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One of the best things about Brighton is how quickly you can get out of the city and into genuinely beautiful countryside. The South Downs National Park starts at the edge of town, the coastline stretches in both directions with cliff paths and undercliff trails, and most of the best walks near Brighton are reachable by bus, train or a short drive.
This guide covers 10 verified routes organised by difficulty, with honest notes on distance, terrain, how to get there, and where to stop for a pint or coffee afterwards.
Walks near Brighton at a glance
| Walk | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Dog friendly | How to get there |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undercliff Walk | 3 miles / 5km | 1 to 1.5 hours | Easy, flat | Yes | Bus to Brighton Marina |
| Stanmer Park Loop | 3.5 to 5 miles | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Easy to moderate | Yes | Bus 25, train to Falmer or drive |
| Brighton Seafront to Hove | 3.5 miles | 1 to 1.5 hours | Easy, flat | Yes, beach rules apply | Walk from the centre |
| Hollingbury Woods | 1.5 miles | 45 minutes | Easy, accessible | Yes | Bus or drive |
| Devil’s Dyke Loop | 2 to 5 miles | 1 to 3 hours | Moderate, hilly | Yes | Bus 77 or drive |
| Jack and Jill Windmills | 1.5 to 4 miles | 1 to 2 hours | Easy to moderate, hilly | Yes | Drive or bus to Pyecombe / Clayton area |
| Rottingdean Circular | 4.5 to 5 miles | 2 to 3 hours | Moderate, mixed | Yes | Bus to Brighton Marina or Rottingdean |
| Ditchling Beacon | 4 to 5 miles, longer routes possible | 2 to 3 hours | Moderate to hard | Yes | Drive or weekend / bank holiday bus |
| Brighton to Lewes | 7 to 8 miles | 3.5 to 4 hours | Moderate, sustained | Yes | Walk from Brighton, train back from Lewes |
| Falmer Loop via Blackcap | 7 miles | 3 to 4 hours | Moderate to hard | Yes | Train to Falmer |
Distances and times are approximate. Always check the route before setting off, especially for South Downs walks where paths, weather and livestock can change the experience quickly.
Easy walks
Undercliff Walk: Brighton Marina to Saltdean
The Undercliff Walk is the most popular easy walk near Brighton and a good starting point if you have not explored the coastline on foot.
It runs for around three miles from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, following a flat, paved path beneath the white chalk cliffs. The views out to sea are beautiful year-round, and there are cafés and beach stops along the route.
The path is wide, flat and traffic-free, making it suitable for pushchairs, bikes and wheelchairs for most of the way. Dogs are welcome, although normal lead control is sensible because cyclists also use the route.
Watch the weather in winter or during storms. Waves can come over the wall at high tide, and chalk or flint can occasionally fall from the cliffs.
Getting there: Take the bus to Brighton Marina, or walk east along the seafront from central Brighton. You can return the same way or catch a bus back from Saltdean.
Stop afterwards: Brighton Marina has several options, or head back into Kemptown.
Stanmer Park Loop
Stanmer Park is just north of Brighton and offers gentle woodland walking with enough variety to keep it interesting.
A shorter loop around Stanmer Park is around 3.5 miles, while a longer wander through Great Wood, Stanmer Village and the wider parkland can easily reach around five miles. Expect woodland paths, open parkland, old trees and proper countryside atmosphere without going far from the city.
It is one of the most accessible walks near Brighton by public transport. Bus 25 runs frequently from central Brighton to the Lower Lodges entrance, and Falmer station is also nearby.
One Garden Brighton is the natural stop, with gardens, plants, food and coffee in the restored walled garden. It turns a simple walk into more of a half-day outing.
Getting there: Bus 25 from central Brighton, train to Falmer, or drive. Parking at Stanmer Park is paid, with charges depending on length of stay.
Stop afterwards: One Garden Brighton, or The Stanmer Tea Rooms.
Brighton Seafront to Hove
The simplest walk on this list is also one of the most reliable. Start at Brighton Palace Pier and walk west along the seafront towards Hove.
The full stretch is about 3.5 miles if you keep going towards Hove Lagoon, but you can shorten it whenever you like. It is flat the whole way, with the beach on one side and the city on the other.
It is urban rather than countryside, but on a clear day the light on the water is beautiful. There are cafés, bars, fish and chip stops, benches and toilets along the way, which makes it one of the easiest walks to fit around other plans.
Dogs are welcome on the promenade year-round. Seasonal restrictions apply on the beach itself between 1 May and 30 September, when dogs are only allowed on designated dog-friendly sections.
Getting there: Start from Brighton Palace Pier and walk west.
Stop afterwards: Take your pick along the seafront, Hove Lawns or Western Road.
Hollingbury Woods
Hollingbury Woods is a short, easy loop through pretty woodland just a few miles north of the city centre.
The accessible woodland route is around 1.5 miles, free from gates and stiles, and suitable for families, pushchairs and wheelchairs. It is not dramatic like Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon, but it is peaceful, green and useful when you want a quick escape without leaving the city properly.
It is a good choice for families with young children, anyone who wants a gentler walk, or dog owners who want shade in warmer weather.
Getting there: Bus or a short drive. It is near Hollingbury Park, Hollingbury Golf Course and Ditchling Road.
Stop afterwards: The Cleveland Arms near Preston Park is a short onward journey.
Moderate walks
Devil’s Dyke Loop
Devil’s Dyke is the walk near Brighton that everyone should do at least once.
The dry valley is one of the most dramatic landscapes close to the city, with big South Downs views across Sussex. On clear days, the views stretch for miles, and the combination of open downland, steep sides and wide skies makes it feel far further from Brighton than it is.
There are several route options. A shorter circular walk is around 2 to 3 miles, while longer loops towards Fulking, Poynings or Saddlescombe can stretch to around 4 to 5 miles. Expect hills. It is not technical, but you will feel the climbs.
The Devil’s Dyke pub sits close to the top, making it an easy start or finish point. The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking is excellent if your route drops into the village, but book ahead if you want food.
Getting there: Bus 77 runs between Brighton and Devil’s Dyke, with current timetable information available from Brighton & Hove Buses. You can also drive, but the National Trust car park is pay and display for non-members.
Stop afterwards: Devil’s Dyke pub at the top, or The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking.
Jack and Jill Windmills
The Jack and Jill windmills sit on the South Downs near Clayton and Pyecombe, giving this walk a proper landmark.
There are several route options. A short circular walk from the windmills is around 1.5 miles, while a longer route towards Pyecombe or Ditchling Beacon can reach around 4 miles or more. The views are wide, open and classic South Downs: rolling chalk hills, farmland and big skies.
The short route is manageable for families who are happy with a bit of hill walking. The longer options involve more climbing and are better suited to walkers who want a proper downland route.
Getting there: Drive to the windmill area or use public transport towards Pyecombe or Hassocks, then walk up. Check the route carefully before travelling without a car.
Stop afterwards: The Plough at Pyecombe is the obvious pub stop.
Rottingdean Circular: The Kipling Walk
This is one of the most varied walks near Brighton, combining coast, village streets and open downland.
The route usually starts with the Undercliff Walk, heads through Rottingdean, then climbs towards Beacon Hill before looping back across the Downs. Depending on the exact version, expect around 4.5 to 5 miles.
Rottingdean adds character to the route. Rudyard Kipling once lived in the village, and the mix of sea-level undercliff walking, historic streets and higher downland views gives the walk more variety than many routes of a similar length.
Getting there: Start at Brighton Marina and follow the Undercliff Walk east, or take the bus directly to Rottingdean and join the route there.
Stop afterwards: The White Horses in Rottingdean, or one of the village pubs and cafés.
Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is one of the highest points on the South Downs and offers some of the best views in Sussex.
The South Downs National Park circular walk is around 4 to 5 miles and usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Longer routes from Ditchling village, Stanmer Park or along the South Downs Way can make this a much harder day out.
The summit is exposed, so check the weather. It can feel much windier and colder than Brighton, even when the city feels calm.
Getting there: Drive to Ditchling Beacon car park, or use the weekend and bank holiday Breeze service when running. Parking charges apply for non-National Trust members.
Stop afterwards: The Bull in Ditchling, The White Horse in Ditchling, or The Plough at Pyecombe depending on your route.
Longer walks
Brighton to Lewes
Brighton to Lewes is one of the best walks near Brighton for a proper day out.
The route is usually around 7 to 8 miles, depending on where you start and the exact path you take. It heads out of Brighton, crosses open South Downs terrain and descends into Lewes, where you can reward yourself with pubs, independent shops and a train back.
The walk is sustained rather than technically difficult, but 7 to 8 miles across open downland takes energy. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours, bring water, and check the route beforehand.
We have written a full guide to this walk: Brighton to Lewes Day Trip.
Getting there: Walk from Brighton, then take the train back from Lewes.
Stop afterwards: Lewes has plenty of options. The Snowdrop Inn and The Gardener’s Arms are both good shouts.
Falmer Loop via Blackcap
Falmer is one of the easiest places to reach from Brighton by train, which makes it a strong starting point for a longer South Downs walk.
A popular circular route via Blackcap is around 7 miles and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. Expect proper South Downs terrain: open hills, woodland edges, fields, climbs and wide views.
It is more challenging than the shorter walks on this list, but it is rewarding if you want a countryside route that does not require a car. The train from Brighton to Falmer is quick, and the loop brings you back to the same area.
Getting there: Train to Falmer from Brighton, or bus towards the universities.
Stop afterwards: Head back into Brighton, or check nearby Falmer and university-area options before setting off.
Practical tips
Footwear
For the Undercliff Walk, Brighton seafront and easier Stanmer Park paths, trainers are usually fine.
For anything on the Downs, including Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, Falmer and Brighton to Lewes, wear proper walking boots or sturdy shoes. Chalk paths can become slippery when wet.
Weather
The South Downs are exposed. Wind and temperature can be very different from the city, especially on Ditchling Beacon and Devil’s Dyke.
Check the forecast, bring a waterproof layer, and carry water even on cooler days.
Dogs
All walks on this list are dog-friendly, but the Downs often have livestock. Keep dogs on leads near sheep, cattle, horses and wildlife.
On Brighton and Hove beaches, dogs are allowed on all beaches from 1 October to 30 April. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are only allowed on designated dog-friendly beach sections.
Public transport
Most walks near Brighton are possible without a car. Bus 25 serves Stanmer Park, bus 77 serves Devil’s Dyke, buses run east towards Brighton Marina, Rottingdean and Saltdean, and trains make Falmer and Lewes easy.
Always check the latest timetable before setting off, especially for seasonal or weekend-only services.
Maps
For the Downs walks, download the route before you leave or use an app like OS Maps, Komoot or AllTrails. Phone signal can be patchy, and several paths look similar when you are on open downland.
FAQs
What is the best easy walk near Brighton?
The Undercliff Walk from Brighton Marina to Saltdean is the best easy coastal option. It is flat, scenic, dog-friendly and reachable by bus. Stanmer Park is the best easy option if you prefer woodland and parkland over coast.
What is the best walk near Brighton for views?
Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon offer the most dramatic panoramic views. Devil’s Dyke is easier to reach from central Brighton by bus, while Ditchling Beacon is higher, more exposed and better for a wilder South Downs feel.
Are there walks near Brighton suitable for pushchairs?
Yes. The Undercliff Walk is paved and mostly flat. Brighton seafront is flat and accessible. Hollingbury Woods has an accessible route free from gates and stiles. Stanmer Park has good paths, although some sections can be uneven.
Can I do walks near Brighton without a car?
Yes. The Undercliff Walk, Stanmer Park, Brighton seafront, Devil’s Dyke, Falmer Loop and Brighton to Lewes are all possible by public transport. Check timetables first, especially for Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon services.
Where can I stop for a pub lunch during a walk?
Good options include The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking near Devil’s Dyke, The Plough at Pyecombe near Jack and Jill, The White Horses in Rottingdean, and several pubs in Lewes after the Brighton to Lewes walk.
Are the walks near Brighton dog friendly?
Yes, all 10 walks on this list are dog-friendly. Keep dogs on leads near livestock on the Downs, particularly during lambing season and whenever animals are grazing. The Undercliff Walk and seafront are the easiest for dogs because they are flat and paved.
Which walk is best if I am visiting Brighton for the first time?
Start with the Undercliff Walk if you want coast, cliffs and easy terrain. Choose Devil’s Dyke if you want classic South Downs views without committing to a full-day hike.
Final thoughts
The walks near Brighton are one of the best things about living in or visiting the city. Within a short journey, you can be standing on top of the South Downs with chalk grassland and skylarks around you, or walking beneath white cliffs with the Channel stretching out beside you.
Most routes need nothing more than decent shoes, a weather check and a bus or train ticket. Start with the Undercliff Walk or Devil’s Dyke if you have not explored before, then work up to the longer Downs routes as your confidence grows.
If you want a bigger day out, our Brighton to Lewes Day Trip guide is the natural next read. For dramatic coastal scenery, our Brighton to Seven Sisters guide is useful too. If you are walking with a dog, our Dog Friendly Brighton guide covers beach rules, cafés and local tips.
