Hikes & Green Escapes Near London

An itinerary for London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Hikes & Green Escapes Near London

Destination: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Author: Moo_The_Trotter

Updated:

Surrey & Kent Hills

  1. Box Hill

    About: Scenic summit in Surrey Hills

    Address: The Old Fort, Box Hill Rd, Tadworth KT20 7LB, UK

    Types: hill, hiking

    Notes: Discover panoramic views of the Surrey Hills and the River Mole, offering diverse trails for all abilities. It's a popular spot for a good reason, with an iconic climb and beautiful woodlands.

  2. Leith Hill

    About: Highest point in South East England

    Address: Leith Hill Ln, Dorking RH5 6LU, UK

    Types: hill, hiking

    Notes: Climb to the summit of Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England, and ascend Leith Hill Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views. The surrounding ancient woodland offers varied and challenging walking routes.

  3. Seven Sisters

    About: Dramatic chalk cliffs on the coast

    Address: Seaford BN25 4AR, UK

    Types: cliffs, coastal walk

    Notes: Experience the dramatic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, offering a challenging but incredibly rewarding coastal walk with stunning views of the English Channel. Start early to avoid crowds.

  4. Knole Park

    About: Medieval deer park with varied trails

    Address: Knole House, Knole Ln, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP, UK

    Types: park, hiking

    Notes: Explore the vast medieval deer park surrounding Knole House, home to a wild herd of deer and ancient oak trees, providing numerous walking trails. Perfect for a tranquil escape into nature.

  5. Ightham Mote

    About: Moated medieval manor with walks

    Address: Stone St, Ightham, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, UK

    Types: historic site, hiking

    Notes: Combine history with nature at Ightham Mote, a stunning medieval moated manor house, surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands with waymarked walking routes. Enjoy a gentle stroll through history.

Chiltern Hills Adventures

  1. Ashridge Estate

    About: Ancient woodland and chalk downland

    Address: Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT, UK

    Types: forest, hiking

    Notes: Wander through Ashridge Estate's diverse landscape of ancient woodlands, chalk downland, and open commons, offering extensive walking trails and opportunities to spot deer. The colours are particularly striking in autumn.

  2. Wendover Woods

    About: Forestry England managed woodland

    Address: St Leonards Rd, Wendover, Aylesbury HP22 5NF, UK

    Types: forest, hiking

    Notes: Explore Wendover Woods with its network of walking and cycling trails, offering stunning views over the Vale of Aylesbury and plenty of space for family-friendly hikes. Look out for the Gruffalo trail if you have kids.

  3. Coombe Hill

    About: Highest point in the Chilterns

    Address: Dunsmore, Aylesbury HP17 0QR, UK

    Types: hill, viewpoint

    Notes: Hike to Coombe Hill, the highest point in the Chilterns, and be rewarded with sweeping views across the Vale of Aylesbury and beyond, also home to the Boer War Memorial. A quiet spot for reflection.

  4. Dunstable Downs

    About: Chalk escarpment and nature reserve

    Address: Whipsnade Rd, Dunstable LU6 2GY, UK

    Types: downs, nature reserve

    Notes: Walk along the dramatic chalk escarpment of Dunstable Downs, part of the Chilterns, offering stunning views and ideal conditions for kite-flying and paragliding. Enjoy the expansive open spaces.

  5. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

    About: Unique arboretum for reflection

    Address: Grid reference TL000170, Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LS, UK

    Types: arboretum, park

    Notes: Discover the unique Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, an arboretum planted in the form of a cathedral, offering a peaceful and contemplative walking experience. A truly unusual and beautiful spot.

South Downs & Nature

  1. Devil's Dyke

    About: Largest dry valley in the UK

    Address: Brighton BN1 8YL, UK

    Types: valley, viewpoint

    Notes: Marvel at Devil's Dyke, the longest, deepest, and widest 'dry valley' in the UK, carved into the South Downs, offering spectacular views and excellent ridge walking. The views are particularly stunning at sunset.

  2. Epping Forest

    About: Ancient woodland near London

    Address: Epping, Loughton IG10 4AF, UK

    Types: forest, local park

    Notes: Step into Epping Forest, a vast ancient woodland and former royal forest, offering countless trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding, easily accessible from London. It's a fantastic green lung close to the city.

  3. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

    About: Coastal wetlands and wildlife

    Address: Rye TN31 7TX, UK

    Types: nature reserve, coastal walk

    Notes: Discover the unique coastal landscape of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and a fantastic spot for birdwatching with flat, accessible paths for walking. Bring binoculars for a better experience.

  4. Richmond Park

    About: Royal Park with wild deer

    Address: Richmond, London TW10 5HS, UK

    Types: park, nature

    Notes: Walk among wild deer in Richmond Park, London's largest Royal Park, offering stunning views of St Paul's Cathedral and diverse habitats. Easily accessible and feels miles away from the city.

  5. Virginia Water Lake

    About: Beautiful lake with walking paths

    Address: Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4AB, UK

    Types: lake, park

    Notes: Enjoy a picturesque walk around Virginia Water Lake, part of Windsor Great Park, featuring stunning follies, monuments, and beautiful gardens. The autumn colours are particularly vibrant here.

Coastal & Countryside Walks

  1. New Forest National Park

    About: Ancient woodlands and heathland

    Address: Brockenhurst, SO42 7QT, UK

    Types: national park, hiking

    Notes: Explore the diverse landscapes of the New Forest, from ancient woodlands to vast open heathland, with ponies and cattle roaming freely. Brockenhurst is a great starting point for various walks.

  2. Canterbury

    About: Historic city with river walks

    Address: Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EE, UK

    Types: city walk, river path

    Notes: Combine a visit to historic Canterbury with a peaceful hike along the Stour Valley Walk, offering picturesque riverside scenery and charming villages. Grab a cream tea in Canterbury after your walk.

  3. Winchester

    About: Historic city and national trail start

    Address: Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9BL, UK

    Types: city walk, national trail

    Notes: Start your South Downs Way adventure from Winchester, a historic city that offers charming walks along the River Itchen and access to rolling chalk hills. Explore the ancient capital before your hike.

  4. Chichester Harbour AONB

    About: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    Address: Chidham, Chichester PO18 8SS, UK

    Types: harbour, coastal walk

    Notes: Enjoy tranquil coastal walks and abundant wildlife in Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with flat paths ideal for a relaxing day out. The light on the water is often stunning.

  5. Hatfield Forest

    About: Only surviving Royal Hunting Forest

    Address: Takeley, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6NE, UK

    Types: forest, nature reserve

    Notes: Step back in time at Hatfield Forest, the best-preserved Royal Hunting Forest in England, offering ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful escape. Perfect for a restorative walk.

Royal & Historic Estates

  1. Windsor Castle

    About: Official residence of the King, historic royal fortress.

    Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK

    Types: castle, royal residence

    Notes: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been a royal home and fortress for over 900 years; explore the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel.

  2. Hampton Court Palace

    About: Former royal palace of Henry VIII.

    Address: Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK

    Types: palace, historic site

    Notes: A magnificent Tudor palace, famous for its maze, ghost stories, and stunning Baroque architecture; step back in time to the world of Henry VIII.

  3. Arundel Castle

    About: Restored medieval castle and stately home.

    Address: Arundel BN18 9AB, UK

    Types: castle, historic house

    Notes: A beautifully restored medieval castle and stately home, seat of the Duke of Norfolk, featuring impressive gardens and art collections; explore its rich history and grand interiors.

Iconic University Cities

  1. Radcliffe Camera

    About: Historic library and iconic Oxford landmark.

    Address: Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

    Types: library, landmark

    Notes: A stunning circular reading room, part of the Bodleian Library, and an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Oxford; admire its Baroque design.

  2. King's College Chapel

    About: Gothic chapel, a symbol of Cambridge University.

    Address: King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, UK

    Types: chapel, landmark

    Notes: An exquisite example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, famous for its fan vaulted ceiling and Rubens painting; experience evensong for a truly atmospheric visit.

  3. St Albans Cathedral

    About: Historic Norman cathedral, site of Britain's first martyr.

    Address: Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY, UK

    Types: cathedral, historic site

    Notes: A stunning Norman cathedral, built on the site where Britain's first saint, Alban, was martyred; explore its Romanic architecture and medieval wall paintings.

Southern England Highlights

  1. Brighton Palace Pier

    About: Iconic Victorian pier with amusements and food.

    Address: Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW, UK

    Types: pier, amusement park

    Notes: A classic Victorian pier stretching into the English Channel, featuring amusement arcades, fairground rides, and food stalls; enjoy traditional seaside fun with a view.

  2. Dover Castle

    About: Historic English castle overlooking Dover.

    Address: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU, UK

    Types: castle, historic site

    Notes: England's largest castle, guarding the shortest sea crossing to mainland Europe for centuries, with secret wartime tunnels and a Roman lighthouse; delve into its role in British defense.

  3. Rochester Castle

    About: Imposing Norman castle, strategically located.

    Address: Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW, UK

    Types: castle, historic site

    Notes: An imposing 12th-century Norman fortress with a well-preserved keep, offering panoramic views over the River Medway; stand where King John laid siege.