According to the London City Hall website, London has approximately 3,000 parks, with about 20% designated public green space. Taking roof gardens, private green space, and the city’s intricate system of rivers and canals into account, London is almost 50% green and blue when seen from above.
Last autumn, we wrote about some of the beautiful walks to explore in and around Twickenham but, if you’re considering heading further afield, we have you covered too.
Keep reading for a rundown of some of the best walks that the south-east of England has to offer.
1. North Downs Way
The North Downs Way runs for 246km (153 miles) from Farnham to Dover, taking in the ancient Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral – and the shrine of Thomas Becket – in Kent, before continuing on to the iconic White Cliffs.
Elsewhere, you’ll pass over the chalk ridge of the Surrey Hills and visit Box Hill and its sweeping views referenced in Jane Austen’s Emma. You’ll also find the Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard.
The route combines ancient and modern history with breathtaking scenery to ensure there’s something for everyone, whichever section of the mammoth route you opt to tackle.
2. South Downs Way
Another National Trail well worth a visit this summer is the South Downs Way that runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, a distance of 160 km (100 miles).
This challenging walk over hard chalk ground follows escarpments and old drove roads. It is home to ancient woodland and fascinating wildlife, with sections that pass through nature reserves and areas of special scientific interest.
While it remains inland for much of its western section, as you head east, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Seven Sisters and then the panoramic views from Beachy Head.
3. Thameside Estuary Path
As part of our autumn walks roundup in October 2025, we wrote about the beautiful Thames Path. This route follows the Thames from Kemble in Gloucestershire to Woolwich in the borough of Greenwich. But the 185 miles of riverside walks don’t end there. A short hop will see you enter the Thames Estuary Path.
This 47-km (29-mile) route begins at Tilbury Town railway station in the borough of Thurrock and ends at Southend-on-Sea.
Visit the Thameside Nature Reserve, explore the area’s bird population alongside other wildlife, and take in the area’s fascinating history as you watch boats pass by.
Here you’ll also find the Thameside Nature Discovery Park, which is a great day out for the family.
4. Norfolk Coast Path
The Norfolk Coast Path stretches for 84 miles, but the largely flat terrain makes it perfect for those seeking a stroll or looking to take up long-distance walking.
The route runs from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea within the Norfolk coast area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), with the wildly varying scenery taking in seaside villages, salt marshes, and pine woodlands.
You’ll find history in its 13th-century churches and Anglo-Saxon towers, and wildlife aplenty, with many birdwatching sites, as well as England’s largest seal colony at Blakeney Point.
5. Newhaven to Brighton
For a relatively easy walk with beautiful clifftop views, you could do worse than the 10-mile route between Newhaven and Brighton.
Halfway through the route, the path dips down on to the beach. Here you can head back up to the clifftop or complete the walk in the shadow of the towering chalk cliffs. There are villages to pass through, and the crowds could begin to build as you approach Brighton.
Once at your destination, though, there’s plenty to see and do, from the aquarium to the Royal Pavilion.
6. Hastings to Rye
This 13-mile route begins in Hastings Old Town, with its tightly packed timber cottages and bohemian feel soon opening out into sweeping coastal meadows.
You’ll pass through pine woodland but largely follow the challenging Coast Path. Be sure to take your time to conserve energy, enjoy the views, and appreciate the seclusion.
Give yourself approximately five hours for the walk, and you should leave time to explore Rye when you reach the other end. Here you’ll find cobblestoned lanes, medieval houses, and plenty to explore.
7. King Charles III England Coast Path
The King Charles III England Coast Path was inaugurated on 19 March 2026 and will unite all of the UK’s coastal paths and trails to make a continuous trail, and the world’s longest managed coastal path.
King Charles walked two kilometres when he opened the trail, but the full route stretches for 4,328km (2,700 miles).
The south-east section from Shoreham-by-Sea to Woolwich is about 386km (roughly 240 miles) long. The continuous route takes in Sussex, Kent, and West Sussex to Eastbourne, then up past the Medway Towns towards south-east London.
