Top 10 walks an hour (ish!) outside London

Want to spend your Bank Holiday Monday out of the city and on a walk, making most of nature on your day off before heading back into the office. Here are 10 walks which are all an hour or less outside of London so you’ll come back feeling refreshed. There is something for everyone.

1. Best for Scenic Views: Box Hill, Surrey

Distance: 8 miles
Highlights: Panoramic views, lush countryside, and the iconic stepping stones across the River Mole.
Why Go: Box Hill offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Surrey Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The walk includes a mix of woodlands, chalk downlands, and riverbank paths.

Gorgeous views from Box Hill, just over an hour from the city centre. Credit: National Trust

2. Best for History Lovers: Hampton Court to Kingston, Surrey

Distance: 4 miles
Highlights: Hampton Court Palace, ancient woodlands, and the River Thames.
Why Go: Start your walk at the historic Hampton Court Palace, then follow the Thames Path to Kingston. This walk is rich in history, with stunning architecture and serene river views.

3. Best for Wildlife: Epping Forest, Essex

Distance: Various trails, up to 12 miles
Highlights: Ancient woodlands, diverse wildlife, and serene ponds.
Why Go: Epping Forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With over 50,000 ancient trees, it’s home to a variety of birds, deer, and other wildlife. The tranquil surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

4. Best for Families: Virginia Water, Surrey

The cascades at Virginia Water.
Credit: Windsor Great Park

Distance: 4.5 miles
Highlights: Picturesque lake, waterfalls, and the Roman ruins.
Why Go: Virginia Water offers a scenic, easy-to-navigate walk that’s perfect for families. The kids will love exploring the lakeside paths, spotting wildlife, and discovering the ancient ruins and cascading waterfalls.

5. Best for Coastal Views: Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Distance: 8 miles
Highlights: White chalk cliffs, rolling hills, and the English Channel.
Why Go: The Seven Sisters walk takes you along the dramatic white chalk cliffs of the South Downs National Park. The stunning coastal views make it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

6. Best for Peace and Quiet: Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Distance: Various trails, up to 10 miles
Highlights: Ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and historical landmarks.
Why Go: Ashridge Estate offers a peaceful retreat with its vast woodlands and open meadows. The area is less crowded than other popular spots, providing a tranquil environment for a quiet walk.

Serene walks at Ashridge Estate. Credit : National Trust

7. Best for Literary Fans: Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire

Distance: 7 miles
Highlights: Landscapes that inspired John Milton and Roald Dahl, charming villages, and rolling hills.
Why Go: The Chiltern Hills have inspired many writers, including John Milton and Roald Dahl. Walk through picturesque countryside, quaint villages, and rolling hills that have captured the imagination of literary greats.

8. Best for Dramatic Landscapes: Leith Hill, Surrey

Distance: 6 miles
Highlights: Leith Hill Tower, panoramic views, and ancient woodlands.
Why Go: Leith Hill, the highest point in Southeast England, offers dramatic landscapes and stunning views. Climb the tower for an even more impressive view stretching across the countryside to the coast.

9. Best for Heritage: Windsor Great Park, Berkshire

Distance: 5 miles
Highlights: Windsor Castle views, the Long Walk, and ancient oak trees.
Why Go: Windsor Great Park is steeped in royal history. The Long Walk offers iconic views of Windsor Castle, and the park itself is dotted with ancient trees and historical monuments.

10. Best for Water Lovers: Thames Path, Oxfordshire

Distance: Various sections, up to 8 miles
Highlights: Riverside views, historic locks, and charming villages.
Why Go: Follow the Thames Path for a serene riverside walk. This section of the path offers peaceful water views, historic locks, and picturesque villages, making it ideal for those who love being near the water.

These top 10 walks each offer something unique, just an hour outside of central London. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, historical sites, or a peaceful retreat, these walks provide the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. So lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic, and explore the beautiful countryside that surrounds London.

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