14 Beautiful Country Walks Near London (By Car Or Train)

London is one of the world’s biggest cities, yet there’s an immense amount of beautiful countryside on its doorstep. Here is our pick of the best walks near London, which you can access by train or car.

London is home to 9 million people, but it is surprisingly easy to escape the suburban sprawl and walk in beautiful countryside.

The city’s edges have grand Royal Parks, medieval hunting grounds, and age-old forests. Head a little further, and you’ll find rolling hills, cute villages, and dramatic white cliffs.

We’ve lived in London for over 30 years and often head out to escape the city, get some exercise, and breathe the fresh country air.

We have put together a list of all our favourite walks near London. Each is accessible by train (in under 90 minutes) or by car and can easily be completed as a day trip.

The walks in this guide range from easy half-day country walks to more challenging day hikes. Almost all include a pub along the route.

Each walk has its own downloadable Google map (with instructions) or a detailed OS Map.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Each of our walks includes a Google Map (with instructions) or an OS Map so you can confidently follow the route without getting lost.

We have also provided information on how to get there by car or train from London. This includes where to park or the train station from which to start the walk.

Most of the walks are circular, so there’s no need to retrace your steps or worry about getting back to your starting point. There are a couple that are point to point; we’ve included instructions for getting back to your car or getting back home.

You’ll also find helpful details about facilities along the route, such as cafes, toilets, or nearby pubs.

MAP: HIKES NEAR LONDON

Our favourite walks near London are spread across each corner of the city. No walk is further than 90 minutes away from the city centre by train.

BEST WALKS NEAR LONDON

1. IVINGHOE BEACON

The Chiltern Hills rise above low-lying plains to the north and west of London. Peaking at only 260 metres, they’re a small but beautiful slice of English countryside.

This lovely hike explores the far northern end of the Chilterns. It begins by climbing up the 233-metre-high Ivinghoe Beacon, the site of an early Iron Age Fort and an ancient signal point.

The path then continues through the forests of the Ashridge Estate before descending to the cute village of Aldbury.

There are a few steady ups and downs, but nothing too challenging. The path winds across fields and in and out of ancient woodlands.

It’s all exceedingly pleasant, and there are plenty of places with good views to take in the scenery.

Facilities – Aldbury has two great pubs, public toilets, a National Trust café, and a shop. During summer, there’s also an ice cream van.

Ivinghoe Beacon Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Pitstone Hill Car Park (HP23 5RT)
• Distance: 8 miles (12.9km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Elevation: 905 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Tring Station
• Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8km)
• Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
• Elevation: 1,000 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

2. SEVEN SISTERS

This hike heads over Seven Sisters – a series of dramatic white chalk cliffs on the south coast of England. It is the most arduous of our favourite walks near London, but it is also the best.

The walk begins in Seaford and rises and falls over towering white cliffs for the next 10 miles. With a blanket of green grass on top, the glow of the sea below, and the luminance of the cliffs blazing in front, the views are spellbinding.

On route, you pass the often photographed cottages at Cuckmere Haven, the red and white lighthouse at Beachy Head, and the sands of Birling Gap beach.

Most bloggers suggest following the 13-mile route from Seaford to Eastbourne. But in our opinion, it’s much better (and shorter) to finish at East Dean, where an excellent pub serves refreshing pints next to the village green. It’s a great way to finish one of the best hikes in England.

All the details are in our Seven Sisters guide, including how to get back to the start of the hike from East Dean.

BY CAR

• Start: Seaford Esplanade Car Park (BN25 1JT)
• End: East Dean
• Distance: 10.7 miles (17.2km)
• Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes
• Elevation: 1,500 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

BY TRAIN

• Start: Seaford Train Station
• End: East Dean
• Distance: 11.2 miles (18km)
• Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
• Elevation: 1,500 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

3. HENLEY & HAMBLEDEN

This walk is a lovely day out from London. What makes it special is the sheer diversity of scenery.

At one end of the hike, Henley has grand architecture, imposing boathouses, historic estates, and good cafes. At the other end is the picture-perfect village of Hambleden with its old stone houses and pretty church.

In between, the path ambles along the banks of the River Thames, climbs through thick forest, and potters down country lanes. It’s so good that we keep going back to do it again.

Facilities – The excellent Stag and Huntsman pub in Hambleden is perfectly positioned for a pint and a meal halfway around. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in Henley.

Henley & Hambleden Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Mill End Car Park (RG9 6TL)
• Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Elevation: 530 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Henley Train Station
• Distance: 9.6 miles (15.5km)
• Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
• Elevation: 530 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

4. ARUNDEL CASTLE

The centrepiece of this excellent walk is the imposing Arundel Castle. But it’s more than a one-hit wonder.

The 8-mile walk starts in Arundel, heads up the High Street, passes the cathedral, and then enters the castle estate’s landscaped gardens.

The gardens are a mix of old forest and sheep-strewn fields dotted with the odd, strange tower and a man-made lake. It’s a lovely, undulating stroll with sweeping views.

Next, the path drops steeply down to the River Arun and follows its right bank under a canopy of leaves to the quaint village of South Stoke. The village has an 11th-century church and a graveyard bursting with daffodils in early spring.

Combine the walk with a visit to Arundel Castle, and it makes for an excellent day out in a surprisingly under-visited town.

Facilities – The Black Rabbit pub on the banks of the Arun is a great place for lunch. Alternatively, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Arundel.

Arundel Castle Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Mill Road Car Park (BN18 9PA).
• Distance: 7.25 miles (11.75km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes.
• Elevation: 740 feet of ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Arundel Train Station
• Distance: 8.5 miles (14.5km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 50 minutes.
• Elevation: 800 feet of ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

5. BOX HILL

Box Hill is a steeply-sided wooded area in the Surrey Hills just outside the M25. Despite the very well-maintained paths, walking here takes more effort than you might think. There are plenty of ups and downs, making this one of the more energetic hikes near London.

Several different routes are available, but for us, the 7.25-mile circular walk (1 mile longer by train) we’ve outlined on the map below is the best.

This route climbs up and down the contours of Box Hill four or five times, resulting in almost 500 metres of ascent and descent.

En route, it passes numerous viewpoints and some interesting sites, including the Norman church at Mickleham.

In our opinion, this walk lacks the diversity of many other walks in this guide, and the paths can be very slippery after rain. But it is a good choice if you enjoy forested walks and want to expend some energy.

Facilities – Stop at the pub in Mickleham or the National Trust café at the summit.

Box Hill Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Box Hill Car Park Tadworth (KT20 7LB)
• Distance: 7.25 miles (11.7km)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Elevation: 1,500 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium to challenging

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station
• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7km)
• Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Elevation: 1,800 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium to challenging

6. THE CAM, CAMBRIDGE

Paul and I love Cambridge, and we think it’s one of the best day trips from London.

You could easily spend all day exploring Cambridge’s colleges with their exquisite late-Gothic architecture and medieval stained-glass windows. But what makes Cambridge special is how quickly you can escape into nature.

This walk combines both city and countryside in one great route.

The hike begins by passing some of the university’s finest landmarks before following the River Cam through wildflower meadows to the charming village of Grantchester.

Half in town, half in the countryside, it is a great way to explore one of the most beautiful university cities in the world.

The walk is flat, easy, and takes around 3 hours — ideal for a relaxing day out. With trains from London taking under an hour, it’s a great way to explore Cambridge without needing to stay overnight.

Facilities – Stop at the Blue Ball Inn for a pint or the Orchard Tea Garden for something more sedate – both are in Granchester. The coffee at Hot Numbers in Cambridge is hard to beat.

River Cam Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Newnham Meadows Car Park (CB3 9JJ)
• Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Elevation: 50 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Cambridge Train Station
• Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Elevation: 50 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

7. RICHMOND PARK

This is our favourite walk, accessible by tube, and it’s a brilliant mix of town and country with three distinct sections over the course of 9 miles: Richmond Park, the River Thames, and Richmond Village.

Despite being consumed by the city, Richmond Park still retains a wild, rugged feel.

Tucked within the sweeping grasslands, you’ll find wild deer and stag, as well as colourful gardens. From Henry’s Mound, Windsor Castle can be seen glimmering in the distance. To the east, the skyscrapers of the city loom above the trees.

Leaving the park, the path descends to Ham House, a giant 17th-century pile peering over the River Thames. The trail then follows the banks of the River Thames to Richmond Village.

Richmond Village is packed with Ted Lasso film locations and an excellent range of pubs. Try the White Cross (right on the river) or the old-world White Swan, tucked in a tiny lane behind Richmond Green.

Facilities – There are plenty of food vans and cafes in the park for refreshments. For a special occasion, try the cafe at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.

Richmond Park Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY TRAIN & CAR

• Start / End: Richmond Station or car parks in Richmond Park
• Distance: 8.95 miles (14.4km)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Elevation: 430 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

8. COOMBE HILL

This walk is visited less often than others on the list, so it’s a great option for escaping the crowds and soaking up the peaceful side of the Chilterns.

The walk winds its way up and down the Chiltern’s escarpment, passing several grand viewpoints. These include Coombe Hill, the 15th-century Ellesborough Church, and Beacon Hill.

Around halfway through, the route skirts the grand gates and stately façade of Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence — an unexpected feature in this otherwise rural setting.

It’s a diverse three hours with about a third of the time in thick woodland, a third on ridge-top trails, and another third in grassy fields.

The best way to get to this hike is by car. While it’s reachable by train via Wendover Station, this adds another 1.75 miles to the route.

Facilities – There are no pubs or toilets on this walk.

Coombe Hill Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Coombe Hill Car Park (HP17 0UR)
• Distance: 5.75 miles (9.25km)
• Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes
• Elevation: 780 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy to medium

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Wendover Station
• Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes
• Elevation: 1,100 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Medium

9. LEWES & FIRLE BEACON

This walk explores the high ridges of the South Downs National Park, offering some of the best views in the region. As an added bonus, there is an excellent pub almost exactly halfway around.

The hike begins in Lewes, a historic town with medieval streets, a hilltop castle, and charming alleyways. From there, it climbs onto chalky hills before descending into the village of Glynde.

The trail then follows the valley floor to reach West Firle, home to the excellent Ram Inn, a perfect halfway stop for lunch. On warm days, the courtyard is a popular spot for walkers refuelling mid-hike.

After lunch, there’s another climb back onto the ridge to reach Firle Beacon, where views stretch in all directions.

For the next hour and a half, the path sticks to the summit of a grassy ridge with the sea shimmering on the horizon.

The route now drops to the hamlet of Southease. You could walk from Southease back to Lewes, but we think it is better to catch the train. They run hourly, so be sure to check times in advance.

Facilities – Try The Ram Inn, West Firle, for an excellent pub lunch.

Lewes Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR & TRAIN

• Start: Lewes Train Station (BN7 2UP)
• End: Southease Station
• Distance: 11 miles (17.75km)
• Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes
• Elevation: 1,500 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Challenging

10. EPPING FOREST

Epping Forest is almost 6,000 acres of ancient woodland in the northeast of London.

Cutting a narrow green corridor in the urban landscape, it’s one of the most convenient spots for a proper country walk without leaving the city.

Most of the walking is under a gently swaying canopy of leaves. Periodically, the trees part to reveal small patches of heath or ponds – home to a variety of wildlife.

There are plenty of routes to choose from in Epping Forest. The Oak Trail is one of the most popular, but it spends most of the time in trees without much variation.

So, our favourite is this 7-mile walk, which starts and ends at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge near Chingford. All the details are in our maps below.

Facilities – Stop halfway at the King’s Oak Pub for a pint, and you’ll be in for a great half-day excursion near London.

Epping Forest Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Barn Hoppitt, Mount Pleasant or Earls Path Car Park
• Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Elevation: 400 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Chingford Train Station
• Distance: 7.1 miles (11.5km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Elevation: 450 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

11. MARLOW

Marlow is a charming market town nestled between the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills. This excellent circular hike combines both, mixing serene riverside walking with the wooded beauty of the hills.

The route begins in Marlow, tracing the banks of the Thames past grand houses and scenic river views. Look out for Bisham Abbey—training ground for England’s hockey, football, and rugby teams.

An optional detour takes you to Hurley Lock, one of the best wild swimming spots in the Thames. If you’re not up for a swim, divert inland and climb through the fields and wooded landscapes of the Chiltern Hills before descending back into Marlow.

The entire walk takes just over three hours, and it’s relatively flat (except for a short climb up into the hills). The walk along the river is utterly delightful, though it can be a little muddy after rain.

Facilities – The Old Brewery is a great pub in Marlow. For something of a treat, The Oarsman does excellent food.

Marlow Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR

• Start / End: Pound Lane, Marlow (SL7 2AQ)
• Distance: 6.4 miles (10.25km)
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Elevation: 230 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

BY TRAIN

• Start / End: Marlow Train Station
• Distance: 7.2 miles (11.5km)
• Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Elevation: 250 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

12. WINDSOR CASTLE & GREAT PARK

This hike explores the majesty of Windsor Castle (the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world) and the Great Park that surrounds it.

The path is split into two sections: The Long Walk (2.75 miles each way) and Windsor Great Park Walk (an 8-mile circular route).

The Long Walk is a straight path that runs between Windsor Castle and the King George III and His Horse statue. Windsor Great Park Walk connects all the intriguing sights within the landscaped park.

The walk itself is along mostly flat, easy-to-follow paths, but there is a short climb up to the horse statue.

Although repeating the Long Walk in either direction may be off-putting, the views back to Windsor Castle as you approach make it worthwhile.

Facilities – There are cafes dotted along the route, so allow 6 to 7 hours for a leisurely stroll.

Windsor Great Park Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR OR TRAIN

• Start / End: Windsor & Eton Central or Riverside Train Station or King Edward VII Car Park (SL4 2JQ)
• Distance: 13.35 miles (21.5km)
• Duration: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Elevation: 650 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Moderate

13. MARGATE TO BROADSTAIRS

This excellent coastal walk connects two of Kent’s prettiest seaside towns along an attractive section of the coast.

Starting in Margate, the route hugs the shore almost the entire way, alternating between low esplanade paths and clifftop trails.

Along the way, you’ll pass striking chalk stacks at Botany Bay, the atmospheric ruins of Neptune’s Tower, and a series of wide, sandy beaches—including Kingsgate Bay, Joss Bay, and Stone Bay.

The trail ends at Viking Bay, where colourful huts sit above a pretty sandy beach enclosed by cliffs.

It’s a short walk from Viking Bay along the High Street to Broadstairs Station, where you can get the train back to Margate or London.

Facilities – In Margate, Wildes does a good brunch and coffee. The Botany Bay Hotel has a restaurant overlooking the chalk stacks. The Tartar Frigate is right on the harbour in Broadstairs and a great spot for an end-of-walk pint. 

Margate to Broadstairs Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR OR TRAIN

• Start / End: Margate Train Station (CT9 5AD)
• End: Broadstairs Train Station
• Distance: 6.8 miles (10.85km)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Elevation: 520 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium

14. HAMPSTEAD HEATH

This short but lovely walk combines the old pubs and quiet lanes of Hampstead with the sweeping grasslands and forests of Hampstead Heath.

We often come here on a warm day, pick up a picnic from the local deli and go for a swim in one of the ponds.

The walk begins at Hampstead Underground Station and heads down the narrow Flask Walk and Well Walk, passing tiny pubs and cute delis.

The trail enters Hampstead Heath and winds up to Kenwood House, passing Henry Moore’s and Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures. The house itself (free to enter) is one of London’s hidden gems.

The walk now heads back through forest and heathland and past the women’s and men’s bathing ponds where you can stop for a dip if the weather is good.

There is a final short climb to the summit of Parliament Hill, which offers fine views over the city. The path then drops to the mixed bathing ponds on the way back to Hampstead Village.

Facilities – There are two great pubs in Hampstead. The Flask has a traditional Victorian dining room. The Wells Tavern is our favourite pub for lunch in the area. Kenwood House (about halfway around) has an English Heritage Café.

Hampstead Heath Walk Map – Google Maps | OS Maps

BY CAR OR TRAIN

• Start: Hampstead Underground Station (NW3 1QP)
• Distance: 4.35 miles (7km)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation: 375 feet ascent & descent
• Difficulty: Easy

MORE LONDON SELF-GUIDED WALKING GUIDES

• Our favourite 15 walks in London with maps.
• See the best Shoreditch Street Art on our self-guided walking route.
• Enjoy the picturesque stroll along the Regent’s Canal walk.
• Explore one of London’s best green spaces on our Hampstead Heath walk.
• Take the iconic walk through Regent’s Park and Camden Town.
• See the grandeur of London on our Royal Parks & Palaces walk.
• See the best Instagram spots on our Notting Hill walk.
• Explore the heart of historic London on our City of London walking tour.
• Take a historic stroll along the Queen’s Walk London.
• Our Southbank London walk covers several iconic landmarks.
• See the best of the lights on our Christmas Lights walking route.