Located northeast of central Brighton, you will find the picturesque Stanmer Park. With its lush green hills and historic cobbled buildings, you will be able to soak up its Georgian past on a peaceful stroll. The park has been modernised while still preserving many of its original aspects. With a selection of hikes and bike-accessible routes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this natural beauty of Brighton.
Stanmer House: a piece of History at Stanmer Park
While exploring the grounds of Stanmer Park, we recommend checking out the Grade I listed building, Stanmer House. First listed in 1954, the manor house has stunning Georgian architecture both inside and out, with a winding staircase, a tranquil pond, and elegant function rooms.
This building had seen a variety of famous guests over time and had many uses before it became the much-loved wedding venue it is today. From being the Pelham Family residence to a home for wounded soldiers in WW2, Stanmer House truly plays a definitive part in Brighton’s past and present.
One Garden and Kitchen
Stanmer Park, Brighton, is set over 464 acres and features The One Garden, which was designed by Dominic Cole, famous for working on the Eden Project. This space is a collection of 8 gardens with plant species that act as a memoir or serve an important part in biodiversity. The garden is home to a selection of hot and dry plant species, medicinal plants, and so many more.
One Kitchen uses the garden’s produce in its brunch and seasonal dishes. With offerings such as French Toast and Breakfast Baps, you can satisfy sweet or savoury cravings. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish, they provide a Sunday lunch with choices of Sussex aged beef and vegetarian Wellington. For a quick recharge, check out their coffee and cakes from Monday to Saturday.
Whether you want to cosy up indoors or enjoy the gorgeous views that surround you, One Kitchen has seating options that suit your fancy. If you’d rather tuck into something on the go, then One Market is the place for you with its variety of takeaway options.
Scenic Hiking Routes
If you’re looking for a quick walk to take your children on or are simply short on time, exploring the Great Wood of Stanmer Park is your best option. To see the enchanting bluebells that line the paths, make sure to visit during April and May to catch a glimpse of them in full bloom. This route is just under 2 miles long.
If you want to explore Stanmer Village further, there is a route that takes you past the church and sophisticated tea rooms. Lasting 1.5 hours, you will enjoy the perfect balance of open fields and secluded woodlands.
Explore the majority of the charming woodland areas in a 5-mile loop. This 2-and-a-half-hour walk is the perfect temporary escape from the bustling city life. The final walk is a 5-mile adventure through many of the woods but also includes some views of the architecture Stanmer Park has on offer, such as the Church and Tea Rooms.
Route plans sourced from: https://www.localwalks.co.uk/sussex-walks-blog/walk-map
Stanmer Park: Inclusive, Exciting Events
Not only does Stanmer Park offer foraging walks throughout the year, but it also offers LGBTQ+ gatherings with Queers in the Woods and the incredible music event Boundary Festival. Queers in the Woods is an event full of games, meditation, and singing around a fire in order to connect with other Queer folk and enjoy the local ecosystem. Boundary Festival hosts huge names in D&B and electronic music for an epic day of late summer partying.
With its multitude of food vendors and exciting thrift stalls selling awesome rave merchandise, you’ll be set to close the festival season in style. Last year saw huge names take to the stages, including Sub Focus, A Little Sound, and Pendulum, just to name a handful.
When Christmas approaches, a winter light show illuminates One Garden for a spectacular festive walk, which is perfect for a romantic date or a fun family outing.
