In between Seaford and Eastbourne, Friston Forest is part of the South Downs National Park. It borders Seven Sisters Country Park and offers fantastic walking and cycling. With well-maintained tracks and plenty of interest, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you want a short walk or a mighty hike.
The Forest
Friston stretches across nearly 700 acres and has dozens of tracks and paths. It was first planted in the 1930s and 1940s by the Forestry Commission and has a large number of beech trees. The landscape is generally undulating, in sharp contrast to the vertical climbs of the nearby Seven Sisters, although there are a few steeper sections.
As you emerge from the forest from Westdean at the top of Cuckmere Haven, you’re rewarded with one of the best views in the county — the River Cuckmere winding its way to the sea like a great serpent. There are also several points of interest in or near the forest.
What’s the best time to walk at Friston Forest?
Come October, Friston is a great tapestry of bronze and copper. Walk up the timber steps from Westdean and then stop and look back across a carpet of colour laid out before you or just follow the forest paths to enjoy being surrounded by golden beech.
The main tracks are well-maintained, making Friston Forest a good place for winter walks. In spring, expect bluebells, and in summer, enjoy the cool shade on a hot day while escaping the crowds at Seven Sisters.
Are there any walks or MTB Trails in Friston Forest?
Yes, plenty. Way-marked trails make exploring easy and include:
- The White Horse View Trail: a 2.5 km trail that starts in Litlington, offering glimpses of the white horse chalk figure cut into the side of the South Downs.
- The Butchers Trudge: a 1.2 km walk from the Friston end of the forest and the Butchershole car park.
For maps and details visit the Forestry Commission website.
Other walks include:
- Friston–Cuckmere Circular: a 13 km circular walk that takes you from Exceat along the Seven Sisters cliffs and back via Friston and the forest.
- A series of medium-distance walks ranging from 4 km to 6 km. Grab a map of the forest and create your own walk. The one below was just over 4 km and started in the car park at Exceat. We used the Ordnance Survey App, however, we did occasionally lose internet connection and the map didn’t always reflect the actual paths.
For mountain bikers, there is:
- The Jeremy Cole Mountain Bike Trail: a 10 km trail.
- A 7 km Blue Family Trail.
Contact Marmalade MTB for guided bike rides or hire bikes locally from Cuckmere Cycle Co. at Exceat.
What nearby attractions are there to Friston Forest?
Friston sits within a wider network of protected landscapes. To the north lies Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve, where rare chalk-heath flora thrive. To the south, the forest opens into the dramatic white chalk of Seven Sisters Country Park and the famous meanders of the Cuckmere River.
In particular, look out for:
- The tiny hamlet of Westdean, within the forest, is hopelessly pretty and packed with interest. Once a Saxon farmstead, it is believed that King Alfred the Great may have had a royal vill (an administrative centre) or palace here. The church is mainly Norman but also has Saxon features, and Westdean Manor dates back to the 17th century (although it was later redeveloped and has links to Selsey in West Sussex).
- Litlington White Horse can be seen from the forest edge.
- Seven Sisters Cliffs & Cuckmere Haven has iconic cliff top and coastal walks (but cna be very busy).
- Long Man of Wilmington on Windover Hill and Long Man Brewery are just a couple of miles away.
- Friston Place, a historic Grade I listed Jacobean manor house on the edge of the forest. It is the private home of Olga Polizzi and her husband. It is occasionally open for tours via events organised by the Polizzi Collection.
How do I get to Friston Forest / Where are the car parks?
- Main access: Litlington Road (Friston Forest Car Park) – with toilets, maps and information boards on site or at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre at Exceat.
- Alternative car park: Butchershole at Friston (good for east-side walks).
- Public transport: The Brighton & Hove “Coaster” 12/12A/12X buses stop at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, from where forest trails are a short walk. Nearest rail stations: Seaford and Eastbourne.
Refuelling
The Saltmarsh Kitchen at Exceat is ideal for breakfast or lunch. The Plough & Harrow at Litlington and The Tiger Inn at East Dean offer classic Sussex pub warmth.
Insider Insights
The main car park at Exceat can get busy at peak times, but once you head into the forest, you quickly leave the crowds behind. There’s a tale of a ghost said to haunt the forest. The woodland isn’t that old, so perhaps it’s the ghost of a smuggler or highwayman from ancient times. Visit the viewpoint above the Visitor Centre at sunset for views across Cuckmere Haven at this magical time.
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