The 7 Best Coastal Walks Near London

London is often thought of as a hugely bustling urban centre and a global city in its own right. This is absolutely the case, but many people forget just how close to the coast and the numerous cliffs, beaches, and coastal hiking trails London is. Within an hour or so on the train or by car, you can end up along some of the finest coastlines that England has to offer, known for their incredible scenery, clean air and quiet nature – a far cry from the heart of London.

Here are the 7 best coastal walks near London.

Where Can I Find The Best Coastal Walks Near London?

1. Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk

Found in East Sussex, overlooking the iconic chalk cliffs which are so characteristic of England’s southern coast, the Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk is an excellent coastal walk just a stone’s throw from London.

The full walk is 21km, so it might be challenging for unseasoned hikers, but the beauty of this walk is that you can split it up into shorter walks, as there are so many start and end points.

However, if you wish to tackle the full 21km walk, then the best bet is to start from Seaford and make your way across to Eastbourne. You’ll need a full day for this walk, so make sure that you’re prepared with all of the right hiking equipment, including suitable footwear, suitable clothing and plenty of water and high-energy snacks like fruit and cereal bars.

Along the route, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the chalky-white cliffs in front and behind you, windswept coast

al fields and lots of seabird activity, as well as the waters of the English Channel accompanying you throughout the whole journey.

Distance: 21km

Route Highlights: Chalk cliffs, seabirds, the English Channel

2. Margate to Broadstairs

Part of the Viking Coastal Trail in Kent, one of London’s neighbouring counties, the 10km walk from Margate to Broadstairs is one of the easiest coastal walks in the region.

Taking in the scenery from the starting point in Margate, on the Kentish coast, and heading south towards Broadstairs, the walk is known for the many different bays that you will pass along the way, including Warpool Bay, Palm Bay and Kingsgate Bay.

These are excellent spots to stop for some photos, as well as for wildlife spotting, from the rich and varied seabird species that inhabit the coast to marine life further out at sea, such as dolphins and seals, so make sure to bring your binoculars and a good camera if you have one.

For more experienced hikers, the Viking Trail is a full route, approximately 51km in total, making it a suitable option for those who want to spend a couple of days hiking the route. The Margate to Broadstairs route, on the other hand, is a good alternative for those seeking an easier option.

Distance: 10km

Route Highlights: Numerous bays, seabirds, and marine life.

3. Deal to Dover

Another good walk just a short distance from London is the Deal to Dover (or Dover to Deal, depending on which way round you do it) walk, which is a manageable 16km.

This is a good choice for those who aren’t too keen on steep, hilly walks, as the route – if you set off from Deal – is mostly downhill towards Dover, with a couple of climbs towards the end.

Of course, as you’re coming into Dover, you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, a site which is synonymous with the southern British coastline and British identity in general.

Dover Castle is also another welcoming site, and the mighty fortress can still be visited today. This is a great walk for nature and history lovers alike.

Distance: 16km

Route Highlights: White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, St Margaret’s Bay.

4. Clacton Pier to Walton Pier

One of the shorter coastal walks on this list, the hike from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier in Essex makes for a great day trip from London.

The walk is also very flat and easy, making it easy to do with older children or teenagers. Many avid runners also enjoy jogging this route due to its flat nature and the scenery that you’re rewarded with along the way.

As well as the classic British seaside institutions such as fish and chip shops, amusement arcades and ice cream sellers, there are also some beautiful areas along this walk which often go unnoticed.

One such area is just before you arrive at Walton Pier – a place called Walton-on-the-Naze. This is a stunning nature reserve, where eagle-eyed visitors can expect to see a vast array of marine life, including various species of seabirds, as well as harbour porpoise, dolphins, common seals, grey seals and more.

Distance: 11km

Route Highlights: Walton-on-the-Naze, seaside towns.

5. Bradwell to St Lawrence

Part of the Thames Estuary Trail, the 16km walk from Bradwell to St Lawrence is a great walk for keen hikers.

Found on the Dengie Peninsula in Essex, just a short drive from London, the walk is primarily aimed at wildlife and nature enthusiasts, as well as those with a passion for walking.

The beauty of this walk, as well as the varied wildlife you can see, is that you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London, and instead feel much more relaxed in the quiet woodland trails on this route.

Part of the Bradwell to St Lawrence walk passes through Thrift Wood Nature Reserve, home to several species of rare native British trees, as well as wonderful flora and fauna, too.

The historically significant Blackwater Estuary is also a part of this route, which is a significant coastal feature of the area.

Distance: 16km

Route Highlights: Blackwater Estuary, Thrift Wood Nature Reserve, Dengie Peninsula.

6. Beachy Head to Birling Gap

One of the best, if not the best, walks in East Sussex, Beachy Head to Birling Gap, is one of the most beautiful sections of the South Downs Way.

Similar to some of the aforementioned walks, it’s hard to believe that this route is just a couple of hours away from London – many hikers feel like they’re in a completely different country, let alone just a short drive down the road!

Beachy Head is most famous for its red-and-white striped lighthouse, a key feature of the area, which makes for an excellent photo opportunity or a good starting point.

Remember the Seven Sisters that were mentioned earlier? You’ll pass part of those on this walk, too, as you reach Birling Gap.

There’s also another historic lighthouse along the route – Belle Tout Lighthouse – which guided ships into the harbours for many years, before being turned into one of the country’s most unique B&Bs. 

Distance: 13km

Route Highlights: Lighthouses, Seven Sisters, chalk cliffs, and beaches.

7. Newhaven Town to Brighton Pier

This 17km-long route forms part of the England Coastal Path, but this particular stretch is both near London and accessible for all levels of hikers.

The beauty of this stretch is that you don’t have to do the full 17km, as there are plenty of places that you can stop off and call it a day, because while many of the other walks are more remote, the number of villges and towns across this section of the England Coastal Path makes it easy to pick and choose where you’d like to start and end your journey.

One of the best parts of the walk is the 5km stretch near Brighton, where visitors pass the Undercliff Walk, which runs from the outskirts of Brighton to Saltdean, a beautiful stretch of land with towering cliffs and gorgeous beaches on either side.

The walk ends on the world-famous Brighton Pier, a perfect spot for some leisure time and relaxation with some tasty food and well-deserved beers.

Distance: 17km

Route Highlights: Saltdean, Undercliff Walk, Brighton Pier.

FAQs

What are the closest coastal walks to London?

Many walks along the South Coast Path towards Brighton, the England Coast Path in Kent and the Thames Path, which follows the River Thames to the coast, are the closest coastal walks to London.

Can you reach coastal walks from London by train?

Yes, you can. Many local towns and villages have services that run to and from major train stations in London, such as King's Cross, Paddington and Euston.

Which coastal walk near London is best for beginners?

Deal to Dover is an easy walk as the majority of it is downhill, while the Undercliff Walk near Brighton is flat for a 5km stretch, making it easy for even the most amateur hikers.

What is the most scenic coastal walk near London?

This is down to personal preference, but the Seven Sisters Walk, thanks to its distance and dramatic views, is often classed as one of the most scenic walks in the country, and especially near London.