From the outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs Natural Park to the astonishing views of Seven Sisters, the Sussex coastline is a walkers’ paradise. Whether you travel East or West to escape Brighton’s busy shopping districts, there are some truly gorgeous walks in the Sussex region to fill the lungs with fresh air and get the blood flowing through the legs. Here are some of the best…
Devil’s Dyke
Situated just a short bus or taxi ride from Brighton city centre, the mile-long walk at Devil’s Dyke offers some of the best panoramic views of East Sussex and the Brighton and Hove area. It’s no wonder that Brighton and Hove’s locals have flocked here over the years in their thousands, especially in the Spring and summer months, to take stock of its breathtaking views.
The walk at Devil’s Dyke overlooks a vast trench of “dry valley,” while its name derives from a folkloric legend where the Devil attempted to drown the parishioners of the Weald in a huge chasm.
Devil’s Dyke is also home to the remains of the ramparts of an Iron Age fort, so history connoisseurs will have plenty to read up on before lacing up their hiking boots.
Buses run frequently to Devil’s Dyke during the spring and summer months with the “Breeze 77” service specifically designed to courier eager hikers up to the popular spot from Brighton’s town centre.
Ashdown Forest
East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest is culturally significant to the region for many reasons. Chief among them is its location as the home of the fictional character Winnie-the-Pooh. This undoubtedly brings a family-friendly aspect to the picturesque landscape of the forest.
Aside from its literary significance, Ashdown is also an ancient agricultural treasure trove, and hikers who venture to its woodland will be hard-pressed not to be overwhelmed by the stunning natural beauty here.
Ashdown Forest is colossal in scale and spans over six-and-a-half-thousand acres so there is no shortage of land to walk and explore. The landscape of Ashdown is of rare scientific importance and is heavily protected to ensure its remains in good health.
The forest is home to some of the rarest and most endangered species of plants in the country and for this reason alone has become somewhat of a mecca for nature enthusiasts country-wide.
Ashdown Forest is a short drive or bus journey from the Sussex towns of East Grinstead and Hayward’s Heath. Both towns are accessible by train from Brighton and Hove mainline stations.
Seven Sisters
Forming part of the vast one-hundred-mile South Downs Way National Trail, the walk along the cliffs of Seven Sisters is a jaw-dropping experience. Not for the faint-hearted, the Seven Sisters cliffs offer unparalleled vistas of the English Channel, while the walk along the trail is steeped in history and heritage.
The South Downs National Park is home to hundreds of rare species of plants and animals and as of 2023, the famous Cuckmere Trail at Seven Sisters is accompanied by an audio tour located on five benches along the way.
Depending on your energy levels, Seven Sisters is a base camp for a variety of distanced walks along the coast and seasoned hikers there is a three-hour walk to Birling Gap and a four-hour walk to Beachy Head.
Ditchling Beacon
Panoramas don’t get much more stunning or expansive than the ones accessible from Ditchling Beacon in East Sussex. Lovingly referred to as the “top of the world,” at 248 metres above sea level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex.
The Beacon, historically named after the warning beacon that was once located here, is just a seven-mile trek north of Brighton and has attracted walkers to its summit for years. It’s easy to see why; on a crisp early summer morning, the views from Ditchling Beacon are arguably unmatched in the region. The walk is quite the climb but those who manage to scale the daunting hill to reach the summit are in for a treat.
Archaeology enthusiasts also flock to Ditchling Beacon to inspect the remains of its Iron-Age fort. With history and beauty in abundance here, the walk at Ditchling Beacon is a rite of passage for any Brighton local or visitor to the city.
Stanmer Park
Familiar with students who study at both the University of Sussex and Brighton Falmer campuses, Stanmer Park is the perfect destination for a casual weekend stroll with friends or family.
The woodland at Stanmer Park is dense and expansive but not intimidatingly so, so it is suitable for both short and long-distance walks. Stanmer Park is also Brighton’s largest park and has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the country’s best parks.
Stanmer Park and its surrounding estates boast a fantastic cobweb-blowing walk through the woodland and into Stanmer Village. Finishing your walk at Stanmer House is strongly recommended as the tea rooms there are the perfect place to sit back and unwind after a refreshing weekend stroll.
Stanmer Park is accessible from Falmer train station and is a short bus journey from Brighton city centre.
Arundel Castle
Originally a Norman-Age Castle, Arundel Castle and its surrounding gardens underwent intensive restoration during the late nineteenth century and has been almost completely rebuilt into the grand Gothic edifice it is today.
The Castle is steeped in rich history and its gardens are a picturesque place to stretch your legs and enjoy a beautiful walk.
The gardens at Arundel Castle are tended to with spectacular attention to detail by its team of experienced gardeners and are well worth exploring at any time of the year. The Castle grounds also offer brilliant views of the River Arun that runs through the region.
Brede High Woods
Situated near the village of Brede in East Sussex, Brede High Woods is a woodland of rare natural beauty. The walk through the woods is waymarked, while the woodland itself is home to various species of wildlife, drawing nature enthusiasts from all over the region.
The streams of Brede High Woods are home to rare species of lamprey eel, and the forest is also home to iron-age ironworks and some of the rarest types of beetle in the United Kingdom.
Brede High Woods is a short drive or bus journey from the medieval town of Hastings and nearby Battle. Both Hastings and Battle are accessible by train from Brighton mainline stations.
Slindon Medieval Park & Village
This short but beautifully picturesque walk is a popular route for experienced hikers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. The circular walk at Slindon Estate (one of the National Trust’s largest estates) in West Sussex starts on the outskirts of Slindon Village, meanders around Slindon Medieval Park and ends in the heart of the village.
The easy terrain is suitable for families with young children utilising mostly bridlepaths and stretches of field.
Slindon Village is a charming destination for the family to enjoy a short yet perfectly formed walk looking out over the rolling stretches of the West Sussex countryside.
Woolbeding, River Rother and Midhurst
Situated in the South Downs, wandering around Woolbeding Estate and its remarkable agriculture is amongst the best walks that Sussex has to offer. Starting in the quaint, scenic town of Midhurst, this popular route explores the astounding natural beauty of the Woolbeding Parkland, following the River Rother through plantations and spectacular woodland.
The trail walk is four kilometres long so isn’t too much of a hike for families with young children, while Midhurst is a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch after stretching your legs, with the walk starting at finishing at the convenient location of The Wheatsheaf in the heart of the town.
Cissbury Ring
Like its neighbouring county, West Sussex is steeped in wonderfully rich and diverse historical heritage. The Cissbury Ring walk is a cultural highlight when visiting the region and has a lot of archaeological significance.
The trail walk at Cissbury Ring follows an ancient road where neolithic flint mining once took place while viewing the chalk downland site from the trail is an experience like no other.
Firle Beacon
Firle Village has long attracted visitors from across the county due to its picturesque countryside walks and friendly atmosphere.
The seven-kilometre walk from the Village to Firle Beacon and back again is among the most charming walks that Sussex has to offer, while the views from the hilltop Beacon itself offer up a panorama of the Sussex countryside and the English Channel beyond like no other.
The footpath is clearly marked by the car park situated in the village, whilst the village itself is well worth exploring with its array of country pubs and cafés.
