19+ Best Day Hikes In England For Your Adventurous Heart
England is the home to some of Europe’s best day hikes. With diverse landscapes of rolling hills and lush green countryside, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a hiking adventure in this beautiful country. Rugged coastal paths and breathtaking moorlands also add to the charm.
Apart from that, what makes England perfect for day hikes is the well-maintained network of footpaths. Navigation is a breeze, even for beginner hikers. And the variety of routes, from local to national trails, welcome all ambitious and free-spirited wanderlusts.
On top of that, England’s unique and iconic railroad system offers a lot of opportunities for multiple-trail hikes without breaking the bank. In this article, you will find the list of 21 best day hikes in England as well as useful packing tips to help you hike hassle-free.
The Best Day Hikes In North Of England
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District | Hard | 13km
- Scafell Pike, Lake District | Hard | 13km round trip
- Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland | Moderate | 135km
- The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye | Easy - Moderate | 2.4km
- Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales National Park | Moderate - Hard | 17km
- Pennine Way, Derbyshire Peak District | Hard | 429km
The Best Day Hikes In South Of England
- Seven Sisters Cliffs, South Downs National Park, | Easy | 23km
- Jurassic Coast, Dorset | Easy - Moderate | 152km
- Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey | Easy | 2km
- Beachy Head, South Downs National Park | Moderate - Hard | 5km
- Box Hill, Surrey | Moderate - Hard | 4km
The Best Day Hikes In the West Of England
- The Llangollen Canal, Shropshire | Easy - Hard | 74km
- Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park | Moderate - Hard | 144km
- The Cheddar Gorge, Somerset | Moderate - Hard | 4km long - 120m deep
- The Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire | Easy - Moderate | 164km
- The Teign Valley Gorge, Devon | Moderate - Hard | 6km
The Best Day Hikes In East Of England
- The Norfolk Coast Path, Norfolk | Easy - Moderate | 135km
- White Cliffs Of Dover, Kent | Easy - Moderate | 16km
- The Yorkshire Wolds Way | Easy - Moderate | 122km
- The Broads National Park, Norfolk | Varied | Varied
- The South Downs Way, East Sussex | Easy - Moderate | 160km
The Best Day Hikes In North Of England
It is said that Northern England is a hiking paradise, and it couldn’t be more true.
The Lake District National Park, with its stunning mountains and lakes, basically calls out for hikers to explore.
The beautiful countryside where heritage towns and villages look like they walk out of paintings is a feast for the eyes of adventure lovers.
The coastal areas, like Northumberland, also boast magnificent castles and beaches. There’s no better way to explore these beauties than a good hike.
1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District
Helvellyn is challenging but worth every second. Photo by tranquillian - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Glenridding Car Park
Difficulty: Hard
Journey: 13 kilometres, approximately 5 hours
Helvellyn, England’s third-highest point, offers a thrilling but rewarding experience with a beautiful landscape. Starting from Glenridding Car Park, you can begin your adventure by following the path beside the lovely mountain stream up.
There are many ways to reach the peak, but Striding Edge is the most popular route, hence its name. Though strenuous and rocky at some sections, this iconic hiking trail is still loved by many climbers.
2. Scafell Pike, Lake District
Rugged and steep terrain opens the way to the marvellous view of Lake District. Photo by whitcomberd - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Wasdale National Trust Car Park
Difficulty: Hard
Journey: 13 kilometres round trip, 5.6 kilometres one way from Wasdale
Another star in Lake District is Scafell Pike, England’s highest point. It can be quite a challenge for newbie hikers with rugged and steep terrain. But the view from the summit is definitely worth every climbing second. You can see the nearby vistas, hills and neighbouring peaks. And when the sky is clear enough, you can even see Scotland, Wales and even the Isle of Man. It’s truly mesmerising.
3. Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall is a must-hike for lovers of nature and history. Photo by drhfoto - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Wallsend in Newcastle
Difficulty: Moderate
Journey: 135 kilometres (from start to finish)
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of England’s best long-distance hiking trails and a historically significant one, too. Although many hikers believe it’s best to walk its entire length, you can hike in sections that you love.
The most recommended walk is from Chollerford to Birdoswald, where you can find historic remains of Roman forts. It has short climbs and descents that can be quite a challenge for your body, but the path is easy to navigate and is covered in natural grass.
4. The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye (part of Scotland, but close to Northern England)
Prepare to be enchanted by the ethereal Fairy Pools. Photo by EyesTravelling - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Fairy Pools car park near Glenbrittle
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Journey: 2.4 kilometres
A fan of fantasy and dream-like aesthetic? You don’t want to overlook this best day hike in England called the Fairy Pools, located on the Isle of Skye and nestled within the Cuillin Mountains.
It’s a short walk, and the terrain is not challenging at all. It’s a perfect day hike spot if you’re planning a family/child-friendly hiking trip. Dip your toes in the crystal clear water of these natural pools and enjoy a one-of-a-kind scene. Or, if you’re brave enough, go for a swim (but remember to follow the safety guide).
5. Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales National Park
Ingleborough is not as intimidating as it looks. Photo by RamblingTog on Adobe Stock.
Starting point: Clapham
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Journey: 17 kilometres
Tranquil and peaceful is the landscape of Ingleborough, the majestic peak in the heart of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ascending this trail and taking in the beautiful view of the countryside below with deep valleys, limestone pavements, and rolling hills make for a memorable hiking trip. The temperature drops quite noticeably as you ascend, so remember to keep warm and pack efficiently.
6. Pennine Way, Derbyshire Peak District
Pennine Way hiking trail is not for the faint of heart. Photo by GraemeJBaty - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Village of Edale
Difficulty: Hard
Journey: 429 kilometres (you can hike in sections).
This is considered one of the toughest and most iconic long-distance hiking trails in England. There are a lot of steep and boggy sections, alongside areas with changeable weather.
Its stunning landscapes are only for the brave of heart to explore. Hardcore walkers might love to tackle the trail’s entire length, but if you just want a short hiking trip, don’t be afraid to walk Pennine Way in small sections that may take only a day or two.
The views are just going to be as gorgeous. This fantastic hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in England’s impressive natural beauty as well as a chance to test your limits.
The Best Day Hikes In South Of England
If you’re not a fan of height, then you should definitely embark on a journey to Southern England. It’s where the stunning coastline created picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs and charming seaside towns. Here are some of the best day hikes in this part of England.
1. Seven Sisters Cliffs, South Downs National Park
The unique Seven Sisters Cliffs trail is full of enchanting surprises. Photo by Aivars Vilks on Unsplash.
Starting point: Seaford Esplanade
Difficulty: Easy
Journey: 23 kilometres
You may not have heard of the cliffs, but you’ve probably seen it in famous movies like Harry Potter and Robin Hood. The seven chalk cliffs that originated the name Seven Sisters are the marvels of the area. Apart from the wonderful scenery of the sea, the trail is also the home to unique biodiversity. Who says England can’t have rainforests? Walk the trail and take a careful look at your feet. The grassland you’re walking on is called by many a miniature version of one!
2. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Prehistoric remains scattered along the Jurassic coast waiting for you to discover. Photo by Wirestock Creators on Adobe Stock.
Starting point: Budleigh Salterton town
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Journey: 152 kilometres (you can hike in sections)
You might not run into any dinosaurs on your hike, but the chances of you discovering a fossil of a species belonging to a period of time way before us are plenty.
That’s what makes a walk along the Jurassic Coast so exciting. This charm of a hike trail, with its spectacular rocky cliffs, is perfect for group or family hiking.
But that’s not all this beautiful hiking trail has to offer. Ever since it was crowned a World Heritage Site in 2001, the location has been booming with great hotels and pubs - perfect for unwinding after a long hike.
3. Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey
The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, including heathland, woodland, and sandstone cliffs. Devil's Punch Bowl 2, Leimenide, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
Starting point: