As the colder months approach, there’s never been a better time to explore the rural areas and towns that surround London, with many of them accessible within an hour or two. From rolling hills to quaint villages, this article will tell you all you need to know about the best winter walks near London, so you can make the most of the season. Enjoy the beauty of the English countryside with stunning views, interesting architectural features, and a few winter surprises along the way!
En bref
In a hurry? Check out the table below summarising the best Winter Walks near London with Christmas Market at the end. I go into more detail about each walk in this article. You can also download the GPS Maps for free at the end of the post.
| Distance | Montée totale | Durée de l'accord | Difficulté | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Amberley à Arundel | 9.5 mi (15 km) | 777 ft (236 m) | 4 heures | Intermédiaire |
| Winchester Winter Market | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 161 ft (49 m) | 1 heure 40 minutes | Easy (with a hill) |
| Oxford Thames Path | 6.6 mi (10.6 km) | 36 ft (8 m) | 2 hours 35 min | Facile |
| Crab & Winkle Way | 7.4 mi (12 km) | 305 ft (93 m) | 2 hours 20 min | Facile |
Winter Walks Near London Maps
Do you want to do these walks? Simply download the GPS maps for free by clicking on the button below the picture. You can learn how to upload the file onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.
Winter Walks Near London
So now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walks!
1 – Amberley to Arundel
Let’s embark on a fairy-tale-like walk from Amberley to Arundel. We start with a not-so-magical hill climb but are rewarded by the views, before going down to the banks of the River Arun for a winding walk through marshes. As we arrive in the medieval town of Arundel, we are welcomed by the imposing castle. Take a stroll through the city, taking on the history as you wander through passageways, take a look at the cathedral and do not miss the Christmas celebrations. From Candlelights to Carols passing by the Christmas Market, there are so many ways to celebrate Christmas in Arundel!
Lire le guide complet des randonnées : Amberley to Arundel Walk
Logistique de la marche d'Amberley à Arundel
- Distance: 9.55 miles (15.4 km)
- Montée totale: 777 ft (236 m)
- Point culminant : 630 ft (192 m)
- Point le plus bas : -6.5 ft (-2 m)
- Estimation de la marche : 4 heures
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire en raison de la colline au départ. Le reste de la promenade est assez plat
Comment s'y rendre:
- Direct train from Victoria Station to Amberley
- The journey takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Pour le retour
- Direct train from Arundel to Victoria Station
- Le trajet dure 1 heure et 30 minutes
- Amberley and Arundel stations are operated by Southern trains so you can book an Arundel anytime return ticket and get off at Amberley.
Ce qu'il faut emporter
- Chaussures et vêtements confortables
- Gaiters as the path by the Arun River is muddy
- Sac à dos contenant de l'eau (2L minimum recommandé), des en-cas et un panier-repas.
- Headcover as it gets windy at the top of the hill
- Money for the Christmas Market at the end
Informations complémentaires:
- There are no public toilets on this hike, however, there is a pub in Burpham village where you can stop for a drink and a toilet break
Où manger
- White Hart, Arundel, West Sussex
Highlights of the Amberley to Arundel Walk
- Amberley
- Arun River
- Burpham Village
- Arundel Castle & Cathedral
- Arundel Christmas events
2 – Winchester Winter Market Walk
This is another winter walk ending at a Christmas Market. We start with a walk through Alfred the Great former stronghold, passing by historical monuments, before reaching the River Itchen. Follow the River flow through parks and fields until you get to St. Catherine Hill. Once at the top, take the time to admire the scenic vistas over Winchester and the surrounding countryside, before going down and continuing your journey on a levelled walk back to Winchester. Make your way towards the Cathedral’s square and embrace the Christmas spirit. Wander through the enchanted Winter Market, a cup of mulled wine in your hand, and enter the majestic Winchester Cathedral to listen to the Carol service. What a wonderful way to end a day out in the winter season!
Lire le guide complet des randonnées : Winchester Winter Market Walk
Logistics of the Winchester Winter Market Walk
- Distance:4 miles (6.4 km)
- Montée totale: 161 ft (49 m)
- Point culminant : 322 ft (101 m)
- Point le plus bas : 98 ft (30 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 1 heure et 40 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- Direct trains from Waterloo Station to Winchester. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket.
Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- Sac à dos
- Snacks
- Packed lunch if you are not planning on stopping at the Winter Market for food
- Vêtements de pluie si vous partez un jour de pluie
- Couvre-chef, crème solaire et lunettes de soleil si vous partez par temps clair
Informations complémentaires
- There are public toilets at the Winchester Winter Market
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Dog-friendly walk
Où manger et boire :
- Winchester Winter food stalls
Highlights of the Winchester Winter Market Walk
- Winchester
- Winchester Cathedral
- Buttercross
- Town Clock
- Guildhall
- River Itchen
- St Catherine’s Hill
- Winchester College
- Winchester Winter Market
- Carol Service at the Cathedral
3 – Oxford Thames Path Walk
This time no hill! This Oxford circular walk follows the levelled Chemin de la Tamise route from the city onto fields and marshes. You arrive at the hamlet of Godstow where you can walk around the ruins of the Abbey. A little further down you reach the village of Wolvercourt dotted with pretty thatched houses before pushing the gate of Port Meadow and making your way back to Oxford. Roam around the Christmas Market, hunting for that perfect present and then end up in a local pub for a traditional and hearty Sunday Roast. The perfect way to spend a day out this winter!
Lire le guide complet des randonnées : Oxford Thames Parth Walk
Logistics of the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Distance:6.6 miles (10.62 km)
- Montée: 36 ft (8 m)
- Point culminant : 210 ft (64 m)
- Point le plus bas: 184 ft (56 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- Direct trains from Paddington or Marylebone to Oxford. The journey takes approximately 1 hour with the fast train and 1 hour and 30 minutes with the slow train
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket.
- Please note that Chiltern Railway requires that you book a seat to guarantee your access to the train.
Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- Sac à dos
- Snacks
- Packed lunch if you are not planning on stopping at a pub for lunch
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that as you are walking on the banks of the Thames, the path can get muddy, so don’t forget to pack your gaiters
- Couvre-chef, crème solaire et lunettes de soleil si vous partez par temps clair
Informations complémentaires
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Dog-friendly walk
Où manger et boire :
- The Trout Inn, Godstow
- Oxford Retreat Pub, Oxford
Highlights of the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Oxford
- River Thames
- Godstow Hamlet
- Godstow Abbey and Nunnery ruins
- Wolvercote Village
- Port Meadow
- Oxford Christmas Market
4 – Crab and Winkle Way Walk
Discover the magic of the Crab and Winkle Way, a scenic 7.45-mile walk from Whitstable to Canterbury, just a short train ride from London. This enchanting trail, rich in history and natural beauty, leads to the heart of Canterbury’s festive Christmas Market. Picture yourself wandering through historic landmarks, vibrant stalls, and seasonal delights, all while immersing in the picturesque Kent countryside. Intrigued? Check the complete walking guide below to explore how this unique walk combines the charm of a traditional Christmas market with the tranquillity of a countryside escape.
Lire le guide complet des randonnées : Crab & Winkle Way Walk
Logistics of the Crab and Winkle Way Walk
- Distance: 7.45 mi (12 km)
- Montée totale: 305 ft (93 m)
- Point culminant : 259 ft (79 m)
- Point le plus bas : 26 ft (8 m)
- Estimation de la marche : 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- Direct train from London Victoria or London St Pancras to Whistable
- The journey from any of the two stations mentioned above takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
For the Return:
- Direct train from Canterbury West to London Victoria. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Direct train from Canterbury West to London St Pancras. This is a fast train and the journey takes under 1 hour
- There is a slow train running from Canterbury West to London Charing Cross. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes
Ce qu'il faut emporter
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. The trail is paved so a pair of trainers is sufficient
- A backpack or cross-body bag with water and snacks
- Couvre-chef, crème solaire et lunettes de soleil si le soleil est de la partie
- Rain gear in case rain is forecasted
Informations complémentaires:
- There are passenger toilets at Whitstable and Canterbury West train stations
- There are customer toilets available at the Tesco Extra on South Street as you are leaving Whitstable
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade.
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Cette promenade est adaptée aux chiens
- Suitable for cyclists
Où manger
- Christmas Market, Canterbury, Kent
- The Lobster Shack, Whitstable, Kent
Highlights of the Crab and Winkle Way Walk
- Whitstable
- All Saints Church, Whitstable
- Clowes Wood
- St Cosmus and St Damien’s Church
- Canterbury’s main landmarks such as the Crooked Doorway House, Butcher’s Street, the Clock Tower, the Westgate Towers and of course the Canterbury Cathedral!
Final Thoughts on the Winter Walks Near London
To sum up, going for a winter walk near London is an opportunity to take advantage of the season and enjoy the Christmas festivities. Whether you’re up for an all-day excursion or an afternoon stroll, there are plenty of great locations within reach of London. So don’t let the cold weather keep you inside! Venture out, explore, and most importantly, have fun.
And you, what is your favourite winter walk? Let me know in the comments below.
Vous aimez ces promenades ? Épinglez-les !
