Summer has arrived in full bloom, the sun is shining brightly above… yet, you find yourself amidst the urban sprawl of the city. It’s time to lace up your hiking shoes and set your sights on an invigorating seaside adventure with our carefully curated list of the best coastal walks near London. Conveniently accessible from the heart of the capital, you can gladly bid farewell to the cramped confines of the tube. Instead, immerse yourself in the refreshing great outdoors, where the invigorating sea breeze and the soothing aroma of the ocean await. Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating hike that might just get your feet wet?
At a Glance
In a hurry? No problem. Take a look at the table below summarising the best coastal walks near London. I go into more detail about these walks in this article.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margate to Ramsgate | 9.3 mi (15 km) | 144 ft (44 m) | 3 hours 45 min | Easy |
| The Seven Sisters | 12.3 mi (19.8 km) | 1539 ft (469 m) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Hastings to Rye | 13.2 mi (21.24 km) | 1260 ft (384 m) | 5 hours 15 min | Intermediate |
| Camber Sands to Rye | 5.2 miles (8.4 km) | 16.4 ft (5 m) | 2 hours 5 min | Easy |
| Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door | 2.8 mi (4.5 km) | 764 ft (233 m) | 1 hour 45 min | Intermediate |
| Newhaven to Brighton | 10.4 mi (16.7 km) | 991 ft (302 m) | 3 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Horsey Beach Walk | 8.9 mi (14.3 km) | 13 ft (4 m) | 3 hours 30 min | Easy |
| Purbeck Ridgeway | 12 miles (19.3 km) | 1640 ft (500 m) | 5 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
Coastal Walks Near London Maps
Download the GPS maps of the walks for free. Downloading the map might sound like a piece of cake, but if uploading it on your navigation app turns into a brain teaser, simply follow my step-by-step guide here.
Best Coastal Walks Near London
Let’s get down to the shoreline and explore the best coastal walks near London. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
1 – Margate to Ramsgate
Set your compass for the enchanting East Coast of Kent and enjoy a scenic, leisurely stroll from Margate to Ramsgate, passing through the charming town of Broadstairs. This path, known as the Viking Trail, is a beautifully paved route that traces the dramatic chalk cliffs along the coastline. You’ll encounter not one but eleven beaches and bays. Far less crowded than Brighton, these hidden gems invite you to indulge in a refreshing dip as you make your way between towns.
Although you can walk in either direction, I recommend starting in Margate and ending in the picturesque seaside town of Ramsgate. Soak up the coastal views and experience the perfect blend of walking and swimming!
Access the full hiking guide here
Logistics for the Margate to Ramsgate Walk
- Distance: 9.30 miles (15km)
- Total Ascent: 144ft (44 m)
- Highest Point: 141 ft (43 m)
- Lowest Point: 3.3 ft (1 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy as flat terrain but intermediate for the distance
How to get there:
- Train from London St Pancras. I would recommend you buy a day’s return to Margate and get off at Ramsgate.
- The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on the train you take
For the Return:
- Train from Margate to London Victoria or London St Pancras.
- The journey to London Victoria takes 1 hour and 45 minutes
- The journey to London St Pancras takes 1 hour and 30 minutes
Additional Information:
- There are public toilets available at Dumpton Gap Beach, Broadstairs Victoria Garden, Broadstairs Harbour, Stone Bay Beach, Joss Bay Beach, Botany Bay Beach and Margate Beach
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to Eat
- Morelli’s Gelato in Broadstairs
- The Mariners Bar in Ramsgate
- The Bus Cafe in Margate
2 – Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters Walk is a crowning jewel among England’s coastal treks. Your journey begins in the charming seaside town of Seaford and follows a dramatic path along the iconic chalk cliffs, ending in Eastbourne.
The best views come after the hardest climbs
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A sentiment that truly resonates here. With each step, you’re rewarded with invigorating sea breezes and awe-inspiring views of the English Channel, the South Downs, and the picturesque coastline. The physical effort is well worth it for the natural beauty that awaits.
Logistics for the Seven Sisters Walk
- Distance: 12.3 miles (19.8 km)
- Total Ascent: 1539 feet (469 m)
- Highest Point: 531.5 ft (162 m)
- Lowest Point: -9.8 ft (-3 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London Victoria to Lewes and change at Lewes for a train to Seaford.
- The journey to London Victoria takes around 1 hour and a half depending on how long you need to wait when changing trains at Lewes
For the Return:
- Train from Eastbourne to London Bridge
- The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes
- You won’t be able to book a day return ticket on this walk as the train back from Eastbourne is not on the same line as Seaford.
Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Seaford Beach and Birling Gap
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
- This walk is not suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users
Where to Eat
- Cuckmere Inn, Seaford
- Birling Gap Cafe
- The Tiger’s Inn, East Dean
- The Hiker’s Rest Cafe, East Dean
- Beachy Head Inn, Eastbourne
3 – Hastings to Rye
Embark on a captivating journey from the historic coastal town of Hastings, known for its rich heritage and seaside charm. This walk is a patchwork of landscapes, starting with the ascent into Hastings Country Park, followed by quiet forest paths, dramatic chalk cliffs, and finally a peaceful canal towpath into Rye.
It’s a walk best enjoyed on a sun-kissed day, blending coastal drama with woodland calm and village charm.
Logistics for the Hastings to Rye Walk
- Distance: 13.2 miles (21.24 km)
- Total Ascent: 1260 feet (384 m)
- Highest Point: 466 ft (142 m)
- Lowest Point: 3.3 ft (1 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London St Pancras to Ashford and change at Ashford for a train to Hastings. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the waiting time when changing trains
- Train from London Bridge to Hastings. This train may be direct but it is a slow train. The journey takes around 2 hours
For the Return:
- Train from Rye to Ashford and change at Ashford for a train to London St Pancras. The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Train to Hastings and change at Hastings for a train to London Charing Cross. The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Rye and Hastings are on the same train line so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets on this walk however there is a coffee shop stop with customer toilets at Pett Level
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
- This walk is not suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users
Where to Eat
- The Globe Inn Marsh, Rye
4 – Camber Sand to Rye
Trade the crunch of pebbles for the soft sweep of golden sand on this blissful walk from Camber Sands to Rye. Start your journey with barefoot steps along one of the UK’s few true sandy beaches. Pause for an ice cream or a beachside paddle before leaving the coast behind, following a quiet inland trail toward the cobbled streets and historic charm of Rye. It’s a walk that feels like two getaways in one—sun-soaked shoreline and storybook market town, wrapped into one easy afternoon adventure.
Access the full walking guide here
Logistics of the Camber Sands to Rye Walk
- Distance: 5.22 miles (8.4 km)
- Total Ascent: 16.4 ft (5 m)
- Highest Point: 42.6 ft (13 m)
- Lowest Point: -6.5 ft (-2 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Train from London St Pancras to Ashford International. Change at Ashford International for a train to Rye. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on the waiting at Ashford International
- At Rye, take bus 102 to Dover and get off at Coastguard Cottages’ stop. The journey takes 12 minutes
For the Return
- For the way back, take a train from Rye to Ashford International and change at Ashford International for a train to London St Pancras.
- This walk may be a linear walk but you start and come back to the same train station so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- There are public toilets at Camber Sands and customer toilets at the Beach cafe
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is not a dog-friendly walk as the beach does not allow dogs during some parts of the year. Please check their website for more information
Where to Eat
- Ice Cream at the Kit Kat Cafe, Camber, East Sussex
- Lunch at the Globe Inn Marsh, Rye, East Sussex
5 – Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Prepare to be awestruck by one of England’s most iconic coastal walks. Starting from the sheltered, turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove and climbing over the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, this short yet spectacular route leads you to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door—a geological wonder carved by time and tide. Let the sea breeze guide you—this one’s unforgettable.
Access the full walking guide here
Logistics of the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk
- Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
- Ascent: 764 ft (233 m)
- Highest Point: 410 ft (125 m)
- Lowest Point: – 7ft (- 2 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the ascent
How to get there:
- By car only. There is a car park at West Lulworth and another one at Durdle Door, depending on where you want to start the walk
- Find out more information about the car park fares in the article below
Additional Information
- There are public toilets in West Lulworth on the Main Road between the Cove Fish and the Lulworth Lodge
- Public toilets are also available at Lulworth Visitor Centre
- Public toilets are available at the Durdle Door car park
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- Lulworth Cove Inn, West Lulworth, Dorset
- Finley’s Cafe, West Lulworth, Dorset
6 – Newhaven to Brighton Walk
Set off from the working harbour of Newhaven and trace the windswept cliffs and open skies of the South Downs, where the sea is never far from view. The route soon merges with the dramatic Brighton Undercliff Walk—a salt-sprayed path etched between towering chalk walls and the restless waves below. It’s a striking coastal corridor that leads you from the quiet edge of the cliffs to the vibrant heart of Brighton’s seafront.
Access the full walking guide here
Logistics of the Newhaven to Brighton Walk
- Distance:10.4 miles (16.7 km)
- Total Ascent: 991 ft (302 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London Victoria to Lewes and then change at Lewes for a train to Newhaven town. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes
For the Return:
- It is a linear walk so for the return take a direct train from Brighton to London Victoria. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes
Additional Information
- There are public toilets in Newhaven and along the Undercliff Walk
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Pub stop
- The Coach House, Rottingdean, East Sussex
7 – Horsey Beach Walk
We end our coastal collection on a quietly magical note with the windswept shores of Horsey Beach—best known for its remarkable grey seal colony. Every year from November, hundreds of seals return to these dunes to give birth, turning the beach into a protected sanctuary . The beach invites respectful walkers to witness this extraordinary natural spectacle: curious pups lounging in the sand, mothers watching from the surf, and the wild North Sea just beyond. Peaceful and remote, Horsey offers more than just a coastal walk—it’s a rare chance to connect with wildlife in one of England’s most untouched seaside settings.
Access the complete walking guide here
Logistics for the Horsey Beach walk
- Distance: 8.9 miles (14.32 km)
- Ascent: 13 ft (4 m)
- Highest Point: 36 ft (11 m)
- Lowest Point: – 3ft (- 1 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- By car only. There is a car park at Horsey Gap and an overflow car park behind it open during the busy season.
Additional Information:
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk but dogs must be kept on a lead
- Public toilets are available at the Horsey Windpump carpark
Where to eat and drink:
- Horsey Windpump, Horsey, Norfolk
8 – Purbeck Ridgeway From Corfe Castle
Step into a living postcard on the Purbeck Ridgeway, a breathtaking walk that weaves together history, heathland, and coast. Starting beneath the crumbling ruins of Corfe Castle, this ridge-top route offers panoramic views across Dorset’s rolling countryside before leading you toward the dramatic white chalk stacks of Old Harry’s Rocks. It’s a walk that captures the full drama of the Jurassic Coast—from medieval stone to wind-whipped cliffs.
Logistics for the Purbeck Ridgeway Walk
- Distance: 12 miles (19.3 km)
- Total Ascent: 1640 ft (500 m)
- Highest Point: 636 ft (194 m)
- Lowest Point: 43 ft (13 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London Waterloo to Wareham, Dorset. There are no direct trains so you would need to change in Bournemouth.
- From Wareham Station, take bus 40 towards Swanage and alight at Corfe Castle
- By car from London, it takes approximately 3 hours to Corfe Castle. The Castle has a car park and it is a National Trust site, so the car park is free for members.
For the return:
- If you walk to Swanage, you can take the Steam Train to Corfe Castle. It runs only during the summer months, 5 times per day. Check their website for more information
- Alternatively, you can take bus 30 from Swanage to Weymouth and alight at Corfe Castle
- You can also walk back to Corfe Castle via the same route – which is what we are doing in this walk. From Corfe Castle, take bus 40 to Wareham and train back to London Waterloo
Additional Information:
- There are toilets available at the Corfe Castle Visitor Centre and Tea Room
- This is not a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk, however, the stile at the start of the trail does not have a dog gate. All the other stiles on this walk are suitable for dogs
- This walk is not suitable for pushchair and wheelchair users
Where to Eat
- Corfe Castle Tea Room, Corfe Castle, Dorset
- The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Final Thoughts On the Coastal Walks Near London
Looking for more sea air and scenic trails? You can check Kate Humble’s Coastal Walk show to get some more inspiration for your next adventure.
And you, what is your favourite coastal walk? Please let me know in the comments below.
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