We often hear that those without a vehicle can find accessing nature more difficult, so we have pulled together a list of resources for traveling to local countryside by public transport.
From Brighton & Hove
‘Breeze up to the Downs’ bus services run on weekends and holidays from the city centre to Ditchling Beacon, Stanmer Park and Devil’s Dyke which all have nature walks within minutes of the bus stops. Get the bus timetable here.
Brighton & Hove City Council has information on walks and trails at local nature reserves in the city including the sites above plus Waterhall, the Chattri, Green Ridge and more – all are accessible on local bus routes.
Local bus company, the Big Lemon, also run regular Sunday bus trips for group walks in the local countryside from April to October each year. More information.
We particularly like the walk from Brighton to Lewes, which can be found on the ‘Car Free Walks’ website which is worth searching for other options near you.
Get more information on Brighton & Hove walking routes or download a brief guide to reaching local parks & green spaces on public transport (pdf).
From Worthing and West Sussex
The Long Man Walks website offers routes throughout Sussex, including those beginning from Worthing, Horsham and Chichester.
Many local bus routes connect the coastal cities and towns to countryside areas like Midhurst or Steyning/ Bramber Castle. Get the latest timetables online – Stagecoach buses go from Worthing and Chichester to Midhurst, and Compass buses connect Seaford and Newhaven to countryside spots inland, and link Worthing to Steyning.
From Lewes, Eastbourne and East Sussex
Train lines along the coast in East Sussex connect to stations such as Lewes, Glynde and Berwick which are ideally located for visiting local countryside. Glynde offers a lovely 40-minute walk to the top of Mount Caburn. From Berwick you can walk onto the Downs east of Firle Beacon (and to Charleston House).
View the walks above and many more on the South Downs National Park website.
If you are in Lewes or able to travel there by bus or train, the Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve has lots of great options for nature walks which are accessible right in the heart of the city.
Coastal views and downland walks at Seven Sisters Country Park and Birling Gap can be easily accessed by bus, cycle or walking routes to Seaford and Eastbourne or even from Brighton.
Bicycle routes
The Living Coast by Bike website gives a range of routes which all start and end at a railway station and include a GPS route map, and a list of places to stop for refreshments, plus bike shops, guiding services and hire facilities in the region.
Please let us know if you have a favourite spot you’d like to add to our list!