Battersea Park via Chelsea Bridge
A pagoda, a physic garden, and a river crossing in both directions. Walked and written by the editor.

1. Chelsea Embankment
Start with the walk along the embankment itself, going west. The plane trees here are the oldest and most theatrical in London.

2. Chelsea Bridge
Cross the river on the suspension bridge. There's a wide pavement, proper railings, and the view back across at dusk is free cinema.

3. London Peace Pagoda
An actual Buddhist pagoda, built in 1985 by the monks of Nipponzan Myohoji. Circle it clockwise; the gold leaf catches the late sun.

4. Battersea boating lake
The lake is the park's interior. Walk it anticlockwise; there's a cafe at the east end with cake and small boats.

5. Albert Bridge
Cross back. It's the pink-and-cream one with the wedding-cake ironwork. Still the most photogenic bridge in London.

6. Chelsea Physic Garden
Finish here. A walled botanical garden from 1673, quiet and impossibly well-kept. Open afternoons; closed Saturdays in winter. Worth timing.

Battersea Park via Chelsea Bridge