The South East Coastal Path takes you from the Wash down to Southampton – 84 miles of wildlife hotspots, sandy beaches with colourful beach huts, historic sites and fishing villages serving up the freshest catch of the day. There are plenty of places to set up camp, have a picnic or get all cosy in a traditional pub… that’s the beauty of an English coastal getaway! Perfect for families with young kids, couples and even groups of friends, a walk along the coastline is good for everyone.
Find out the most popular trails on this southern section of the England Coast Path, and where you can stay with us nearby.
Norfolk Coast Path National Trail
Days: 8
Distance: 135km
Grade: Gentle
Great for foodies and wildlife lovers, the Norfolk Coast Path takes you on an easy amble along some coastal gems, and through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from Hunstanton to Hopton on Sea. You’ll cover a lot of ground; the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve and the working fisherman’s harbour of Brancaster Staithe, to the well-loved golden sands of Holkham Beach and the picturesque harbour town of Blakeney. You’ll find yourself at the Grade II listed Cromer Pier, which is home to an award-winning summer show before pressing on towards Sea Palling, a quiet family-friendly seaside village with a Blue Flag beach (where you can sometimes find surfers on a sunrise session) and areas of unspoilt natural beauty. Then down to Hopton on Sea via grassland and dunes. Avid birdwatchers and maritime history lovers will enjoy this walk as the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve is home to migrating birds, the Cley Marshes is one of the best birdwatching sites in the UK and Caister’s lifeboat station/museum is an interesting site to soak up the history of the region!
If you’d like to traverse some Norfolk farmland and heathland, you can join the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way to form the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, it adds an extra 79km but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a peaceful walk through some greenery.
Where to stay:
Cromer Country Barn | Sleeps 10 | 3 nights + | From £24pppn
Cliff Manor | Sleeps 12 | 2 nights + | From £27pppn
Ramsgate to Camber
Days: 5
Distance: 109km
Grade: Moderate
This is an ideal walk for history buffs and lovers of garden scenery – in the Ramsgate to Folkestone section, you’ll find interesting sites from both World Wars, from the historic Cinque Port of Sandwich to the St Martin’s Battery viewpoint in Dover. You’ll also find the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, home to plenty of wildlife and dramatic coastal views! As you journey on towards Camber you’ll pass through Dungeness, home to a third of all plants in the UK and Derek Jarman’s Shingle Garden. This stretch is no stranger to war tales, with plenty of historic evidence along the coastline such as the Napoleonic Martello Towers.
Where to stay:
Beach Retreat | Sleeps 15 | 3 nights + | From £17pppn
Hopton-on-Sea to Sea Palling
Days: 2
Distance: 34km
Grade: Moderate
Looking for a shorter walk that still boasts ample variety in terms of scenery and wildlife? This stretch could be the one for you. Offering periods of sandy dunes and fresh sea air before passing through shady trees, it gives you access to a quieter section of Norfolk’s coastline. You’ll pass through historic towns and villages like Caister, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea, plus quaint seaside communities – make sure to schedule extra time to explore them in detail should you wish.
Where to stay:
Lake Cottage | Sleeps 6 | 3 nights + | From £35pppn
Sea Palling to Weybourne
Days: 2
Distance: 41km
Grade: Easy
If you’re travelling with younger ones or those that prefer an easier route, this 23 mile stretch allows you to see plenty of scenery without exerting too much effort. Passing through various farming and fishing villages, it follows some of the existing Norfolk Coast Path sections between Cromer and your final destination in Weybourne.
Where to stay:
Runton Cottage | Sleeps 8 | 3 nights + | From £35pppn
Camber to Folkestone
Days: 3
Distance: 47km
Grade: Moderate
Passing through the shingle beach of Dungeness, this particular route can be challenging for new walkers but still largely enjoyable. They say you should focus on the journey and not the destination but we feel this one could be an exception – an area of outstanding beauty, the port town of Folkestone sits on the southern edge of the North Downs. Boasting a bustling creative quarter, nature reserve and Napoleonic towers, it’s the perfect spot for spending a few days following your 3-day amble.
Where to stay:
The Breakers Beach House | Sleeps 7-11 | 3 nights + | From £78pppn
Folkestone to Ramsgate
Days: 3
Distance: 59km
Grade: Moderate
Benefiting from beautiful views of the French coast on clear days, this particular stretch takes you along the iconic white cliffs of Dover. You’ll continue to Pegwell Bay while taking in a variety of conservation areas and historic landmarks, meaning that there’s always something to see as you continue on. Once you reach Ramsgate, indulge in some relaxation time before exploring the seaside town’s famous tunnels.
Where to stay:
Deal House | Sleeps 6 | 3 nights + | From £33pppn
South East Coast Path map
These walks cover vast areas of the coastline, but of course, you can chop the walks up into smaller, more manageable sections if you’re just looking for a weekend away. National Trail Breaks have put together a tool so you can create your own itinerary, which you can save and use for your own South East Coast Path adventure! Or, if you’re interested in one of the other coastal walks we’ve pulled together blogs on the North West Coast Path, North East Coast Path, and the South West Coast Path.