Walking in London and the South East

A family walking in the autumn at Morden Hall Park, London. — A family walking in the autumn at Morden Hall Park, London | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

From sweeping landscapes to ancient woodland, there are lots of places in London and the South East where you can enjoy gentle strolls and invigorating hikes in nature. Find your next local walk here.

Shady woodland walks to escape the heat

Stay cool on shady woodland walks across London and the South East this summer. Discover peaceful, tree lined trails at National Trust places, perfect for relaxing strolls, family days out, and escaping the heat in nature.

Woodland walk at The Vyne

Hampshire

The combination of lofty trees and woodland glades makes Morgaston Woods a popular home for wildlife. See what you can spot on this short circular walk through the woodland and along the lake. Keep an eye out for the remains of a medieval fish pond and a Second World War storage site along the way.

A visitor explores Morgaston Woods at The Vyne.

Black Down Temple of the Winds trail

Sussex

Find sunken lanes on the Temple of the Winds trail, which leads to a far-reaching view of the South Downs National Park. Walk through tranquil woodlands towards the Temple of the Winds and rest on the charming curved stone seat.

Weardale circular walk from Chartwell

Kent

This 5-mile circular route starts with sweeping views over the Weald of Kent at Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill. In summer, enjoy vibrant borders and lush greenery at Emmetts Garden, before continuing through the cool, shaded woodland of Toys Hill – perfect for a refreshing walk on warmer days.

Cliveden woodland walking trail

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate summer walk, with cool, shaded paths, a family play trail and plenty of picnic spots. Along the way, enjoy views over the River Thames and leafy canopies that offer a refreshing escape on warmer days.

Dutton Estate walk at Hinton Ampner

Hampshire

Roam the woodland on the historic Dutton Estate at Hinton Ampner. In summer, the mix of conifer and native broadleaf trees creates cool, shaded paths, alive with birdsong and wildlife including roe deer and foxes. This circular walk also leads along avenues of towering beech trees, offering a peaceful and refreshing escape on warmer days.

Walks with a view

Discover scenic walks with a view in London and the South East, from panoramic hilltop walks near London to peaceful countryside trails with stunning views. These routes offer wide-open vistas, rolling hills and quiet viewpoints—perfect for a beautiful walk where you can pause, take in the scenery and enjoy the moment.

The Box Hill Hike

Surrey

Follow this challenging eight mile circular walk covering much of the Box Hill estate in Surrey. Expect steep climbs, wonderful views and pub pit stops.

View from the top of Box Hill over countryside and Dorking town towards the South Downs

Ranmore West to The Wotton Hatch pub walk

Surrey

This picturesque walk offers memorable views of the chalk grasslands of Denbies Hillside and neighbouring Ranmore Common, and stops at a welcoming country pub stop en route.

Black Down Temple of the Winds trail

Sussex

Find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park at the Temple of the Winds. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.

Stockbridge Down wildlife and history walk

Hampshire

Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland in Hampshire and discover a wealth of history, fascinating flora and fauna, and sweeping views.

Devil's Dyke histories and mysteries walk

Sussex

A good three mile walk which takes you to the alleged burial site of the Devil and beyond to Saddlescombe Farm and the donkey wheel.

Ightham Mote circular walk to Wilmot Hill

Kent

Enjoy the Kentish countryside from the Ightham Mote estate as you walk the periphery of a large part of its 580 acres. The walk incorporates Scathes Wood, the Greensand Way, Wilmot Hill and Broadhoath Wood.

View from Scathes Wood on the National Trust Ightham Mote estate in Surrey

Watlington Hill circular walk

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

A 7-mile walk from Watlington Hill that explores chalk grassland and beech woodlands, on the historic landscape of the Chilterns on the border between Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

5 pram-friendly walks in the south east

Hatchlands Park, Surrey

Grab a family map to follow an easy route linking the play area, picnic spots, house and café.

Two children walk along a gravel path through tall grass, with one child carrying a smaller child on their back. Behind them, another child pushes a stroller along the same path. Trees and greenery line the route.

Sheffield Park & Garden, Sussex

Follow paths past the lakes down to the play glade and look out for ducks, geese and peacocks along the way!

Two adults walk across a wooden path in a landscaped garden, pushing a stroller while a small child walks ahead. The path is surrounded by green grass, planting beds, and trees in bright daylight.

Morden Hall Park, London

This London gem offers plenty of pram-friendly routes through green open spaces.

Two young children walk across an ornate white metal bridge with decorative railings, looking over the side toward water below. Trees and greenery fill the background.

Runnymede & Ankerwycke, Surrey

Full of history and art, there are walks to take in the monuments and outdoor artworks.

Two adults walk along a narrow path through tall grass, pushing a stroller. To the right stands a round concrete architectural artwork structure with a large rectangular opening. Rolling countryside and trees extend into the distance under a bright sky.

Basildon Park, Berkshire

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Basildon Park boasts a 400-acre park with four waymarked walks with the Pheasant Walk being the shortest. The wooded parkland offers glorious seasonal colour, with spring bluebells, summer buttercups and autumn leaves, while the landscape has been carefully restored to offer wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play.

Two adults sit on a blanket on a lawn with two young children, playing with toys. A stroller, bag, and shoes are nearby, and a large stone building with arched windows is visible in the background beneath tree branches.

A visitor sits on a bench admiring the view of of the countryside while on the circular walk at Emmetts Garden, Kent — Admiring the Kent countryside at Emmetts Garden | © National Trust Images / John Miller

Walks near me

Walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Discover the best walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, from scenic river walks along the Thames to rolling Chiltern Hills walks and peaceful countryside trails. Explore easy circular walks, woodland routes and open parkland—perfect for families, dog walkers and weekend adventures. Whether you’re searching for a short walk near Oxford, a country walk near London, or a relaxing nature walk in the Chilterns, these counties offer a variety of routes with beautiful views and wildlife throughout the year.

Walks in Surrey

Discover the best walks in Surrey, from scenic Surrey Hills walks to peaceful woodland and countryside trails. Explore easy circular walks, climb gentle hills for sweeping views, and enjoy routes perfect for families and dog walking. Whether you’re looking for a short walk near London, a relaxing nature walk, or a longer hiking route in the Surrey Hills, you’ll find beautiful landscapes and fresh air all year round.

Salomons memorial viewpoint at Box Hill with a family walking in the foreground

Walks in Hampshire

Discover the best walks in Hampshire, from tranquil New Forest walks to scenic countryside and coast. Explore easy circular walks, ancient woodland and open heathland—perfect for families and dog walking. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a relaxing nature walk in the New Forest, Hampshire offers fresh air, wildlife and space to explore.

Family on a walk at Furzley Common, New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire, with a far-reaching view over trees to the horizon

Walks in Kent

Explore the best walks in Kent, with rolling countryside, historic estates and scenic coastal walks. Discover easy circular walking routes, peaceful woodland trails and routes through iconic garden landscapes. Perfect for a country walk near London or a relaxing day outdoors, Kent offers variety and heritage at every turn.

People walking dog at One Tree Hill, Kent

Walks in London

Find the best walks in London, from green park walks to peaceful urban nature trails. Enjoy easy circular walks in historic parks, riverside strolls and accessible routes close to the city. Ideal for a short walk near me or a quick escape into nature, London offers plenty of walking options all year round.

Two women sitting on a bench on the boardwalk at Morden Hall Park, holding reusable coffee cups, smiling and talking

Walks in Sussex

Discover the best walks in Sussex, from dramatic coastal walks to rolling South Downs countryside. Explore easy circular walks, clifftop paths and quiet woodland routes with stunning views. Whether you’re searching for a coastal walk with sea views or a countryside hike, Sussex offers unforgettable landscapes and fresh sea air.

View from Saddlescombe Farm of Devil's Dyke, West Sussex

Walks on the Isle of Wight

Explore the best walks on the Isle of Wight, from stunning coastal walks to peaceful countryside trails. Follow cliff paths with views of The Needles, discover scenic circular walks, and enjoy family-friendly routes through rolling downs and hidden coves. Whether you’re searching for a short walk, a dog-friendly route, or one of the island’s top coastal hikes, you’ll find fresh sea air, wildlife and unforgettable views at every turn.