Butts Brow, on the Downs above Willingdon, is one of Eastbourne‘s best-loved viewpoints — a glorious spot for picnics, kite-flying and dog walks, with sweeping views over the town and coast. Best of all, the car park sits right at the top, so the big views come without a big climb. Here’s our guide to Butts Brow and Willingdon Hill.
The view from the top
Butts Brow’s great appeal is its glorious, wide-open panorama. From the top of the Downs the whole of Eastbourne and the coast unfolds below, out across the English Channel — and on a clear day you can see as far as Hastings to the east. Because the car park is right at the top, you’re rewarded with those views the moment you step out of the car, with only gently rolling chalk grassland to stroll across. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic, a favourite with kite-flyers thanks to the breeze that usually plays across the ridge, and a firm local favourite for a relaxed afternoon in the fresh air.
Walks from Butts Brow
Butts Brow is a superb gateway into the South Downs, with well-trodden paths branching straight from the car park. There are gentle short circular walks of a mile or two for an easy leg-stretch, and the South Downs Way runs along the ridge nearby for those wanting to go further. A classic outing is the circular walk to the pretty downland village of Jevington and back — a moderate few miles taking in its old church, sheep-grazed slopes and terrific views throughout. From here you can also head towards Willingdon Hill and Combe Hill, or link up with longer routes down towards the coast.
Local tip: the paths can be uneven, chalky and exposed, so wear proper walking shoes and take a windproof layer even on a sunny day — the ridge catches the breeze, which is lovely in summer but bracing in winter.
Wildlife and history
The chalk grassland here is rich in wildlife. In summer the slopes come alive with butterflies — skippers, gatekeepers, peacocks and red admirals — while overhead you might spot birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards riding the thermals, and hear the croak of a raven. It’s a rewarding spot for birdwatching, so bring binoculars. There’s deep history underfoot, too: nearby Combe Hill, on Willingdon Down, is home to a Neolithic causewayed enclosure built around 3200 BC — a scheduled ancient monument — along with Bronze Age burial mounds dotting the ridge.
Good to know: parts of this route cross access land with ground-nesting birds, so dogs must be kept on leads between 1 March and 31 July. Please follow the signs and keep to the paths to protect the wildlife.
Parking and getting there
The Butts Brow car park sits at the top of Butts Lane, which climbs from Willingdon village around three miles north of Eastbourne (head for postcode BN20 9HL) — note the lane is steep and narrow in places. It’s a council pay-and-display car park; you can pay by machine or the RingGo app, and Eastbourne residents displaying a valid Leisure Card park free. There are no toilets or café at Butts Brow itself, so stock up in town first. By bus, routes serving Willingdon Road get you part way, but you’ll then need to walk up Butts Lane — see our guide to getting around Eastbourne.
Butts Brow: FAQs
Where is Butts Brow?
Butts Brow is at the top of Butts Lane above Willingdon, about three miles north of Eastbourne, on the South Downs. The car park sits right at the top of the Downs (head for BN20 9HL), with panoramic views over the town and coast.
Is Butts Brow good for walking?
Yes — it’s a popular gateway to the South Downs, with easy short circular walks from the car park and longer routes such as the Butts Brow to Jevington circular. The South Downs Way also runs nearby. Paths can be uneven and exposed, so wear proper footwear.
Is there parking at Butts Brow?
There’s a pay-and-display car park at the top of Butts Lane, payable by machine or the RingGo app, with free parking for Eastbourne residents showing a valid Leisure Card. There are no facilities on site, so bring what you need.
Can I take my dog to Butts Brow?
Yes, it’s very popular with dog walkers, but dogs must be kept on leads on the access land between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. Please follow the on-site signs.
Explore more of the Downs: see the best walks in Eastbourne, the South Downs Way, and our guide to Willingdon.