sunny afternoon the Hogsmill feels properly rural.
Starting point: Near Villiers Road, Kingston (or work backwards from Ewell) Good for: Local residents wanting something different, nature lovers Note: Some sections can be muddy — not suitable for pushchairs
Historic gardens
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Distance: 1–3 miles (within gardens) | Time: 2–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy
If you’re walking the Thames Path anyway, consider combining it with Hampton Court’s 60 acres of gardens. The Privy Garden, the Great Vine (world’s largest grape vine, planted 1768), and the famous Maze are all worth exploring.
Garden access is free with palace admission, or you can walk the grounds without entering the palace buildings.
Getting there: End of the Thames Path walk, or train to Hampton Court Good for: History enthusiasts, families (the Maze is a hit with children) Tip: The Magic Garden is an excellent outdoor play area for children
Local green spaces
Beyond the headline parks, these local spaces offer quick escapes:
- Fairfield Recreation Ground — Near Kingston town centre, sports pitches and play areas
- King George’s Field, Tolworth — Local park with play equipment
- The Bittoms, Surbiton — Small wooded area near Surbiton station
Best times for walks
Spring (March–May): Isabella Plantation azaleas, Bushy Park chestnuts, wildflowers on Hogsmill Summer: Long evenings on the Thames Path, early mornings in Richmond Park Autumn: Deer rutting season in Richmond (September–November), stunning colours Winter: Crisp mornings, fewer crowds, cosy pub stops after
Avoid: Thames Path after heavy rain (floods in sections), Richmond Park at weekend lunchtimes (very busy)
Pair your walk with food
A good walk deserves a good meal. These venues work well:
After Thames Path: The Boaters Inn (riverside, Kingston), Browns Kingston (upmarket terrace) Near Richmond Park: Deer Cafe (honest breakfasts, Norbiton), The Roebuck (Richmond Hill views) After Bushy Park: Hampton Court village pubs and cafes Post-Hogsmill: Try the Old Malden area, or head back to Kingston centre
Practical information
Dogs
- Richmond Park and Bushy Park: Dogs welcome but must be controlled. Strict rules during deer birthing season (May–July)
- Thames Path: Dogs welcome, some off-lead sections
- Canbury Gardens: Good off-lead space
Accessibility
- Thames Path, Canbury Gardens: Flat, paved, pushchair/wheelchair accessible
- Royal Parks: Main paths accessible, some rougher sections
- Hogsmill: Not accessible — muddy paths, uneven terrain
Transport
- Richmond Park: Car parks at various gates, or bus/train to Richmond
- Bushy Park: Car park on site, or walk from Hampton Court station
- Thames Path: Start in Kingston centre, return by train from Hampton Court
FAQs
What’s the best walk for a first-time visitor? The Thames Path from Kingston to Hampton Court. It’s scenic, easy, and ends at a world-famous palace.
Where can I see deer? Richmond Park is the most reliable — around 630 deer roam freely. Bushy Park also has herds. Dawn and dusk are best for sightings.
Are the walks suitable for children? The Thames Path, Canbury Gardens, and Bushy Park are all family-friendly. Richmond Park works for older children who can walk longer distances.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes (waterproof for Hogsmill or wet weather), water, and a camera for wildlife. The Royal Parks have cafes, but Thames Path has limited facilities mid-route.
Can I cycle on these routes? The Thames Path is shared-use. Richmond Park and Bushy Park have designated cycling routes. Hogsmill is walking only.
Featured in this guide
6 curated places
Bushy Park
The second-largest Royal Park in London, featuring 1,100 acres of parkland, deer herds, the famous Diana Fountain, and the Woodland Gardens.
Canbury Gardens
A popular riverside park stretching along the Thames from Kingston town centre, with lawns, a playground, and views across to the Hampton Court direction.
Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace, featuring historic state apartments, the famous maze, and 60 acres of stunning gardens on the banks of the Thames.
Hogsmill River Walk
A peaceful walk following the Hogsmill River through green corridors from Kingston to Ewell, passing through nature reserves and historic mill sites.
Richmond Park
London's largest Royal Park, home to around 600 free-roaming deer. A vast green space with woodland, grassland, and ponds just a short journey from Kingston.
Thames Path: Kingston to Hampton Court
A scenic riverside walk along the Thames Path National Trail, connecting Kingston town centre to Hampton Court Palace through meadows and parkland.
Find them on the map
Related guides
About this guide
This guide is part of Kingston Compass, covering Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden. We focus on practical local recommendations and regularly checked information. All venues are researched and verified by our local team.