London may not immediately spring to mind when thinking of great driving routes. As a city to drive in, it’s perhaps more well-known for congestion, traffic cameras, and infamous one-way systems that could put off even the most determined motorist. With such an expansive road network, most of which one would be forgiven for thinking is decisively urban, the thought of trying to take a drive around the city could be swiftly discounted as outright impractical.
However, beyond the prospect of gridlock and congestion charges lies a network of roads that offer drive-by views of grand historic buildings, detours along the edges of scenic parkland, quiet residential enclaves, and stunning river views of the city. These scenic drives present London at its most cinematic, from leafy Georgian squares to sweeping vistas that are begging to be cruised along.
The Mall to Constitution Hill
Delivering more pomp and ceremony per mile than any other route in the city, this famous stretch is most commonly associated with major events involving the British Monarchy, such as Trooping the Colour. Starting at Admiralty Arch, where The Mall opens dramatically, the red-paved ceremonial road leads directly to Buckingham Palace, with St James’s Park encamped on the left. Turning right at the Victoria Memorial and swinging onto Constitution Hill, it climbs gently past Green Park and finishes at the resplendent area of Hyde Park Corner.
This drive is best taken early in the morning or late on a weekend afternoon, when the roads are quieter. It’s not possible to drive the route for the public on Sundays, national holidays or during major royal events such as weddings and state funerals. To avoid any potential hassle driving through London, visitors can choose to travel the route by taxi at any time of day for the sake of ease.
Richmond Park’s Perimeter Road
Richmond Park is one of the few royal parks in London that allows cars to drive through it, with its 7-mile perimeter road offering a stunning blend of heathland, ancient oaks, and deer herds to admire en route. The stretch begins at Roehampton Gate and follows a one-way route either clockwise or anticlockwise, taking in Pen Ponds, Pembroke Lodge, and the far-reaching views from King Henry’s Mound.
Given its proximity on the outskirts of the city, the landscape feels more Surrey Hills than south west London, with bracken-covered hill mounds and open meadows replacing the usual suburban dynamics. Whilst the drive can be enjoyed at any time of day, it's particularly beautiful at first light for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, darting out of the shrouded woodlands.
Hampstead Lane to Highgate Hill
This elevated route through North London winds through some of the capital’s most characterful period neighbourhoods. Beginning at the heritage-centric Kenwood House on Hampstead Lane, a road where Georgian mansions line the wooded edge of the eponymous heath adjacent to it, from here the road descends gently towards Highgate Village, offering passing glimpses of London’s famous skyline.
Continuing onto Highgate Hill, this stretch of the drive is draped in atmosphere. From leafy streets, Victorian lamp posts, and glimpses of Highgate Cemetery’s gothic turrets, the road offers a curious collage of rural charm and grandiose residences. It is easily one of London’s most picturesque drives, and outside of morning and evening rush hour traffic, can be enjoyed at almost any time of day.
Chelsea Embankment across Albert Bridge
Few drives around the city offer such a satisfying combination of architecture and river views as does the road along the Chelsea Embankment. The route is best begun by Battersea Bridge and then follows the river east, with handsome Victorian townhouses to the left, and the waters of the River Thames glittering to the right. This tour's highlight is undoubtedly the Albert Bridge, a rare 19th-century suspension bridge known for its pastel paintwork and twinkling lights.
Crossing the bridge offers transfixing views of Chelsea’s pristine riverside homes to one side and Battersea Park and the power station in the background, on the other. This route is especially rewarding at twilight when the lights begin to reflect in the water off both the bridge and the surrounding area, as London’s iconic skyline flickers into being as darkness begins to fall over the city.
Blackheath to Greenwich
South-east London’s roads are often overlooked due to the lack of landmarks dotted around the area, but this route combines glistening green commons and maritime heritage. Starting across the wide, breezy plain of Blackheath Common before curving into the tree-lined Charlton Way that skirts the top edge of Greenwich Park, this route takes drivers through one of London’s most idyllic and out-of-the-way neighbourhoods.
As the road descends, views of the Queen’s House and Royal Naval College appear, framed by the Thames along the banks of Greenwich. At the bottom of the road, there is the option to loop round the one-way system into the centre of Greenwich or take Maze Hill northwards for further views of the river. Best enjoyed either at first light or dusk due to traffic, it’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate a charming, timeless London village.
Alexandra Palace to Muswell Hill
This short drive in north London offers some of the most impressive skyline views in the city. Starting at the famous concert space of Alexandra Palace, the route follows the sweeping road downhill past the palace’s boating lake before taking a right onto Priory Road and a left onto Muswell Hill Broadway.
Climbing steadily into the heart of Muswell Hill, as one ascends, the city skyline opens up, with the Shard, Gherkin and London Eye all visible with one swift scan of the horizon. Combined with the Edwardian streetscapes and village-like appeal of Muswell Hill, this route is one of London’s hidden scenic gems and can be enjoyed throughout the day outside of rush hour traffic, with great ease.
