A panoramic view of a snowy park with tall evergreen trees in the foreground. The clear blue sky and snow-covered ground create a beautiful setting for a walk.

Nine Best Walks in South England

The South of England is a region renowned for its natural beauty. With stunning coastlines, idyllic villages and rolling countryside, it’s the perfect place to explore on foot.

Whether you’re looking for the best walks in South East England, or seeking the top spots in the South West, there’s a walk to suit every taste.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the:

Best walks in South England
Best walks in South East England
Best walks in South West England

The Best Walks in the South of England

Stepping stones to cross the river as part of the Box Hill walk in Surrey, South East England.

1. Box Hill, Surrey

If you’re after beautiful walks in Surrey, look no further than Box Hill. A stunning area of natural beauty, this National Trust site is a summit of the North Downs, offering panoramic views across Surrey’s rolling hills.

The Zig Zag road is a popular choice, with a winding path that weaves across the Surrey Hills. For more of a challenge, you can follow the longer North Downs Way trail, which spans across 153 miles.

In this area, you can expect to see beautiful woodlands and open heathland, amongst an array of other stunning natural landscapes.

2. The New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest in Hampshire and Wiltshire is the largest area of lowland heath in Southern England. This National Park boasts miles of off-road walks and cycle tracks that take you into the woods, over heath, and along the sea, rivers and streams.

Known as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, The New Forest is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, including ponies, heathland birds, dragonflies, deer and six different species of reptiles.

The rolling hills of the South Downs. Two horse riders trek through the closest field on their horses.

3. The South Downs Way, Winchester to Chichester

If you’re looking for an adventure, how about tackling a section of the South Downs Way? The stretch between Winchester and Chichester is a particularly rewarding route, crossing through Hampshire and into West Sussex.

On this route, you’ll encounter rolling hills, picturesque villages and abundant wildlife—perfect for those seeking a multi-day adventure or challenging day hike.

The Best Walks in South East England

A scenic view of The White Cliffs of Dover, featuring a dramatic cliff face that meets the sea.

4. The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent

For a breathtaking coastal walk, head to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent - a must-see for any visitor in the South East of England.

This stunning coastal route offers spectacular views across the English Channel. You can follow the path along the clifftops, breathing in the fresh sea air as you enjoy the dramatic scenery. If you need a rest or a quick bite to eat, visit one of the various tea rooms along the way - ideal to refuel and re-energise.

There are ample opportunities to stop and take photos, and you might even spot some interesting wildlife. Keep an eye out for the red-billed chough. This rare bird was recently reintroduced to Kent after being missing for more than 200 years.

5. Scotney Castle Estate, Kent

Famed for its beautiful formal gardens, spiralling around a splendid moated castle and country home, the Scotney Castle Estate lends a classic English elegance to all seasons.

A walk through the estate will take you over undulating hills in the Kent countryside, with sweeping fields often covered in rolling mist and shimmering frost in winter.

The changing landscape provides a lot of ground to cover and explore; each trail offering something different to keep you on the move.

A beautiful tree-lined walkway in Greenwich Park, complete with multiple benches to sit and enjoy the views. The trees feature gorgeous pink blossoms.

6. Greenwich Park, London

If you’re looking for a slice of tranquillity without leaving the big city, Greenwich Park is the place to go. Located in Greenwich, this park boasts some of the best walks in London, with routes to suit all abilities and preferences.

In addition to expansive green spaces, this park also boasts a stunning view over the cityscape. There are plenty of routes to choose from, one of the most popular being the Meridian Line.

The famous Meridian Line is the invisible boundary dividing East from West. It runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and is often used as a reference point for measuring longitude.

The Best Walks in South West England

7. Brent Tor, Devon

If it’s dramatic vistas you’re searching for, Brent Tor is likely to be the best walk in South West England for you.

This walk is a quick journey that will take you up to the top of the tor. Here, you’ll find the 13th-century Parish Church of St Michael’s de Rupe, alongside a glorious panorama of Dartmoor’s wild meadows.

This impressive church, located at 1,100 feet, overlooks a stunning landscape - piquing interest for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The views are truly sublime, with swirling fields that open up as you make your way up to the church. A walk around Brent Tor is guaranteed to be special, giving you a glorious panorama that seems to never end.

8. The Jurassic Coast, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is a World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic coast and remarkable shoreline scenery. This stretch of coastline offers a variety of walks, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes.

If you’re looking for an adventure, the Jurassic Coast Path is a long-distance trail spanning 95 miles from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth.

For a shorter walk, consider an afternoon trip to Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Lulworth Fossil Forest.

9. The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

The Lizard Peninsula is home to the most southerly point on mainland Great Britain. The rugged coastline is a haven for walkers, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and diverse wildlife.

The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking coastal views, while inland paths lead to lush countryside and rolling hills.

Highlights include Kynance Cove, a picturesque beach with turquoise waters, and Lizard Point, the most southerly point.

Discover Your Perfect Home in the South of England

The South of England offers an enviable quality of life. With its stunning coastline, vibrant cities and idyllic countryside, it’s no wonder so many people dream of living here.

Berkeley Group is proud to offer a range of exceptional new homes across the UK, including some of the most sought-after locations in the South of England. From stylish properties in London to spacious rural homes in Surrey, we have something to suit every taste and lifestyle.

Ready to discover your perfect home in the South? Explore our stunning range of properties or get in touch to find out more about Berkeley Group and our award-winning developments.