London is one of the world’s great global cities, yet there’s a wealth of wonderful countryside on the doorstep. Here is our pick of the best hiking near London which you can do by train or car.
London enjoys easy access to wonderful green spaces.
The edges of the city have grand Royal Parks, medieval hunting grounds, and age-old forests.
The National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are accessible by car or train.
West of London, the Chilterns, and Thames Valley are beautiful areas with riverside hikes and country pubs. To the south, the South Downs National Park provides some of the best coastal walks in the country.
You can get to these scenic places by car or train in under 90 minutes and enjoy a beautiful country walk near London.
We’ve lived in the area for over 30 years and know this part of the country very well.
We have put together a range of hikes from easy half-day country walks to more challenging day hikes. Each of our walks have maps and instructions for arriving by car or train from London.
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
BEST HIKES NEAR LONDON
This guide contains our favourite hikes near London, developed after years of research exploring the capital’s surrounding areas. We have included all the information you need including a map to download to your phone.
01. IVINGHOE BEACON | 02. SEVEN SISTERS | 03. HENLEY & HAMBLEDEN | 04. ARUNDEL | 05. BOX HILL | 06. CAMBRIDGE | 07. RICHMOND PARK | 08. COOMBE HILL | 09. LEWES | 10. EPPING FOREST | 11. MARLOW | 12. WINDSOR | 13. MARGATE TO BROADSTAIRS | 14. HAMPSTEAD HEATH | 15. LONDON THAMES
MAP | WALKS NEAR LONDON
Our favourite walks near London are spread across each corner of London. No walk is further than 90 minutes away from the city centre.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
1 – IVINGHOE BEACON
To the north and west of London, the Chiltern Hills rise above low-lying plains. Peaking at only 260 metres they are not high but – wrapped in wooded valleys – fine views have attracted walkers for centuries.
This lovely hike near London 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. In spring, the gardens are rich with wild garlic and bluebells. Next, the walk descends to the cute village of Aldbury.
Next, the trail climbs to join a section of the Ridgeway National Trail as it undulates over grassy hillocks.
There are a few steady ups and downs but nothing too challenging and there are plenty of places with good views to take a break.
IVINGHOE BEACON HIKE DETAILS
Map // Ivinghoe Beacon Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Aldbury, in the middle of the walk, has two fine pubs, public toilets, a National Trust café, and a shop. During summer, there’s also an ice cream van.
Getting there by car // Park at Pitstone Hill Car Park which is about a 1 hour, 20-minute drive from central London.
Getting there by train // Get the train to Tring Station – a 50-minute journey from London Euston Station.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Pitstone Hill Car Park | Tring Station |
| Distance | 12.5-kilometre circuit (7.75 miles) | 14.5-kilometre circuit (9 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours, 45 minutes | 4 hours, 15 minutes |
| Elevation | 250 metres (+/-) | 280 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
2 – SEVEN SISTERS
This is one of the longest and most arduous of our favourite walks near London, but it is also the best. No other walk has such dramatic vistas delivering some of the finest scenery in the entire country. All this for less than a 90-minute train journey from central London.
The walk begins in Seaford and for the next 10 miles it rises and falls over towering white cliffs.
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.
Most routes take you on the full 13.5-mile route from Seaford to Eastbourne. But in our opinion, it’s much better (and shorter) to finish at East Dean.
All the details are on our Seven Sisters guide.
3 – HENLEY & HAMBLEDEN
Henley has held the Royal Regatta since 1839.
Perched on the edge of the Thames River and under the flanks of the Chiltern Hills, it makes a great base for excellent hiking near London.
There are plenty of options, but this 9-mile hike is our favourite due to its sheer diversity.
The path goes through the forest and then follows the river. Along the way, you’ll pass boathouses, historic estates, and cricket pitches.
Admire the grand architecture of Henley with its cafes and riverside pubs.
The picture-postcard church in Hambleden secures it as one of the most attractive hamlets in England.
HENLEY & HAMBLEDEN HIKE DETAILS
Map // Henley & Hambleden Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Locals and hikers are all served by the excellent Stag and Huntsman pub which is perfectly positioned for a pint and a meal, but it’s a popular place so make sure you book ahead at weekends.
Getting there by car // Drive to Mill End Car Park which is a 1-hour, 25-minute drive from central London.
Getting there by train // Take the train to Henley Station which is a 1 hour, 15-minute journey from London Paddington Station with a change at Twyford.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Mill End Car Park Hambleden | Henley Train Station |
| Distance | 14.5-kilometre circuit (9 miles) | 15.5-kilometre circuit (9.6 miles) |
| Time | 4 hours, 15 minutes | 4 hours, 30 minutes |
| Elevation | 180 metres (+/-) | 180 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
4 – ARUNDEL CASTLE
The centrepiece of this excellent walk is the imposing Arundel Castle.
This circular walk is about 8 miles and begins by visiting the cathedral and grand buildings of Arundel. Next it heads into the landscaped gardens of the castle estate. Old, gnarled trees and woolly sheep dot the grassy hills.
There’s a steady amount of up and down but the rewards are fine views of the River Arun winding its way back and forth across the valley floor.
The trail drops to the river 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 graveyard bursting with daffodils in early spring.
ARUNDEL CASTLE HIKE DETAILS
Map // Arundel Castle Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Following the river back to Arundel, don’t miss the Black Rabbit pub with tables set amongst the reedy banks of the Arun.
Getting there by car // Drive to Arundel which is a 2-hour drive from Central London.
Getting there by train // Take the train to Arundel Station which is a 1 hour 30-minute train journey from London Victoria.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Arundel Castle Long Stay Car Park | Arundel Train Station |
| Distance | 11.75-kilometre circuit (7.25 miles) | 13.7-kilometre circuit (8.5 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours, 30 minutes | 3 hours, 50 minutes |
| Elevation | 200 metres (+/-) | 200 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Medium | 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.
The National Trust owns the area and provide maps for several different walks to try.
The hike we have selected is an 8 to 9-mile walk exploring the entire area.
It’s great for anyone who enjoys forest walks. On a sunny day, dappled light dances on the path as views appear between the trees.
Keep an eye out for the Norman church in Mickleham.
This route climbs up and down Box Hill four or five times, resulting in almost 500 metres of ascent and descent. After the rain, the paths can be muddy and tricky to navigate. But on a sunny day, this is a lovely country walk near London.
BOX HILL WALK DETAILS
Map // Box Hill Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Stop at the pub in Mickleham or the National Trust café at the summit.
Getting there by car // Drive to Box Hill Car Park which is a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Central London.
Getting there by train // Take the train to Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station which is a 50-minute train journey from London Waterloo.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Box Hill Car Park Tadworth | Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station |
| Distance | 12.8-kilometre circuit (8 miles) | 14.5-kilometre circuit (9 miles) |
| Time | 4 hours | 4 hours, 30 minutes |
| Elevation | 400 metres (+/-) | 500 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Medium to Challenging | Medium to Challenging |
6 – THE CAM
Is there a more beautiful county town than Cambridge?
Exquisite late-Gothic architecture with medieval stained-glass windows tower over immaculate streets. Cobbled lanes test the dexterity of students balancing a pile of books in one hand and an oat milk latte in the other.
This walk combines the glorious views of Cambridge with a gentle country stroll along flower-strewn meadows.
Half in town, half in the countryside, this walk is a great way to explore one of the most beautiful university cities in the world.
The walk is almost entirely flat and about 3 hours long, so it’s quite easy.
Less than 1 hour from London by train, this hike can be incorporated into a day trip to Cambridge.
THE CAM WALK DETAILS
Map // The Cam Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Granchester has the Blue Ball Inn for a pint or the Orchard Tea Garden for something more sedate. The coffee at Hot Numbers in Cambridge is hard to beat.
Getting there by car // Cambridge is a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Central London.
Getting there by train // Cambridge Station is a 50-minute train journey from London Kings Cross.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Newnham Meadows Car Park Cambridge | Cambridge Train Station |
| Distance | 10.5-kilometre circuit (6.5 miles) | 12.5-kilometre circuit (7.75 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours, 30 minutes |
| Elevation | Negligible | Negligible |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
7 – RICHMOND PARK
The largest of London’s Royal Parks, Richmond Park was created by Charles I for hunting deer. Today, despite being consumed by the city, it still retains a wild, rugged feel.
Tucked within the sweeping grasslands you’ll find wild deer and stag. The gardens are complete with colourful and hidden ponds.
Pembroke Lodge and White Lodge are two interesting buildings not to miss.
It’s one of the most diverse hikes near London.
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.
Taking advantage of its proximity to the Thames, this walk heads along the banks of the river. You’ll visit Richmond town at one end and Ham House – a giant 17th-century pile peering over the water – at the other.
RICHMOND PARK WALK DETAILS
Map // Richmond Park Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // There are plenty of food vans and cafes in the park for refreshments. Richmond has plenty of options as well. Picnic spots are endless on this hike. For a special occasion try the cafe at Petersham Nurseries.
Getting there by car // Drive to Petersham Car Park which is a 40-minute drive from central London.
Getting there by train // Richmond Station is 20 minutes from London Waterloo Station on the overground or 40 minutes from central London on the District Line.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Petersham Car Park in Richmond Park | Richmond Train & Tube Station |
| Distance | 12.5-kilometre circuit (7.75 miles) | 13.75-kilometre circuit (8.5 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours, 30 minutes | 3 hours, 50 minutes |
| Elevation | 110 metres (+/-) | 110 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
8 – COOMBE HILL
The Chiltern Escarpment is a great place to walk. This is another excellent opportunity for hiking near London that makes use of this rugged feature.
The walk winds its way up and down the escarpment passing several grand viewpoints. These include Coombe Hill, the 15th-century Ellesborough Church, an ancient barrow and the iconic lone tree of Beacon Hill.
Just over halfway around it passes the striking gate and imposing facade of Chequers, a residence of the Prime Minister.
It’s a diverse three-hour walk. About a third of the time in thick woodland, a third on ridge-top trails, and another third in grassy fields.
COMBE HILL WALK DETAILS
Map // Coombe Hill Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // There are no refreshments or toilets on this walk.
Getting there by car // Drive to Coombe Hill Car Park which is about 1 hour, 20 minutes’ drive from central London. Arrive early on weekends as the car park can fill up quickly.
Getting there by train // Wendover Station is a 50-minute train journey from London Marylebone Station.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Coombe Hill Car Park | Wendover Station |
| Distance | 9.25-kilometre circuit (5.75 miles) | 12-kilometre circuit (7.5 miles) |
| Time | 2 hours, 50 minutes | 3 hours, 40 minutes |
| Elevation | 280 metres (+/-) | 370 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Medium | Medium |
9 – LEWES & FIRLE BEACON
This is a wonderful long hike along some of the finest ridges in the South Downs National Park.
It begins in Lewes with its medieval streets, hilltop castle, and tiny alleyways. Then, the trail heads up onto chalk hills before dropping down to the charming village of Glynde.
Tracking along the valley floor, you’ll soon arrive at West Firle where the Ram Inn is perfectly positioned for lunch. On a cold day, the wooden interiors are cozy, on a sunny day, the beer garden has views up to the hills.
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 town of Southease where trains run hourly back to Lewes (check times in advance).
LEWES & FIRLE BEACON WALK DETAILS
Map // Lewes & Firle Beacon Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // For an excellent pub lunch try The Ram Inn, West Firle.
Getting there (car & train) // Get the train to Lewes Train Station which is 1 hour from London Victoria. If you are travelling by car, it’s a 2-hour drive from central London.
Getting back // Please note: This is a point-to-point walk that involves getting the train from Southease Station back to Lewes where the walk starts.
| HIKE | BY CAR & TRAIN |
|---|---|
| Start | Lewes Train Station |
| End | Southease Station |
| Distance | 17.75-kilometres (11 miles) |
| Time | 5 hours 15 minutes |
| Elevation | 450 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
10 – EPPING FOREST
Just inside the M25 in northeast London, Epping Forest is almost 6,000 acres of ancient woodland.
Cutting a narrow green corridor in the urban landscape, it makes an excellent family excursion. This is a peaceful getaway from the city and a wonderful place for hiking near London.
Most of the walking is under a gentle swaying canopy of leaves. Periodically the trees part to reveal small patches of heath or ponds – home to a variety of wildlife.
There are not many grand views but it’s gentle, easy, and lovely.
There are plenty of routes to choose from in Epping Forest. The Oak Trail is one of the most popular but actually spends most of the time in trees without much variation.
Our favourite is the 7-mile walk which starts and ends at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge near Chingford.
EPPING FOREST WALK DETAILS
Map // Epping Forrest Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike — Stop halfway at the Kings Oak Pub for a pint and you’ll be in for a great half-day excursion near London.
Getting there by car // All car parks at Epping Forest are about a 1-hour drive from central London.
Getting there by train // Chingford Train Station is a 30-minute train journey from London Liverpool Street Station.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Barn Hoppitt, Mount Pleasant or Earls Path Car Park | Chingford Train Station |
| Distance | 10.75-kilometre circuit (6.7 miles) | 11.75-kilometre circuit (7.3 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours, 10 minutes | 3 hours, 30 minutes |
| Elevation | 150 metres (+/-) | 160 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
11 – MARLOW
Upstream from London, the surging tidal waters of the Thames abate to a gentle sweeping reed-fringed river. The section up from Marlow is particularly lovely for a walk.
Leaving the smart market town of Marlow, the trail proceeds along the riverbank with views across to grand houses.
Keep an eye out for Bisham Abbey, where the England hockey, football and rugby teams often train.
The path then diverts inland, around a golf course with modern wooden sculptures. Next it goes up through forest into 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). There is a nice mix of town, river, and woodland.
Ideally, come on a warm summer’s day and take a detour to Hurley Lock – one of the best swimming spots on the Thames.
MARLOW WALK DETAILS
Map // Marlow Circular Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // The Old Brewery is a great pub in Marlow. For something of a treat, The Oarsman does excellent food.
Getting there by car // Drive to Pound Lane in Marlow which is a 1-hour drive from central London.
Getting there by train // Marlow Station is just over a 1-hour train journey from London Paddington Station changing at Maidenhead.
| HIKE | BY CAR | BY TRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Start & End | Pound Lane in Marlow | Marlow Train Station |
| Distance | 10.25-kilometre circuit (6.4 miles) | 11.5-kilometre circuit (7.2 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours, 20 minutes |
| Elevation | 90 metres (+/-) | 100 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
12 – WINDSOR CASTLE & GREAT PARK
This interesting hike near London explores the majesty of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Windsor Great Park surrounds the castle. It has interesting statues and royal-related oddities. Don’t miss King George III on his copper horse, the 100-foot-high Totem Pole and the Cumberland Obelisk.
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 Copper House. Windsor Great Park Walk connects all the intriguing sights within the landscaped park.
To complete both from the town of Windsor it’s a 13.5-mile hike, which should take around 5 hours.
The walk itself is along mostly flat, easy-to-follow paths, but there is a short climb up to the copper horse.
WINDSOR CASTLE & GREAT PARK WALK DETAILS
Map // Windsor Castle Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // There are cafes dotted along the route, so allow 6 to 7 hours for a leisurely stroll.
Getting there (car & train) // Windsor & Eton Train Station is a 1-hour drive from central London; a 40-minute train journey from Paddington Station; or 50 minutes from Waterloo Station.
| HIKE | BY CAR & TRAIN |
|---|---|
| Start | Windsor & Eton Riverside Train Station or King Edward VII car Park |
| Distance | 21.75 kilometres (13.5 miles) |
| Time | 5 hours |
| Elevation | 120m (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
13 – MARGATE TO BROADSTAIRS
This excellent walk near London connects two of Kent’s prettiest seaside towns along an attractive section of coast.
It begins in the seaside town of Margate which has undergone a regeneration in the last 15 years.
Explore the Old Town and visit the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery before setting off.
The path itself is easy to follow. It stays next to the coast for almost the entire way switching between the esplanade (just above the sea) and higher up on the coastal path.
The route passes the chalk stacks of Botany Bay and the ruined folly of Neptune’s Tower. You’ll also visit the sweeping sandy beaches of 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.
From Viking Bay, it’s a short walk along the High Street to Broadstairs Station where you can get the train back to Margate or London.
MARGATE TO BROADSTAIRS WALK DETAILS
Map // Margate to Broadstairs Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike – There are plenty to choose from. 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.
Getting there (car & train) // Trains from London St Pancras to Margate take around 1 hour, 25 minutes. From central London, it’s around a 2-hour drive.
| HIKE | BY CAR & TRAIN |
|---|---|
| Start | Margate Train Station |
| End | Broadstairs Train Station |
| Distance | 10.75 kilometres (6.7 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Elevation | 175 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Medium |
14 – HAMPSTEAD HEATH
This lovely easy walk takes in the best of Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath.
It begins at Hampstead Underground Station and heads down narrow Flask Walk, passing tiny pubs and cute delis. Joining Well Walk the houses become grander until you enter the heath.
The trail now winds up to Kenwood House passing sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The house itself (free to enter) is one of London’s hidden gems. The gardens are lovely and the art collection includes pieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable
The walk now heads back through forest and heathland and past the women’s and men’s bathing ponds.
The highest part of the walk is the summit of Parliament Hill. Catch grand views of the city and Canary Wharf.
The path now descends past the mixed bathing ponds and back to Hampstead Village. The final stretch heads up the High Street where several fine eateries spill onto the street.
It’s a great mix of town and country and one of our favourite hikes near London.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH WALK DETAILS
Map // Hampstead Heath Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // There are two great pubs in Hampstead. The Flask has a traditional Victorian dining room. The Wells Tavern is our favourite pub lunch in the area. Kenwood House (about halfway around) has an English Heritage Café, Brew House Cafe.
Getting there // Catch the tube to Hampstead Underground Station.
| HIKE | BY CAR & TRAIN |
|---|---|
| Start & End | Hampstead Tube Station |
| Distance | 7 kilometres (4.35 miles) |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Elevation | 120 metres (+/-) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
15 – LONDON THAMES
While we often hear the call of the green spaces and country views, this walk along the Thames River captures some of the city’s best landmarks.
You’ll visit Battersea Gardens and the Battersea Power Station. Admire the modern architecture of Tate Britain. Bow before the majesty of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
Returning via the South Bank, St Paul’s, the Shard and the City of London dominate the skyline.
Stop at Borough Market to try some tasty morsels before the final leg of the walk passes the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
End at St Catherine’s Dock, an attractive inner-city quay.
LONDON THAMES WALK DETAILS
Map // London Thames Walk Map
Refreshments on the hike // Finish with a coffee at White Mulberries, a pint at Dickens Inn, or a wine at Trader’s Wine Bar, all in St Catherine’s Dock.
Getting there // Get the train or underground to Battersea Station.
| HIKE | BY TRAIN OR TUBE |
|---|---|
| Start | Battersea Train & Tube Station |
| End | Tower Hill Tube Station |
| Distance | 12.75 kilometres (8 miles) |
| Time | 3 hours, 45 minutes |
| Elevation | Negligible |
| Difficulty | Easy |
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I had the most sightful and peaceful walk that I had ever taken along Thames River. I really needed to get out for a while and just be out and about.