The South Downs Way is one of the most well known walks in England, stretching a distance of about 160km. The route covers many beautiful places, from rolling hills and quaint English villages to dramatic cliff-lined coastal regions. Many people choose this route for a UK hiking holiday, but for those who find the thought of walking for 160km a little daunting, doing shorter sections of the walk can be equally enjoyable.

The area of Sussex Heritage Coast, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Cliffs are particularly beautiful coastal sections of the walk, and can be combined with other pretty walks in the area such as Wartling, Herstmonceux and Hastings for great English walking breaks.

Here are a number of beautiful sites to see whilst walking in England in these areas.

The Seven Sisters Cliffs

These magnificent cliffs are situated in the Seven Sisters Country Park in Sussex. The area is simply perfect for English walking breaks, with 280 hectares of varied terrain and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. The cliffs are particularly scenic, consisting of white chalk faces and grass tops.

You can enjoy pleasant coastal walks over easy terrain, as well as walks over areas of more moderate terrain, in the undulating surrounding hills and open plains. And with the fresh sea air refreshing you and invigorating you along the way, you’ll want to continue walking here forever!

Wartling and Herstmonceux

The quaint village of Wartling is lovely to visit whilst on a UK hiking holiday. Located in a beautiful countryside setting, this village typifies old English rural villages, and is great to explore. A church dating back to the 13^th century can be found here, and it is thought that this church is built on the same ground that the chapel mentioned in the Domesday Book was built on. If you’re interested in history, then this village is well worth stopping at whilst walking in England.

An English walking break stopping in Herstmonceux will give you the opportunity to see the Herstmonceux Castle, a magnificent attraction. Beautiful Elizabethan gardens are perfect for afternoon strolls, and the castle is surrounded by a traditional moat. The castle was built in the 15^th century, and was originally designed as a Medieval country home. The gardens are ideal for an afternoon on an English walking break, with beautiful woodland trails, and rhododendron, rose and herb gardens to enjoy.

Hastings – 1066 Country

The Battle of Hastings is one of the most notable events in the history of the UK. Hiking holidays passing through the Hastings region are popular as they afford walkers with the opportunity not only to walk through beautiful countryside, but also the opportunity to walk on the earth that the great battle of 1066 was fought.

With rolling hills, open grasslands, dramatic ? and the fresh English country air, it’s no wonder this region of Southern England is so popular for English walking breaks. With the well known and well trodden South Down’s Way situated here too, it is the perfect base for an UK hiking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.