Pub walks near London combine two of the best things about a countryside escape: a good walk and a well-earned pub stop at the end. From rolling hills and woodland trails to riverside paths and picturesque villages, I have selected some of my favourite walks ending at a traditional pub. All routes are accessible from London by public transport and organised by difficulty, making it easy to find your next day out.
At a Glance
In a hurry? Check out the table below. I go into more details in each walks in this article.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epping Forest | 19.5 km | 3 hrs 30 min | Intermediate |
| Orpington to Knockholt | 17 km | 3 hrs 45 min | Intermediate |
| Sole Street Circular | 19 km | 4 hrs 40 min | Intermediate |
| River Darent Walk | 7 km | 1 hr 40 min | Easy |
| East Grinstead Circular | 19 km | 4 hours 40 min | Intermediate |
| Otford to Oxted | 20 km | 6 hours | Intermediate |
| Lewes Circular | 24 km | 6 hours 35 min | Intermediate |
| Marlow Circular | 25.3 km | 5 hours | Intermediate |
| Tunbridge Wells Circular | 30.15 km | 7 hours 15 min | Challenging |
| Twickenham to Windsor | 45 km | 9 hours 15 min | Challenging |
| Long Man of Wilmington | 15.2 km | 4 hours | Beginner |
| Eridge Circular | 5.8 km | 1 hr 30 min | Easy |
| Marlow to Henley | 16 km | 4 hours | Beginner |
| Ivinghoe Beacon | 12 km | 3 hrs 10 min | Beginner |
| Goring Gap | 8.6 km | 2 hrs 10 min | Easy |
| Tillingbourne at Work | 13 km | 3 hrs 40 min | Beginner |
| Joydenโs Wood | 12 km | 3 hours | Beginner |
| Berkhamsted to Tring | 9.6 km | 2 hrs 10 min | Easy |
| Newhaven to Brighton | 16.7 km | 3 hrs 30 min | Beginner |
| Audley End Walk | 12 km | 3 hrs 10 | Beginner |
Maps of the Pub Walks near London
Best Pub Walks near London
So now we covered the basics, letโs get to the walks!
1 โ Epping Forest
Epping Forest is one of the easiest countryside escapes from London, and you donโt even need to leave the TFL zone to get there. Simply jump on the Central Line and swap the busy streets for ancient woodland and peaceful forest trails. Finish the walk in Epping with a well-earned meal and drink at the George & Dragon.
2 โ Orpington to Knockholt
You donโt need to travel far from London to find proper countryside. This 16.9 km walk from Orpington to Knockholt takes you through woodland, open fields, rolling farmland and quiet villages, with 286 m of ascent along the way.
The route passes through Chelsfield, Downe Bank and Prattโs Bottom before finishing at the Bo-Peep, a traditional countryside pub around 20 minutes from Knockholt Station and a great spot for a well-earned Sunday roast.
3 โ Sole Street Circular
Vineyards, ancient woodland, rolling hills and apple orchards make the Sole Street Circular a surprisingly varied walk through the Kent Downs. The 19 km route also takes you through Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve and the historic village of Cobham, where you can stop for lunch at the Leather Bottle, a traditional pub said to have been Charles Dickensโ favourite ale house in the village and featured in The Pickwick Papers.
4 โ River Darent Walk
For a shorter and gentler option, follow the River Darent from Shoreham to Eynsford through the Kent countryside. This easy 7 km walk combines peaceful riverside paths with open fields, Castle Farm, Lullingstone Castle and the impressive Eynsford Viaduct. With just 13 m of ascent, it is an ideal choice for a relaxed day out, finishing at the Castle Inn Hotel in Eynsford for a pub lunch or Sunday roast.
Access the full guide here
5 โ East Grinstead Circular
I cannot turn water into wine, but I can take you on a walk from a reservoir to a vineyard and that is still a pretty good skill to have! This route takes you through the beautiful High Weald, past Weir Wood Reservoir and through the Sussex countryside to a local vineyard. Unlike the other pub walks in this guide, the pub stop comes halfway through the route, at the Cat Inn in the hilltop village of West Hoathly, perfectly timed for a well-earned lunch before continuing the walk.
6 โ Otford to Oxted
Starting in the historic village of Otford, this 20 km walk takes you across the North Downs through rolling hills, open fields and stretches of woodland. With 260 m of ascent and around 6 hours of walking, it is one of the longer and more challenging pub walks on this list.
Along the way, the route climbs Star Hill before passing through Cooperโs Wood, Roughfields Wood and Joelandโs Wood on the way towards Oxted. Finish your day at the Old Bell, where a traditional pub meal and a well-earned drink await after a long day on the trail.
Access the full guide here
7 โ Lewes Circular
For a proper challenge, the Lewes Circular takes you on a 24 km journey up and down the chalk hills of the South Downs, with 630 m of ascent along the way. Starting and finishing in historic Lewes, the route rewards all that climbing with panoramic views across the Ouse Valley and, on a clear day, as far as the English Channel.
Along the way, you will discover Mount Caburn and its Iron Age hill fort, the village of Glynde, Monkโs House and Ashcombe Mill. Much of the route is exposed, so save this one for a clear day when you can make the most of those views. Once back in Lewes, head to the Brewerโs Arms for a well-earned meal and drink after one of the more challenging walks on this list.
8 โ Marlow Circular via High Wycombe
Starting and finishing in Marlow, this challenging 25 km circular takes you deep into the Chilterns through rolling hills, open countryside and several stretches of woodland. With 438 m of ascent and around 6 hours of walking, expect plenty of ups and downs as you make your way through Marlow Bottom, Booker, Lane End and the surrounding countryside.
Woodland is one of the highlights of this route, particularly in spring when High Barberโs Wood is carpeted with bluebells. After the final descent back into Marlow, head to the Marlow Donkey for a well-earned pub meal and drink after a long day on the trail.
9 โ Tunbridge Wells Circular
If you are looking for a proper challenge, the Tunbridge Wells Circular delivers with 30 km of rolling hills, woodland and countryside trails through the High Weald. Starting and finishing in Tunbridge Wells, the route takes you through Pembury, Tonbridge, Southborough, Speldhurst and Rusthall, with plenty of steep climbs and panoramic views along the way.
The woodland sections are particularly beautiful in spring when the ground is carpeted with bluebells, but this is a rewarding long-distance hike at any time of year. After more than seven hours on the trail, finish back in Tunbridge Wells with a well-earned meal and drink at the Claremont Pub.
10 โ Thames Path: Twickenham to Windsor
For the ultimate challenge on this list of pub walks near London, follow the Thames Path all the way from Twickenham to Windsor. At 45 km, this is a seriously long day out, taking around 9 hours and 15 minutes to complete, despite being almost entirely flat.
Following the River Thames, the route passes through Kingston upon Thames, Hampton Court, Walton-on-Thames, Shepperton and Runnymede before reaching Windsor. Along the way, you will see landmarks including Hampton Court Palace, the Magna Carta memorials and, finally, Windsor Castle.
Make it to the finish line and you can celebrate your 45 km achievement with a very well-earned meal and drink at the Carpenterโs Arms in Windsor.
11 โ Long Man of Wilmington
For a pub walk combining rolling hills, panoramic views and a little mystery, head to the South Downs for the Long Man of Wilmington Walk. This 15.2 km circular from Polegate takes you across open countryside and up Wilmington Hill, where you are rewarded with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and, on a clear day, as far as the English Channel.
The highlight is the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, the giant figure carved into the chalk hillside whose origins remain uncertain. From there, descend into the historic village of Wilmington for a well-earned lunch at the Long Man Inn before continuing through the secluded village of Folkington and across farmland back to Polegate.
12 โ Eridge Circular
For a shorter and easier pub walk near London, head to the High Weald for this 5.8 km circular from Eridge. With just 9 m of ascent and around 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking, this is a great option when you want a countryside escape without committing to a full day on the trail.
The highlight of the route is Harrisons Rocks, an impressive collection of sandstone outcrops hidden amongst the trees of Birchden Wood and a popular spot for rock climbing. From there, continue towards the historic village of Groombridge and past Groombridge Place before following countryside paths and woodland back to Eridge.
Finish your walk at the Huntsman, a traditional pub conveniently located near Eridge station, for a meal or drink before catching the train back to London.
13 โ Marlow to Henley
For a scenic walk without the hills, follow the Thames Path from Marlow to Henley-on-Thames. Starting by Marlowโs iconic Suspension Bridge, this 16 km linear walk follows the River Thames through a mixture of riverside paths, open meadows and woodland, with very little ascent along the way.
You will pass Temple Lock, Hurley, Hambleden Lock and Temple Island before following the river into Henley-on-Thames. With beautiful views across the water, historic villages and plenty of boats and wildlife along the way, this is a great option for a more relaxed day on the trail.
Once in Henley, finish at the Bell on Bull Street for a well-earned pub meal or Sunday roast before making your way to the station.
14 โ Ivinghoe Beacon
For panoramic views without committing to a particularly long hike, this circular walk from Tring takes you along the ancient Ridgeway to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon. The 12 km route climbs through Aldbury Nowers before reaching the Beacon, one of the highest points in the Chiltern Hills and the eastern end of the Ridgeway.
After taking in the views from the summit, descend through open farmland to the picturesque village of Aldbury, known for its traditional cottages, duck pond and historic village stocks. Stop at the Greyhound for a well-earned pub meal or drink before completing the short final stretch back to Tring Station.
15 โ Goring Gap
For an easy pub walk with beautiful riverside scenery, follow this 8.6 km route from Pangbourne to Goring through the Goring Gap, where the River Thames cuts between the Chilterns and the North Wessex Downs.
Starting in Pangbourne, cross the Thames at Whitchurch before following the historic Hartslock Bridleway into Hartslock Nature Reserve. The reserve is particularly special in May and June, when its rare monkey orchids are in bloom. From there, the walk descends towards the Thames for a peaceful final stretch along the river to the picturesque twin villages of Goring and Streatley.
Finish at the Miller of Mansfield in Goring for a well-earned pub meal before catching the train back to London.
16 โ Tillingbourne At Work
This 13 km circular from Chilworth traces the River Tillingbourne through woodland and open countryside, revealing how the river once powered the industries that developed along its banks.
The route begins at the atmospheric remains of Chilworth Gunpowder Works before continuing through Albury and the pretty village of Shere. From there, join part of the historic Pilgrimโs Way, with views towards Newlands Corner, before returning alongside the River Tillingbourne to Chilworth.
Finish at the Percy Arms in Chilworth for a well-earned meal and drink before making the short journey back to the station.
17 โ Joydenโs Wood
Ancient woodland with a Saxon past and a Second World War story hidden among the trees, Joydenโs Wood has much more to offer than a simple forest stroll. This easy 12 km walk starts in Swanley and takes you through Swanley Park and Hextable before disappearing beneath the canopy of the 135-hectare Joydenโs Wood.
Follow the woodland trails and boardwalk past carved wooden sculptures before discovering the remains of Faesten Dic, a Saxon defensive earthwork, and a memorial to a Hawker Hurricane shot down over the woods during the Second World War. After leaving the forest, the landscape opens into farmland for the final stretch towards Bexley.
Finish at Tanyard Lane Bar & Kitchen in Bexley for a meal and drink before heading to the nearby station for the journey back to London.
18 โ Berkhamsted to Tring
Sometimes a pub walk doesnโt need hills and panoramic viewpoints. This easy 9.6 km walk from Berkhamsted to Tring is all about slowing down and following the Grand Union Canal through the Hertfordshire countryside.
Starting in the historic market town of Berkhamsted, the route joins the towpath and follows the canal past colourful narrowboats, a succession of locks and Northchurch before reaching the marina at Cow Roast. The scenery gradually changes from residential canal banks to more open countryside as you make your way towards Tring.
Leave the canal near Tring and continue into town for a meal and drink at the Robin Hood before heading back to the station.
19 โ Newhaven to Brighton
Swap rolling countryside for sea views on this 16.7 km coastal walk from Newhaven to Brighton. The first part of the route follows the top of the chalk cliffs above the English Channel, passing through Peacehaven and the Greenwich Meridian Monument before descending to sea level at Saltdean.
From there, follow the Brighton Undercliff Walk beneath the towering white cliffs to Rottingdean, where you can take a well-timed break for a pub meal at the Coach House. Once refuelled, continue along the coast towards Brighton Marina before finishing your day among the classic seaside sights of Madeira Drive and Brighton Pier.
20 โ Audley End Walk
A grand Jacobean mansion, historic parkland and a tiny country pub hidden away near the trail, this easy walk around Audley End is perfect if you like mixing a little culture with your countryside escape.
Starting from Audley End Station, the 12 km circular takes you through Wendens Ambo before entering the vast Audley End Estate, where woodland, farmland and tree-lined paths surround the magnificent Audley End House. There is even a shallow stream to cross using stepping stones along the way.
Before returning to the station, stop at The Bell, a tiny traditional country pub complete with a large fireplace and plenty of character.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pub Walks near London
From short woodland strolls and riverside trails to challenging hikes across the South Downs, these pub walks near London prove that a good day in the countryside can always be made better with a well-earned pub stop.
Whether you fancy a Sunday roast, a refreshing pint or simply somewhere to rest your feet after a long day on the trail, there is a walk on this list for every level.
Looking for more inspiration? Head over to my guide to theย Best pub walks in Kentย for more countryside routes combining scenic trails with some great places to eat and drink along the way.
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