Exploring the outdoors? Hiking near London offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From scenic countryside trails to mesmerizing coastal walks near London, there’s a path for every adventurer. 🍃🥾
While London itself boasts charming strolls, stepping out a bit further reveals the true beauty of the South East. Discover circular walks near London that bring you right back where you started, or venture to picturesque villages for a delightful day out. And if you’re feeling the lure of the sea, the coastal hikes near London are not to be missed.
Looking for the best villages near London for a nice walk? Whether you’re keen on a brisk nature walk, a longer hike, or a relaxed country walk, the areas surrounding the capital have you covered.
So, if you ever find yourself wondering about beautiful places to walk near me or yearn for a circular coastal walk, remember that London’s outskirts have a treasure trove of trails waiting to be explored.
Pack a picnic, tie your laces, and set out on your next walking adventure!
Where can I hike near London?
There are several hiking options near London that offer beautiful landscapes and opportunities to explore nature. Here are a few popular hiking destinations within a reasonable distance from the city:
- The South Downs National Park: Located south of London, the South Downs offers a variety of scenic trails and rolling hills. The South Downs Way is a long-distance path that stretches for 100 miles, but there are also shorter circular walks and sections of the trail that you can explore.
- Epping Forest: Located to the northeast of London, Epping Forest is a vast ancient woodland with a network of paths and trails. It provides a tranquil escape from the city, and you can choose from various routes to explore the forest’s diverse flora and fauna.
- Richmond Park: Situated in southwest London, Richmond Park is a large royal park with extensive walking trails. It is famous for its deer population and offers a mix of open grasslands, woodlands, and beautiful views.
- Windsor Great Park: Located west of London near Windsor Castle, this expansive park offers picturesque walking routes. Explore the Long Walk, which stretches from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue, or venture into the park’s woodlands and gardens.
- Chiltern Hills: Located to the northwest of London, the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a range of walking trails through rolling countryside, woodlands, and charming villages. The Ridgeway, a long-distance path, passes through this area, offering beautiful views and historical sites.
These are just a few examples of hiking spots near London. Each location has its own unique beauty and offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Walks near me – car hire
Check out our guide to the best car hire company in the UK or simply explore the options directly on discovercars.com if you need a car to get to the best spots for nature walks near me.
Here are 30 of the best that you don’t want to miss out on – the best walks near me!
Explore the best circular walks near me and top ideas for walks outside London:
Best places for walking & hiking near London
1. Hambleden Valley hike
Best places to hike near me? If you love the Chilterns, then the Hambleden Valley walking trail will be a perfect choice for a hike near London. In fact, this is probably one of the best circular walks near London.
At 10 miles long, you need to be ready for around 5 hours of hiking. Believe us, it is 100% worth spending half a day in this beautiful part of Buckinghamshire.
From watching sheep in the fields to visiting some of the best British villages like Turville, Fingest and Hambleden – this beautiful hike will deliver on any level.
You will be also rewarded with the opportunity to see some famous film locations and of course some of the best British pubs!
2. Burnham Beeches hike
Looking for nice walks near London? Hiking around London can’t get better that this!
Located in Buckinghamshire, the historic Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve really is a beautiful place for a nice walk near London. It’s a perfect example of ancient British woodland with many 400 years old plus oaks.
If you are visiting the nearby Beaconsfield, make sure you spend a few hours in Burnham Beeches too.
Burnham Beeches is perfect for a walk at any time of the year but autumn will be perfect so you can admire the stunning beauty and colourful leaves. You might also spot some animals if you are lucky.
3. Ashridge walks
Best walking trails near me? If you love Chilterns as we do, then Ashridge must be on your list of the best hiking walking trails near London.
The whole area is just heaven for everyone enjoying a walk through woodlands and open spences. It is also full of some of the best circular walks near London.
Form a 1-mile family walk called Woodland Walk to a 8-mile long Wildlife Walk – there is a bit of everything for everyone. If you fancy a mid-length walks, then Rangers’ Ramble and Foresters’ Walk will be perfect for you. Both are around 3-miles length.
So, would you add the above hiking trails near London to your list of top walks outside London?
4. Dorchester-on-Thames walks
Looking for country walks near London? This could be a winner!
Dorchester-on-Thames itself is a must-visit place in Oxfordshire and probably one of the most beautiful villages in England. There are many opportunities for walking and hiking around the village.
Whether you go for the Village Walk around Dorchester-on-Thames or Dorchester on Thames circular walk you can be sure that you will love it.
Fancy a river walk? Try the path towards the Wittenhams or exploring nearby villages and the Thames path.
5. Hitchin Lavender Farm walk
Top nature walks near me? You can easily call it the best nature walks near the capital city.
OK, this little walk is more about taking pictures of the beautiful lavender. The farm is also known for its sunflowers, which you can see around September.
Despite the field not being huge you will still spend there a few hours walking between lavender and collecting some to take home. There is also a small shop and cafe – make sure to try lavender shortbread – it really tastes strangely great! Without a doubt, Hitchin lavender farm is one of the best places for family walks near London.
6. New Forest walks
Best places to go for a walk near me? The New Forest is overflowing with walking routes. This verdant and lush area is one of the newest national parks in Britain. Designated as such in 2005 it has long been recognised as common pasture.
This means that there have been animals grazing on these lands since the Domesday Book was written. Still to this day you may find ponies wandering past your walking route. This must be one of the best forest walks near London.
Inside the forest, there are wildly varying landscapes to explore. You can start in open pastures pass through heathland and wind up on the coast. If you fancy a challenge, why not climb to the highest point, Pipers Wait, which sits 129 metres above sea level.
New Forest really is one of the best places for spring hiking near London!
7. Seaford to Eastbourne hike
Best walks near London? The 13.6-mile walk (21.9km) between Seaford and Eastbourne is the best way to experience the Seven Sisters. The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs. They number among the most striking landscapes in the UK. The cliffside walk is easy to follow; however, do come prepared to climb some rises. There are a few stretches along the way that can be described as flat, that provides a little rest between the hills.
To walk the full route takes around 7 hours, not including breaks. If you want to experience the cliffs but don’t quite feel up to tackling the total distance, you can split the walk at several points. The shortest route is just shy of 4 miles (6km).
You will honestly be blown away by how beautiful this place is and really is one of the best places to hike near London.
8. Richmond Park walk
In the outskirts of south-west London, you can find Richmond Park. It’s the second-largest park in London and feels like finding a secret garden. As as an are of particular conservation it is overflowing with wildlife. The woodland trails and open grasslands offer reasons to visit all year round. If you do visit, try to plan a route that takes you to the Isabella Plantation. It is a woodland garden inside the park, and when it is full bloom, it is stunning. In fact, this is one of the most beautiful walks near London.
Many paths wind their way through the area. It is easy to make a day of this trip and just lose yourself in the wildlife. Just remember to keep your eyes open for the Richmond Deer that roam in the park.
It’s one of our favourite parks in London and possibly one of the best places to go for a nice long walk in nature.
9. Belchamp Brook Walk
Belchamp Brook walk is a great circular walk. You can complete the full loop which is 9 miles (14.5 km), or you can split it into two shorter loops of around 6 miles (10km) each. This is a great British walk, as it gives you a real flavour of the Brtish countryside. The route takes you along bridleways, public paths and field boundaries, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes.
On the course of the walk, you can visit four local churches, spot the reintroduced fallow deer that roam the area and stop for refreshments in the cafes and pubs in both Sudbury and Bulmer.
10. Cheddar Gorge hike
Best places to go hiking near London? We couldn’t forget to shout out Cheddar Gorge as one of the best places to hike near London, could we?
The Cheddar Gorge trail, in Somerset near Bristol, belongs to one of our favourite routes in England!
The entire walking route is 4 miles (6.4km) long, during which you will walk around the Cheddar Gorge. You will need just under 2 hours to complete but we recommend spending a bit of time on top of the gorge. A picnic with a stunning view is always a great idea!
Walking around Cheddar Gorge is a great choice for anyone who wants to go for a solid walk and at the same time enjoy stunning views. It is also one of the best places to visit in England!
11. Painshill Park walk
Any local walks near London? Painshill Park is an exquisite example of 18th-century English landscape parks. The park has fallen into a state of extraordinary neglect, not that you can tell if visit today. Hard work and love have been applied in equal measure to return this park to its glory.
The park is split into two sections. The first is the ornamental pleasure gardens that surround the central lake. The second half of the garden is styled to be more natural and showcase the beauty of the area. There are a great many paths to explore, and you can easily while away a day here.
If you fancy something a little different, you can attend a nighttime walk and meet the bats that inhabit the park.
It really is a contender for the best places to walk near London.
12. Southease Circular hike
This really is one of the most scenic walks near me! For those who love a brisk walk along a river, the Southease Circular delivers. This 9-mile circuit gives you spectacular views over the Ouse Valley. The walk begins in Southease. You’d best have a hearty breakfast as the trek starts with a challenging climb up Itford Hill onto the Downs.
You join the South Downs Way as you travel north before turning towards the sea and dropping into a serene and quiet valley. You follow the river bank to find your back to the start. The whole route is clearly marked and easy to follow. It makes a fantastic day out on a crisp autumn day.
It really is one of the best places to hike in the south of England… especially for sea & cliffs lovers!
13. Alton Circular hike
Looking for day hikes from London? The Alton circular is a long walk coming in at 12.7 miles (20.4 km). However, if you’re up for the distance, it is a gentle stroll most of the way. It gives you the chance to get a glimpse of the countryside that inspired two of the nations best writers – Jane Austen and Gilbert White.
As you pass through the villages of Seabourn and Chawton, you will discover how different places so close together can feel.
14. Blenheim Palace walks
Good places to walk near London? Perched about 2 hours west of London by car, it’s one of the best places to visit in Cotswolds and a perfect spot for a long walk that we know you will love.
There are a few walks you can do around the Blenheim Palace. The two most popular are the Queen Pool walk and the Park Perimeter.
- The Queen Pool walk is a dog-friendly walk, which takes you around the smaller lake near the palace. You will only need around 45 minutes to complete it.
- The Park Perimeter is the longest walk, which requires over 2 hours to go around it.
15. Bodiam Castle Walk
Need ideas for best walks around London? The medieval castle is still a sight to behold. The castle sits within a moat and looks magical. The walls of the castle seem to rise out of the water. The cleverly designed castle looks almost too perfect to be real. As a start and endpoint of a walk, you won’t get anymore distinctive.
The walk is a circular route that covers 5 miles (8km). The journey takes you through some of the best British countrysides. It is the kind of walk that seems to stay muddy even if it hasn’t rained for weeks, so come prepared. While there is not much rise and fall during the walk, you should be prepared to clamber over a stile or two on your way around.
16. Stonehenge from Amesbury walk
Walking spots near capital city? It really is one of the best places to walk near London… if you love stones 😉
Many say that this is.one of the most impressive and important walking routes in Britain. Whether you agree with that or not, Stonehenge is the main landmark in England so it’s great you can visit it while enjoying a long walk.
This walk, about a 2 mile long, takes you from the town of Amesbury to the historical site in no time.
17. Hampton Court to Staines walk
Best walks outside London? As you follow the Thames out past Hampton Court, you see the world around you rapidly change. This walk along the Thames path takes you through one of the outermost London suburbs and out into rural Surrey.
This scenic route lets you see the city give way to the countryside. The houses grow in size and distance, and the towns spread further and further apart. You will pass locks weirs and even take a little ferry ride to complete this 12 mile (19km) exploration.
18. Alban Way walk
Best hiking places near London? The Alban Way is a fantastic green route joining Hatfield House and St Albans Abbey. The whole journey is around 6.5 miles (10.5km) long. The path is part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. This means you will come across all sorts of users as you walk. It also means that the route is beautifully kept and easy to walk along.
The path is part of a great British tradition in that it runs along a now disused train line. It’s an excellent walk for anyone as there are plenty of places to stop along the way for a break or refreshments.
Now, St Albans itself is easily one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you’re based in the capital city and is a great place for walking near London.
19. Berwick to Exceat Bridge walk
Best countryside walks near London? This walk is a delight at any time of year. But if you can find your way to this part of the world in early March you will get to share the fields will the multitude of newborn lambs that will be frolicking in the fields. There are plenty of places to explore in Berwick, including Berwick church which has some pretty murals inside.
As you make your way to the coast in this walk, you will pass through several quaint English villages, which are worth exploring if you have the time. Just make sure you pace your self because the walk ends with a climb up and down High and Over hill before you finish up in Exceat.
20. Oxted Circular hike
Any nice walks near London? This 10-mile (16km) walk gives you the chance to get a taste of the Oxted countryside and woodlands. The mix of country paths and trails will take you up and down the rise and falls of High Weald and the North Downs.
Along the way, you will pass through Limpsfield Common, Crockham Common and Squerryes Court. At the far end of Limpsfield Common, you should stop by the community orchard which is filled with wildlife as well as wildflowers.
21. Black Park walk
Looking for hiking in London? Black Park is an area of over 500 acres. It includes a rare mix of woodlands and heathland. It’s an excellent spot for families as there are plenty of amenities, like an adventure playground and a Go Ape high wire course.
There are plenty of routes to follow with short ones around the lake at under 1 mile (1.6km) as well as longer paths that wind through the woods. These routes cover around 3 miles (5km).
It really is one of the best places to go walking near London.
22. Surrey Hills walk
Best countryside walks near me? Surry is an area that abounds with natural beauty. Some of the UK’s most famous beauty spots can be found within Surrey Hills, including Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
There are hundreds of paths that are open to the public to explore so when it comes to finding a route. The sky’s the limit. You really can find any sort of walk to suit your fancy here from town-based routes to the pure countryside, or a little of both.
23. The Coastal Path hike
Where to hike near London? If it’s your first trip around the Isle of Wight we know you will find some of the best places to hike in England here. The coastal path is one of the best hiking trails that you will just love!
The only issue is, you need a few days to complete the 65 miles long route. The good news is you don’t have to walk around the whole island to enjoy the stunning views.
Start your hike in Brighstone towards the Needles and then to Yarmouth. The 13 miles route takes over 4 hours to complete but you really need a whole day as you will stop many times to take photos.
24. Box Hill walk
Great walks near me? Within Surrey Hills, you can find Box Hill. This is an area that is most deserving of a visit. There are several walks to enjoy here. One of the best is the stepping stones walk. This takes you past the Box Hill Fort and gives you the chance to cross Surrey’s iconic stepping stones.
For the more energetic you can climb to the top of Box Hill which takes roughly 4 hours, there and back. There is also a play walk with activities along the way for children to enjoy. It really is a great spot to get out and enjoy nature.
25. Chiltern Link hike
Looking for nature trails near London? The Chiltern link is an 8 mile (12.8 km) hike. The route follows what used to be an ancient trade route from Wendover to Chesham.
No longer used for trade, this path now joins two major routes – The Ridgeway National Trail and the Chess Valley Walk. This easy and clearly marked route is an excellent introduction to the Chiltern countryside and village life.
It really is one of the best paths to go hiking near London.
26. Mole Gap Trail hike
This really is one of the good walks near London. The River Mole has slowly been eroding the chalky hills that it passes through. This lengthy process has created an excellent walking opportunity. This 6-mile (9.6 km) trail is easy and flat throughout, making it an ideal outing.
As a bonus, the walk starts and ends at two railway stations, making it easy to access and enjoy. The route is quiet and tranquil and even takes you through the UK’s largest vineyard.
27. The Oak Trail walk
Epping Forest is an enchanting place and one of the best walks around London. The Oak Trail is a roughly two-hour walk that takes you in and around the forest. The route is well marked and easy to follow. It includes a mix of trails and paths. The circular route starts and ends at Theydon Bois stations, making it easy to reach.
While on the walk you will pass beneath some veteran Beech and Oak Trees, pass through a wooded pasture, where you will see cattle grazing and past the deer sanctuary. It gives you a real flavour of Epping Forest.
It really is a contender for the best places to go hiking near London!
28. Abingdon to Oxford walk
Looking for long walks near London? The Thames path joins Abingdon and Oxford. This easy to follow route gives you a lovely way to explore the area. The walk starts in Abingdon, which is worth spending some time in. There are plenty of little shops to explore in this small market town.
As you walk along the Thames, you will likely see a lot of river traffic, as the canal boats and longboats chug along the calm river. Along the way, you will cross lochs and weirs. The walk ends in Oxford at the Osney bridge, which is just down from the train station, making it an ideally located spot to end a beautiful walk through the countryside.
29. Tower Circular walk
Any scenic trails near London? About 2 hours or so from London by car, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that you will love! It is also home to many great walking routes and one of them is the Tower Circular walk around the Broadway tower. A must-do when visiting Cotswolds.
Start the walk from the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway towards Tower Country Park. The whole loop is 5.2 miles long and it takes 2-3 hours to finish it. That includes a small break to refresh with a nice cup of tea.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best short walks in the Cotswolds and one of the must-walk trails near London.
30. Hastings Circular hike
The Hasting Circular is a lovely day walk. This 6-mile (9.4 km) route is a varied trail around Hastings. There is an enjoyable mix of woodland trails, coastal sections and hill climb. You start in the Harbour then pass by the coast to reach Hastings Country Park. If you want some extra walking, there are over 600 acres of park and woodlands to explore.
When you leave the wonders of the park, you pass into Covehurst Bay. During this section, keep your eyes open for the Peregrines that circle the area. After skirting the bank of the reservoir, you come to Ecclesbourne Glen, where you can take a small detour to see the waterfalls and the fascinating rock formations they have carved out. The walk ends with a beautiful downhill section back to where you began.
What is the closest mountain hike to London?
The closest mountain hike to London is probably the Box Hill hike, located in Surrey, England. While Box Hill may not be classified as a mountain, it offers scenic trails and beautiful viewpoints, making it a popular hiking destination for those seeking outdoor adventures near London.
Box Hill is part of the North Downs and offers a variety of walking paths that cater to different fitness levels. The summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the River Mole. It is a great place to enjoy a day hike, have a picnic, or simply escape the city for a while.
While Box Hill may not offer the same level of challenge and elevation as towering mountains, it provides a convenient and accessible option for Londoners or visitors to enjoy nature and get some exercise without venturing too far from the city.
Hiking near London FAQ:
Tower Circular walk including Broadway Tower and amazing countryside in the Cotswolds is one of the best circular walks.
Seven Sisters walk is one of the best walks near London in southern England!
Take a train to St Albans and enjoy the amazing Alban Way walk!
Time to get walking near London!
Now that you know how many amazing places there are waiting for you to explore, it is time to lace up those walking boots and grab your camera. The hard part is going to be deciding where to start and which route to take on first. Good luck and happy walking!
If you liked our article, then please check out the below posts too:
- Places to visit in Chiltern Hills
- Midsomer Murder locations
- Unique things to do in Oxfordshire
- Cotswolds attractions
- Things to do in Bucks
- England’s most beautiful villages
- Best things to do in Hertfordshire
- Local pubs near me
Need more ideas for hiking near London?
Whether hiking or walking there are endless opportunities just outside of the capital city of London. How to find more ideas for a perfect hike? Find out below in our other articles related to amazing places near London:
Exploring the best walks near London isn’t just about ticking off a list; it’s about rejuvenating the spirit, immersing oneself in nature, and discovering the scenic beauty just outside the capital’s borders. From circular walks near London by car to breathtaking coastal walks near London, there’s an array of trails tailored to all.
Seeking the perfect country walk near me or curious about the top hiking routes near London? The South East promises diverse landscapes, unparalleled vistas, and memories to last a lifetime. Dive into these trails, and let the magic of the great outdoors captivate you.
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