Great walks around Brighton

Exercise and explore Brighton at the same time

Now the weather is becoming a little brighter and a little warmer, it is the perfect time to get out and about exploring Brighton.  We’ve put together some information on the best parks and walks in the city to explore.

Remember, if you’re planning a walk on footpaths or trails away from the city centre wear suitable footwear and clothing, and make sure your coat is waterproof. Ensure you walk with one other person and let your housemates know where you’re going too!

Walks in central Brighton

Thanks to the Victorians, Brighton is blessed with lots of parks and green spaces to walk or exercise in. Here’s a list of our favourites:

Preston Park

Preston Park is a much-loved park north of central Brighton. Paths are accessible, there are two cafés, a rose garden, landscaped gardens and fish pond, tennis course, pétanque and shaded areas. At the North end of Preston Park is Britain’s oldest velodrome, perfect for running or cycling around, with cricket nets in the centre. You can find out more about Preston Park here.

 

Stanmer Park

Stanmer Park is a huge park and historic estate on the outskirts of Brighton next to the University of Sussex and opposite the Falmer campus. Once you enter the park there are lots of options of trails and paths. An accessible path stretches from the entrance all the way to Stanmer House. To the left past Stanmer House is One Garden Brighton – a traditional walled garden, which is home to a cafe and shop selling local produce, with regular events taking place throughout the year.  If you fancy a longer trail you can walk through Stanmer Village or up through the woods which will take you up to the Downs on Ditchling Road? Find out more about Stanmer Park here.

Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park is a gem of a park in central Brighton. It’s the only park in the central area with a large pond with ducks. Paths are accessible and there’s a children’s play area, café and wooded areas. It’s quite easy to feel that you’re not in the city centre. Find out more about Queen’s Park here.

Other parks in the city to explore

There are simply loads of parks in the city to explore. Check out Google maps to find your local park and get exploring!

Suggested walking routes

Want to get out and about surrounded by nature? Here are a few walks which you can start from most halls of residence and on the seafront.

Moulsecoomb campus walk

Popular with dog-walkers, if you head towards Moulsecoomb Station and follow Queensdown School Road around the back of Moulscoomb Place Halls of Residence and under the railway bridge. After you walk under the railway bridge on the left are some steps and a gravel path. Walk up the steps or path and this will take you on a footpath marked by the dotted grey and green area on the map link. From here you’ll get a great view of the university and city. Depending how energetic you’re feeling you could continue your walk to Hollingbury Park Golf Course.

 

Walks near the Lewes Road

If you live in Moulsecoomb halls of residence, anywhere near Lewes Road or Bear Road these walks are right on your doorstep.

Brighton Crematorium Gardens Walk

It may sound a bit macabre, but the crematoriums and cemetery gardens off the Lewes Road are incredibly tranquil and beautiful places to walk through. From the Lewes Road, opposite M&S Simply Food and the Vogue Gyratory, walk into the small road with the sign marked  “Brighton Extra Mural Chapel” and “Brighton and Hove Mortuary”. Once you enter you’ll be able to select a path or simply wander through the various gardens. If you keep ascending you’ll eventually come to the top of Bear Road and towards the Racecourse, where you could continue your walk. Although this is an accessible walk parts of it can be very steep.

Click here for a map link, but remember once you are inside there are lots of different paths you can take.

 

Hollingbury Park and Golf Course

There are loads of walks in and around Hollingbury Park and Golf Course, including through Bursted Wood. You can see the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort here, as well as walking down towards Wild Park – a great walk if you live near the Moulsecoomb area, Hollingdean or Ditchling Road area. You can find out more about Hollingbury and Bursted Woods here.

 

Seafront walks

A stroll along the seafront is a rite of passage for anyone living in the city.

Once you’re on the seafront promenade head East towards the Marina. You’ll pass the Yellowave beach volleyball complex (a great place to go in sunny weather for food, drink and to play or watch volleyball) and other seafront facilities. Once you get to the Marina, head towards the chalk cliffs to the left of the Marina and you’ll be on the Undercliff walk. It’s an accessible mostly flat path with gentle slopes that runs from Brighton Marina all the way to Saltdean. You’ll be next to the sea and away from traffic and other sounds of the city. You can access the beach and there are cafés at Rottingdean and Saltdean. Check the tide times for low time so you can access rock pools.

Click here for a Google Map link and follow the green line marked “Undercliff Walk”.

Longer walks

The Chattri

The Chattri is a monument to Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire during WW1. The Chattri (which means “umbrella” in Hindi) is the site where these soldiers were cremated. It is only accessible by a bridleway – a path through woodland or grassy areas for walkers or horse riders. This is a longer walk on uneven, hilly and grassy terrain. It’s not suitable if you require assistance such as mobility scooters or a wheelchair. The site is North of Brighton, above Hollingbury in the South Downs National Park.

On your way to the Chattri, you’ll walk through fields with cows and sheep. Please read the Countryside Code to ensure you are familiar with the rules regarding walking on land that has a public right of way. It’s a longer walk, but you’ll be rewarded by a beautiful monument that overlooks the local countryside, Brighton & Hove and sea. In non-Covid times it’s a lovely place to have a picnic in the summer months.

If you live in in Moulsecoomb, Varley Halls or Falmer you could make a longer walk by walking up through Stanmer Park or Wild Park. Give yourself plenty of time and remember during the Winter months it gets dark by 4pm.

Click here for a Google Map link.

 

 

Hollingbury Health Walk

This is a 4km walk that starts and ends in Hollingdean and will take you through local nature reserves, up to the North end of Brighton to the Hollingbury Golf Course that has stunning views over the city and back down past local allotments.

If you live new Lewes Road, Ditchling Road, or in Hollingdean, this is a great walk to do.

Click here to view the walking route on Google Maps.

 

Devil’s Dyke Walk

This is substantial walk that will take you to a stunning National Trust beauty spot in the South Downs National Park. If you’re walking from Brighton, it’s a 8.4km walk one-way or a 17km walk if you choose to walk back. You’ll need decent walking boots plus suitable clothing, as well as allowing most of the day to do this.

This is route suitable for walkers and cyclists. Unfortunately it’s not a fully accessible route and unsuitable if you’re unable to walk long distances on uneven terrain. In order to use the route on this Ordnance Survey Map. You’ll need to make your way to the Coop supermarket in Patcham.  Alternatively, you can take Brighton bus number 5A or the, The Big Lemon Bus 52 to the Patcham Old Village bus stop.

Once you’re at the top of Devil’s Dyke you’ll be rewarded by stunning views of the Sussex Weald and seafront. There are numerous paths and trails to choose from and there is a café/restaurant and usually a hot drink or food stand in the car park.