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Best historical sites hikes in England
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Best historical sites hikes in England

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in England.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

South West Coast Path

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (428) · 1028.2 km · Est. 37 days

2

Easy

The Ridgeway National Trail

Wiltshire, England · star 4.8 (40) · 139.9 km · Est. 6 days

3

Easy

Thames Path

Gloucestershire, England · star 4.9 (18) · 295.1 km · Est. 10 days

4

Easy

Shakespeare's Way

Warwickshire, England · star 4.8 (6) · 211.2 km · Est. 8 days

5

Easy

The Lost Spa Walk - Barnard Castle

Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 13 min

6

Medium

Hen Cloud, The Roaches, Luds Church, Gradbach Hill and Ramshaw Rocks Loop

Staffordshire, England · star 4.7 (3) · 17.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 28 min

7

Easy

Suffolk Coast Path

Suffolk, England · star 4.8 (8) · 91.0 km · Est. 4 days

8

Easy

Vanguard Way

London, England · star 5.0 (21) · 107.1 km · Est. 4 days

9

Easy

Wessex Ridgeway

Wiltshire, England · star 4.6 (8) · 219.6 km · Est. 9 days

10

Easy

John Musgrave Heritage Trail

Torbay, England · star 4.8 (9) · 51.7 km · Est. 3 days

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Reviews for historical sites hikes in England

Kerry Jane Gibbons avatar

South West Coast Path

KayJay · reviewed 28 days ago

star star star star star

lovelly easy hike, through the town of Hayle, and on through Carbis Bay

mark jones avatar

The Ridgeway National Trail

MarkJ · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

3.5 ⭐️ I finished the trail over three days and Wildcamped. The start of the trail is just outside the village of Avebury which is the home to Neolithic Stones which i definitely recommend to visit first. And you can get the 49 Bus from swindon. There are not many re supply points on trail I think I only stopped at two shops one in Goring at halfway point and in wendover towards the end. There were a few water taps to fill bottles. I completed the trail in March after a lot of rain the paths were very muddy so I think if the weather was warmer and later on in the year the trail would be nicer experience. The end of the trail is near Tring station which is very handy to get back Home.

Richard Murphy avatar

Thames Path

Richard · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Nice, short path along Thames and Hampton Court Palace and its park.

Valtteri Mikkola avatar

Shakespeare's Way

Valtteri Mikkola · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for The Lost Spa Walk - Barnard Castle.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in England

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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