A complete guide to the 5 best hikes near London

With its charming villages, idyllic countryside vistas, and serene woodland walks, the understated natural beauty of London is best explored on foot. Stroll along England’s iconic riverfront on the Thames Path or feel the ocean breeze on the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk for one of the best day hikes from London.

Visit the enchanted Epping Forest or get away from the city in Hampstead Heath’s lush green space. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a fan of leisurely strolls, find routes for all skill levels with this list of the best hikes in London.

1. Oak Trail, Epping Forest

Best hike for woodland views

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 6.6 miles (10.6 km); 870 feet

Hike time: 3-4 hours, return

Difficulty level: Moderate

Terrain type: Pavements and paths through uneven forest terrain

Distance from city center: 40-minute drive or accessible by train or bus

Hike highlights

Weave through the ancient remains of Ambresbury Banks, an Iron Age hill fort, and walk well-trodden paths past Epping Forest’s Deer Sanctuary as you immerse yourself in the tranquil woodlands of Epping Forest. Originally royal hunting grounds in Essex, Epping Forest’s 6,000 acres offer some of the most scenic treks in London, with grasslands, old-growth woods, and ponds brimming with native flora and fauna.

Know before you go

• Oak Trail is one of ten Forest Waymarked Trails – circular trails marked by clear signposts that start and end near public transportation
• Wear comfortable, waterproof boots, as parts of the trail can get muddy
• Pack plenty of water and snacks for the Oak Trail
• Foraging, including collecting fungi, is not allowed in Epping Forest

Best time to hike

Weekdays are best, as the park is very popular on weekends. In the spring, enjoy carpets of bluebells and wildflowers in bloom. Visit in the fall for the best views of colorful foliage.

Address

2 Dukes Ave, Theydon Bois, Epping CM16 7HE

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

2. The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk

Best hike for panoramic coastal views

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 13 miles (20.9 km); 1,680 feet

Hike time: 4-6 hours

Difficulty level: Moderate

Terrain type: Uneven, hilly terrain and cliffside paths

Distance from city center: 1.5 hours by train

Hike highlights

While the roller-coaster hills of the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk are challenging, the panoramic views of the southern coast make this one of the top hikes around London for good reason. Stop for photos along the striking white cliff plateaus and admire Cuckmere Haven, a postcard-worthy valley dotted with wildflowers in the spring, before descending to the stony beach for a refreshing swim, weather permitting.

Know before you go

• The walk is a breeze to navigate as you just follow the outline of the cliffs
• Plan your hike for a fair-weather day since the trail is exposed to the elements with little shelter
• There is a visitor center at Birling Gap, but no facilities along the cliffs or beach, so bring plenty of energizing snacks and hydration
• Wear sturdy shoes like trail runners, pack a rain jacket, and don’t forget sunscreen

Best time to hike

May and June are ideal months to explore the Seven Sisters Cliffs, when the weather is more predictable, crowds are manageable, and wildflowers are in bloom.

Address

Exceat, Seaford BN25 4AD, United Kingdom

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

3. The Chess Valley Walk

Best hike for charming villages and picturesque scenery

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 10 miles (16 km); 1,000 feet

Hike time: 4-5 hours

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Terrain type: Hilly with dirt and paved paths

Distance from city center: 30-minute train ride

Hike highlights

Meander through peaceful farmlands, fairytale villages, and idyllic English countrysides as you walk through the Buckinghamshire region to Chesham, where inviting pubs offer the perfect place to curb your appetite. With babbling streams, a 1st-century Roman farm villa, and breathtaking public gardens along the way, this route ​​is one of the top hiking trails near London for rural valley views.

Know before you go

• Since the walk is just a short distance from London, you’ll likely encounter other tourists and locals along the way
• Wear comfortable, waterproof boots, as parts of the trail can get muddy
• There are no facilities along most of the trek, so bring water and snacks for the journey
• Get a glimpse of Chenies Manor House, a 13th-century estate, and the breathtaking Chiltern Hills

Best time to hike

The valley is popular on weekends, so visit on a weekday for fewer crowds. Spring and summer offer the best conditions for hiking through the farmlands and forests.

Address

Rickmansworth, UK

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

4. The Thames Path, West

Best hike for unobstructed views of the River Thames

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 7 miles (11.2 km); 300 feet

Hike time: 3 hours

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Terrain type: Riverfront paths and paved walkways

Distance from city center: 50-minute train ride

Hike highlights

Orient yourself in the vibrant city of Reading and explore England’s most famous river on this stretch of the 185-mile Thames Path. Stroll along the verdant riverside walkway and watch narrowboats sail by as you pass Fry’s Island, Christchurch Bridge, and eventually, the picturesque Sonning Bridge. Ranked as one of the top trekking routes and best sunny day activities in London, the Thames Path won’t disappoint.

Know before you go

• Be aware of the tide levels, especially in the winter, since some areas of the trail are prone to flooding
• Wear durable, waterproof shoes like hiking boots or trail runners
• While facilities are available throughout this portion of the trail, bringing water and a few snacks is always a good idea.
• As one of the top hiking routes near London, the Thames Path gets very busy on weekends

Best time to hike

Spring to late fall offers the most beautiful seasonal scenery. Consider going on weekdays or during the shoulder season to avoid the crowds, as the trail can get busy during weekends and holidays.

Address

Thames Path, Reading RG30 6AX

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night.

5. Best hike for a peaceful escape in the city

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 4.5 miles (7.2 km); 650 feet

Hike time: 2 hours, return

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Terrain type: Woodland trails and hilly pathways

Distance from city center: 20-minute train or bus ride

Hike highlights

Go off the beaten path and explore one of London’s top non-touristy sights on a tranquil walk through Hampstead Heath, a wild 792-acre green space in north London. Ascend Parliament Hill for unbeatable views of London, cool off with a swim in Hampstead’s natural ponds, and admire the striking Kenwood House on this quintessential London trekking route.

Know before you go

• Since this is one of the closest dog-friendly treks near London, expect to share this well-loved trail with dog walkers, runners, locals, and tourists
• Wear comfortable trail runners to navigate the terrain
• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at Hampstead’s drinking fountains
• On windy days, kite flying is a popular activity on Parliament Hill

Best time to hike

Weekdays are best, as this greenscape is extremely popular on weekends. While summer offers warm weather for swimming, fall is arguably the best time to visit, thanks to the vibrant foliage. In the winter, locals flock to Hampstead for sledding.

Address

London, United Kingdom

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night