Best Walking Holidays in England

Walking holidays in the United Kingdom have become one of the most rewarding ways to explore the countryside, soak up history, and enjoy a slower pace of travel. Whether you’re seeking dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, or charming villages, a walking holiday in Britain gives you the chance to discover landscapes that are often missed when travelling by car. From short walking breaks in the UK to longer trails across England’s national parks, there are options to suit every level of walker.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best walks in England, how walking holidays differ from hiking, where to enjoy scenic routes, and which companies offer memorable walking tours.

What is the best walk in England?

England is blessed with hundreds of beautiful walking routes, but a few stand out as classics for those planning a walking holiday in Britain.

• Hadrian’s Wall Path: This 84-mile route stretches coast to coast across northern England. Following the line of the ancient Roman wall, it offers sweeping views of wild moorland and fascinating historic ruins. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy both scenery and history on their walking holidays in Great Britain.
  
• The Cotswold Way: If you imagine golden stone villages, cosy pubs, and gently rolling hills, the Cotswolds will deliver. This long-distance trail runs from Chipping Campden to Bath and is ideal for a relaxed walking holiday in England with plenty of stops for tea and local food.
  
• The Lake District: For more dramatic scenery, the Lake District offers some of the finest walking holidays in the UK. You can tackle well-known routes like Helvellyn or Catbells, or choose gentle lakeside paths around Windermere and Derwentwater.
  
• South West Coast Path: Stretching over 600 miles, this is the UK’s longest national trail. Of course, you don’t have to walk it all at once. Short sections around Cornwall, Devon, or Dorset make for brilliant walking breaks in the UK, with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches to enjoy.

Each of these routes offers something different, from challenging treks to leisurely strolls, making them excellent choices for anyone planning walking holidays in England.

What’s the difference between hiking and walking holidays?

The terms “hiking” and “walking holidays” are often used interchangeably, but they do carry different meanings.

• Hiking usually refers to more strenuous, adventurous walking. It often involves mountainous terrain, higher levels of fitness, and a focus on the physical challenge. For example, scaling Scafell Pike in the Lake District would be considered a hike.
  
• Walking holidays in the UK, on the other hand, are more about the overall travel experience. They typically include planned routes with accommodation along the way, opportunities to explore towns and villages, and a pace that allows for rest and enjoyment. Many walking holiday packages in Britain are designed so you can walk a manageable distance each day before arriving at a comfortable inn or guesthouse.
  

In short, hiking is about the climb, while a walking holiday is about the journey. Both are rewarding, but walking holidays in Great Britain tend to appeal to those who want a mix of exercise, culture, and relaxation.

Where is it nice to go on a walk?

England is packed with regions that are perfect for walking breaks in the UK. Here are some top picks:

• Yorkshire Dales: Known for its rolling hills, stone barns, and winding dry-stone walls, the Dales are ideal for leisurely walking holidays in England. The Dales Way is a popular long-distance path here.
  
• Peak District: As the UK’s first national park, the Peak District offers something for everyone. From gentle trails near Bakewell and Chatsworth House to more challenging climbs like Kinder Scout, it’s an excellent area for a weekend walking holiday in Britain.
  
• Cornwall and Devon: The southwest of England is a paradise for coastal walks. The mix of fishing villages, sandy bays, and dramatic headlands makes this region one of the best for walking holidays in the UK.
  
• Norfolk Broads: If you prefer flat walking routes with plenty of wildlife, the Norfolk Broads are a delight. With riverside paths, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful countryside, it’s a gentler but equally rewarding option.
  
• City walking tours: Don’t forget that walking breaks in the UK can also be urban. Cities like London, Oxford, and York offer fascinating walking routes where you can explore history, architecture, and culture on foot.

With such variety, it’s no surprise that walking holidays in England appeal to all kinds of travellers, whether you want a strenuous trek or a slow meander.

What is the best walking tour company?

If you’re planning a walking holiday in Britain, choosing the right company can make all the difference. Some of the most trusted names in the UK include:

• HF Holidays: A long-established provider offering guided group walking holidays in Great Britain and beyond. Their expert leaders and sociable atmosphere are a big draw.
  
• Macs Adventure: Specialising in self-guided walking holidays UK-wide, they arrange your route, maps, accommodation, and luggage transfers, leaving you free to walk at your own pace.
  
• Contours Walking Holidays: Well-known for tailor-made packages across England, Scotland, and Wales. They cover everything from iconic trails like the Coast to Coast to shorter walking breaks in the UK.
  
• Inntravel: Focused on slower travel, Inntravel offers relaxed walking holidays in England and Europe, often featuring hand-picked hotels and scenic routes.

When choosing a company, consider whether you want a guided group or prefer the independence of a self-guided trip. Also think about budget, fitness level, and whether you’d like added extras such as luggage transfers or meals included.

Conclusion

Walking Holidays in UK can provide some of the most rewarding and exciting holiday experiences. Whether your dream is to wander the wild beauty of the Lake District, the charm of the Cotswolds or the drama of Cornwall’s cliffs, they is a walking holiday in England for you.

Walking holidays, however, are about more than the raw physical challenge they are about an engagement with the landscape, about hospitability and travelling at a pace that lets you drink in the views. With some fantastic walking tour providers now able to lay on routes, accommodation, and support, planning the walk has never been simpler.

So pull on those boots, pick a route and find out for yourself why walking holidays in the UK are still one of the most incredible ways to make the country’s vast diversity spectacular landscapes your own.