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Walking Holidays

Walkers in South East England are spoilt for choice, whether you want a few days serious hiking, or a few hours easy strolling followed by a few hours easy lunching. With two National Parks and nine Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the South East is one of the most scenic regions in England, varying from dramatic coastline and sandy shores, to rolling green hills and heavily wooded forests. Here is a selection of ideas for walking holidays in South East England:

Isle of Wight

Image of couple walking at sunset along cliffs with view over Freshwater on the Isle of Wight

With over half the Isle of Wight designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, plus over 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore, the Island is a fantastic location for a romantic walk for two.

More about walking on the Isle of Wight

South Downs

Image of South Downs hills with tree in the foreground and apples fallen on the ground.

England's newest National Park is a walker's paradise. Stretching from historic Winchester, Hampshire, to the white cliffs of Eastbourne, East Sussex, the South Downs Way National Trail offers stunning scenery, pretty villages and a chance to get away from it all.

More about walking in the South Downs

River Thames

Image of couple arm in arm walking up the Thames path in Oxfordshire

Take a stroll along the Thames Path, the 184 miles (294 km) of national trail stretching from the River Thames source in the Cotswolds to almost the sea.The trail passes through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and finally cuts through the heart of London.

More about River Thames Walks

Wiltshire walks

Image of a couple walking in Wiltshire. Photography credit: David Williams

Wiltshire has 8,200 paths and trails for walkers and cyclists to explore. Whether you choose a gentle stroll or want a more challenging route, there is a network of footpaths for everyone. With much of Wiltshire designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, walking in Wiltshire's peaceful, glorious countryside will show you rural England at its very best.

More about walking in Wiltshire

White Cliffs of Dover

Image of couple laughing as they walk along the white cliffs of Dover in Kent.

Visit one of England's most famous landmarks, the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, as you walk from Dover along a stony path along the cliff-tops for a bracing two miles to the South Foreland Lighthouse.

More about walking along the White Cliffs of Dover

Surrey Hills

Image of couple overlooking the Surrey Hills from Boxhill. Photography by John Miller, National Trust

For a colourful display, take a walk through the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The area combines chalk downs, flower-rich grasslands, heaths and ancient forests.

More about walking in the Surrey Hills

More walking holidays in South East England

These walking holiday ideas have been selected to appeal to couples and those wishing to spend quality time together. For a full list of walking holiday ideas across the South East region, please visit our official guide to South East England.