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The epic seaside cliff trail that is officially one of the best scenic walks near London

Here’s why the Kentish Coast walk between Ramsgate and Margate is well worth an autumnal stroll

Amy Houghton
Written by
Amy Houghton
Contributing writer
A concrete pathway at the edge of a sandy beach in Ramsgate, backed by white chalk cliffs
Photograph: cktravels.com / Shutterstock
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Don’t let autumn keep you away from the beach. So what if it’s a bit chillier now? You may not be able to lie down sunbathing for hours, but you can take a long walk, breathing in the cold sea breeze – it’s good for the soul. It’s also the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a big hot and hearty roast at the end of the day. Obviously, you won’t find a coastal walk here in London, but there are plenty nearby to enjoy if you’re willing to hop on a train. 

Time Out’s favourite? That would be the Kentish Coast. The cliffside trail was the highest rated coastal walk on our list of the best walks near London, and our top pick for an easy amble. It starts in old-school Ramsgate, which you can get to via train from St Pancras International, Charing Cross or London Victoria and finishes 9.8 miles later in artsy Margate, from which you can get back to the city in around 90 minutes by train. Of course, you can do it the other way round too. 

The walk (which generally takes between four and five hours) is mostly paved, making it suitable for most abilities. It takes you through Broadstairs, by scenic, less populated sandy bays and past a collection of former smugglers’ caves that are great for rock pooling and fossil hunting. 

Margate town centre
Photograph: Shutterstock

To rest your feet and quench your thirst in Margate after all that walking, we suggest getting a spot at Xylo, a microbrewery and taproom with spectacular views over Margate Sands. And there’s ample to explore in the town once you’ve recuperated. You can saunter around the Turner Contemporary, try out the rides, roller disco and arcade at Dreamland, brave a dip in the Walpole Tidal Pool or peruse the lineup of indie shops before diving into a well-earned Sunday dinner at the Buoy and Oyster

If you want to stick around Kent for an extra day, we recommend booking into the plush pink Margate House. It’s a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with cloud-like beds you’ll never want to leave. 

The seaside not your thing? Try out this ancient forest path or this riverside trail instead. 

These are all the top scenic walks near London, according to Time Out.

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