Walking itinerary in England?
 

I will be visiting London in early April. We would love a 3-day walking tour, preferably including at least one manor house stay if that is possible. We would like it to be leisurely, 7-8 miles a day is about right on mostly level terrain. Great sightseeing is a plus. Any suggestions?

Your best bet for level walking is along a waterway, the Thames Path for instance, which has a great deal to see from Oxford on (toward London, downriver), or a canal tow path. I've liked the Kennet & Avon Canal very much, say from Bath to Devizes. Google both and you'll find a great deal of information.

For "sightseeing" opportunities, I'd say a section of the Thames Path, which section will depend on what you consider worthwhile. Most of us who do this sort of thing feel that seeing the countryside is the most entertaining thing of all. But I understand your point and you won't know until you do it. I'd also suggest looking for a walk that most appeals, with manor house or without. You should find some very nice hotels along the river or near it, and the occasional country house hotel which may appeal to you. But choose the walk first, imo.

Have you thought about the Cotswolds? You are spoilt for choice for a manor house stay. Have a look here for ideas.
http://www.cotswoldsfinesthotels.com...ns-at-a-Glance
There is very good and easy walking too.

The Cotswolds are, indeed, lovely but are not "mostly level terrain." Though you can certainly find level walks, it was after finishing the Cotswold Way I decided to graduate down to level terrain myself and discovered the delights of waterways. They have the added advantage of it being virtually impossible to get lost. UK paths are usually well marked but can occasionally be ambiguous. Having a canal or river to follow removes all doubt.

I should also mention, while rain is a possibility anytime, I've found it more of an issue in early spring than later in the season and paths can be muddy as a result. Towpaths along canals and riverside paths tend to be better surfaced. Not always but more reliably than those across countryside & farms, which can be a bit of a nightmare in wetter weather. And it's often across farmland you'll find yourself as that's where the rights-of-way take you, you and the livestock.

Thank you for your input. This is great info. Additional suggestions are welcome.