Whether it’s to spot wildlife, explore forts and castles or join a walking festival, the coasts of East Yorkshire, Essex, White Cliffs Country and Dorset guarantee jaw-dropping views and hidden gems only encountered on foot. 

Uncover the Walking East Yorkshire Festival

Enjoy hidden trails and natural wonders of East Yorkshire. If you’re looking for something new, join the Walking East Yorkshire Festival, an annual event, celebrating the region's stunning landscapes, rich heritage and offering new experiences. Held from September 6th to 14th, 2025, this festival offers a week of filled full activities that cater to families, casual walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  

From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds to the dramatic cliffs at Flamborough Head, the festival showcases the very best walking routes in the region. Choose from market town history tours, stunning stately homes, boat trips, horse rides, group cycles, vineyard tasters, wild foraging, outdoor yoga, or one of the many varied distance walks covering the entire region for all abilities. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through picturesque market towns or an adventurous trek in seek of coastal wildlife, the festival offers a variety of routes.  

Explore East Yorkshire here

The only way to walk is Essex

As a county, Essex is ideal to explore on foot. Bisected with miles of footpaths and bridleways, there’s scope for every ability, from flat Sunday afternoon strolls to the full-on, 81-mile Essex Way.  

If you’d rather ditch the car, you’ll find many trails start and end at train destinations. What’s more, this is one county you’ll never be far from an inviting hostelry or café to refresh and refuel.  

With the free Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival taking place 26 September to 5 October, you’ll have the opportunity to walk with like-minded individuals and explore a lesser-known corner of Essex.  

Aside from walking festivals, Essex offers superb walking year-round and a huge choice of places to stay for every budget. The county encompasses a 300-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast and there’s a great line-up of walks featured by Visit Essex.  

For superb seafood en route, it has to be Magical Mersea – Oyster Beds and Salt Marshes. Spot porpoises and migrating ospreys in spring and red squirrels any time of year, dine on freshly-caught oysters and local vineyard wine.

Embrace the Essex Coast

Strike out onto the chalk Cliffs of Dover or walk your own Salt Path on the South West Coast Path in Dorset, history will seep from every step.

The best walking trails in White Cliffs Country

To get to know White Cliffs Country in the southeastern corner of the English coast, explore the spectacular landscape and historic towns and villages on foot. Walk on top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, follow part of the King Charles III England Coast Path or the North Downs Way, explore heritage trails in coastal towns and immerse yourself in history, nature and coastal beauty. 

The annual White Cliffs Walking Week will be 30 June to 6 July for 2025 with two walks held on each day including St Margaret’s at Cliffe on Friday and Sandwich on the Sunday. This annual event is organised by the White Cliffs Ramblers.  

Almost a quarter of this region is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its towns and countryside are well marked with heritage landmarks and walking routes.

  Walking in White Cliffs Country

Step back in time on the Jurassic Coast

With more than 4,700 signposted footpaths, bridleways and byways to discover and some of the UK’s iconic coastal landmarks to visit, Dorset has become one of the UK’s leading destinations for walking breaks in the UK.  

Mild south coast weather makes walking a year-round pursuit and a series of walking festivals provide the opportunity to dig deeper into the local history and explore dramatic landscapes.  

Dorset WALX Festival takes place from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 September though most of the walks take place over the weekend. There are more than 30 walks to choose from and it’s a great opportunity to discover amazing food, history and hospitality. Buy a low-cost pass to join three walks a day with walks covering some of the county’s most impressive sites, take your pick from Isle of Purbeck favourites like Dancing Ledge, RSPB Arne, Old Harry Rocks and more.  

Whether you’re tackling the South West Coast Path for charity, part of a weekend rambling group or simply enjoying a solo escape, Dorset has a wide range of accommodation choice from friendly coastal B&Bs to camping pods and five-star luxury log cabins as well as firms to arrange luggage transfers. 

Discover the Dorset Coast

So pull on the boots, grab the camera and step out for your adventure on England's Coast!