7 of the best London neighbourhoods for pretty winter walks

Hampstead is one of the best neighbourhoods to visit in winter thanks to its cosy, village-like atmosphere and timeless charm that is only enhanced by the frosty, colder months. 

As the quaint streets quieten and the Georgian terraces glow in the darker evenings, Hampstead’s boutiques, bookshops, and independent cafes offer the perfect hideaway for warming up with a hot drink. 

Winter walks on Hampstead Heath are a real must-do. Watch brave swimmers take a dip in the freezing ponds and wander up to take in the sweeping views from Parliament Hill. 

The woodlands themselves are like something out of a storybook as they glisten with frost and winter sunshine. 

Peppered with traditional pubs such as The Holly Bush, this is the perfect neighbourhood to explore if you are in the market for roaring fires, elegant historic lanes and a winter escape from the chaos of Christmas shoppers in the centre of the city. 

Tube: Northern line 

Notting Hill becomes one of London’s most enchanting neighbourhoods as the weather cools and the nights darken, with its pastel townhouses, cobbled mews and cinematic crescents. 

The usually busy streets around Portobello Road feel slightly calmer at this time of year, making it easier to browse antique shops, independent boutiques, and snug coffee shops without the summer crowds and tourists. Pop into the The Pelican or The Walmer Castle for a cosy fire-lit experience.

Winter amplifies the area’s natural romantic charm that was coined by the Julia Roberts film. The colourful facades stand out against grey skies, and the glow from busy restaurants gives the area an extra sparkle. 

Whether you’re exploring hidden corners, enjoying sweet treats from a local bakery or just drinking in the atmosphere, Notting Hill delivers a picturesque winter experience right in the heart of West London.

Tube: Central, Circle, District Lines

Famous for setting the Mean Time, the adorable Greenwich and its village-like feel is really worth a trip on the DLR this winter. 

Its maritime heritage gives it an air of mystery and the crisp air along the Thames and quieter streets make it the ideal location for a weekend stroll.

The area’s iconic landmarks, including the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory, feel even more majestic against the low winter sun, and the surrounding cobbled streets and market alleys are perfect for exploring without the usual summertime crowds. 

Riverside walks offer sweeping views of the city skyline, while cosy pubs and cafes provide ideal spots to warm up with a hearty meal or steaming glass of mulled wine.

Tube: DLR or Jubilee Line 

While you may not immediately picture Shoreditch as a haven for Christmas cheer, the East London neighbourhood is dripping in cool charm as the weather freezes over. 

Boasting a striking contrast of edgy street art and cosy indoor spaces against the chillier weather, the area’s famous murals, graffiti-lined alleys, and creative installations take on a different energy in the winter months. 

Markets like Boxpark and Spitalfields buzz with festive stalls, artisanal treats, and warming street food, while independent coffee shops and world-class restaurants provide a snug place to warm your hands and your stomach after a day exploring in the cold. 

Tube: Northern line or Overground

Potentially one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods with its celebrity-infused history and proximity to Camden, Primrose Hill transforms under the soft glow of winter's fairy lights. 

Wander up to the top of its iconic hill and take in the panoramic views of the city and the area's surrounding streets, which are lined with colourful Victorian and Georgian terraced houses. 

Dotted with an abundance of coffee spots, bagel shops, brunch places and intimate restaurants, Primrose Hill is also a foodie's paradise so enjoy plenty of winter meals here. 

Walk off your lunch through the nearby Regent’s Park and embrace the relaxed village-like atmosphere of London's perfect winter retreat in the middle of the city. 

Tube: Northern line 

A little further out than the rest, this village in the city is stunning, spectacular and right out of a fairytale. 

Take a National Rail service, sit back and enjoy the entrance to the countryside that sits right on the doorstep of London's city dwellers.

Richmond’s riverside charm makes it one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods you could visit in the wintertime. 

Meander along the Thames Path and look at the views across Richmond Green which are especially refreshing in the cooler months.

Richmond Park, with its iconic deer herds, takes on a serene, almost magical quality in winter, and the riverside pubs offer romantic spots to enjoy the festive season.

Tube: District Line or National Rail

Right slap bang in the middle of the city, Marylebone is a winter delight with its elegant blend of Georgian, historic streets and boutique shopping. 

The epitome of a picturesque central London spot, the neighbourhood is home to Marylebone High Street, where independent shops and artisan bakeries create a warm indoor escape filled with delicious smells and a toasty atmosphere. 

Frosty mornings make the tree-lined squares and quiet mews even more idyllic, while charming pubs provide the perfect spot to sip a spiced mulled cider or wine while catching up with friends after work or on the weekend. 

Shop, explore and embrace the festivities in the hidden corner just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. 

Tube: Bakerloo Line or National Rail