Photo by Iliana Nurmohamed on Unsplash

From seaside strolls along white cliffs to beautiful woodland treks, here are the best walks within easy reach of London that’ll give you a proper taste of the British countryside

London’s brilliant, isn’t it? All that energy, the history on every corner, the buzz of a proper world city. You’re probably loving every minute of exploring the capital – there’s always something happening, always another bar or club to discover, another market to wander through another shop to visit.

But here’s the thing: the UK isn’t just London. And while you’re here studying, it’d be a real shame if you didn’t venture beyond the M25 (the motorway that circles London) to see what the rest of England has to offer. The countryside starts surprisingly close to the city centre, and honestly, it’s not that far to swap the sound of sirens for birdsong and the smell of exhaust fumes for fresh country air.

These walks are perfect for when you need a breather from the intensity of London life. Whether you’re feeling homesick, stressed about studies, or just curious about what lies beyond the Underground map, getting out into proper rural England can be surprisingly restorative. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a traditional countryside pub lunch to round off a good ramble (English word for a countryside walk) – it’s practically a British rite of passage!

Whether you’re into history, wildlife, or just want some fresh air and Instagram-worthy views, we’ve got something for everyone. So dust off those walking boots (or pick up a pair from Decathlon) and get ready to explore some of England’s most beautiful countryside.

Best walks near London for students

Distance: 5 miles
How to get there: Goring & Streatley station (trains from Paddington)
Where it ends: Pangbourne
Journey time: About an hour from London

Right, don’t let the name put you off – Goring is far from boring! This lovely little Oxfordshire village sits where the Thames gets squeezed between the Berkshire Downs and the Chilterns. Honestly, it’s rather beautiful and much better than the name suggests.

The walk itself is really easy – just follow the acorn symbols along the Thames Path. No nasty hills to contend with, a great walk for the person who does not go on walks! You’ll wander past wildflower meadows (gorgeous in late spring), some proper ancient woodland, and the Hartslock Nature Reserve.

Keep an eye out for red kites – they’re massive birds that glide around overhead. And if you’re there at the right time of year, there are some rare orchids knocking about. It’s nothing like the murky Thames you see in central London, mind you, this is a much smaller, cleaner part of the river.

Where to rest afterwards: The Cross Keys does excellent pub food and has a lovely garden where you can nurse a pint and pretend you’ve done something terribly athletic.

Money-saving tip: Pack sandwiches, but definitely budget for that post-walk drink! A country pub is a much visit when in England.

Distance: 6.6 miles
Getting there: Theydon Bois station (Central line – yes, really!)
Time from London: 45 minutes max

This is brilliant because you can literally get there on the Tube. No messing about with train timetables or wondering if your railcard works – just jump on the Central line and off you go.

Epping Forest has been London’s playground for centuries. There’s something rather magical about it, especially in May when the bluebells turn the forest floor into a purple carpet. Follow the green posts marking the Oak Trail – they’ll take you through woodland where some of the beech trees are absolutely enormous. We’re talking centuries old here.

There’s a deer sanctuary (the deer are surprisingly blasé about humans), and if your student’s into history, they’ll love the Iron Age earthworks. Local legend reckons Queen Boudicca had a go at the Romans somewhere round here, though to be honest, every bit of ancient woodland in England claims that!

Post-ramble refreshment: The Queen Victoria pub sits opposite the most quintessentially English village green you’ve ever seen. Complete with duck pond, naturally.

Budget bonus: Free entry, and your Oyster card gets you there!

Distance: 6.8 miles
Getting there: Box Hill & Westhumble station (Victoria line trains)
Journey time: Just over an hour

Now, if you are one of those people who bounds up escalators rather than standing still (you know the type), they’ll absolutely love Box Hill. Fair warning though – there are 272 steps to climb before you even start the actual walk. Think of it as a warm-up! This is actually one of my personal favorite walks in the UK.

Once you’ve huffed and puffed your way to the top, the views are spectacular. Rolling Surrey countryside stretches out below you, all patchwork fields and scattered farms. The trail winds through an area with the rather wonderful nickname “Happy Valley” – though its official name is Juniper Bottom. After those steps, you’ll definitely understand the happy bit.

It’s popular with visitors from London looking to get fit in the open air, so don’t be surprised to encounter people in head-to-toe Lycra looking far more athletic than you feel.

Recovery venue: The Stepping Stones pub is perfect for collapsing with a pint. Or if you fancy something a bit different, Denbies Wine Estate is nearby – proper English wine, which is actually rather good these days.

Student survival tip: Definitely pack lunch and plenty of water. Those views are worth lingering over.

Length: 9.8 miles
Start: Ramsgate (trains from St Pancras International)
End: Margate (trains from St Pancras International)
Journey time from London: 1.5 hours

This coastal walk is perfect for students who want to tick “British seaside town” off their list. Starting in traditional Ramsgate and ending in artsy Margate, it’s like getting two completely different experiences in one day.

Following the Thanet Coastal Path, you can choose between walking along the dramatic chalk cliffs or the beach-level promenades. Keep an eye out for former smugglers’ caves – perfect for a bit of fossil hunting or rock pooling. There are plenty of beachside cafés along the way, so no need to worry about going hungry.

Margate has really come into its own in recent years, with the Turner Contemporary gallery and loads of independent shops and eateries. It’s particularly popular with art students who come to see where Turner painted some of his most famous seascapes.

Post-walk pub: Xylo is a microbrewery with spectacular views over Margate Sands – try their signature Kentish Kölsch.

Student budget tip: Many of the galleries in Margate are free, making it perfect for a cultural afternoon after your walk.

Length: 9.9 miles
Start: Chorleywood station (Metropolitan line)
End: Chesham station (Metropolitan line)
Journey time from London: 45 minutes

Despite the name, you won’t find any chess masters here (as far as we know!), but this beautiful valley walk is really special and well worth the longer trip on the tube. The area used to be famous for watercress production, thanks to its crystal-clear chalk stream that still bubbles alongside the path.

The route winds through rolling meadows and woods filled with yellow celandines in spring, passing through the chocolate-box villages of Latimer and Chenies. Film students might recognise Chenies – it’s been featured in several episodes of Midsomer Murders!

This walk is particularly lovely in late spring and early summer when the countryside is at its most lush and green.

Post-walk pub: The George & Dragon is an old coaching inn with log fires, real ales, and burgers that are definitely big enough to share.

Student budget tip: Another walk accessible on your Oyster card via the Metropolitan line.

Length: 10.1 miles
Start: Hassocks (trains from London Victoria)
End: Upper Beeding (bus connections back to London)
Journey time from London: 1.5 hours

Yes, it’s really called Devil’s Dyke, and no, we’re not making this up! This walk offers some of the finest views in the South East, with hang-gliders often soaring overhead like something out of a film. It’s perfect for students studying geography or environmental science who want to see the South Downs in all their glory.

Be warned – there are three steep hills to conquer before you reach the famous viewpoint, but the spectacular vistas over patchwork fields make every step worth it. The route passes through National Trust-owned Saddlescombe Farm, where The Wildflower caravan café serves afternoon tea and massive slabs of homemade cake.

Post-walk pub: The Rising Sun in Upper Beeding (locals call it “The Riser”) is beloved for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty portions.

Student budget tip: That homemade cake at Saddlescombe Farm is very reasonably priced and perfect for refuelling.

Length: 13.2 miles
Start and end: Marlow (trains from London Paddington via Maidenhead)
Journey time from London: 1.5 hours

By the time the Thames reaches London, it’s a busy, grey waterway full of tour boats and the occasional shopping trolley. But venture upstream to Marlow and you’ll discover its gentler, prettier side – the kind of Thames that inspired writers like Jerome K. Jerome.

This circular route takes in gorgeous Buckinghamshire countryside around the Georgian village of Marlow. You’ll find peaceful meadows, wooded hills, and overhanging willows along a tranquil stretch of river that might actually tempt you to dip your toes in (though maybe not in winter!).

Post-walk pub: Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers is the only pub in Britain with two Michelin stars. The bar serves excellent draught beers and cocktails, including a duck fat-washed old fashioned that sounds bizarre but tastes incredible.

Student budget tip: While the restaurant is pricey, the bar snacks are more reasonable and still give you that Michelin-starred experience.

Length: 14.3 miles
Start: Glynde (trains from London Victoria)
End: Seaford (trains to London Victoria)
Journey time from London: 1.5 hours

If you’ve heard about the famous Seven Sisters cliffs but want something a bit different, this is your walk. Following the South Downs Way, the route snakes along ridges and through river valleys before curving around Seaford Head, which offers fantastic views across to those iconic white cliffs.

It’s a long walk but not too challenging, making it perfect for students who want to build up their stamina. The medieval village of Alfriston makes a great halfway stop – it’s steeped in smuggling history and has some lovely tea shops.

Post-walk pub: The Wellington in Seaford always has 10 real ales on tap, including award-winning brews from the local Long Man brewery.

Student budget tip: Alfriston has several reasonably priced cafés perfect for a midway break.

Length: 16 miles
Start and end: Near Tring station (trains from London Euston)
Journey time from London: 45 minutes

Ashridge Estate is famous for its spectacular bluebell displays in late spring – if your student is here in May, this walk is absolutely unmissable. The circular route around this sprawling National Trust estate takes in ancient Chiltern beechwoods, England’s oldest footpath (the Ridgeway), and the imposing Bridgewater Monument.

The bluebells here are genuinely breathtaking – like walking through a fairy tale forest carpeted in purple-blue flowers. Even outside bluebell season, the ancient woodlands are stunning, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden.

Post-walk pub: The Alford Arms is tucked away in a secluded valley and serves award-winning local beers from Chiltern and Tring Breweries, plus a weekly changing menu of seasonal dishes.

Student budget tip: The estate is free to explore, and the train journey is relatively short and cheap.

Length: 19 miles over 2 days
Start and end: Eastbourne (trains from London Victoria)
Journey time from London: 1.5 hours

This is the big one – perfect for students who want to make a proper weekend adventure of it. This hefty loop of the South Downs Way covers every type of terrain a walker could want: hilltops, dense woodland, meandering rivers, pebble beaches, and those famous rollercoaster chalk cliffs.

Day one takes you inland through Jevington (birthplace of banoffee pie – true story!) to the medieval village of Alfriston, where there are plenty of B&Bs and pubs to rest your head. Day two tackles the breathtaking Seven Sisters cliffs, with opportunities for fossil hunting at Birling Gap before the grand finale at Beachy Head.

This walk is particularly popular with photography students – the clifftop views are some of the most spectacular in England, and the contrast between the white chalk cliffs and blue sea is simply stunning.

Post-walk pub: The Garden Bar in Eastbourne has beautiful harbour views and a sizeable terrace – perfect for celebrating the completion of your epic walk.

Student budget tip: Book accommodation in Alfriston well in advance for better rates, and consider sharing a room with fellow students.

Planning Your Walk

Getting There: All these walks are accessible by public transport from London. If you have a 16-25 Railcard, you can save a third on train travel, making these trips even more affordable.

What to Pack: Comfortable walking boots, waterproofs (this is Britain, after all!), snacks, water, and a fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded.

Safety First: Always let someone know your walking plans, especially for the longer routes. Weather can change quickly in the British countryside.

Best Time to Go: Spring through early autumn offers the best walking conditions, though each season has its charm. Winter walks can be beautiful but require extra preparation.

Whether you’re studying in London for a few months or a full academic year, these walks offer the perfect escape from city life and a chance to experience the British countryside that’s inspired writers, artists, and walkers for centuries. From gentle riverside strolls to challenging cliff walks, there’s something here for every fitness level and interest.

If you have any questions about homestay accommodation in London or need advice about getting around, get in touch!