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.
Enjoy 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 48
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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…
Forest
CRANBROOK
The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.
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…
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…
Walking
Alton
Alton is a vibrant Walkers are Welcome Hampshire town which truly has community spirit at its heart. Situated at the source of the River Wey and enjoying a stunning rural backdrop at the gateway of the South Downs National Park, Alton is known by…
Walking Tour
Reading
Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of our town on an unforgettable Reading walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its…
Walking
Great Missenden
Embrace the seasons on a guided Roald Dahl countryside walk; kick up some leaves, ramble through woods, smell the flowers and listen to extracts from Roald Dahl's My Year in the beautiful woods and fields that inspired the book.
My Year was Roald…
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.
Walking
Chawton
A 4.5-mile circular walk in the heart of Jane Austen country. Start at Jane Austen's 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…
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Horsham
Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Walking
North Wessex Downs AONB
Save the Date for the 2024 North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Walking Festival.
Explore the Big Chalk with 9 days of walks to suit all ages and abilities.
Full programme to follow
Summer
Chichester and Arundel
Get ready for Chichester and Arundel’s first large scale outdoor art trail!
30 giant owl sculptures will be swooping into public green spaces, Chichester high street and harbour, and Arundel’s historic town centre during the summer holidays,…
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.
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…
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
Sightseeing
Discover the real South East England. Blue or Green Badge Guides who each have an unrivalled knowledge of the region and take pride in helping visitors explore its unique heritage.
Walking
Haslemere
From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July, the 3-day programme of walks will take you in and around the beautiful town of Haslemere.
Summer
Southampton
Over the summer of 2024, Southampton Hospitals Charity will be lighting up the south with a large-scale Wild in Art public art event that promises to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
There will be 40 8-foot-tall, magnificent…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Robertsbridge
A sponsored walk to transform deaf people's lives
Hearing loss is rising. This invisible disability has devastating impacts on people's safety and mental health. Take part in this 3km or 5km sponsored dog walk, and raise funds to train more…
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…