Great Winter Walks from bracing hikes to gentle strolls or even a trail seeking silly signs!

26th November 2024

Blow away the cobwebs and balance the season of excess with a brisk walk along the stunning coastline or a gentle meander through the picturesque towns and villages of South East England.  These walks are particularly lovely and atmospheric in winter with the dappled light thanks to the low sun and without the high-season crowds of the summer.

Where will you be stretching your legs and exploring this winter? Share your thoughts with us using hashtags #ExperienceMoreIn2024 or #lovesoutheastengland

Walk the historic Hampshire Coastline at Gosport, Portsmouth & Southampton

Explore the stunning Hampshire coast in the quieter months to drink in the fresh coastal air, panoramic waterfront views and historic cities. The Gosport Waterfront Trail and Millennium Promenade link some of the most popular attractions along the Hampshire coast including Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower, Clarence Pier, the Spinnaker Tower and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The flat, paved route is easy to follow thanks to the chain motif set into the natural stone surface plus there’s a selection of waterfront bars, cafes and restaurants to refuel or warm up. In Southampton, discover the city’s remarkably well-preserved defences by walking the most impressive medieval town walls in the country, passing through surviving gate houses and historic vaults to the busy waterfront. 

Have a bit of FUN, seeking silly signs in Faringdon, South Oxfordshire

Located on the edge of the famous Vale of the White Horse, Faringdon in South Oxfordshire is a charming market town with centuries of history. Explore the town on the FUN (Frivolously Unnecessary Notices) trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the 12 silly signs erected in 1935 by Lord Berners to tease the residents, which have now been restored to create the very fun, FUN trail. Explore more walking trails in Southern Oxfordshire.

Stroll through Sandwich, England's best-preserved Medieval town

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Discover the fascinating story of Sandwich, the most complete medieval town in England, with a self-guided walk through the narrow streets of the historic market town or in the company of friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guides from Sandwich Local History Society.  Discover stories of Viking and French raiders, England’s most famous martyr, armies bound for Crecy and Agincourt, and countless kings and queens.  The small town on the banks of the River Stour is a designated conservation area to preserve its unique character and known for its picturesque beauty and rich heritage evident in the winding streets of well-preserved architecture.

Ramble around Stanmer Park, a designated urban biosphere on the edge of Brighton

Bridging the creative city of Brighton and the stunning South Downs is Stanmer Park, a designated urban biosphere and Brighton’s largest and most visited park. Choose from four walks ranging from a family friendly woodland walk of 1.75 miles to a 5 miles route which explores the glorious woodlands and the 18^th century village of Stanmer with a quaint flint church and welcoming tea room.

Meander through Eastbourne’s heritage with a four legged friend

Eastbourne, voted one of the UK’s most dog friendly destinations (National Dog Friendly Awards, November 2024) offers a range of self-guided walks with furry friends. Discover the town’s history and famous past residents on the East of the Pier Heritage trail or take an easy, moderate or intense hike to the spectacular Beachy Head, the UK's highest chalk sea cliff where you’ll be rewarded with far reaching, magnificent views. Eastbourne’s Dog Friendly Guide 2025 is available to pick up now from Eastbourne Visitor Centre, the Seafront Office and selected venues, or download online at www.visiteastbourne.com/pet-friendly.

Remember Britain’s longest reigning Monarch in Windsor

Introduced in September 2015 to mark the occasion of The Queen becoming Britain's longest reigning monarch, The Queen's Walkway is a symbolic 6.373km long for the 63 years, 7 months and 3 days (one day more than Queen Victoria's reign).  The route was opened by The Queen on her 90th birthday, 21 April 2016 and the information panel she unveiled is located at the foot of Castle Hill. Follow the route which takes you past 63 of Windsor's best attractions, features and views including Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, King Edward Court Shopping Centre and Eton College.

A full day of fresh air in Sussex

For a full day of fresh air, take in the pretty towns and stunning countryside of Sussex. Set off from Balcombe rail station in Mid Sussex, served by trains from London Bridge and Brighton and follow a 7 mile circular hiking trail along the Ardingly Reservoir nature reserve, through woodlands and winding lanes. As the route includes climbs, descents, kissing gates and stiles, this one is better suited to adults and families with older children.  Or head to historic Arundel, for a similar skill-level route, taking  in the bustling market town, majestic castle and beautiful river frontage. Start at Arundel Rail Station - served by direct trains London Victoria – and choose from a range of walking routes from 5km to 25km.

Amble along the Thames Path in Reading

Reading was built on the River Thames and the Thames Path National Trail runs right through the heart of the town. With the railway station only five minutes’ walk from the river it’s very easy to join the Thames Path and pick up one of the routes along the river.  Whilst in the town, explore its fascinating pilgrimage and religious history dating back to medieval times and the founding of Reading Abbey by Henry I, who was buried in the Abbey. The town is also now the UK departure point for modern pilgrims and walkers retracing the steps of medieval pilgrims along St James' Way to Southampton and then on to Galicia in north-west Spain to join the Camino Ingles, one of the routes of the world-famous Camino de Santiago.

NEW for 2025 The Overton Jane Austen Trails, Hampshire

Known as Jane Austen County, Hampshire - the author's home and burial place – is planning special celebrations cross the county in 2025 to mark the 250^th birthday of the beloved, world famous author.  The new Overton Jane Austen Trails will allow visitors to walk or cycle through Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside. Born in 1775 and brought up in Steventon, less than three miles from Overton, this corner of Hampshire was home to Jane Austen for the first twenty-five years of her life. 

Why not try the 4.5-mile Jane Austen Circular Walk starting at her house in Chawton and follow in her footsteps across fields and through the village of Farringdon. Jane was inspired by this beautiful countryside to write and revise all her novels.

Share your thoughts with using the hashtags #ExperienceMoreIn2024 or #lovesoutheastengland.

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