This is one of the best summer walks in the UK (and it’s closer to London than the Cotswolds!)

Ally Neagen Travel Writer

Circular countryside walk near London at a glance:

Name of walk on Go Jauntly: ‘Amberley Mount via South Downs Way’
Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
How to get there: Take a Southern train to Amberley. You can start the walk right at the station. It’s a circular walk, so you can finish at the station and get the train home with zero fuss.
Difficulty: Moderate
Points of interest: Stone cottages, sheep-dotted fields, Amberley Castle, Amberley Museum, South Downs Way, village tea room and pub.

Can this countryside walk near London beat the Cotswolds for a summer escape?

One of my favourite things to do any time of year is get out into nature for a long countryside walk. I love the feeling of stretching my legs, getting my blood pumping, and taking in stunning views.

I recently went looking for an easy countryside walk near London and ended up finding one of the best summer walks in the UK. I’ve done the South Downs Way end to end countless times, so a circular walk which takes in part of the route as well as chocolate-box cottages, sheep-dotted fields, and a historic church felt like a real find.

This circular walk starts in Amberley, and although the official route starts in the village, it passes right through the station, meaning you can start as soon as you get off the train. It’s so easy to follow the route using the Go Jauntly app and this is now one of my favourite summer walks in the UK.

Circular walk around Amberley starting at Amberley railway station

How to get to this circular walk

The walk starts in Amberley, a quintessentially English village which easily rivals the more famous Cotswolds. Stone cottages line quiet lanes, gardens burst with tulips and wildflowers, with a classic country pub and tea room thrown in for good measure. One of the best things about this circular countryside walk near London is how easy it is to get to.

Hop on a train from London Victoria and you're at the start of the walk, ready to go, in less than 90 minutes. It only costs £8 if you snap up an advance fare, so it's the perfect affordable day trip. From Brighton, it's even quicker, at just over an hour.

Points of interest on this countryside walk near London

You pass the 12th-century St Michael’s Church early on in the circular walk. It’s a beautifully peaceful setting, with a quiet churchyard surrounded by pretty cottages. If you feel like it, head inside and feel the air immediately cool. It’s the perfect rest point if you want one.

St Michaels Church Amberley history nature walk

From there, the route takes you behind Amberley Castle. This incredible historic castle is a real stunner, and quite the hidden gem. Celebrities have been known to arrive by helicopter for afternoon tea, and Holly Willoughby got married here in 2007. If you want to make a day of it, I highly recommend stopping by for afternoon tea either before or after your countryside walk.

Into open countryside and classic South Downs views

Once you leave the village, the landscape opens up. This is where it becomes a true nature walk and you realise why it’s one of the best summer walks in the UK..

Fields stretch out on either side, sheep graze happily in the grass, and the path gradually pulls you towards the South Downs. In late spring and early summer, this section is truly spectacular. My walk took a lot longer than it would otherwise, because I kept stopping to snap photos of the village’s beautiful wisteria and gaze lovingly at the adorable lambs.

Nature walks near me Wisteria Amberley

Summer walks near me Amberley countryside views

Amberley Mount and the best view on the route

The climb up to Amberley Mount is the only real incline on the route, meaning this circular countryside walk is not too difficult at all. It’s a steady climb rather than steep, and it doesn’t last long at all.

At the top, the view opens out across the South Downs Way. Rolling hills, open fields, and greenery as far as the eye can see. The route takes you out along the South Downs Way for a short while (my number one favourite section of this national trail as it happens) before spinning round and heading back downhill. A perfect reward after the short climb up.

South Downs Way walks sections where to walk countryside

Countryside walk near London circular

A quirky museum, pub lunch, and journey home

Before you know it, you’re back at the station. If you’re in the mood for more exploring, Amberley Museum is right opposite and is a treasure trove of historic finds. It’s not your average museum, it’s actually an incredible outdoor space packed with historic buses, rural crafts, and immersive exhibits. It makes for the perfect family day out.

Amberley itself has a great variety of things to do after your walk. A village tea room, a traditional pub, and a quaint village general store. Be sure to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the slower pace of village life.

Amberley Museum on a circular walk from Amberley station

The Black Horse pub Amberley on a circular walk from Amberley station

Why this is one of the best summer walks in the UK

This route works because it’s easy in every sense. Easy to get to, easy to follow, and easy to enjoy.

It feels noticeably quieter than more famous countryside spots like the Cotswolds, even though the scenery is equally as spectacular. You get stone cottages, historic buildings, open fields, and scenic views, all in one circular countryside walk.

For anyone searching for best summer walks in the UK, circular walks, or simple countryside walks near London, this is definitely one to try (and soon become one of your favourites, like it did mine).

Arun Valley Line Podcast poster at Amberley Station