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
The 6 best walks and nature spots
Thames Path: Kingston to Hampton Court
Best for: Families, dogs, first-time visitors
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.
Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Starting point: Kingston Bridge (Surrey side). Walk one way, return by train from Hampton Court station. For the full story of the palace at the end of the trail, see our Hampton Court history guide.
Canbury Gardens
Best for: Quick strolls, families with young children, dog walkers
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.
Distance: 0.5 miles | Time: 20–30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Access via Lower Ham Road or the riverside path.
Richmond Park
Best for: Serious walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers
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.
Distance: Variable (2–8 miles) | Time: 1–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
10 minutes by car from Kingston, or bus to Richmond then walk up. Dogs must be controlled, especially May–July during deer birthing season.
Bushy Park
Best for: Families, dog walkers, anyone wanting fewer crowds than Richmond
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.
Distance: Variable (2–6 miles) | Time: 1–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Adjacent to Hampton Court Palace, easy to combine with a Thames Path walk. Chestnut Avenue in bloom usually mid-May.
Hogsmill River Walk
Best for: Local residents wanting something different, nature lovers
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.
Distance: 2–6 miles | Time: 1–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Starting point near Villiers Road, Kingston (or work backwards from Ewell). Some sections can be muddy — not suitable for pushchairs.
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Best for: History enthusiasts, families (the Maze is a hit with children)
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. The Magic Garden is an excellent outdoor play area for children.
Distance: 1–3 miles (within gardens) | Time: 2–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy
End of the Thames Path walk, or train to Hampton Court.
Spring (Mar–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 (Sep–Nov), 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)
After Thames Path: The Boaters Inn (riverside, Kingston), Côte Kingston (riverside 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
Richmond Park & 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
Thames Path, Canbury Gardens: Flat, paved, pushchair/wheelchair accessible
Royal Parks: Main paths accessible, some rougher sections
Hogsmill: Not accessible — muddy paths, uneven terrain
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
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
More to Explore
Finished your walk and need a pint? Our best pubs guide covers riverside spots and beer gardens perfect for post-walk refreshment. Walking with the dog? The dog-friendly pubs and cafes guide lists places that genuinely welcome dogs. For garden walks on a grander scale, see our best gardens guide — Wisley, Kew, and Hampton Court are all accessible from these routes. And if you’re out with kids, the family days guide has more ideas nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Thames Path through Kingston is the most popular route, but the area also offers walks through Richmond Park and Bushy Park, the hidden Hogsmill River trail, and Canbury Gardens along the riverfront.
Yes, Richmond Park is accessible on foot from Kingston. You can enter via Kingston Gate, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from the town centre, making it easy to combine a park visit with a Kingston outing.
Kingston is excellent for dog walks. The Thames Path, Canbury Gardens, and Bushy Park all welcome dogs, and Richmond Park allows dogs in most areas though they must be under close control during deer birthing and rutting seasons.
The Thames Path section through Kingston stretches several miles along the riverbank, connecting to Hampton Court in one direction and Richmond in the other. You can walk as much or as little as you like.
Yes, Bushy Park is completely free to enter and open to the public year-round. It is a Royal Park with herds of deer, ponds, and woodland, located a short distance from Kingston town centre.
The Thames Path from Kingston to Hampton Court. It's scenic, easy, and ends at a world-famous palace.
Richmond Park is the most reliable — around 630 deer roam freely. Bushy Park also has herds. Dawn and dusk are best for sightings.
The Thames Path, Canbury Gardens, and Bushy Park are all family-friendly. Richmond Park works for older children who can walk longer distances.
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.
The Thames Path is shared-use. Richmond Park and Bushy Park have designated cycling routes. Hogsmill is walking only.
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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.
Featured in this guide
2 curated venues
Activities & Places
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.
