Unless you live locally, it’s unlikely you’ll have heard of Benfield Valley and Benfield Hill. Sandwiched silently between Hangleton and Portslade, these green spaces are often overlooked or even unknown to anyone not within walking distance. The two nature reserves, however, are well worth exploring for enchanting wildlife, beautiful fauna and epic views over the South Downs.
Easily accessible via public transport or by car, both Benfield Valley and Benfield Hill are havens for nature lovers, dog owners and day walkers. The natural areas seamlessly merge, offering a peaceful escape from Brighton and Hove’s bustling streets and seafront.
Benfield Valley at a glance
Sitting on the northern outskirts of Brighton and Hove, Benfield Valley is located between Old Shoreham Road, the A293 Hangleton Link Road and the A27 bypass. The wildlife reserve is best strolled from the Old Shoreham Road entrance, where you can follow the public pathway and catch cricket and football matches in the summer months, before coming to a larger, wilder open area past the big Sainsbury’s supermarket. Bar the hum of the traffic, this part is always quiet with very few walkers and the occasional cyclist, enabling you to enjoy the grassy meadows at your own pace.
Venture further up, crossing over Hangleton Lane, and the Valley continues. Benfield Barn, a historic Grade II-listed building that’s now the home of Brighton Footgolf, which shares its location with this part of Benfield Valley, takes centre stage here. You can pick up light refreshments here or play a game of the hybrid sport before continuing.
When you reach the top of the hilly ascent, make sure to turn around and enjoy stunning views over Portslade and Hangleton – you can even see the sea in the faint distance!
Continuing to Benfield Hill
Once you’ve reached the peak of Benfield Valley, you’ll need to cross the footbridge over the A27 to explore Benfield Hill. You’ll spot the first nature reserve information sign, filled with useful details, a small map and the types of wildlife you can expect to find at the top.
Continue left, cross over the small track (mindful of any cars passing by), and you’ll reach the foot of the hill. Here again you’ll find an additional information sign, with a map displaying sections of the site and where you can find certain insects, creatures and wildlife areas, from Adder Point to Orchid Valley.
There’s a nice circular route around the edge of the conservation area, through the grassy banks, shady wooded areas and wildflower corners. You’ll also find well-trodden desire paths dotted throughout, allowing you to explore the tucked-away spots, such as areas loved by glow-worms, burnet moths and marbled white butterflies.
Walkers can continue towards Devil’s Dyke, where you’ll meet some friendly faces along the way (cows, horses and sheep can usually be found grazing in the fields between the public footpath), or you can join the Monarch’s Way, past West Hove Golf Club, connecting up with the Devil’s Dyke Trail.
Looked after by the Benfield Wildlife Group, a group of volunteers trying to preserve the area and its bountiful wildlife species, Benfield Hill became Brighton and Hove’s first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1993 and continues to be one of the few remaining open spaces connecting the city with the South Downs. Benfield Wildlife Group hosts regular events throughout the year, including glow-worm and butterfly walks.
Getting here & practicalities
Both Benfield Valley and Benfield Hill are incredibly easy to access via public transport or by car.
By Bus: 3X, 6, 5B, 47
There are a handful of Brighton & Hove buses and bus stops located nearby. Both the 6 and 47 run via Brighton and Hove city centre and stop at Sainsbury’s Benfield Valley, while the 3X and 5B offer alternative routes via the city centre and stop at Towns Corner Shops, a short 5-minute walk to Benfield Valley.
By Train: Portslade Train Station
The beginning of Benfield Valley is a five-minute walk from Portslade Train Station. Accessible with routes running eastbound to Brighton and London Victoria or westbound to Portsmouth Harbour and Southampton Central.
By car: Greenleas Recreation Ground Car Park
Greenleas Recreation Ground Car Park is the closest paid car park, with public restrooms a short walk away. It’s moments from Benfield Valley, and you can easily walk up to Benfield Hill from here.
Accessibility: The majority of the area is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues, but the well-trodden footpaths are firm and stay relatively mud-free during winter, making it easier to explore on foot. Some areas at Benfield Hill can get muddier in the wetter months.
Nearby eateries
Moments from Benfield Valley sits Hangleton Manor, a charming pub-restaurant dating to the 15th century. Rich with history and fascinating stories, it’s owned by Hall and Woodhouse and boasts a relaxed bar, wood-panelled dining rooms and a large shady garden. There’s a lunchtime sandwich offering and a full á la carte menu, as well as a Sunday roast service.
About Lottie
This article was contributed by Lottie Woodrow, a food, travel and lifestyle journalist based in Brighton, East Sussex, who loves exploring the best of the county’s countryside hikes, hidden spaces and vegan eateries.
https://lottiewoodrow.contently.com/
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