The United Kingdom boasts an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the towering chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters on the South Downs to the geological wonder of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. One of the finest ways to experience these natural treasures is by following the National Trails network, which guides walkers across rolling hills, rugged fells, and coastal paths, revealing picturesque villages, quaint countryside towns, and remote communities rich in heritage and wildlife.
Whether you are planning a gentle stroll, a challenging mountain ascent, or a long-distance trek through valleys, a restful night's sleep is essential to make the most of your journey. Here is our curated selection of the best places to stay on some of the UK's most beloved walking routes, ranging from luxurious Cotswolds retreats to budget-friendly eco-accommodation in Snowdonia, as well as pet-friendly suites and snug rooms with roll-top baths above traditional pubs.
1. Thames Path, London
Although the Thames Path originates in the Cotswolds, those seeking a whistle-stop tour of London's landmarks can start at Hampton Court, exploring leafy suburbs before reaching the bustling centre. The path continues to the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, offering insights into the river's industrial heritage, and extends eastward to Erith.
The Mitre, Hampton Court
For a boutique stay by the water's edge, The Mitre faces the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. Its rooms exude quintessential English charm, with four-poster beds and roll-top baths. Pet and family-friendly rooms are available for those walking with dogs or children.
Price: From £166
Admiral Hardy
If finishing at the Thames Barrier, take the 180 or 177 bus, or double back to explore Greenwich's National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, and Cutty Sark. In Greenwich town centre, the Admiral Hardy pub offers seven characterful rooms with basic amenities and large double beds. Enjoy pie and mash or a Sunday roast downstairs, and raise a toast to completing your city trek.
Price: From £108
2. Helvellyn, Lake District
One of the UK's more challenging walks, the ascent to Helvellyn rewards with staggering views that inspired poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. While Striding Edge offers a testing route, the Thirlmere path is considered less demanding.
The King's Head Inn
Opting for the short walk from Thirlmere, The King's Head Inn at the foot of Helvellyn offers a warm welcome after a day's trek. This former 17th-century coaching inn has 17 en-suite bedrooms with spectacular fell views and plush beds. Downstairs, a bar and restaurant feature beams and an inglenook fireplace, warmed by a log burner in winter.
Price: From £80
Fairlight Guesthouse
Starting from the other side of the mountain, Fairlight Guesthouse bed and breakfast sits right next to the main footpath. Simple, clean, and comfortable, it welcomes parties of various sizes with double, twin, and family rooms for three or four people.
Price: From £159
3. Seven Sisters, South Downs
The rippling white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters, overlooking the Channel, offer one of England's most mesmerising views. A popular ascent follows the Birling Gap route, once used by cattle drovers and smugglers.
The Tiger Inn
This low-slung oak-beamed inn in East Dean is a convenient stay for those starting or finishing at Birling Gap. The 15th-century pub has served ale for centuries, with an open fire welcoming after a blustery coastal walk. Bedrooms feature floral drapes, upholstered headboards, and pastel accents.
Price: From £143
4. Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Part of the 636-mile Ulster Way, the Causeway Coast is a jaw-dropping 32-mile route from Ballycastle to Portstewart. Home to the Giant's Causeway with 40,000 basalt columns, it takes two to three days to complete.
StayLagom
Described as "designed by travellers, for travellers," StayLagom in Ballycastle offers king-sized rooms for couples, family suites, pod refuges with bunkbeds for groups, and dog-friendly rooms. A lodge accommodates up to 31 guests with a kitchen, lounge, and bedrooms.
Price: From £108
Cul-Erg House
In Portstewart, a seaside town with a two-mile golden beach, Cul-Erg House is a four-star family-run B&B two minutes from the ocean. It has a drying room for muddy boots and a sun-trap courtyard for planning routes.
Price: From £135
5. Hebridean Way, Scotland
The 156-mile Hebridean Way takes walkers across the Outer Hebrides, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and historic landmarks. It can take up to two weeks to complete.
Stornoway Bed and Breakfast
In Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, this family-run B&B offers double or twin rooms and a Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, and tattie scones. For self-catering, book "The Stables" with a living room and kitchenette.
Price: From £158
6. The Cotswold Way, Cotswolds
This 102-mile walk from Chipping Campden to Bath meanders through picturesque villages with quintessential English charm.
The Painswick
In the fairytale village of Painswick, The Painswick hotel offers luxury retreat. Soak in a roll-top bath, rest on sink-in beds, and enjoy English charcuterie. The George's Suite features a four-poster bed and balcony with incredible views.
Price: From £207
7. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, Dorset
This 96-mile stretch of the Jurassic Coast provides views of ancient rocks. A popular walk goes from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door and Bat's Head.
The Lulworth Cove Inn
This four-star inn near Lulworth Cove offers sparkling sea views. Rooms feature marine motifs and aquamarine shades, and the pub serves burgers, fish and chips, pies, and sandwiches.
Price: From £95
8. Three Peaks, Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge covers Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in a 24-mile circular hike for experienced climbers, with steep terrain and rocky ascents.
The Traddock
In Austwick, The Traddock is a family-run country house hotel with cosy rooms, classical Georgian style, and a three AA Rosette restaurant using local Yorkshire ingredients.
Price: From £190
9. Snowdonia Slate Trail, Wales
The 83-mile Snowdonia Slate Trail starts and ends near Bangor, passing through major mountain ranges, lakes, villages, and narrow gauge railways.
Bryn Elltyd Eco House
Near Tanygrisiau, this carbon-neutral renovated 19th-century Slate Manager's House champions sustainable living. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, log burner, and two conservatories. The main house has three bedrooms, with two small annexes for two people each.
Price: From £92 (two-night minimum)
10. Porthcurno to Land's End, Cornwall
An easier route from Porthcurno to Land's End offers views of 270 million-year-old granite rocks forming Cornwall's "backbone."
The Land's End Hotel
This three-star hotel sits atop granite cliffs overlooking the lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean. It has 30 modern en-suite rooms, is dog-friendly, and offers sea-view, deluxe, twin, single, and family rooms.
Price: From £144
11. The Pilgrims' Way
This ancient route from Winchester to Canterbury, first used in 1172, covers 153 miles. It passes chalk ridges, North Downs, and villages, with historical sites like Jane Austen's house and Rochester Cathedral.
The Black Horse Inn
In Thurnham near Maidstone, this 18th-century inn offers double, family, twin, and single en-suite rooms with breakfast. Enjoy a beer garden and grill restaurant.
Price: From £93
House of Agnes
In Canterbury, this 13th-century inn offers rooms themed after global locations, such as The Mumbai Room and The Paris Room.
Price: From £115
12. Glyndŵr's Way National Trail
This 135-mile trail through mid-Wales shows off moorland, farmland, woodland, and forests. It passes market towns like Welshpool and offers views of Cader Idris.
Unicorn Hotel
In Llanidloes, this 17th-century hotel offers simply decorated double, twin, and family rooms. The Gallery Cafe serves coffee, cakes, and light lunches, turning into a bar in the evening.
Price: From £180
