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!
At a Glance
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 | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amberley to Arundel | 9.5 mi (15 km) | 777 ft (236 m) | 4 hours | Intermediate |
| Winchester Winter Market | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 161 ft (49 m) | 1 hour 40 min | Easy (with a hill) |
| Oxford Thames Path | 6.6 mi (10.6 km) | 36 ft (8 m) | 2 hours 35 min | Easy |
| Crab & Winkle Way | 7.4 mi (12 km) | 305 ft (93 m) | 2 hours 20 min | Easy |
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!
Read the complete walking guide: Amberley to Arundel Walk
Logistics of the Amberley to Arundel Walk
- Distance: 9.55 miles (15.4 km)
- Total Ascent: 777 ft (236 m)
- Highest Point: 630 ft (192 m)
- Lowest Point: -6.5 ft (-2 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the hill at the start. The rest of the walk is pretty flat
How to get there:
- Direct train from Victoria Station to Amberley
- The journey takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
For the return
- Direct train from Arundel to Victoria Station
- The journey takes 1 hour and 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.
What to Pack
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- Gaiters as the path by the Arun River is muddy
- Backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks and packed lunch
- Headcover as it gets windy at the top of the hill
- Money for the Christmas Market at the end
Additional Information:
- 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
Where to Eat
- 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!
Read the complete walking guide: Winchester Winter Market Walk
Logistics of the Winchester Winter Market Walk
- Distance:4 miles (6.4 km)
- Total Ascent: 161 ft (49 m)
- Highest Point: 322 ft (101 m)
- Lowest Point: 98 ft (30 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- 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.
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- Snacks
- Packed lunch if you are not planning on stopping at the Winter Market for food
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day
Additional Information
- There are public toilets at the Winchester Winter Market
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- 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 Thames Path 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!
Read the complete walking guide: Oxford Thames Parth Walk
Logistics of the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Distance:6.6 miles (10.62 km)
- Ascent: 36 ft (8 m)
- Highest Point: 210 ft (64 m)
- Lowest Point: 184 ft (56 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- 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.
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- 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
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day
Additional Information
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- 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.
Read the complete walking guide: Crab & Winkle Way Walk
Logistics of the Crab and Winkle Way Walk
- Distance: 7.45 mi (12 km)
- Total Ascent: 305 ft (93 m)
- Highest Point: 259 ft (79 m)
- Lowest Point: 26 ft (8 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- 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
What to Pack
- 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
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case rain is forecasted
Additional Information:
- 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
- There are no public toilets available on this walk
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
- Suitable for cyclists
Where to Eat
- 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.
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