Where ancient paths, wild landscapes, and active escapes meet local character.
England is a country made for movement. Its historic footpaths crisscross meadows, hills, woodlands, and coastlines — but adventure doesn’t stop there. From wild swimming in hidden lakes to kayaking through estuaries or cycling quiet country lanes, England offers endless ways to explore.
Whether you're planning a self-guided walking holiday, booking an active break with friends, or looking for independent places to stay near the action, you’ll find inspiration in every corner. Explore long-distance trails, paddle coastal waters, hike remote fells, or discover nature reserves teeming with wildlife.
Slow travel doesn’t have to mean standing still. Take the time to explore England at your own pace — on foot, on the water, or wherever the path leads.
Clifftop paths, wild moors, and honey-stone villages define this iconic walking region. Explore the South West Coast Path as it winds through Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, or head inland to hike the open spaces of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Don’t miss the Cotswolds, where gentle hills and golden-stone villages stretch into Somerset and Gloucestershire.
Chalk hills, ancient tracks, and wide skies. Walk the South Downs Way through West Sussex and Hampshire, or follow the North Downs Way across Kent and Surrey. Explore rolling farmland, wooded ridges, and the white cliffs and shoreline of East Sussex.
Flat, open, and full of quiet charm. Walk riverside paths and reed-lined trails in Norfolk, explore fenland landscapes in Cambridgeshire, or discover rural escapes and coastal walks in Suffolk and Essex. A gentle, often overlooked region — rich in wildlife, skies, and space to breathe.
From the gritstone edges of the Peak District in Derbyshire to the green folds of the Shropshire Hills, this central region offers surprising variety. Walk the towpaths of Warwickshire, woodlands in Leicestershire, or heritage-rich countryside in Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and Lincolnshire.
Lakes, mountains, and moors define the northwest. Discover iconic walks in Cumbria’s Lake District, or explore the Cumbria Way and coastal trails around Morecambe Bay. In Lancashire, find quieter countryside, canal paths, and upland trails through the Forest of Bowland.
Ancient, wild, and full of story. Trace Hadrian’s Wall through Northumberland, hike the Cheviot Hills, and explore the Northumberland Coast’s empty beaches and castles. Inland, County Durham offers peaceful dales and woodland walks, while Tyne and Wear blends city and sea.
Drystone walls, green dales, and wide moors. Hike through the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and Howardian Hills, or follow the Pennine Way along the spine of England. This region includes North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and parts of East Yorkshire — each with its own walking character.
Surprisingly rich in green space. Follow the Thames Path, explore royal parks like Richmond and Greenwich, or escape to ancient woodlands such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath. A walkable city that always leads somewhere unexpected.
Start your journey through England’s most walkable regions — discover the best trails, destinations, and places to stay for your next self-guided walking holiday.
England is full of walking regions, but top areas include the Lake District, Cotswolds, South West Coast Path, Yorkshire Dales, and Peak District — each offering varied terrain and memorable scenery.
From white water rafting in the North West to kayaking on the Norfolk Broads, cycling the South Downs, or wild swimming in hidden tarns, England has active adventures in every region.
Not always. Many trails and destinations are accessible by train or local buses, especially in regions like the South West, Yorkshire, and the South East. England is great for car-free travel with the right planning.
You’ll find everything from cosy countryside inns and eco-friendly B&Bs to remote cottages and adventure-focused hostels. We highlight locally-owned stays that connect you to the landscape.
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the best weather for walking and outdoor activities, though winter hiking and coastal trips can be peaceful with the right gear.
