This is a post about the best hikes near London by train.
London may be a bustling metropolis but just a short train ride away, you’ll find some of the most scenic hiking trails down this side of the UK. From rolling hills to dramatic cliffs and peaceful woodlands, here are some of the best hikes near London. All accessible by train, these hikes offer the perfect escape from city life.
Box Hill, Surrey
I LOVE Box Hill!! You might’ve heard of the “stepping stones” or seen them on socials. They’re right at the beginning of one of the paths. One of the most popular out of all the hikes near London, Box Hill offers breathtaking views over the Surrey Hills. Located in the North Downs, it’s part of the National Trust and provides a mix of woodland trails, open grassland and the iconic Stepping Stones crossing the River Mole. The circular trail takes you through lush landscapes and ends with stunning panoramic views from the summit. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery. There are various different trails starting from the cafe which offers the most delicious gingerbread latte during the winter season! Up there you’ll also find the observation point and vasts amounts of greenery where you can chill, have a picnic and admire the view.
How to get there: Take the train from London Victoria or London Waterloo to Box Hill & Westhumble Station. The trail starts right from the station.
Free to visit.
Leith Hill, Surrey
Leith Hill is the highest point in South East England and offers incredible views stretching as far as London on a clear day. The walk to the summit takes you through ancient woodlands and open heathland before reaching the famous Leith Hill Tower. I find Google maps is quite deceiving as it doesn’t show the trails but I can assure you, there are! I’ve walked them… the one thing I found disappointing was the Tillingbourne Waterfalls – it was literally a little bit of water coming down a rock. The hike around the area was beautiful though! And we finished off with coffee and pastries from the tower coffee shop. Yep, the little coffee hut is inside the tower! You can also climb to the top of the tower for even better views and learn about its fascinating history. Please note it’s closed for winter so keep an eye out for the reopening date.
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo to Dorking and take bus 433 to The Plough.
Free to visit.
Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex
For coastal views, nothing beats the dramatic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. The hike from Seaford to Eastbourne follows the South Downs Way and offers some of the best seafront scenery in England. The rolling cliffs, crashing waves and endless sea views make this one of the most picturesque walks near London. The route is challenging in places due to steep climbs but the incredible landscape makes it worth the effort. My friends and I did it one day – it took us about 6 hours with breaks for picnic, stop at the cafe for ice cream and a break from the steep hills. You can do it in less or more, up to you. BUT my friend had a brilliant idea for next time: book a spa hotel at the end for massage and relaxation. I’ve got my eye on The Grand Hotel – right on the beachfront, hot tub, spa and way cheaper than I expected by the looks of it!
How to get there: Take the 2hr train from London Victoria to Seaford (change in Lewes!). The trail begins at Seaford Beach. Alternatively, you can do the reverse and start in Eastbourne but I’d recommend finishing there.
Free to visit.
Epping Forest, Essex
Just outside of London, Epping Forest offers a peaceful woodland escape with miles of trails to explore. Ancient oak trees, hidden ponds and open glades make this a great spot for nature lovers. The Oak Trail is one of the most scenic routes and takes you through some of the forest’s most beautiful areas. It’s an easy walk with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife along the way.
How to get there: You can get there by tube, train or bus and there are different stations you can go to for different trails. I’ll link GoodJourney here who’s got all the various car-free routes so you can pick what’s easiest for you.
Free to visit.
Wendover Woods, Chiltern Hills
Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, Wendover Woods is perfect for those who enjoy forest walks with gentle inclines. The Ridgeway National Trail passes through the area and offers beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. There are several routes to choose from including an easy loop around the woods or a longer hike towards Coombe Hill, which provides one of the best viewpoints in the region.
How to get there: Take the 45min train from London Marylebone to Wendover. The woods are a short walk from the station.
Free to visit.
Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey
A unique landscape shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a spectacular natural amphitheatre with deep valleys and sweeping heathland. The circular walk through the area takes you past ancient trees, dramatic viewpoints and hidden trails that feel completely remote despite being so close to London.
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo to Haslemere, then take bus 19 that drops you off right by the car park and cafe. The Hindhead Common & Devil’s Punch Bowl cafe is so cosy! They even have a book corner!
Free to visit.
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Ashridge Estate is part of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers some of the most scenic woodland walks near London. The Ivinghoe Beacon trail takes you to one of the highest points in the area, providing breathtaking views over rolling hills and open countryside. The estate is also known for its bluebells in spring and vibrant autumn colours later in the year.
How to get there: Take the train from London Euston to Tring. From the station you can take a taxi or walk to the Estate on a footpath that parallels the Aldbury road.
Virginia Water Lake, Surrey/Berkshire
I LOVE Virginia Water Lake during any season but particularly spring and autumn. I don’t know about you but I find the presence of a body of water so calming, so the lake in the middle of this park is pretty great! VWL is part of Windsor Great Park and there are different areas scattered about. For example, the Valley Gardens, which I definitely recommend you visit in Spring. SO MANY FLOWERS! SO MANY COLOURS! If you literally just go around the lake, the loop around it is just under 8km so it takes you about 2 hours to go around it.
However, you’ve got a few different options here… one time (in band camp #millennialhumour) I went with a friend on a mission. We weren’t going to just walk around the lake and leave. We were going to walk all the way to Windsor Castle. Yep, that’s possible. And you can stop by to load up on the most delicious cakes at the Savill Garden Kitchen. Keep going past it and you’ll reach the statue of King George III and His Horse. Yep, the one at one end of the Long Walk. Needless to say, once you get to it, you just head down the Long Walk and arrive at Windsor Castle. It’s a great day out when the sun is shining!
VWL also has different cafes scattered about. But if you’re keen on taking your own picnic, there’s plenty of space to lay down your blanket!
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo to Egham or Virginia Water then a bus from either station. Alternatively, you can walk 30min from Virginia Water station – it’s a straight road with amazing houses on both sides!
Free to visit.
Pewley Down, Guildford
This walk starts right in Guildford as you cross the town centre and go up a hill to the entrance of Pewley Down for the most beautiful views. This is probably one of the best hikes near London for me and easy to get to also. You can make this shorter or longer, as you wish. You can go all the way (UP!) to St Martha’s Church for stunning views of the area and go back around via Chantry Woods. These woods in autumn have the most beautiful “carpet” of orange leafs! As Guildford is a bigger town, on the way back you have loads of options in town for a rest and a treat.
Free to visit.
How to get there: take the train from London Waterloo to Guildford and walk to Pewley Down via the town centre.
Otford and the Darent Valley, Kent
The Darent Valley is a hidden gem for hikers looking for picturesque countryside and charming villages. The circular walk from Otford takes you through rolling fields, woodlands and alongside the River Darent. The village itself is home to traditional pubs and historic buildings, making it a great spot for a post-hike meal.
How to get there: Take the train from London Victoria to Otford, where the trail begins.
You probably noticed which ones of these are the best hikes near London for me. I did have a lot more to say about some… Either way, each of these hikes offers a unique landscape, whether it’s rolling hills, coastal cliffs or ancient forests. They’re all easy to reach by train, making them perfect for a day trip out of the city. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a gentle scenic stroll, there’s a trail here that suits every kind of hiker.
Free to visit.
This was a post about the best hikes near London by train.
