Best "off the beaten track" things to do in London

Regent’s Park rendezvous

I think I’ve walked and ran through every path in Regent’s Park, including alongside the canals. Having been spoiled with the sheer luck of finding apartments within walking distance of Regent’s Park over several moves, I’ve made sure to take advantage of its gorgeous green spaces. 

I have really fond memories of walking through Regent’s Park nearly every day to and from university. I loved observing the seasons changing through the birds and the trees, and I spent many a day writing essays and people watching from the park’s cafés. 

One of my favorite walks to do is to start from Primrose Hill High Street then walk through the park and Baker Street to end on Marylebone High Street. There's a lot of great places along this walk, and you can always put your own spin to it depending on your own preferences. 

If you start at the end of Primrose Hill High Street, stop by the Little One Coffee Shop and try their banana muffin. Just be sure to finish it before you hit the Boating Lake – the geese and pigeons will swarm you. 

Once you make it through Regent’s Park, Saint Espresso by Baker Street Station has solid coffee, and their beans are great to take home for yourself or gift to friends or coworkers. You can walk through the Wonderpass to beat the time it takes for the crosswalk signal to turn green while reading about local history underground.

Once you're on Marylebone High Street, there’s plenty of boutiques and eateries to explore according to your own tastes. And if you decide your legs, your self-restraint, and your wallet can continue holding on past James Street, you can continue your shopping at Selfridges or turn to wander through the bustling shops on Oxford Street.

Riverside on the Thames

The Thames creates many opportunities for different walking paths in London as it runs through the centre of the city. You can even plan a long-distance walk along all 298 kilometres of the river!  

If you’re out to see some London landmarks while getting your steps in, you can start from Bankside and end near the Tower of London. With plenty of eateries and things to do on the route, you’ll be able to shelter from the rain or wind if you ever need to. 

Fuel your energy at Uncommon London, where you can grab a coffee and a snack before you head out. Nearby are the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, either of which you can stop by before walking towards Borough Market. 

Beware the crowds if you choose to visit on a weekend! Even on a weekday, the area is bustling with tourists and locals alike. With plenty of places to choose from, you’ll be able to satisfy any craving. Look up and you’ll see the Shard nearby, piercing the sky. If you’re not afraid of heights, you book tickets to take the lift to the viewing platform. Otherwise, walk towards London Bridge to access the Queen’s Walk that will take you to Tower Bridge. 

You’ll be able to see Tower Bridge from different angles as you walk towards the bridge and eventually cross it to reach the Tower of London. After you’ve explored the medieval castle, cross over to St Katharine Docks where you can admire the yachts in the marina. 

If you’ve decided you need one more view of Tower Bridge, head over to the Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden to enjoy some well-deserved rest on a bench while observing the different boats travelling along the Thames.

Canary Wharf’s City Farm

You might not expect to find farms across London, but there are twelve City Farms that are often open to the public. One of them is Mudchute Park and Farm, located at the centre of the Isle of Dogs in east London. You’ll be able to walk to the farm from Canary Wharf, part of London’s business district, which you’ll be able to tell right away when you arrive.   

After you enjoy your time meeting the different farm animals, walk down to Island Gardens. There, you’ll walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel to exit on the other side of the Thames at Cutty Sark. 

If you’re in need of a wake-me-up, stop by Monsoon Café for a coffee. If you’re feeling hungry, why not try Heap’s Sausage Café where you can try – you guessed it – sausages. Once you’ve filled up, enjoy the stroll up to the Royal Observatory where you can stand on either side of the Prime Meridian. With so much to offer, you can easily spend the rest of the day exploring the Greenwich High Streets and shopping areas!