Seven Seriously Scenic Walks Near London

One of the best things about living in London is that while you can enjoy the buzz of this vibrant city, you can also escape to the countryside for a scenic country walk. There are so many fantastic spots that are near to London and easily accessible by public transport for sweeping coastal views, ancient woodland paths or quiet riverside rambles, each of which make for a fantastic day out.

Here are seven of my favourite walks that are lovely year-round, either with friends or as a solo hike. Happy rambling!

The Seven Sisters

I might as well start with THE quintessential UK walk as no list of walks is complete without the gorgeous Seven Sisters Coastal Path with its chalk cliffs and views for miles. Not gonna lie – it was tougher than I expected the first time I did it, but still very doable and a gorgeous day out. I really should have clocked that each of the ‘sisters’ isn’t just a point jutting into the ocean but a peak (i.e. they go up and then down again – over and over and over). It’s not like that’s a hidden fact or anything! Here’s a slightly more hidden fact: there are actually eight sisters! Erosion has created a ‘new’ one but I guess she’s still working to be accepted into the family LOL. In any event, each of these ladies are totally worth the trek!  

Of course the sisters themselves are just one section along this gorgeous path. I enjoy the 16.5km route from the Seven Sisters Country Park to Eastbourne Pier but you can start and stop in several spots between Brighton and Eastbourne so it’s easy to make it shorter or longer. The views are varied and amazing along the entire stretch, and there are some nice cafes and pubs nearby to complete the day.

Ramsgate to Margate

If you’d like a coastal walk that’s not quite as challenging as the Seven Sisters, the Viking Coastal Trail from Ramsgate to Margate is lovely. It’s less undulating than the Sisters (though you’ll def want to go down to the beach and up to the higher path at times!) with white cliffs, blue water, and fun seaside towns along the way. The walk is about 15km (or you can start at Broadstairs instead for a 10km walk), with captivating coastal views throughout. But, the highlights for me are the beachy diversions to soak up the sun and the area. In Broadstairs, you can channel ‘Chariots of Fire’ and run along the beach just like the 1924 British Olympic Team. At the less crowded Kingsgate Beach, you an chillax under a castle. At the much-photographed Botany Bay, you can wade between the chalk stacks at low tide. In Margate, you can explore the Shell Grotto. And of course, you can enjoy one of the many beachfront pubs and ice cream shacks along the way. With direct trains from London, it’s a fab escape to the seaside.

Brighton

If you’d like to add some sightseeing to your day out, Brighton is the place for you! With iconic attractions like Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion, or strolling through the cute shops along the Lanes, it’s a colourful beach town to explore.

That said, Brighton is fun just for the seaside walking alone, and there are two choices: First, you can walk from the Brighton Marina towards Seaford along the Undercliff Walk, with its white cliffs and waterside views that are lovely year-round. You can make a one-way journey or take a circular route using the higher path above the cliffs on the return to Brighton for a completely different perspective. One way to Seaford is about 15km, or the return trip if you turn around at Saltdean is about 10km.

Alternatively, a second walk is the Brighton Coastal Path from Brighton Pier towards Southwick. This route passes by the colourful beach huts at Hove and then along the promenade to the picturesque marina and sweeping views at Southwick, with plenty of beaches to stop at along the way. The one-way route to Southwick is about 7km, or you can turn around at any point for a longer out-and-back walk.

Epping Forest Oak Trail

Epping Forest in Essex is so close to London that it’s on the Central Line! Just pop over to the Theydon Bois stop for a lovely circular route through ancient woodlands. Rumour has it this was the site of the last stand of Queen Boudicca 2000 years ago, when much of the scenery would have looked the same. In fact, of the 55,000 trees in the forest, even many of the ‘newer’ ones have been standing there for centuries!

The circular route starts and ends just outside of the station at the Bull pub (which BTW is a great stop at the end of your walk!). From here you’ll head onto public footpaths through lovely fields toward the village of Bell Common (and another lovely pub) and then into Epping Forest, with ancient trees, peaceful walking trails and even a deer sanctuary. The marked route is just over 10km, though I often walk closer to 15km with detours along the way exploring the woodlands. I would recommend saving a map on your phone before you start as it can be easy to get turned around at points, though I’ve never been turned around for long and the stunning scenery is worth it.

Richmond Circular

Richmond isn’t just near London, it’s technically one of the Greater London Boroughs and reachable as the last stop on the District Line tube. That said, it doesn’t have a London postcode and definitely has its own village vibe. And it’s a beautiful day out!

One great Richmond walk I love is a circular route from the station into Richmond Park and then onto Petersham and along the tree-lined promenade to Ham House and Gardens. From there you can follow the Thames for a riverside stroll back towards Richmond. There’s a swimming spot at Petersham Meadows if you fancy a dip or a little further along you can hire a rowboat for a little water time, and you can end your circle with a stroll along Richmond Green for Ted Lasso vibes. The route can easily be shortened or extended by adjusting your stroll through the scenic (and massive!) Richmond Park. When I follow along the edge of the park it’s about 10km, but going deeper into the park via the lovely Isabella Plantation is about 15km. Throw in a stop at one of the fab riverside pubs, or for tea at the gorgeous Petersham Nurseries and you’ve got a fantastic day out!

Knole to Ightham Mote

Just an hour outside of London is Sevenoaks, and in Sevenoaks is Knole Park, a gorgeous 600-year old National Trust estate in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The impressive Knole House itself has an entry fee, but the extensive grounds of nearly 1000 acres are free for walkers to enjoy, along with the local herd of about 350 deer that roam freely through the park. Even better, despite the accessible location, I’ve never found it to be crowded.

Knole Park makes for a lovely walk on its own, or for a longer ramble you can take a 15km circular route (or a 7.5km one-way walk) between two fab National Trust properties from Knole House to the medieval manor house Ightham Mote. Along the way you will pass through a mix of bridleways, fields, streams, and woodlands (and the deer of course!). There are nice cafes at both Knole and Ightham, or for a lovely pub stop between the two, try the gorgeous Bucks Head in the hamlet of Godden Green. Country estates, countryside strolls and country pubs – the perfect day out from London!

Henley to Hambleden

There are so many lovely walks along the Thames Path, and one of my fave sections is the stretch near the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames, home of the famous Henley Royal Regatta each July.

Starting on the south side of the river, walk along the Regatta route from Henley Bridge past Temple Island (the starting point for the famous race). You’ll likely see rowers gliding through the water and you’ll definitely see swans and geese who seem to love it here as well. As you continue along the Thames you’ll reach Hambleden Lock where you can watch the boats navigating the changing water levels before walking across the river over a series of connected bridges which take you over the weir with the white water rushing beneath you. From here you can then take public footpaths through the fields to the adorable chocolate-box village of Hambleden, where I would def recommend a stop at the Stag and Huntsman. After enjoying Hambleden you can then return to Henley via the north side of the river, or join the Chilterns Way for a countryside stroll via Remenham Wood. The circular routes are all around 15km of relatively easy but super scenic walking.

Conclusion

I hope this list of seven scenic walks near London has inspired you to get out and enjoy the English coast and countryside. It’s absolutely beautiful and right on London’s doorstep!