15 Best Hikes Near London: Where to Go for an Amazing Day Out
When people think of London, hiking probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind.
Skyscrapers, museums, royal palaces and the London Underground usually steal the spotlight.
But here's something many first-time visitors don't realise.
You don't have to travel for hours to find beautiful hiking trails, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and breathtaking countryside. In fact, some of southern England's best walks are less than two hours from central London and are easily reached by train.
Whether you're looking for dramatic white cliffs, peaceful forests or panoramic countryside views, these hikes make the perfect escape from the city.
Here are 15 of the best hikes you can enjoy near London.
1. Box Hill – Surrey's Most Famous Hike
If you're looking for your first hike near London, Box Hill is hard to beat.
Located in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trails offer sweeping views across the countryside, woodland paths and the famous stepping stones across the River Mole.
There are several walking routes available, making it suitable for beginners and more experienced hikers alike.
📍 Location: Surrey
Getting There: Direct train from London Waterloo to Box Hill & Westhumble Station (around 50–60 minutes), followed by a short walk.
Best For: First-time hikers.
2. Seven Sisters Cliffs
Few hiking destinations near London are as spectacular as the Seven Sisters.
This coastal walk features dramatic white chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel, making it one of the UK's most photographed landscapes.
The route can be challenging in places, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile.
📍 Location: East Sussex
Getting There: Train from London Victoria or London Bridge to Seaford, then begin the coastal walk.
Best For: Coastal views and photography.
3. Epping Forest
If you don't want to travel too far, Epping Forest is one of the easiest hiking escapes from London.
Ancient woodland, peaceful trails and abundant wildlife create an experience that feels surprisingly remote despite being on London's doorstep.
There are numerous circular walks suitable for all abilities.
📍 Location: North East London / Essex
Getting There: London Underground (Central line) to Theydon Bois, Loughton or Epping.
Best For: Short nature walks.
4. The Devil's Punch Bowl
This dramatic natural amphitheatre is one of Surrey's most impressive landscapes.
The trails wind through heathland and woodland while offering stunning viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.
It's peaceful, scenic and far less crowded than some of the better-known hiking destinations.
📍 Location: Hindhead, Surrey
Getting There: Train from London Waterloo to Haslemere, followed by a short taxi or local bus.
Best For: Scenic countryside walks.
5. Ashridge Estate
Managed by the National Trust, Ashridge Estate is famous for its ancient woodland, rolling hills and colourful bluebell displays during spring.
Even in summer and autumn, the extensive network of walking trails makes it one of the most enjoyable hiking destinations near London.
📍 Location: Hertfordshire
Getting There: Train from London Euston to Tring, followed by a short taxi or local bus.
Best For: Woodland hiking.
6. The Ridgeway
Known as Britain's oldest road, The Ridgeway has been walked for thousands of years.
You don't need to complete the entire long-distance trail—many visitors simply enjoy one of its shorter sections, which offer beautiful countryside views and peaceful walking.
📍 Location: Oxfordshire / Buckinghamshire
Getting There: Train from London Paddington to Goring & Streatley, then continue on local walking routes.
Best For: History lovers.
7. Chess Valley Walk
This hidden gem follows the River Chess through quiet villages, open meadows and picturesque countryside.
It's one of the most peaceful day hikes accessible from London and feels wonderfully untouched.
📍 Location: Buckinghamshire / Hertfordshire
🚆 Getting There: Metropolitan line to Chesham.
Best For: Gentle countryside walks.
8. Leith Hill
As the highest point in South East England, Leith Hill rewards hikers with fantastic panoramic views.
Climb the historic tower at the summit and, on a clear day, you may even spot London's skyline in the distance.
📍 Location: Surrey
🚆 Getting There: Train from London Waterloo to Holmwood, followed by a countryside walk.
Best For: Panoramic views.
9. South Downs Way
The South Downs National Park offers countless walking opportunities.
Many visitors choose a section of the South Downs Way rather than attempting the full trail, enjoying rolling hills, charming villages and beautiful countryside.
It's one of England's most famous long-distance walking routes.
📍 Location: Sussex
Getting There: Trains from London Victoria to Lewes, Hassocks or Winchester, depending on your chosen section.
Best For: Classic English countryside.
10. North Downs Way
Another National Trail, the North Downs Way passes through woodland, vineyards and picturesque villages across Kent and Surrey.
Several sections are easily accessible from London, making it ideal for day trips.
📍 Location: Kent & Surrey
Getting There: Direct trains from London to stations including Guildford, Otford and Wye.
Best For: Flexible day hikes.
11. Ivinghoe Beacon
Part of the Chiltern Hills, Ivinghoe Beacon offers one of the best viewpoints within easy reach of London.
The grassy hills and sweeping views are particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
📍 Location: Buckinghamshire
Getting There: Train from London Euston to Tring, then a short taxi or local bus.
Best For: Scenic hill walks.
12. Wendover Woods
If you enjoy forest trails, Wendover Woods is an excellent choice.
Managed by Forestry England, the woodland offers well-marked walking routes suitable for different fitness levels, along with cafés and family facilities.
📍 Location: Buckinghamshire
Getting There: Train from London Marylebone to Wendover, then a short taxi.
Best For: Family-friendly hiking.
13. Dunstable Downs
Open grasslands and sweeping ridge-top views make Dunstable Downs one of the most scenic walks near London.
It's also a popular place to watch gliders soar overhead on windy days.
📍 Location: Bedfordshire
Getting There: Train from London St Pancras to Luton, followed by a local bus or taxi.
Best For: Open landscapes.
14. Burnham Beeches
This ancient woodland is famous for its centuries-old trees, peaceful walking trails and rich wildlife.
It has even appeared in numerous films thanks to its magical atmosphere.
📍 Location: Buckinghamshire
Getting There: Train from London Paddington to Burnham, then a short taxi or local bus.
Best For: Woodland photography.
15. The Kent Downs
The Kent Downs National Landscape offers rolling countryside, traditional villages, vineyards and countless walking routes.
Whether you choose a short circular walk or a longer countryside hike, it's one of the easiest escapes from London.
📍 Location: Kent
🚆 Getting There: Direct trains from London St Pancras or Victoria to towns such as Canterbury, Ashford or Folkestone, depending on your chosen trail.
Best For: Relaxed countryside adventures.
Hiking Tips for First-Time Visitors
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially on longer walks.
Check the weather forecast before leaving London, as conditions can change quickly.
Download offline maps if you're exploring remote trails.
Stick to marked paths and respect the countryside.
Many hiking areas have cafés or pubs nearby, but don't rely on them always being open.
Do You Need a Car?
Not at all.
One of the best things about hiking near London is how many trails can be reached by public transport.
Direct trains from London connect you to the Surrey Hills, South Downs, Kent Downs, Chiltern Hills and many other beautiful walking destinations, making day trips simple even if you don't drive.
For a few locations, you may need a short taxi or local bus from the nearest station, but the journey is usually straightforward.
Final Thoughts
London may be one of the world's busiest cities, but some of England's most beautiful countryside is surprisingly close by.
Within an hour or two, you can swap busy streets for rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, peaceful forests and scenic river valleys. Whether you're taking your first hike or you're an experienced walker looking for your next adventure, these destinations prove that you don't have to travel far to experience the natural beauty of southern England.
So the next time you need a break from the city, pack a backpack, catch a train and discover a completely different side of the UK.
You might be surprised how quickly London's skyline gives way to breathtaking landscapes.
Discover More Day Trips from London
Planning to explore beyond the capital? Visit LondonYaar.com for scenic day trips, hidden gems, walking routes and practical travel guides to help you experience the very best of England.
Follow @rohan.londonyaar for more London travel tips, countryside escapes and unforgettable adventures.