Top five places for a walk
Whatever the season, our sites are beautiful and inspiring places to explore on foot. We asked our members to recommend their favourite places to enjoy a walk - did your favourite make it onto the list?
You can see the top five below, but honourable mentions also go to Barnard Castle in County Durham, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, and Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.
1: Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
‘I never get tired of the sweeping views over the surrounding countryside,’ says one member about Audley End – and neither do we! Whether strolling through the parterres or striding up the hill to the Temple of Concord, you’ll find plenty of beautiful space to explore at Audley End. Don’t forget to amble beside the River Cam and see organic fruit, vegetables, and herbs ripening within the peaceful walled kitchen garden.
Visit Audley End House and Gardens2: Dover Castle, Kent
Dover Castle offers ‘so much to see and learn’ as well as ‘magnificent views over the Channel towards France’ - it’s easy to see why it's considered the Key to England. Whether exploring the Great Tower or embracing the sea air with a walk along the tops of the iconic cliffs, you’ll discover 2,000 years of history at this world-famous fortress.
Visit Dover Castle3: Osborne, Isle of Wight
‘I love wandering down to the beach and along Rhododendron Way.’ That’s why one of our members likes Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s palatial seaside holiday home. You can explore lavish Mediterranean-style gardens or stroll along the sandy beach enjoying stunning views of the Solent, just as Victoria and her royal family would have done.
Visit Osborne4: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
‘So much history and a lovely walk to boot,’ said one member of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield. You can explore abbey ruins and head out onto our battlefield trail to find sculptures of Norman and Saxon soldiers to really get an insight into the renowned battle that shaped English history.
Visit 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield5: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
‘It makes me feel humble,’ says one member, and it's understandable why. Surrounded by rolling Wiltshire countryside, the world’s most famous prehistoric site stone circle has intrigued and inspired visitors for thousands of years and to this day offers an unforgettable experience.
Visit Stonehenge
