We took the 77 bus to it's last stop at Devil's Dyke and took footpaths through fields of cows and…read moremagnificent views of the farm lands below, the sea in the distance and frolicking lambs. We got caught in a rain storm and made our way to the pub by the bus stop. Locally made Gin, delicious leek and potato soup with duck paté and bread, made the rain a blessing. It's wonderful, that in 20 minutes you can travel from the gaudy honky-tonk of the pier to such a peaceful and natural setting.

The curiously named Devil's Dyke is one of the most scenic spots on the South Downs Way. Just five…read moremiles north of Brighton it's easily accessible even when you're not walking the path. It now belongs to the National Trust so car parking fees apply but you can also get the bus up to the Dyke from Brighton in the summer months. The views are fantastic, and on a clear day you can even see as far away as the Isle of White. Its a great location for walking, mountain biking, zorbing of paragliding; or just a picnic if you are feeling a little more sedate. There is a pub if you fancy a pint and an ice cream van most of the year round. Legend has it that the dyke was formed by the Devil to drown the parishioners of the Weald, but scientists tell us that is was formed naturally during the last ice age. However it was formed, the end result is the longest, widest and dryest dry valley in the UK and it's absolutely stunning.

Visitors more familiar with the densely built up City Centre of Brighton and its Georgian…read morearchitecture will be surprised to learn just how many large parks the city has. One of the nicest, and most historic, is Stanmer Park, on the eastern outskirts of the city and adjacent to the lovely campus of the University of Sussex at Falmer. The park is set around Stanmer House, built in 1720 by the first Earl of Chichester, Thomas Pelham. Set in its own little valley, the estate includes Stanmer Village and church: the former a picturesque private village built for the estate's workers, and the latter rebuilt in 1838 when the earlier mediaeval church burned down. As with many such estates, it was planned on the principles of classic English landscape gardening, and consists of sweeping areas of lawn planted with specimen trees, all edged with woodland. Bought by Brighton Council in 1947, the grounds are now open to the public as parkland. The 'village' includes a cafe ('see separate entry under 'Stanmer Tea Rooms') and public toilets. Part of the old stable block now houses a mildly diverting small museum of rural life (free entry but rather limited opening hours) and a nursery which is open to the public, selling a wide range of plants, in what was the house's walled garden (which closes at 16h). The whole ensemble is maybe not quite as well kept as it could be, but it's nice enough. The House itself has been beautifully restored and is let as a conference and private function venue, and some of the main function rooms can be visited (again, for free) when not hired out. It contains a collection of old photographs, but most of the original contents have long since gone - however, the modern furnishings fit in well enough in a 'Country House Hotel' sort of way. However, the main reason for a visit to the Park is just to get some fresh air, in nice surroundings: it's a great place for a game of cricket or rounders, or picnic, or just a woodland walk, and is very popular with students from the nearby University and families in the summer. The park is a 15 minute walk from Falmer station, and 10 minutes from the University, but on summer Sundays and Bank Holidays there is an hourly bus service (route 78) from the centre of Brighton, via the railway station, during the day, right up to the Village and House. Car-parking is in the process of being reorganised, but is normally not a problem unless there is an event taking place.

Stanmer Park is located just off the A270 between Brighton and Lewes, right next to the University…read moreof Sussex Campus, in the village of Stanmer. It is a lovely place to walk the dog or take the kids for a run around if they need to expel some excess energy! There's a small car park, but be warned this can get packed out pretty quickly, as it seems to serve as an overflow car park for visitors to the village, church and pub! Easily accessible from Falmer village and Sussex campus, Stanmer park provides a really nice, scenic walk- it's not particularly challenging or varied, more of a light stroll around the estate's grounds. I often used to pop over to Stanmer to stretch my legs and get a change of scenery, during my first year at university, it's a really great place to have on your doorstep, which I suspect many students aren't even aware of. If you feel like exploring, you can also wander through the village, where there's a really sweet old church and a pub that do nice food. Stanmer House itself is also quite something to look at and Stanmer Nursery is nestled away at the side and is well worth a visit. This is where the council grow many of the flowers they use in displays all over the city! Oh and if you're interested in Eco living and building, be sure to check out the Earth ship, it's incredible and they do tours!

For me Ditchling Beacon is little more than Sussex's most beautiful car park. Maintained by the…read morenational trust it serves as the final and most brutal challenge of the London to Brighton Bike ride. For the main part it's a great place to start a long walk across the downs on a route that (heading west) has a few interesting points to offer including some historic dewponds and an area of land known to the mountain biking community of Sussex as Tank Tracks. The reason for this being that it was used a training ground for tank drivers during the Second World War. As with most places on the downs the whole walk offers incredible views all year round and unlike Devil's Dyke for example you are free of the reminder that the pub offers of how close you are to civilisation you are.

Ditching beacon is the site of a Paleolithic hill fort, though sadly nothng remains of the original…read morestructure. What is left is one of the most breathtaking views you will get of the Sussex county. The site is a nature reserve maintained by the National Trust and if you want to get out of the city and have a walk along the downs, then this should be your first port of call. If you follow the route West along the chalk downs you will pass a couple of old dew ponds (used by herders in times past for watering their flocks) and end up coming to a quaint little windmill. The actual car park will usually have an ice cream van stationed for any refreshments, but aside from that don't expect a pub or venue to quench your thirst. Hence, bringing along some snack and drinks is a good idea. The car park is fairly adequate, but on summer weekends you may have to resort to parking on the side of the road. I came here a lot as a kid and would really recommend this as a nice Sunday afternoon walk to burn off the effects of the Sunday lunch.

A beautifully serene environment, quiet, far spaced from the rest of town, but quite a trek out…read morefrom the main Pier. -Would recommend a quiet jog or a walk with the dogs or a friend -Picturesque and a great place to enjoy your own thoughts -Be prepared for a long walk - at least 30min from the Brighton Palace Pier

One of Brighton's less well known treasures is the undercliff walk that starts by the Marina and…read moregoes 5km past Ovingdean and Rottingdean to Saltdean. It's excellent for an afternoon stroll or a cycle ride, and you can access the main coast road from any of the above-mentioned places, if you want to catch one of the frequent buses back to town. The walk is actually a sea-wall, built originally in the 1930s to prevent to erosion of the chalk cliffs. It has been rebuilt and enhanced many time since then, most recently after a series of cliff falls a few years ago. Walking along it - especially on a bright, sunny day - is almost a surreal experience. After a few minutes, you leave behind the sprawl of the modern Brighton Marina with its shops and flats with their legoland architecture, and experience the contrast of the dazzling white chalk cliffs, 25m high, on the one side, with the changing shore on the other: now rockpools, now shingle, now great rocks. The white of the cliffs and the concrete on a sunny day really can be overpowering - sunglasses are essential. As well as the stunning geology - all manner of fossils have been found in the cliffs - it is the nesting site for several types of birds, and the rock pools have the usual array of shore life. There are regular access points (steps) to the sea every 100m or so. There are small beaches at each of Ovingdean, Rottingdean and Saltdean, with a small cafe (and toilets) at Ovingdean. The pubs and shops of Rottingdean are a few minutes' walk from the path. There are no life guard facilities at any of the beaches, so swimming or paddling is at your own risk (plenty of people do it). The attraction is that the beaches are much quieter than those in central Brighton. Access via ramps (for wheelchairs, prams etc) is available at the Marina (next to Asda car park), Rottingdean and Saltdean, but not Ovingdean, where there is a long flight of steps. The slopes at Rottingdean are quite steep. Users are also advised to take care during storms, when the sea crashes over the sea wall!

Unique experience to visit this park! Reminds me of London's version of Central Park, with a more…read morecountryside in the city vibe. It is a massive park and my visit was limited to walking up for the view and relaxing a bit. It was a lovely day and I can imagine this is the place to be for many on a sunny afternoon with a picnic. I understand it's the highest natural point in London for a view of the skyline and also imagine the panorama is pretty at night. Cute neighborhood area, too.

This is London's version of Central Park only much grander and more natural and rustic feeling…read more Think wild blackberries along the trail's edge, three ponds, dogs galore, picnics around every corner, tennis courts, fenced in kids areas and more. The 300+ hectares (looks up conversion ) Also features woodlands, meadows, grassy lawns and paved trails. It's a London treasure and certainly worth a stroll and picnic. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with beautiful homes and fun shops.

An excellent place for doggie walking my Bonnie loves it . Also popular with cyclists joggers…read moretwitchers. lots of nicely set out paths . Hides for twitchers to view the birds without disturbing them a lovely nature reserve

Absolutely the perfect day trip from London…read more The main trailhead with all of the worthwhile historical information was well worth the visit. This is where you can see the lighthouses and get an ice cream cone. We had arrived here while a cloud of sea mist was entirely blocking the view of the lighthouses, so we kept chugging along. We started out all the way at the treat station in Seaford and walked from there, around the river bit at Cucksmere Haven (I laughed then and I'm laughing again now typing it), over all seven of the sisters and ending at the park, which would have been a good 5 or so more miles to the train station in Eastbourne. The hike we did was at least 20k steps and NOT easy. Getting up all of the hills is no joke. From the trailhead/park area, we elected to take the bus back into Eastbourne, which apparently only runs on weekends. So our Thursday butts hitchhiked in a road-raged taxi with several other tourists back into town. When we go there, the weather was perfect, so we had a fantastic view of all the cliffs from the Seaford side (which is the point of starting in Seaford, to get the good view of the whole thing). Alas, a cloud of mist rolled in, which was magical in its own way. I felt like a royal walking around on my hunting land. There's several fields of sheep and cows to enjoy, too! Moo!

This is a beautiful, scenic park on the south coast of England! If you enjoy nature and walking…read morealong the top of cliffs with a view of fields and sea, it's a breathtaking experience. In September 2023, I took a day trip from Brighton (just one hour via the 12x bus to the Seven Sisters Park Visitors Centre). I would recommend stopping by the visitor centre to get a map brochure, stop by the restroom, and ask questions. There are basically 3 options for hikes. 1. Short walk to the beach. If you have young children, I would take the flat path along the Cuckmere River for 0.5 miles toward the beach. At this point, you can turn around back to the centre for an easy 1-mile trip, or you can climb a steep trail to join the South Downs Way trail. 2. Moderately difficult walk to Birling Gap. This trail avoids the beach, but climbs up and down a few hills - you'll open a few gates and cross fields. It's not strenuous, but the hills will feel like climbing stairs. After 45 minutes, you'll reach the cliff edge with water views. Continue left toward Birling Gap as you enjoy scenic views. It probably takes 1.5 to 2 hours in total with some water breaks along the way. In Birling Gap, you can find another visitor centre for drinks or lunch. Catch a sightseeing bus (4 pounds) for East Dean where you can pickup the 12x bus for Brighton. 3. Long difficult walk to Beachy Head. This trail includes the hike above, but you will continue toward the lighthouse (Belle Tout) after Birling Gap. Go ahead to the other side where you'll see another red lighthouse. If you're tired, catch the sightseeing bus at Belle Tout for East Dean. If you're up for more walking, go ahead for another 2 miles to Beachy Head. The views are pretty. About 3-4 hours in total. At Beachy Head rest stop (you'll see tour buses), you can catch the sightseeing bus (4 pounds) for East Dean where you can walk to pickup the 12x bus back to Brighton.

It's a bit like what it says on the tin but without the "central" bit. When I first came to London…read moreI joined the group because it was a whole lot better going for a walk in the countryside than sitting in a pub staring at the bubbles in my champagne glass. Okay I was evidently in the wrong environment for champagne nevertheless CLOG was a good way to start getting out and meeting some people who share a love of outdoor activities without the need to bury myself in my bubbles. It's made up of a mix of people, including single and odd. There are weekly events, such as meeting for theatre and such but I stick to the walks because I can always pick up the pace if I'm not in the mood for chatting. They do some good weekend and longer trips around the whole of England (and some European destinations). I did a great walk along the Jurassic coast. The youth hostel, sharing, bunk bed accommodation is not my thing however. Some of the members were horrified when I suggested I find a B&B for myself. It's cheap to join - only £30 for the year but you can do the first 3 events first to test it out.

it was great meeting new people loved the outdoor activities, I found a new group to join and i…read morethought I would share it www. green-london.org.uk http://www.meetup.com/Green-London-Walks-Days-out-and-Weekends/ if you loved this group you will enjoy this group