Return for the second year, the Reading walking festival comes to Reading for 2024 in May, with over 40 guided walks across five days

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Whether you're a serious hiker or just wanting to stretch your legs, the South East offers a diverse range of walks to enjoy.  With over 11,000 walking trails, paths and routes to enjoy there are endless discoveries to make along the way.  South East England is also home to a host of fantastic walking festivals that offer a great way to explore the area, experience new walks and meet new friends.  Head out on foot for some fresh air and exercise and enjoy the 3 million acres of natural beauty in South East England.

The Countryside CodeEnjoy the beautiful South East countryside at every opportunity; it is so good for your wellbeing, great to be out in the fresh air and enjoying some exercise. Please remember whilst out and about to follow the Countryside Code.  

Take a look at some of our favourite top walks in the South East below, or if you want to stretch your legs a little further, our long-distance walks in Berkshire, highlighting the national trails and pilmgrimage routes in this area (more to follow). If you would prefer to walk with others, the South East is home to a host of walking festivals that take place from March to September - scroll down to discover more. 

Top Walks in South East England

Part of the South Downs Way, this stretch of coastline has featured in many TV shows and adverts. The series of chalk cliffs with its breathtaking views, make it clear why the sisters have become so recognisable. The 13.6 mile walk goes from Seaford to Eastbourne and includes views of the iconic Beachy Head lighthouse and the chance to enjoy the beautiful Cuckmere Haven.  Some shorter self-guided walks are also available if you don't want to walk it all.

This four and a half mile walk takes in the famous Battle Abbey and the 1066 Battlefield, the most famous conflict on English soil.  You can also follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror on a longer 31-mile walk 1066 Country Walk from Pevensey to Rye - look out for the new sculptures along the way.

Battle Abbey, 1066 Country. Credit National Trust

This 100 mile national trail runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex and has an ascent to 3,800km.  The trail runs entirely within the South Downs National Park (SDNP).  To long?  There are numerous shorter walks starting from Winchester, or in and around West Sussex or take on the coastal walk from Eastbourne to Alfriston (17.5 miles) which can be accessed by walkers only.  

The Isle of Wight coastal path can be spilt into 6 sections and takes you the whole way around the Isle of Wight.  Walks range from 8 - 16 miles and includes incredible scenery and views a plenty.

Discover the beautiful Sussex countryside around Brighton with the Sussex Walk App.  Showcasing 10 walks in and around Brighton, you can experience the beautiful views from Devils Dyke or Ditchling Beacon, explore Brighton's largest park Stanmer Park, or follow in the footsteps of Winnie-the-Pooh at Ashdown Forest.  With a whole host of options from 1 mile up, its a great way to explore the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Explore the historic sites of Portsmouth with this 3km walk along the promenade.  Starting near Clarence Pier and finishing at The Hard, linking many of the cities historic attractions and taking in the Camber, Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays, the route is indicated by a chain motif set into the surface of the pavement making it easy to follow.  Fully accessible and flat.

Millennium Promenade, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire

Starting at Jane Austen's house in Chawton, this 4.5 mile walk takes in the countryside that inspired many of her novels.

Try one of the three walking trails that head out from the Western Heights Nature Reserve, you can enjoy views over the town of Dover, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs.

This 3km waterfront trail links Explosions! The Museum of Naval Firepower with the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and offers panoramic views over Portsmouth Harbour. 

Open only in the spring at the height of Bluebell season, immerse yourself in a colourful trail of flora and fauna. There's a walk of 2.5 miles and wheelchair accessible 1100m route with mobility scooters available to hire.

Arlington Bluebell Walk, East Sussex

You don't always have to travel right out into the countryside to walk, there are some fantastic places to explore in our towns and cities.  Windsor and the surrounding area benefits from some beautiful large open spaces to walk including Windsor Great Park, Dorney Lake Arboretum and alongside the River Thames.  

The Basing trail a waymarked, circular 7 mile walk leading to the picturesque village of Old Basing near Basingstoke. The village dates from the Saxon times, and the trail includes the chance to see the Civil War site of Basing House; its ruins, surviving buildings and earthworks that still bear the scars of its historic siege.

Take a stroll along the 4 mile route between Turner's Margate and Dickens' Broadstairs, much of which follows an ancient footpath between St Peter's and St John's churches is signposted in both directions. Start at Margate Harbour Arm next to Turner Contemporary Gallery or on Broadstairs promenade outside Dickens House Museum.

View of Broadstairs Beach, Thanet

The second largest hill-fort in the country, with spectacular views in every direction - on a clear day you can see as far as Brighton and the Isle of Wight. Cissbury Ring is located in the South Downs National Park, just north of Worthing, West Sussex and is about a 20 minute walk from the local car park at Storrington Rise.

Walking is a great way to discover a new place, to feel part of the place you are visiting and they don't always need to be in the countryside.  Discover three new walks in and around the city of Southampton, from foodie hot spots, to jewel hunting on a fun treasure hunt for children around Houndwell Park, or exploring the cities sculptures, mosaics, murals and more.

Hengistbury Head is a stunning headland perched on the edge of the Bournemouth coastline, its a beautiful place to enjoy a walk.  Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Isle of Wight to the left and the crescent of the Bournemouth and Poole coastline to the right, lots of fresh air and varied flora and fauna. 

Hengistbury Head, South of Christchurch, Bournemouth

This 18 mile coastal trail along a stretch of the East Sussex coastline, connects three award-winning art galleries along the way, the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, the De La Warr Pavillion and the Hastings Contemporary.

The 21 mile long-distance footpath starts in the beautiful village of Alton (at the railway station) and follows the steep, densely wooded East Hampshire Hangers (a series of steep sided wooded hills) to the market town of Petersfield, then onto Queen Elizabeth Country Park.  The trail can be easily divided up into bite-size sections of around two & four miles, making it ideal for a family adventure or an afternoon stroll.

Fun for all the family, this walk follows alongside the River Medway and is marked with twenty posts with zinc rubbing plaques and information about local wildlife.  Starting from The Old Boat Café, each post is located where you are likely to see these creatures or signs of these creatures. 

Discover the hugh natural basin 'that the Devil scooped up by throwing handfuls of earth at the god Thor' at Hindhead, Surrey, a beautiful wildness with easy access from the A3. 

Walking Festivals

Walk, stroll, or saunter your way along to one of this year's walking festivals, they are a great way to discover new places, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the breathtaking South East countryside. 

This year walking festivals kick off in March in Maidstone, Kent, from the 15th - 24th March with the Heart of Kent Walking Festival, followed by Alton Walking Festival, East Hampshire (1st - 31st May 24). The Reading Walking Festival returns for its second year from the 11th - 19th May 2024, with nearly 50 walks over nine days. There are two walking festivals on the Isle of Wight in 2024, the first running from the 11th - 19th May 2024, and the second from the 5th - 13th October 2024. Offering the chance to explore the island on foot, both in the springtime and autumn, with a plethora of routes to suit all abilities.

The North Wessex Downs Walking Festival covers the counties of Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire. The walking festival runs from 31st May - 9th June 2024, celebrating the stunning scenery and landscapes of the Downs. White Cliffs Country Walking Week takes place across Dover from the 15th July - 21st July 2024, with the full program and bookings available from June 2024. The Eastbourne Walking Festival runs from 7th - 15th September 24 and includes talks, walks, and a range of fringe activities over the nine-day celebration of the great outdoors. 

To view information about each walking festival and to book your walks, please see below. 

Coastal walks and walking holidays

Click the 'map view' button or browse the list below for a selection of companies that organise self-led hikes or guided walking holidays, tours, paths and national trails, for individuals and groups, in South East England.

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Number of results: 49

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  1. Cobtree Manor Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    AYLESFORD

    Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing collection of trees and shrubs. The Park features a themed play area, along with a sculpture trail, plenty of space for picnics, and a visitor centre and café serving…

  2. OxTrail

    Type

    Type:

    Summer

    Oxford

    Ready for a ‘hoof’ loads of fun this summer? For eight ox-traordinary weeks, Oxford’s city streets will be home to over 30 bold and beautiful ox sculptures.

    OxTrail is a fun and free art trail, where herds of life-sized and mini oxen will be…

  3. Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Hill Head

    Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve is home to various habitats including river, marshland, and scrapes.

  4. Flora Thompson Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Liphook

    Flora Thompson, of Lark Rise and Candleford fame, inspired this circular walk on Weavers Down and Holly Hills near Liphook. Flora Thompson came to Liphook in August 1916, when her husband John was appointed postmaster here. In 1926 they bought a…

  5. Monthly Walking & History Tours

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Marlow

    An informative 1 hour tour of the magnificent 65 acres where you will discover the numerous unique plantings as well as the Italian garden.

  6. Treasure Trails Hampshire

    Type

    Type:

    Trips & Tours

    Winchester

    Children love them and they are a fun way to get the whole family, young and old, out and about in the fresh air exploring together. Our Trails are for children of all ages, from 5 to 85!

  7. Herb Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Faversham

    This relaxing walk with local Herbalist, Mandy Rickard, will introduce you to some different herbs used throughout history to treat illness and maintain health.

    It's a great chance to see, smell and taste the plants in a beautiful garden setting…

  8. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Forest

    CRANBROOK

    The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

  9. Edward Thomas circular walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

    A 4 mile circular walk with stunning views of the South Downs

  10. Lakeside Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Eastleigh

    Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.

  11. 878 AD

    Type

    Type:

    History and Heritage

    Winchester

    Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester!

    Experience the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon Winchester and discover the stories of the people who lived there, brought to life with the spectacular world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Discovery Tour: Viking…

  12. Princes Risborough Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Horns Lane, Princes Risborough

    Five days of guided walks starting & finishing in the town centre. Walks for families, wildlife enthusiasts, local historians or serious ramblers. Short walks, easy stile-free walks, morning or afternoon walks, all day walks.

  13. Thames Path National Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Oxford

    The Thames Path National Trail is a wonderful way to explore the River Thames. This long distance walking route starts at the source of the river in a field in the Cotswolds and follows the banks of the Thames for 185.2 miles (298km) meandering…

  14. Curious About Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Curious About... Explore, Discover & Enjoy!

    Curious About offer over 75 self-guided heritage walks with a treasure hunt theme across towns and cities across the UK! Suitable for individuals & groups of all ages, they are great for Family…

  15. Breast Walk Ever Hampshire

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Hursley

    Against Breast Cancer's Breast Walk Ever is returning to Hampshire on May 12th 2024 and entries are now open! Walk for life saving research taking place at the University of Southampton.

    With full and half marathon options as well as a 10K, Breast…

  16. The Savill Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Formal Garden

    Egham

    The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens. It offers year-round interest, an iconic visitor centre with restaurant, gallery café, gift shop and plant sales.

  17. White Cliffs Walking Week

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Dover

    2024 White Cliffs Ramblers will be holding a walking week from 15th - 21st July and include a featured walk along the Via Francigena.

  18. Thame

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    THAME

    Thame, a thriving market town at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, is just 14 miles from Oxford. Its historic centre has a vibrant High Street; host regular events – from festivals to traditional market days; and features in Midsomer Murders

  19. Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent is an exciting free art trail that will see over 50 large individually decorated Shaun the Sheep sculptures placed around the parks, town centre and river walks of Maidstone and the surrounding areas. Each Shaun…

  20. Riverside Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Gillingham

    Riverside Country Park is an excellent site for Winter birdwatching.
    Situated alongside the Medway Estuary at Gillingham, the park is made up of many different habitats, including ponds, reedbed and grassland.