Friston Forest is one of the loveliest — and least crowded — corners of the countryside near Eastbourne. A sweeping beech woodland in the South Downs National Park, right beside the famous Seven Sisters, it offers miles of walking and cycling trails, a hopelessly pretty hidden hamlet, and one of the finest views in Sussex. Here’s our guide to exploring it.
About Friston Forest
Friston Forest sits in the South Downs National Park between Seaford and Eastbourne, tucked between Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve to the north and the Seven Sisters Country Park to the south. Covering nearly 700 acres, it’s the largest area of recently established woodland in South East England — not an ancient forest, but a beech woodland first planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s and 40s, now beautifully mature. Its landscape is gently undulating, a soft contrast to the sheer chalk cliffs nearby, and it’s a joy in every season: bluebells in spring, cool shade in summer, glorious bronze and copper in autumn, and firm, well-drained tracks that make it a rare pleasure for winter walks. Look out for deer and rare butterflies as you go.
Walking in the forest
The forest is criss-crossed with tracks and bridleways, including two fairly easy waymarked walking trails and plenty of scope to make your own route. The short White Horse View Trail (around 2.5 km from Litlington) catches glimpses of the Litlington White Horse chalk figure cut into the Downs, while the Butchers Trudge is a gentle 1.2 km loop from the Butchershole end. For something longer, a classic circular of around 10–13 km links the forest with the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven, taking in clifftops, river valley and woodland in one satisfying walk. The paths can get muddy after rain, so stout footwear is wise. Our guide to the best walks in Eastbourne has more ideas nearby.
Cycling and horse riding
Friston is a genuine draw for cyclists. There are two waymarked routes: an easy, family-friendly cycle trail that runs mostly along relatively flat forest roads, and more exhilarating mountain-bike single track for those wanting a proper off-road ride, with connections out onto the wider South Downs. Bike hire is available locally if you don’t have your own, and certain routes are open to horse riders too. As the forest’s tracks are shared, it’s worth keeping an ear out for bikes on the walking paths and giving way courteously.
Local tip: on a hot summer’s day, Friston Forest is the perfect antidote to the crowds and exposed sun of the Seven Sisters — cool, shady and quiet, yet just a short walk from the famous cliffs.
Westdean and the highlights
Hidden within the forest is the tiny hamlet of Westdean, one of the prettiest spots in the area and steeped in history. Once a Saxon farmstead, it’s believed King Alfred the Great may even have had a royal residence here; its church is largely Norman with Saxon features, and there are tranquil ponds that make a lovely picnic stop. Climb the timber steps up from Westdean and you’re rewarded with what many consider one of the best views in the county — the River Cuckmere winding its great serpentine loops down to the sea. It’s a moment that alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Getting there and facilities
There are three car parks: the main Friston Forest car park on Litlington Road (with toilets), Butchershole on the Jevington Road (no facilities), and the Seven Sisters Country Park car park off the A259. Parking is pay-and-display (the RingGo app is accepted), and Forestry England members park free. By bus, the Brighton & Hove “Coaster” 12/12A/12X services stop at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre at Exceat, a short walk from the trails, with Seaford and Eastbourne the nearest railway stations. For refreshments, the Saltmarsh café at Exceat is handy for breakfast or lunch, and the historic sixteenth-century Tiger Inn at nearby East Dean makes a perfect post-walk pub stop.
Friston Forest: FAQs
Where is Friston Forest?
Friston Forest is in the South Downs National Park between Seaford and Eastbourne, right beside the Seven Sisters Country Park. It’s a large beech woodland of nearly 700 acres, easily reached from Eastbourne by car or the Coaster bus.
Is Friston Forest good for walking?
Very much so. It has two easy waymarked trails plus many tracks and bridleways, gentler underfoot than the nearby cliffs, and links to longer circular walks around the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven. Its well-drained tracks make it good year-round, including in winter.
Can you cycle in Friston Forest?
Yes — there are two waymarked cycle routes, an easy family-friendly trail on mostly flat forest roads and more challenging mountain-bike single track. Bike hire is available locally, and some routes are open to horse riders too.
Where can I park at Friston Forest?
There are three car parks: the main one on Litlington Road (with toilets), Butchershole on the Jevington Road, and the Seven Sisters Country Park car park off the A259. Parking is pay-and-display with the RingGo app accepted; Forestry England members park free.
Explore more countryside: see our guides to Cuckmere Haven & the Seven Sisters, the South Downs Way from Eastbourne, and the best walks in Eastbourne.