Victoria Park and Regent’s Canal Walk

Start your walk at the western entrance to Victoria Park near Bethnal Green, where the city quickly gives way to wide green spaces, tree lined paths and lakes filled with ducks and swans. Known locally as “the People’s Park”, Victoria Park has been one of East London’s favourite outdoor spaces for more than 175 years.

As you walk through the park, look out for the historic Chinese Pagoda beside the boating lake, one of the park’s best known landmarks. On sunny days the lawns fill with picnics, runners and cyclists, while weekends often bring food markets, music and outdoor events.

The Pavilion Café is a popular early stop for coffee overlooking the lake, especially in the morning when the park is quieter. Nearby you’ll often spot herons, geese and other wildlife around the water.

Heading east through the park, you’ll reach the Regent’s Canal towpath, where the atmosphere changes again. The canal is one of the most peaceful walking routes in East London, lined with narrowboats, old bridges and converted warehouse buildings. The water reflects the mix of old industrial architecture and modern apartments that define this part of London.

Walking along the towpath towards Mile End, keep an eye out for colourful canal boats, hidden gardens and street art painted onto walls beside the water. Cyclists use the route regularly, so it’s worth keeping to one side as you walk.

Around Hackney Wick and Fish Island, the canal becomes more creative and industrial, with old factory buildings transformed into studios, cafés and bars. Crate Brewery is one of the best known stops along the canal, with outdoor seating directly beside the water and views across the towpath.

If you head south towards Mile End instead, the route becomes greener and quieter. Mile End Park stretches alongside the canal with landscaped gardens, ecology areas and open lawns that feel surprisingly calm considering how close you are to central London.

One of the best things about this walk is how often the scenery changes. In just a few miles you move between parkland, waterways, historic bridges, street art and modern East London neighbourhoods.

The route works well at any time of year, but spring and summer are especially good for long evenings beside the canal. Bring comfortable shoes, take your time and stop often; , this is one of London’s best walks for slowing down and exploring the city at a different pace.