England travel advice

2 min summary Best time to go Map & highlights Walking in England England by rail Devon Advice Responsible tourism

England travel advice

Mandy, from our specialist tour operator Walk Awhile, on the joys of walking in England:

Peacefulness

"I think what makes England so special for walking is the immense variety of terrain, but also the convenience of being close to many villages and towns, and good public transport links. Many people are surprised how quiet and peaceful walking in England can be.”

Pilgrims’ Way

"The Winchester to Canterbury route has become more popular recently. Walkers like the challenge of a long distance journey, and the many historical places on this trail, as well as the thought of following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, is quite fascinating. People also enjoy walking along the White Cliffs of Dover, either as part of the England coast walk or on the White Cliffs tour that starts in Canterbury and follows rolling countryside up on to the downs and the coast."

Favourite routes

"I like all of the walking holiday routes we offer, so picking a favourite would be tricky. I have done sections of the England Coast Walk in Kent and would love to complete it all for the views of the English Channel and the iconic landscape. Personally, I love walking in the autumn, for the colours in the landscape, the light and the temperature. It's as if the countryside is starting to slumber gently."

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Amber Parish-Smith, from our UK specialist tour operator Ramblers Holidays, on what to expect from walking in England:

Why England is unique

"We offer holidays all over the UK from north to south and everywhere in between. There is so much to explore on our doorstep, and taking a holiday in the UK has the added bonus that travel time is generally shorter than going abroad, there are generally no airports to travel to and from and the currency and language is what we are used to. We often find clients book a UK holiday with us as their first walking holiday and springboard further afield to Europe or further, once they realise a walking holiday is for them."

Sidmouth & Devon highlights

"The first thing that comes to mind is The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth! Our clients visit this as part of their itinerary and they always enjoy their visit. The hotel where we stay on this holiday is wonderfully located, in walking distance of Sidmouth centre. We offer varied walks, both inland and coastal walks which are just stunning. The Jurassic coastline is very beautiful and there are lots of photo opportunities."

Small group walking

"A very high percentage of our clients are ‘repeat bookers’ which is something we are incredibly proud of. I love to read feedback from clients after taking their first holiday with us, letting us know that they finally had the confidence and courage to book a group walking holiday (as perhaps they have recently become single) and they made new friends and would definitely travel with us again."

Tour leaders

"Our leaders are a very important aspect of the dynamics of our holidays and of course, help to ensure the holidays operate smoothly without any glitches – and if any problems arise, they are on hand to deal with them as professionally as possible. When we fill leader vacancies for our holidays an important aspect is to send a leader that has been to that place before."

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about England or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Tips from our travellers

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 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 suitcase.

Excellent, one of the best long weekends I have had in years. Great sea kayaking with friendly and very useful instruction

– Andy Miller on sea kayaking in Devon

“[We loved] watching the Thames grow from a trickle to a mighty river, and seeing human life grow and change along with it. We also loved the feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day. Really, it was all the small things – the village life, great food (and beer!) in rural areas, wisteria in bloom, the right amount of solitude, gentle beauty at every turn, sheep watching us. We couldn't get enough of seeing how people decked out their narrow boats.” – Frances Higgins walked the Thames Path from Oxford to Windsor

“It was so wet and swampy that 'stuck in the mud' doesn't begin to describe it. We were in stitches – haven't laughed so much in ages! …The greenest week of our lives. The farm is incredibly self sufficient, particularly in regards to energy, and they support local produce, and recycle or reuse everything possible…Made me realise how 'city' our kids are so it was great to be able to let them off the leash, let them run wild, get muddy and involved with nature. Cabins were cosy and comfortable. Ian and Maggie were lovely. Would absolutely do it again and would recommend to anyone who wants to get away for some really very fresh air and countryside!” – Jenny Brace stayed in a Devon ecolodge

“We thoroughly enjoyed it all – the walking and scenery was spectacular and the activities just pitched right for both adults and children. The trip was made even more enjoyable by the expertise, knowledge and personalities of the guides who were great fun.” – Lisa Shortland took a family activity holiday in the Lake District

“Excellent, one of the best long weekends I have had in years. Great sea kayaking with friendly and very useful instruction (if wanted), amazing scenery and coastline, very new and appropriate equipment (kayaks and accessories), good food, lovely accommodation and charming and interesting host – would thoroughly recommend either a weekend, or as an alternative booking the barn accommodation for a week (but very popular).” – Andy Miller on sea kayaking in Devon

More about England

Best time to visit England

Check out our temperature & rainfall chart and find out the best time to visit England. All four seasons have something special to offer.

England travel guide

As with all good England travel guides ours has an excellent map & highlights section to enable you to make the most of your time.

England map & highlights

While London may be the country’s most popular visitor destination, we encourage you to head further afield, to explore England’s coast, peaks, lakes and idyllic rural landscapes.