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
19-137 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £415 per person

Find your holiday

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.

Walking the North Downs Way will bring you across plenty more 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.

Choose your route

  • North Downs Way via Canterbury
  • North Downs Way via Folkestone
  • North Downs Way - West Section
  • North Downs Way - East Section via Canterbury
  • North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone
  • North Downs Short Break

About this route

5 to 6 nights
55 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £685 per person

North Downs Way - East Section via Folkestone

Juxtapose picturesque downland scenery, where butterflies flock over long grasses threaded with wildflowers, with the flashing brilliance of the White Cliffs of Dover.

The east section of the North Downs Way via Folkestone follows the crest of the chalk escarpment from the historic city of Rochester, and delivers a seaside finale along the coastline. Views over the valleys and hills of the Devil’s Kneading Trough, Folkestone’s Millennium White Horse, and the English Channel provide a fantastic way to experience Dover in all its glory.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
NDWFE1 From Rochester to Dover 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate / Demanding £685
NDWFE2 From Rochester to Dover 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate £820

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
NDWSB From Canterbury to Dover 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate £415