Best Walking Holidays in England, UK, Britain

Taking the time to do something for you should be a priority for each and every one of us. One of the best ways to do this is to take a holiday. Walking holidays offer a unique experience. Exploration, adventure and freedom merge in this type of holiday to deliver the trip of a lifetime. The best walking holidays in England have all of this and more. England is the largest country in the UK. In accordance with this, the choice for the best walking holidays in England is nearly endless. There are many different places to explore, each with a different and stunning landscape. The trails are distinct with varying difficulty and sights to see.

The Best Walking Holidays in England

One of the most popular destinations is Dorset. It is a part of the UK filled with contrasts. Firstly, the peaceful and undisturbed countryside makes for easy walking, and the quaint villages are sure to charm you. This gentleness of scenery is contrasted with the more dramatic coastal terrains.  The magnificent Jurassic Coast is a walk through history. Breathtaking sights await you on one of the best walking holidays in England.

Some of the best wild scenery in England can be found in the Lake District. Its towering mountains, green valleys and many beautiful lakes make this a surefire way to experience what is arguably one of the best walking holidays in England that the country has to offer. Charming and magical, it is also the largest national park in the UK. You will always fondly remember your walk through this region as the amazing sites will surely impress you.

Historic Walking Holidays

Another great choice is the Hadrian’s Wall walk. Also known as the Roman Wall this is an amazing part of history, standing across the English countryside since 122 AD. Walking through the bright greenery alongside this impressive wall is truly unforgettable. This is no doubt one of the best walking holidays in England in terms of letting you experience the rich history the region has to offer.

In addition, there are plenty of walking holidays situated near London. Beginning with Constable Country, the gentle countryside captured in the works of the artist John Constable. It’s easy to see the reason for his inspiration as you walk through the pretty scenery.  In addition, some of the best walking holidays in England are the coastal walks to the Saxon Shore and White Cliffs of Dover.

Next, the Cotswold is also a must-see if you are looking to experience the classic English countryside. It is one of the easiest and easily one of the best walking holidays in England. This region is distinguished through its rolling hills and peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit one the many picturesque limestone villages this walk is dotted with.

All things considered, no matter which destination you choose, your holiday to England is sure to be unforgettable. Above all, these and many more of the best walking holidays in England are life-changing experiences. Allow yourself the time and freedom to travel and explore the natural beauty that this country offers.

Best Walking Breaks in UK

If you want to take part in the amazing experience a self-guided walking holiday offers, yet you are short on time, don’t worry. Aside from our walking holidays we also offer walking breaks in UK, tailored to suit a busy schedule.  They can be done on weekends or even during the week. Also, if one of our longer holidays has caught your eye, it can be turned in to a walking break custom-made to suit your needs. As a matter of fact, finding a suitable walking break in the UK is super easy.

Walking Breaks in the UK – England

Dorset is a welcoming and delightful destination for a walking breaks in UK. The country of contrasts will fill your break with wonder and peaceful walking. At the same time, your break will take you through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside. You will stroll through the rural scenery which inspired the likes of Thomas Hardy.

In addition, this rural and idyllic county has charming villages and some of the best coastal terrains. The relaxing walking break through this gentle, beautiful terrain will leave no doubt as to whether you made the right choice.

Walking Breaks in the UK – Wales

When visiting North Wales, the Lleyn Peninsula is the place to go. Its dramatic landscape is made up of mountains which sharply drop off into the sea. Their imposing presence is diffused by the many large bays and coves. Additionally, you will have the chance to visit the famous beach known as the Whistling Sands and explore the delightful views this destination offers.

One of the best walking breaks in the UK, it offers additionally offers the chance to visit Bardsey Island. Those with an appetite for the mystical and legends of old will relish the chance to explore the island. At one time, the island was a place of pilgrimage, rooted deep in the legends of King Arthur. Aside from its natural beauty and wildlife, this island is said to be the burial place for the wizard Merlin.

Walking Breaks in the UK – Scotland

One of the shortest, easiest and most beautiful walking breaks in the UK is the Rob Roy. Named for the highland legend this route follows his footsteps through the Scottish Highlands. Your trek also visits the quaint village in which he is buried. This walking break begins only an hour away from Edinburgh and Glasgow, in Callander. This bustling and harming town is known as the gateway to the highlands to which you will continue. The Scottish lochs, mountains and swift rivers make up the beautiful scenery typical for the gorgeous highlands.

Whatever your location or preference, our walking breaks in UK are intended to fit even the busiest lives. Take a few days break from the hustle of everyday life to explore these and many more destinations through the UK. Ultimately, this type of holiday is truly inspiring and the breath of fresh air we all need.

Discover The Best British Walking Tour Holiday Company in the UK

So you’ve decided you want to book a walking holiday in the UK? That's fantastic news! The next step is choosing which of the British walking tour companies to choose from - which will help plan and guide your walking holiday whether it be in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Ireland?

There's plenty of British walking tour holidays and companies to choose from, so which will get your vote?

There are so many walking tour companies in the UK, each offering a different level of expertise and experience for your holiday to the UK & Ireland. To help you narrow it down a little, we have highlighted a few of our favourites. With a wide and differing range of services and areas of the British Isles & Ireland catered for by the various walking tour holiday companies, we hope this helps you as you plan your perfect walking holiday.

British & Irish Walking Holidays

That's us!  We are a British walking holiday company based in the UK and we cater to travellers who want to enjoy self-guided walking holidays and appreciate that we offer the best walking tours and always strive to get the best rates for them. With 25+ years experience, and intimate knowledge of the tours we offer, our walks have been proven and perfected. We've tried and tested the hotels and B&Bs along the routes and we value ourselves on great communication with you and our partners around the British Isles & Ireland.

But don't take our word for it!  Check out what our customers have to say and get in touch for pricing and holidays. Please email us at info@britishandirishwalks.com call us on +44 (0)1242 254353, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for our latest news and offers!

Cotswold Journeys

If you're looking for a walking holiday in the Cotswolds, then undoubtedly Cotswold Journeys is the quintessential and original Cotswold walking holiday company.  They provide bespoke Cotswolds walking vacations and holidays for travelers from around the world!  Personalized routes and tours are tailor-made to each individual's preferences. Always flexible and accommodating to personal wishes and changes, you’ll be sure to get exactly the kind of walking holiday you want!

This bespoke Cotswold walking holiday company also focuses on the best in terms of accommodation, offering luxury itineraries that, accordingly will have you staying in 4 or 5 star hotels, country houses and even castles! Their routes are created with the intention of exploring the hidden beauty in your destination. Regardless of whether it’s a day trip or a week-long holiday you can expect only the best from this British walking tour company.

World Walks

No matter your age, ability or experience with walking holidays, World Walks can help you! They are world-renowned as one of the best British walking holiday companies, offering the largest range of walking holidays in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Their team has over 20 years of experience, with many different areas of expertise. This helps them offer the best walking holidays and they enjoy an advantageous reputation in this regard. They will accommodate your needs in any of the possible destinations spanning across the UK and the world.

Luxury Walking Holidays in the UK

Taking a luxury walking holiday in the UK can be an amazing experience.  Choose your destination and embark on the perfect self-guided holiday experience. You won’t have to worry about anything except enjoying your luxury walking experience. We will organize everything else. Aside from the national trails, we offer interesting and independent luxury walking holidays UK in each region. Firstly, the accommodation we offer is comprised of hotels and guesthouses.  Although the towns also offer a wide variety of dining experiences, breakfast and dinner are included in out half-board arrangements. You will enjoy your luxury walking holiday comfortably thanks to daily luggage transfers. Your bags will be waiting for you at the next hotel, offering a fresh change of clothes and none of the hassle of carrying it yourself. Since they are self-guided, maps and route instructions will also be provided for your convenience.

Luxury walking holidays in England

England is the largest country in the UK, with plenty of options for luxury walking holidays. The landscape is mostly of low, rolling hills and plains.

However, the uplands of the mountainous Lake District and uplands in the Cotswold can offer a change of pace. The Cotswold hills rise from the upper Thames and are host to a number of picturesque villages. The village-to-village walks through the gorgeous countryside will make for an unforgettable luxury walking holiday. The Lake District is also a stunning choice for a luxury walking holiday. The lakes and mountains make up some of the best wild scenery in England.

Next, the trails located in Cornwall are some of the most dramatic and scenic luxury walking holidays UK. The Southwest Coastal path and the Lizard Peninsula are also sure to make a lasting impression on all travelers.

Luxury walking holidays UK near London

Whether you are a Londoner yourself or a tourist and don’t want to depart too much from the country’s capital, there are plenty of luxury walking holiday available to you.  These include the renowned Constable Country.  The gentle countryside will inspire you. In addition, some of the best coastal walks are available to you near London in the luxury walking holidays to the Saxon Shore and White Cliffs of Dover. Another terrific option is a trip to the historic Canterbury.

Ultimately, since our holidays are self-guided, you are the creator of your own luxury holiday. Explore at your own pace and take in the breathtaking views, while we take care of everything else. Our team has over 20 years of experience and as a result are experts at providing the best luxury walking holidays in the UK.

9 Great British Walking Holidays

Walking holidays are a great idea for any traveler with a spirit of adventure. Do you seek to experience the freedom of making your own way, and discover the beauty of the land off the beaten path? If so, you should definitely consider booking a walking holiday. The best British walking holidays offer you the flexibility to create your experience, taking it as slowly or as fast as you like. The purpose is to simply enjoy your surroundings. There is a multitude of choices available; the walks vary in length and difficulty. It is important to choose the best one according to your desires whether it is a self-guided walk or part of a tour.

Here are a few great British walking holidays:

1. The Jurassic Coast – Dorset

The Jurassic Coast offers a myriad of stunning landscapes with its dramatic cliffs and long beaches. They are guaranteed to take your breath away.

2. Lake District Walks

England’s Lake District provides the perfect romantic background for a walking holiday. The gentle rolling hills and lakes are sure to leave you inspired.

3. Cotswolds Walks

This is one of the easiest terrains for walking, ideal for beginners. The grasslands, hills and quaint villages make up the scenery of this central part of England.

4. Stonehenge

Perhaps Britain’s most famous landmark, avoid the tourist crowds by instead booking a country walk. Exploring the Stonehenge and Salisbury area at your own pace is worth it.

5. Constable Country

Named after the artist who drew inspiration from this area’s wide open meadows and skies, Essex’s Constable Country is a must for any walking holiday.

6. Hadrian’s Wall

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall spans the northern English countryside, across a green and relaxing terrain make for a very leisurely holiday.

7. Loch Ness

Made famous by Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster this area of Scotland is perfect for the traveler who seeks a bit of mystery.

8. The Isle of Skye

This island is made of secluded beaches and cliff-tops, and a walking holiday along its imposing coastline and deserted villages will surely be an unforgettable experience.

9. North Wales

North Wales has an idyllic terrain and views that will have you walking for hours in admiration. Exploring the grasslands and valleys is an immensely satisfying experience.

If this holiday season you are looking for something different, if you are tired of the same old, rushed tourist tours a great British walking holiday is the perfect choice for you. Choose your destination, lace up your hiking boots and explore the best the UK has to offer.

Making Walking Appeal to Kids This Summer Holiday

Walking can benefit children as well as adults. It is a gentle activity that can help them get the exercise they need in a fun way. However, with all the attractions of modern day technology, it can be difficult to entice children outside. In light of this we thought we would look at ways in which you can help to make walking much more fun and appealing to younger members of the family.

-Instead of saying ‘let’s go for a walk’, ask your children if they want to go on an ‘adventure’ or ‘expedition’. This makes it sound a lot more exciting.

-Research routes as a family. Go back to basics and get out several maps as they will be a bit of a novelty to children & teenagers who are used to having everything at the click of a button.

-Ask kids to pack their own ‘adventure back-pack’ the night before. This could include their lunch, a drink, a favourite toy, paper to draw pictures of the views and any spare clothing that might be required.

-Remember that during walks your children will probably get dirty – and love it! Dress them in old clothes and shoes which you don’t mind being worn to stamp through puddles or clamber over tree trunks. Fussing over keeping clean could cause a negative association with walking.

-Plan regular breaks to rest tired legs and try to incorporate some interesting attractions into your walk to break it up. This could be a visit to a castle, a boat ride or a stop at an ice-cream van.

-Play games along the way to help stop them getting bored. Eye spy is always a winner as is hide and seek (with the correct supervision). If you come to a stream or river with a bridge then you could have a game of pooh sticks (seeing whose stick can float fastest over a certain distance).

-You could make the walk into a bit of a scavenger hunt and arm your children with a list of items to collect as they go along; a green lead, a twig, a yellow flower and so on.

-Commit to walking at your child's pace and try not to get frustrated when they want to stop every few minutes to look at a stone or funny shaped twig.

-Ensure that they get exercise in between walks so that the momentum is maintained. This could be a walk around your local neighbourhood, a trip to the swimming baths or a few hours running around an adventure play area.

-Finally, make sure you take lots of pictures. Get some printed out and stick them into a 'diary'. Ask your children to write about their favourite parts of the walk in the diary. This will make a great keepsake.

A Walk in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland – that part of the island of Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom and which is composed of six of the nine counties of the historic province of Ulster – is small but very beautiful. I spent a few days in one small part - the County Antrim coastline – yet found as much there as one might find anywhere. A short flight to Belfast City airport; then a hire car out towards Portrush, a very straightforward journey that avoids the city centre and gets me there in an hour. I may be lucky, but I get the best weather in the whole country; and beneath the mainly blue sky the sea is aquamarine, clear and clean. The beach, the Curran Strand, is long and sandy and in the distance are the cliffs beyond which lie the Giant's Causeway.

Since I was there not just to see the country but also to walk in it, I decided to have a look at the Causeway, which I might otherwise have ignored as a tourist trap. What turned out to be the best things about it was not so much the well-known stone hexagons, impressive though they are, but the dramatic countryside that rears up above it – high cliffs that sweep around the coast in a series of enormous amphitheatres, reminiscent of Chinese paintings where the scenes are exaggerated to convey a sene of majesty and grandeur. Except here there was no need for exaggeration. On the way back to Portrush, by chance, I followed a sign to a harbour that turned out to be the very charming Ballintoy, which apparently has featured in the television series 'Game of Thrones'.

Further west, towards Stroke City (Derry/Londonderry, which, with its complete city walls is well worth a visit), are a series of sloping hills clad in conifer forest that rise to a sheer escarpment overlooking Lough Foyle and beyond it to Donegal in the Republic. From a small lake at the top it is but a few steps to the cliff edge and then a good, easy walk along its edge for just about as far as you want. Much of the route forms part of the Ulster Way, the long distance trail that follows the contours of the whole of Northern Ireland.

Back towards the east, I rejoined the Causeway route, which takes you past Downhill, with its ruined great house and temple now precariously tipped at the cliff edge; and Dunluce Castle, a romantic ruin if ever there was one.

That was all I had time for – next time it will be Mountains of Mourne. I strongly recommend a walk in Northern Ireland: the scenery is fabulous, the people warm and welcoming.

Walking for Mother's Day

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking of appropriate gifts and a suitable card. But this will you stick with the traditional bunch of flowers, or are you going to think outside of the chocolate box and treat her to something surprising and special? A weekend break may seem extravagant but occasionally it’s nice to go the extra mile and give her something really memorable – she deserves it! There are plenty of themed walks and day trips available and with the weather starting to get better (finally) you could make the most of this special occasion.

Love Reading, Love Our Themed Literature Walks

Our Jane Austen Walk is set in rural Hampshire and is a county that provided the famous English writer with much inspiration for her novels. It’s a 2 day walking break which is even better in the summer, so a planned excursion for the weekend in the future would be recommended (so those flowers may still be needed to tide things over!). You can even stop off at the Jane Austen House museum along the route.

The Shakespeare Way is another exciting trip which is based around Britain’s most famous playwright. William Shakespeare’s journey from Stratford-upon-avon to London is tracked here, with stops in Chipping Norton and Woodstock. The trip also includes an overnight stay in Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace and home. Stratford is well known as a cultural area and the home to the RSC (The Royal Shakespeare Company). It’s unique architecture and clean, picturesque environment will be loved by mum – especially if you combine the walking tour with a boat trip down the Avon.

The Dorset of Thomas Hardy is another break that is ideal for mum’s who love to read. Dorset, as a rural county by the sea and full of history, acts as the backdrop to many novels, including Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd”. England has produced some of the World’s most successful authors and these locations help to demystify the legends that surround them and allows you a glimpse of the real person and the environments they lived in day to day.

Maybe the world of literature isn’t your mum’s cup of tea. In which case, perhaps something a little less active and more relaxing is called for.

Afternoon Tea

Stopping ‘orf for a spot of afternoon tea has become more and more popular over recent years. The first mentions of afternoon tea can be found in the 1800’s, when the 7th Duchess of Bedford ordered her servants to serve tea and cakes at 5 o clock in the evening. She was hungry between meals and eventually it became a social event for ladies of a certain class to eat yummy cakes and share the latest gossip.

The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty where a number of our walks are set, is awash with tea rooms, stunning hotels and boutique cafes which serve a quintessential afternoon tea. Popular locations include Stow on the Wold and Cheltenham. Bibury is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in England and it has the Bibury Court Hotel which specialises in afternoon teas, the perfect way to end a day’s walking in the countryside.

So, this Mothering Sunday, why not treat your mum to a themed literature holiday or a cream tea and an enjoyable afternoon with the whole family?

British and Irish Walks Quoted in Educational Article

We were recently approached by parenting website Babies.co.uk to collaborate on a survey of parents’ attitudes towards the new Deregulation Bill, which takes effect in 2015. The Bill will hand state schools the power to set their own term dates. As this decision impacts the holiday market, we were happy to help with the survey and uncovered some surprising results. 57% of almost 400 survey respondents disagreed with the new rules, with childcare and family holidays cited as the main reasons for this stance. Some were worried that it would be difficult to arrange family getaways with schools operating different holiday schedules, and that more parents would take their children away during term time as a result.

We would strongly advise parents not to book family holidays during the school term, unless they have permission to do so. Missing just a couple of weeks of education can have a serious impact on children’s results.

Under the new rules we expect to see more families booking “mini” holidays throughout the year, taking advantage of weekends rather than relying on school breaks. Family holidays are precious. It would be a terrible shame for parents to miss out on the opportunity to spend time with their children.

It is worth reminding ourselves that schools are under no obligation to make significant – or indeed any – changes to their current academic year. They will be encouraged to work closely with parents to arrive at a structure that works for children, teachers and parents alike.

The full results of our survey are below:

From 2015, schools will have the power to set their own term dates and holidays. Do you agree with this change?

Yes (30%) 118

No (58%) 227

Uncertain (12%) 48

Walking With Jane

Some of our walks are celebrate the lives of a person particularly associated with a place. One of these is the county of Hampshire, in the south of England – and in particular the small town of Chawton, which for the most creative period of her short life was the home of the great novelist, Jane Austen, who did most of her mature writing (including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma) in the house that is now a museum dedicated to her life. Our walk, over two days and three nights, starts in Winchester, the ancient English capital that itself has strong connections with Jane (who is buried in the cathedral) and passes through Alresford, Chawton itself and Alton. In Chawton, life was more tranquil than it had been since the Austen family's move to Bath from Hampshire in 1800. Jane's niece Anna described the Austen family's life in Chawton thus: "It was a very quiet life, according to our ideas, but they were great readers, and besides the housekeeping our aunts occupied themselves in working with the poor and in teaching some girl or boy to read or write". Jane wrote almost daily, it seems, allowance made for her work by relieving her of some housekeeping responsibilities. The Austens, as far as we know, socialised very little with the neighbouring gentry and entertained only when family visited (there were frequent visits from brothers and young nieces and nephews and Jane, in particular, would get involved with their games, making up stories and singing songs), a perfect arrangement for an author. Otherwise, a daily routine would include - apart from family meals, sewing, talking and playing music (Jane was an accomplished pianist, apparently practising for two hours every morning before breakfast) - long walks in the surrounding countryside. Whilst the rooms of the House and Museum, its garden, and its prominent position at the heart of Chawton, all help to provide a tangible connection to Jane’s intimate family life, and to many of the waspish observations she makes in her novels, it is the countryside which in many ways provides the strongest sense of what life was like for her in the early 18^th century. So when you walk through the pretty Hampshire villages, and across the rolling landscape so typical of southern England and really very little changed from what Jane would have known, you are entering the world she evokes in her books.

This post was written by Christopher Knowles

One Of The Greatest Walks In The World

In 2012, a list was compiled of the ten best walks in the world. In that list was included the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a route that we have been offering for a few years now.  It includes some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery in the whole of Britain. Pembrokeshire is the ancient ‘Land of Mystery and Enchantment’ (Gwlad Hud a Lledrith). What makes it so special? Well, I suppose it almost goes without saying that one of the best features is the sea  - and what a sea, azure and crystal clear, washing against cliffs and glorious beaches. And apart from beaches the route covers most maritime landscapes from cliff tops and sheltered coves to winding estuaries.

And then there are the flowers and the fabulous bird life, and the seals and dolphins. Local history is there in the form of Neolithic cromlechs and Iron Age promontory forts to the churches and chapels of the seafaring early Celtic saints. The Normans built massive castles, such as those at Pembroke, Tenby and Manorbier, to assert their authority.  Henry Tudor (who became King Henry VII) was born in Pembroke Castle and after his exile in France, landed at Mill Bay near Dale in 1485 on his way to capture the crown at the Battle of Bosworth. A stone on the path at Carreg Wastad marks the “Last Invasion of Britain”, when in 1797 a French force made a landing close to Fishguard only to be repelled by the local people and the Castlemartin Yeomanry.  Quays, lime kilns and warehouses are reminders of an early industrial tradition.

Our route includes the very best of this wonderful walking route. Stay in excellent B & Bs and small inns, with upgrades possible in some places. See the full itinerary here. 

This post was written by Christopher Knowles