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If you really want to immerse yourself in the UK’s most exciting cities, then walk around them on foot. From Edinburgh to London, you’ll see details you’d never notice from a bus or taxi – the smell of a bakery, street art beneath a railway arch, or a quiet residential square just a street away from a busy high street.
And just like driving, walking comes with its own risks (especially with peak season crowds), so staying aware of your surroundings and knowing your rights around pedestrian accident claims can bring peace of mind. If you’re looking for some practical inspiration for your next city break, read on for some walking tips on where to wander, what to look out for, and how to make every walk feel like part of the adventure.
London: The walker’s playground
London is simply made for walkers, with distinct neighbourhoods that hold their own self-contained stories. Start your journey along the South Bank, where the Thames will lead you to iconic sights such as the London Eye, through to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Just take in the city at your own pace, watching buskers, riverboats, and the skyline change as you stroll along.
From there, take Waterloo Bridge and the backstreets to Covent Garden, passing by independent shops, hidden courtyards, and stretches of street art. One joy of walking in London is how quickly the landscape transforms. A five-minute detour off a busy road can lead you into quiet Georgian terraces or leafy churchyards far from the crowds.
Bath: Picturesque backdrops for your stroll
Bath is so small and compact that you can cover a lot of ground in a day, even if you walk at a leisurely pace. Take your time and enjoy the glow of the honey-coloured Georgian buildings. A slow walk along the River Avon will give you a peaceful view of Pulteney Bridge, and the nearby Parade Gardens offer a convenient place to pause.
The Roman Baths, the Circus, and the Royal Crescent are all must-see landmarks within walking distance of each other. You’ll have plenty of time left over to get lost in the smaller streets with their independent bookshops, cosy cafés, and boutiques.
Edinburgh: Castles, history, and stunning views
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of historic architecture and dramatic scenery, then walk around Edinburgh. Making your way through the Old Town feels like stepping through centuries, with stairways leading to tucked-away shops, pubs, and miniature viewpoints. For a different perspective, head up Calton Hill for incredible views across the skyline, the castle, and even out toward the Firth of Forth. You can get to many of Edinburgh’s best spots on foot, so it’s entirely possible to go between landmarks and green spaces in a morning without having to step on a bus.
York: Walk through medieval, Roman and Viking history
York has to be one of the UK’s most walkable historic cities. Any walking adventure has to include the narrow, twisting lanes of The Shambles (the most well-preserved medieval street in Europe) with its timber-framed buildings and small independent shops.
But leaving the tourist trails offers up more rewards. Walk the city walls for an on-high loop around the city centre that gives you views of York Minster Cathedral and the quieter streets below. Then duck into a traditional pub or follow a side alley that leads to unexpected corners of the city that most visitors miss.
Walking can transform your city break
Walking real is one of the easiest ways to turn a short city getaway into something richer and more personal. Whether you’re discovering hidden green squares in London, pausing by the water in Bath, climbing for views in Edinburgh, or tracing centuries of history in York, exploring on foot will get you closer to the real heart of each place.