Boxing Day Walk London: 5 North London Family Routes

By Boxing Day afternoon, most families I know are in the same state. Too much food, too much screen time, kids bouncing off the walls and at least one adult asleep on the sofa. A good Boxing Day walk fixes most of that. Fresh air, a bit of mud, a view to point at and everyone home in time for leftovers. Living and coaching in Archway, I am lucky to have some of the best walks in the city on my doorstep. So here is my Boxing Day walk London shortlist: five favourite North London options, with honest tips on mud, daylight and getting there.

Boxing Day walk London tips: daylight, mud and transport

• Daylight is short. In late December it gets dark around 4pm in London. Aim to be walking by 1pm at the latest, and earlier with small children.
• It will be muddy. Wellies or walking boots for everyone, and a bag for muddy shoes in the car or on the bus home. Buggies with big wheels cope much better than lightweight strollers.
• Transport is different on Boxing Day. TfL often runs reduced or changed services over Christmas, so check the TfL journey planner before you set off rather than assuming your usual tube or bus is running.
• Opening times change too. Parks with gates, cafes and toilets may have holiday hours. Check the official pages linked below.

1. Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath

The classic Boxing Day walk in London. Parliament Hill gives you one of the best views over the city, and on a clear winter day you can pick out the landmarks across the skyline. Hampstead Heath is huge, so you can make the walk as short or as long as you like. The City of London has a full guide to Hampstead Heath.

Good for: families with kids who like to run downhill, kite fliers, anyone who wants a proper hill.

Tip: the climb to the top of Parliament Hill is short but steep. Turn it into a challenge for older kids: who can get to the top without stopping? My Hampstead Heath family day out guide has more ideas for the Heath with children.

2. Kenwood House and the north of the Heath

For a longer walk, carry on across the Heath to Kenwood. The house sits at the top of a sweeping lawn looking down to a lake, and it makes a great turnaround point. English Heritage says entry to Kenwood is free, but check its opening times for the Christmas period before you go, because holiday hours can differ from normal. My Kenwood House walk guide covers routes in more detail.

Good for: older kids and adults who want a longer, more varied walk with woodland and open grass.

3. Highgate Wood

If you have toddlers, a buggy or tired grandparents, Highgate Wood is a gentler option. It is ancient woodland with wide, mostly flat paths, a playground and a cafe. The City of London has details on visiting Highgate Wood, including opening times, which change with the seasons. It is close to Highgate tube station.

Good for: little legs, buggies and a shorter outing.

Tip: give kids a winter scavenger list: a holly leaf, a pine cone, something red, a stick taller than them.

4. The Parkland Walk

The Parkland Walk follows an old railway line between Highgate and Finsbury Park, with Crouch End in between. It is a long, mostly gentle path through trees, and in winter it can be very muddy in places. The Friends of the Parkland Walk website has maps and information about the Parkland Walk.

Good for: a one-way walk where you get public transport back, older kids on scooters (when it is not too muddy) and anyone who wants a quieter route.

5. Waterlow Park and a Highgate loop from Archway

If you live near Archway and do not want to travel at all, walk up Highgate Hill to Waterlow Park. It has ponds, lawns and great views south over London. Camden Council has contact details and information for Waterlow Park. From there you can carry on into Highgate Village for a look around, then head back down the hill.

Good for: a short, local walk with a serious hill to start. The climb up Highgate Hill is a workout in itself.

How to turn a Boxing Day walk into a family workout

You do not have to, but if you fancy it, here are a few easy ideas that keep it fun:

• Hill repeats: walk briskly up a short hill, walk slowly down. Repeat three times. Kids can race you.
• Bench stops: at each bench, everyone does 5 step-ups or 5 squats.
• Tree to tree: walk to one tree, jog to the next, walk to the next.
• Count your steps: see how many steps the family can do together. Whoever guesses closest to the final number picks the film that evening.

If anyone has a heart or lung condition or has been unwell, keep it to a gentle stroll and let them set the pace.

Where a bootcamp class fits in

A Boxing Day walk is a lovely way to get moving after Christmas, and a good moment to think about January. If you want a routine that carries on after the holidays, a weekly class is an easy way to start. The SYP Recharge energy and focus class is designed for exactly that post-holiday sluggish feeling.

FAQs

Where is the best place for a Boxing Day walk in London?

Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill are hard to beat for views and space. For something gentler with young children, Highgate Wood is a great choice.

Is Kenwood House open on Boxing Day?

Opening times can change over Christmas, so check the English Heritage Kenwood page before you go. The grounds and the wider Heath are usually the main draw for a walk.

Are the tubes running on Boxing Day?

Services are often reduced or changed on Boxing Day. Check the TfL journey planner on the day before setting off, and have a backup route.

What should kids wear for a winter walk?

Layers, a waterproof, a hat and gloves, and wellies or waterproof boots. Pack a spare pair of socks and a snack for the way back.

Book your first class

When the walking boots are drying by the radiator, think about keeping the momentum going. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, so the weather never matters, with a maximum of 10 people and £15 a class. Book my £15 class or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send you the timetable. If you want a full plan for the new year, take a look at the SYP Fitness transformation programme.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.