Where ancient paths, wild landscapes, and active escapes meet local character.
England is a country made for movement. Its historic footpaths cross meadows, hills, woodlands, and coastlines, creating a landscape shaped for memorable walking holidays. From the chalk downs of the South East to the rugged uplands of the north, every region offers its own way to explore on foot.
Across England you’ll find long-distance routes, heritage trails, coastal circuits, and remote fell paths that make it ideal for self-guided journeys. Wander through national parks, follow centuries-old pilgrim routes, or explore nature reserves where wildlife flourishes among rivers, heaths, and ancient woodland.
But adventure doesn’t stop at the trail. England is also a natural playground for outdoor adventures — from quiet paddleboarding sessions on calm estuaries to white-water rafting in upland gorges. Add gentle cycling holidays along country lanes, canal paths, and rolling hills, plus world-class mountain biking in dedicated trail centres, and you’ll find endless ways to experience the outdoors.
Slow travel here is about curiosity, not speed. Whether you’re tracing a coastal headland, exploring the shaded paths of an old forest, or following a ridge across open moorland, England’s landscapes feel rich, varied, and welcoming.
From long-distance National Trails to weekend escapes, England offers independent places to stay that bring you close to its countryside, coast, and green spaces. It’s a country built for those who move at their own pace and explore with a sense of wonder.
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 roam the open landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Don’t miss the Cotswolds, where gentle hills and golden 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. Wander 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 and long horizons.
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, explore woodlands in Leicestershire, or roam heritage-rich countryside in Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and Lincolnshire.
Lakes, mountains, and moors shape this dramatic region. Discover classic walks in Cumbria’s Lake District, explore the Cumbria Way, or follow coastal trails around Morecambe Bay. In Lancashire, find quieter countryside, canal paths, and upland routes through the Forest of Bowland..
Ancient, wild, and deeply storied. Trace Hadrian’s Wall across Northumberland, hike the Cheviot Hills, and explore the Northumberland Coast’s empty beaches and castles. Inland, County Durham offers peaceful dales and woodland paths, while Tyne and Wear blends city and sea.
Drystone walls, green dales, and wide moors. Walk 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 identity.
Surprisingly rich in green space. Follow the Thames Path, explore royal parks like Richmond and Greenwich, or venture into ancient woodlands such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath. A walkable city full of unexpected nature.
Start your journey through England’s most walkable regions — and discover the trails, destinations, and places to stay that make this a country built for exploration.
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 works well for car-free travel with the right planning.
Choose from countryside inns, eco-friendly B&Bs, 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 hikes and coastal trips can be peaceful with the right gear.
