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The Thames Path at Richmond, London

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Walks on the [River] Thames Path:
Opened in 1996 the Thames Path National Trail is an easy, view-packed and characterful walking route that runs most of the 180 mile length of England's prime river from source to London.
The path is reasonably well marked and has transport links near many sections. For full information get The Thames National Trail Guide by David Sharpe.
Here's a selection of pleasant walks near or in London, with traditional pubs en route for refreshments:

Westminster Bridge - the Thames Barrier.
The most historically interesting walk of 11 miles starts near Big Ben, crosses the river to the south and passes many magical sights, old and new. Among them are: The London Eye, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Globe Theatre, back across London Bridge, Docklands, and the Dome. Return via Charlton Station.

Richmond - Putney. A more open and countrified walk than the above, this 8 mile wander starts at Richmond Bridge, heads to the south bank and gets many grand green views - including passing by Kew Gardens - interspersed with historic buildings such as Syon House. It ends at Putney Bridge, with Putney station or Putney Bridge station for onward transport.

Hampton Court - Richmond. More wide open spaces and posh housing views on this 8 mile stroll. Starting at Hampton Court station with the Palace dominating the scenery at first, it passes
boat marinas, canal locks, wetlands, and ends at Richmond Hill. Transport at Richmond station.

The Primrose Hill Walk is about 4 miles [6kms] long, taking a couple of hours and offers one of the best views in London. Start the hike from Baker Street tube station, head through Regent's Park, up Primrose Hill for the breathtaking view at the top, then stagger along Regent's Canal to Little Venice and the tube.

Walks in London

Brighton

Short Trips out of London [a day or perhaps two]:

Brighton beach resort is less than an hour away by train and offers a stony beach, long and lively walks, a free and hyper-active pier and some interesting alternative lifestyles.

Hampton Court Palace is about 40 minutes travel by rail from Waterloo station or attainable more pleasantly by boat from Westminster Bridge in around 3 hours.
This palace was built by a Cardinal and endured all sorts of scandals during the reign of Henry VIII. It is loaded with over-the-top royal apartments, galleries - and an amazing maze.

Cambridge, the famously academic city, has glum suburbs but a gorgeous ancient centre with an unparalleled ambience of lazy, ancient intelligence. It is about 1.5 hours travel from London by train or guided bus tour. And don't forget to take a punt!

Oxford, another bout of academia with let's-not-go-there suburbs but stunning yellowish medieval colleges of spires and gargoyles set off with masses of greenery. Take a train from from London's Paddington station or guided bus tour. And don't forget to take a punt here too!

Canterbury

Canterbury's little Tudor city and magnificent Gothic cathedral are 1-2 hours away by train and make a good day out if old buildings are your thing.

Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's favourite residences and 900 years old, is 30 miles west of London. Travel by train from London to Windsor and Eton station.
There is a Changing the Guard ceremony at 11am on alternate days [ depends on the month] and no shortage of royal attractions, including the staterooms. Read the transport information before heading out there.

Legoland, a huge theme park aimed at 3-12 year old kids near Windsor, one hour west of central London.

Bath is a calm and elegant city of Georgian architecture and real Roman baths, in England's southwest, 170 miles from London. It is possible to see Bath on a rail day-trip from London but would be a little hurried.
Bath is set in pretty countryside and not too far from some other special locations - such as Stonehenge and Avebury so car hire may be a good idea for this trip.

Avebury prehistoric stones, near Stonehenge but these are touchable!

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