Walking in England tips & advice
Cultural tips
June Zaft of our supplier Country Walks:
“England is remarkably rich in cultural heritage but it's not always easy to discover unless you choose companies whose self guided walking notes include cultural visits and commentaries. A leader with good local knowledge will also be able to bring the landscape to life with stories of legends, folklore and well-known personalities, famous or infamous! Charleston Farmhouse on the South Downs, for example, with its vibrant garden is a place of wonder and inspiration, transformed by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell as a refuge for the artists and writers of the Bloomsbury Group who helped shape 20th century taste. At Berwick Church, nearby, they used friends and local people as models for their colourful murals and frescoes which controversially depict the life of Christ against the background of war-torn Britain.”
“England is remarkably rich in cultural heritage but it's not always easy to discover unless you choose companies whose self guided walking notes include cultural visits and commentaries. A leader with good local knowledge will also be able to bring the landscape to life with stories of legends, folklore and well-known personalities, famous or infamous! Charleston Farmhouse on the South Downs, for example, with its vibrant garden is a place of wonder and inspiration, transformed by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell as a refuge for the artists and writers of the Bloomsbury Group who helped shape 20th century taste. At Berwick Church, nearby, they used friends and local people as models for their colourful murals and frescoes which controversially depict the life of Christ against the background of war-torn Britain.”
Where to go
June Zaft, from our supplier Country Walks:“We find the Visitor Centre at Exceat a useful resource when planning our walking trips around the South Downs and Sussex coast, and the various scenic and tourist bus routes run by Brighton and Hove, Stagecoach, Compass Travel and the other local operators are useful for walkers, families and elderly or disabled people who want to explore.”
Paul Day, Managing Director at our supplier, Let’s Go Walking, shares his experiences of walking in England: “One of my favourites is the Purbeck Way which comes in from Lulworth Cove to Swanage via Corfe Castle. This is a great walk for wildlife as there’s usually deer, buzzards and rabbits around the area with loads of seabirds in Swanage as well as an occasional hare or two, if you’re lucky.”
The wonder of walking in England
June Zaft from our supplier Country Walks:“It is no surprise that walking is one of England's most popular outdoor activities. The countryside is awash with a dense network of footpaths, many hundreds of years old. Originally formed to link one village with another, they still today wind through the landscape to all kinds of hidden delights. Then there's the thrill of discovery. On foot one can enjoy the detail, discover what nature has in store, choose which path to take, wonder who will one meet on the way? All that's required is a map, compass, enquiring mind and a sense of adventure! And in England one is never far from 'civilisation' so there are no real dangers.”
Paul Day, Let’s Go Walking:
“Walking in England really helps put things into perspective and if you’ve had a bad day or are feeling a bit stressed then it really helps to make your arrangements, wrap up warm and get out the door to surround yourself with countryside.”
“Walking in England really helps put things into perspective and if you’ve had a bad day or are feeling a bit stressed then it really helps to make your arrangements, wrap up warm and get out the door to surround yourself with countryside.”
Packing tips
Paul Day, Let’s Go Walking:“My advice for walkers in England is always: do your research, wear good walking boots to support the ankles with two pairs of socks, and pack some chocolate and cereal bars to get you from one pub to the next.”
Our England walking Holidays
Thames Path walking holiday, Cotswolds to London
Follow the Thames river from its source in the Cotswolds
From
£1736 to £2562
15 days
ex flights
Winchester to Canterbury Pilgrims way
Walk the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury
From
£1875
15 days
ex flights
Northumberland coast walking holiday
Self Guided Walking Holiday in Northumberland Coast Path
From
£847 to £1190
8 days
ex flights
Thames Path walking holiday, Oxford to Windsor
Self guided walk along the River Thames Oxford to Windsor
From
£744 to £1098
7 days
ex flights
South West Coastal Path walking holiday, England
The South West Coast Path and Isles of Scilly
From
£749 to £1100
8 days
ex flights
June Zaft of our supplier Country Walks:
“You should certainly not forget your camera. With 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an immense network of footpaths meandering through villages, forests, across hills and mountains and along rivers and coasts, great photo opportunities are endless. Walking through England's diverse landscapes armed with a camera will provide a lifetime of wonderful memories.”
“You should certainly not forget your camera. With 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an immense network of footpaths meandering through villages, forests, across hills and mountains and along rivers and coasts, great photo opportunities are endless. Walking through England's diverse landscapes armed with a camera will provide a lifetime of wonderful memories.”
Melanie McAnaw walking holiday expert from our supplier, Headwater:
“I always carry a small amount of talcum powder. It might sound strange but it’s good for reducing friction and redness if you find yourself with any blisters, chaffing or heat rash. It can also help your feet stay dry and keep your thighs from chafing over long distances if you use a little before (and after) your walk. A small roll of adhesive bandage/plaster (and something to cut it with) can also be a lifesaver if you do feel yourself developing a blister. It can sometimes make the difference between a nice walk and a painful slog!”
“I always carry a small amount of talcum powder. It might sound strange but it’s good for reducing friction and redness if you find yourself with any blisters, chaffing or heat rash. It can also help your feet stay dry and keep your thighs from chafing over long distances if you use a little before (and after) your walk. A small roll of adhesive bandage/plaster (and something to cut it with) can also be a lifesaver if you do feel yourself developing a blister. It can sometimes make the difference between a nice walk and a painful slog!”
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about England walking or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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England walking holidays tips
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful England walking holiday travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your backpack.
We have selected some of the most useful England walking holiday travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your backpack.
It's an area where there are a lot of dog-walkers with their dogs off leads, so it helps if you like dogs and don't mind them being friendly to you.![]()
– Isabel Clare on the Pilgrims' Way
“Walking the Cumbria Way is an exciting exploration of the history and geology of this part of England. The most memorable moment was cresting Stake Pass and descending into the remote and grand valley of Langstrathe Beck with its stone walls reaching the crags that cap the fells. The valley remains an empty and timeless wilderness… Sturdy boots and good rain gear, including a pack cover are necessary, as are sunglasses and sunscreen. The weather is variable. You'll see more if you have done some reading about the history and the area.” – Diana Staaf on the Cumbria Way
“Our holiday on the North Downs Trail in late spring was breathtaking. The bluebells, primroses and fields of rape, punctuated with the occasional pheasant and fox, while doing a self-guided hike, made us feel like Adam and Eve alone in Paradise… Be prepared to walk pretty seriously all day and have a good sense of direction. We found that following the maps and guide book (with thorough preparation from Derek) was challenging, but very satisfying and added tremendously to the experience.” – Carol R Mehler on the Pilgrims’ Way
“Recommended to families with children. Unforgettable.” – Malgorzata Jokipii in the Cotswolds
“Our holiday on the North Downs Trail in late spring was breathtaking. The bluebells, primroses and fields of rape, punctuated with the occasional pheasant and fox, while doing a self-guided hike, made us feel like Adam and Eve alone in Paradise… Be prepared to walk pretty seriously all day and have a good sense of direction. We found that following the maps and guide book (with thorough preparation from Derek) was challenging, but very satisfying and added tremendously to the experience.” – Carol R Mehler on the Pilgrims’ Way
“Recommended to families with children. Unforgettable.” – Malgorzata Jokipii in the Cotswolds
Go at your own pace and take time to enjoy every aspect of the area and speak to the locals, who all seemed proud and quite happy to tell us "inside" information![]()
– Malgorzata Jokipii in the Cotswolds
“Bear in mind that the way marking is poor and indeed nonexistent in places. Get the Cicerone Guide and also the Rucksack Readers “Cumbria Way”; plus the biggest scale ordnance survey map and a compass. Good warm and weatherproof walking clothing is essential even in July” – Stephen Allen on the Cumbria Way
“We flew from the US, and added a pre-day in Rochester and a post-day in Canterbury. We enjoyed those days very much, and they helped to set apart the special rural quality of our trail days. Derek is very knowledgeable about the history of the area - listen to his stories and tales, they added a lot to our enjoyment of what we were viewing. He also provides an audio tour of the trail, which we listened to each night in advance of the next day’s journey.” – Ann Jensen on the Pilgrims’ Way
“During the course of the week one cannot fail to be impressed by the sights seen on the Thames Path… make sure that the daily walks are within their capabilities, even though the paths are on the level.” – Graham Stenger on our Thames Path walking holiday
“We flew from the US, and added a pre-day in Rochester and a post-day in Canterbury. We enjoyed those days very much, and they helped to set apart the special rural quality of our trail days. Derek is very knowledgeable about the history of the area - listen to his stories and tales, they added a lot to our enjoyment of what we were viewing. He also provides an audio tour of the trail, which we listened to each night in advance of the next day’s journey.” – Ann Jensen on the Pilgrims’ Way
“During the course of the week one cannot fail to be impressed by the sights seen on the Thames Path… make sure that the daily walks are within their capabilities, even though the paths are on the level.” – Graham Stenger on our Thames Path walking holiday
More about England walking
Our walking in England holiday guide encourages you to extend a city break into a country break, push your way up peaks, and seek long distance trails like the South West Coast Path.
If you are trying to work out the best time to go on a walking holiday in England, don’t always plump for the proverbial summer months, but remember that England is open all seasons.
We've identified some of our favourite spots to help you choose where to go on a walking holiday in England. Most trips are tailor made, so you can break them into stages if preferred.
Our top 10 walks in England will see you wander in the footsteps of pilgrims, discover ancient Roman heritage and follow working canals through some of the country's most spectacular scenery.
Read about the Pilgrims’ Way, a centuries-old long-distance walking route between the cathedral cities of Winchester and Canterbury that’s all things bright and beautiful.
If you’ve always wanted to walk the fells, loop the lakes, and explore the waterways of Cumbria, walking holidays to the Lake District are just the tonic. Read our guide to for more.
Walking the Thames Path is about more than the challenge of completing a linear trail. This historic hike stretches for nearly 300km from Central London to the river’s source in Gloucestershire.
Walk the White Cliffs of Dover, one of Britain’s most impressive and symbolic landscapes, on a six-day route that meanders from Canterbury to Deal through picturesque and historic parts of Kent.
Cumberland Way walking holidays explore a bygone county along one of England’s great long-distance routes, getting you hiking across the heart of the Lake District.
Walking the South Downs Way in winter is ideal for anyone fond of stargazing, roaring pub fires and affordable accommodation. The lack of crowds certainly makes up for a bit of rain.
Walking the South Downs Way is not something to be taken lightly. The best advice is to take your time and treat yourself to a holiday rather than a route march.
Walking the South West Coast Path in its entirety from Somerset to Dorset is not for the faint-hearted. Split the path into smaller sections on our brilliant walking holidays.
It’s not just about closing gates after you – there are various things to consider when it comes to responsible tourism on walking holidays in England. Read some of our thoughts.
