Active adventures: best day hikes near London guide

After what has felt like the longest and coldest winter in years, we’re finally at the tail end of it all; the weather is warming up, the sun is out and nature is springing back to life. It’s just as well, because a number of long weekends are fast approaching, meaning it’s time to lace up your boots, pack your bag and head out on that road trip you’ve been thinking about all winter. If you’re itching to get away from the city and recharge in nature, we’ve put together our top picks for hiking adventures within a few hours drive of London.

1. Seven Sisters Walk, East Sussex

Consistently rated as one of the best walking destinations in the south of England, there’s no way this walk wasn’t going to be on the list. Only two hours drive from Central London, Seven Sisters is located in East Sussex, just outside of Seaford; think towering, white chalk cliffs wedged between rolling green hills and turquoise waters. This really is one of the country’s most iconic stretches of coastline and the perfect backdrop for a day of walking.

The beauty of the Seven Sisters is the multitude of walks to choose from, allowing you to walk as little or as far as you like while enjoying spectacular coastal and country views along the way. The recommended starting point is Seaford, where you’ll be following the chalky coastline towards the cliffs with views in front of you the whole way as you head east. From Seaford, the most popular stretch – by far – is from Seaford to Eastborne, a total distance of 13.5 miles. If easier walks are more your style, you can instead opt for a shorter section and stop in at one of the many pubs or cafes along the route, such as the Beachy Head Pub.

2. Leith Hill, Surrey

If you’re keen to get the heart pumping and soak in some incredible views, best make tracks for the highest peak in South East England – Leith Hill. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is less than two hours from Central London and home to several walks that traverse a variety of landscapes, including some stunning woodland and heathland that truly comes alive in spring.

One of the most popular walks in the area is the Leith Hill circular, a 2.4-mile loop that climbs to the top of Leigh Hill, where you’ll be able to enjoy the glorious views and explore the historic Leith Hill Tower. While not the longest walk, it’s certainly a steep one and takes just over an hour to complete.

And while you’re there, why not make a full day of it and extend your walk down to Friday Street and Coldharbour, or follow it up with some trails around Box Hill? The quaint hamlets of the Surry Hills are home to several pubs and cafes to recharge, and there are a number of alternative walks through the Surrey Hills AONB, making it a great area to explore over a long weekend.

3. Box Hill, Surrey

Also set in the Surrey Hills, Box Hill has long been a favourite day hike for those living in London. Box Hill is home to a wide variety of walks, ranging from short, family-friendly loops to full-day walks. To really enjoy the full experience, Box Hill is an absolute must – an eight-mile, six-hour hike covering much of the estate. It’s considered a challenging walk and is one for serious adventurers as it traverses some pretty serious valleys and ridges. And the best part? There’s a pub – the King William IV – located at the halfway point. Over the long weekend, the shorter and easier walks are guaranteed to be jam-packed with families escaping the city, so we highly recommend setting off on the longer Box Hill trail to escape the crowds.

4. The Chilterns, Hertfordshire

If you’re after a tranquil country escape from London, the Chess Valley Walk in the Chilterns is the walk for you. Home to some of the most picturesque countryside in England, the Chilterns offer a landscape rich in wildlife, heritage and stunning scenery making it a perfect day out that’s not too far from London yet feels a world away.

The Chess Valley Walk happens to be one of the most accessible day walks from London, roughly an hour's drive away. The 10-mile walk between Rickmansworth and Cheshman follows the River Chess through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing through the quaint villages of Loudwater, Sarratt Bottom, Latimer and Chesham. The walk is not too challenging and can be done in under four hours, leaving plenty of time for a pub lunch at one of the many village pubs you’ll pass along the way. If you’re up for a bigger challenge over the long weekend, there is a link track to the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail at Chesham.

Need a van to get you out of the city?

Why stop at just a day trip when you could link a bunch of these walks together and sleep on the road? The best way to do a long weekend is to do it in a van, and we have you sorted. Camplify is home to an ever-growing list of vans, campers and motorhomes, including pet-friendly options, and you can even have your van delivered if you’d prefer. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning that long weekend escape.