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North Downs Way

North Downs Way

A self-guided walking holiday through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs, from Farnham to Dover.

3 to 14 nights
19-130 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding

From £330 per person

About the trail

The North Downs Way National Trail follows the long chalk ridge of the North Downs through some of the most scenic and historic countryside in England. It crosses downland, sandy heath, deciduous woodland, green pastures, apple orchards and vineyards. A section of the trail even slips onto the Pilgrim’s Way, an ancient route followed by countless pilgrims on their way to pray at the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury, immortalised in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

The route is full of other historic sites, from prehistoric long barrows to a Napoleonic fort, with eight castles and three cathedrals in the mix. The local settlements, too, show their years: spot impressive Tudor carvings, half-timbered houses, and flint-walled churches as you make your way to the white cliffs and seaside views at Dover.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Routes on this trail

North Downs Way via Canterbury

North Downs Way via Canterbury

11 to 14 nights
130 miles
Moderate+
From £1,195 per person
A walk from Farnham to Dover through the Kent Downs via the culturally rich city of Canterbury.Find Out More
North Downs Way via Folkestone

North Downs Way via Folkestone

11 to 13 nights
123 miles
Moderate+
From £1,200 per person
A walk from Farnham to Dover via the coastal town of Folkestone and the White Cliffs of Dover.Find Out More
North Downs Way - West Section

North Downs Way - West Section

7 to 8 nights
70 miles
Moderate+
From £760 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Farnham to Rochester through the Surrey Hills.Find Out More
North Downs Way - East Section via Canterbury

North Downs Way - East Section via Canterbury

5 to 7 nights
60 miles
Moderate+
From £545 per person
A walk from Rochester to Dover through the Kent Downs via the culturally rich city of Canterbury.Find Out More
North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone

North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone

5 to 6 nights
53 miles
Moderate+
From £545 per person
A walk from Rochester to Dover through the Kent Downs via Folkestone and the White Cliffs of Dover.Find Out More
North Downs Short Break

North Downs Short Break

3 nights
19 miles
Moderate
From £330 per person
A short walking holiday from Canterbury to Dover through the culturally rich landscape of Kent.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the North Downs Way

“Holiday full with sun and beautiful landscapes.”
Mr Ischer, Switzerland
“We felt cared for at each of the accommodations. The guidebook and maps were very helpful, the trail was usually well marked, and we never got lost.”
Mr Hard, USA
“Spectacular scenery. Great weather. Well organised, bags delivered as promised. Very happy with Contours management and efficiency.”
Mrs Apperley, New Zealand
“A very enjoyable route and accommodation.”
Mr Lee, UK
“It was perfect - corresponding to the advertisement!”
Mrs Schneider, Switzerland
“Lovely countryside with excellent waymarking. Great accommodation, everything we had hoped for.”
Mrs Hoare, UK
“All in all, I enjoyed my walk and was so glad that it didn't rain. All 3 accommodations were very good, but the Oast B&B was exceptional.”
Ms Stubblebine, USA
“Well, I enjoyed all of it… It's great to know that I can always contact someone if things don't go to plan and it will be sorted out.”
Ms Breese, Germany
“The weather on the first day of walking from Canterbury to Shepherds Well was beautiful as was the route once we got into the countryside.”
Mr Swallow, USA
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