
Butts Brow and Willingdon Hill
Butts Brow offers breathtaking panoramic views of the East Sussex coast and South Downs, perfect for hiking, photography, and escaping into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Butts Brow and Willingdon Hill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Butts Brow offers breathtaking panoramic views of the East Sussex coast and South Downs, perfect for hiking, photography, and escaping into nature.
"Stunningly breathtaking views both ways! Great woods to trek."

🎯 Park Smart: Pay or App
Pay-to-park at Butts Brow. Machines can be tricky; have the RingGo app handy! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views
Butts Brow Summit
Breathtaking vistas of the English Channel and rolling South Downs. See as far as Hastings on a clear day!

South Downs Way Access
Trailheads
Direct access to the famous South Downs Way for longer treks or shorter, scenic loops. Perfect for walkers and cyclists.

Airbourne Airshow Vantage Point
Butts Brow
An excellent, less crowded spot to watch the annual Airbourne airshow with a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart: Pay or App
Pay-to-park at Butts Brow. Machines can be tricky; have the RingGo app handy! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Perfect for Photography
Stunning landscapes and coastal views make it a photographer's dream. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A fantastic spot for dog walkers with plenty of space to roam. Keep them on a lead where necessary. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart: Pay or App
Pay-to-park at Butts Brow. Machines can be tricky; have the RingGo app handy! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Perfect for Photography
Stunning landscapes and coastal views make it a photographer's dream. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A fantastic spot for dog walkers with plenty of space to roam. Keep them on a lead where necessary. :dog:
🧺 Picnic with a View
Pack a picnic to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Ideal for a relaxing day out in nature. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and rolling hills, making it a prime spot for hiking, photography, and picnics. The accessibility from Eastbourne and proximity to the South Downs Way are major draws. However, some find the pay-to-park system inconvenient, especially if machines are not working.
"BB is a nice hiking trails near to Eastbourne, easy to reach from car. Parking is available with pay. Plenty of trails and walks for dogs and on beautiful day you could spend most of your hours hiking around. We love visiting it mostly in summer."
Pramod Singh
"Butts Brow, located near Eastbourne in the South Downs National Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and rolling hills. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the fresh air. The well-maintained trails make it ideal for walkers, cyclists, and even horse riders, while the peaceful surroundings provide a perfect escape from the town below. On a clear day, you can see as far as Hastings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a quiet retreat, Butts Brow is a must-visit destination in East Sussex.
Perfect place for landscape photography."
Turisto Lituano
"Stunningly breathtaking views both ways! Great woods to trek. My child had great fun taking in mother nature too and as an adult I would have spent all day and night there!"
Chloe Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Butts Brow is easily accessible from Eastbourne. You can drive directly to the parking area. For those without a car, local buses can take you close to the area, followed by a walk. Some visitors opt for a scenic hike from Eastbourne town itself, which can take around 1.5 hours.
Yes, there is a pay-to-park facility at Butts Brow. Payment can be made via machines or the RingGo app. Be aware that the machines may not always be functional, so having the app is recommended.
While driving is the most convenient, you can reach the vicinity via local bus services from Eastbourne. From the bus stop, it's a pleasant walk to the brow. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Butts Brow is approximately 1.5 hours away from London by train to Eastbourne, making it a popular day trip destination.
You can start hikes from Eastbourne town, or connect to the South Downs Way for longer routes. Shorter, well-marked trails are also available directly from the Butts Brow parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Butts Brow itself, as it's part of the South Downs National Park. However, parking at the designated Butts Brow car park does incur a fee.
Butts Brow is open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's an outdoor natural area. The parking facilities will have their own operational hours, typically from dawn till dusk.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Butts Brow. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is handled on-site or via the RingGo app.
As a natural park area, general rules apply: respect the environment, take litter home, and keep dogs under control. There are no specific entry restrictions for individuals or groups.
The parking cost varies, but it's a pay-to-park system. Expect to pay a fee, which can be managed through parking machines or the RingGo app.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Butts Brow is ideal for hiking, walking, running, cycling, and dog walking. It's also a popular spot for picnics and landscape photography.
Yes, it's a great place for families. Children can enjoy exploring nature, and there are open spaces for them to play. The trails are generally manageable for younger walkers.
You'll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the East Sussex coastline, including the English Channel, and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. On clear days, you can see as far as Hastings.
There are no direct facilities like restrooms or cafes at the Butts Brow viewpoint itself. You'll need to visit Eastbourne town for these amenities. Plan accordingly for longer visits.
The open downland and coastal proximity make it a potential spot for birdwatching, especially for coastal birds and birds of prey that inhabit the downs. Bring binoculars for a better experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon. The soft light enhances the landscape and coastal views, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones.
The summit offers the most expansive panoramic views. Look for interesting foreground elements like wildflowers or sheep to add depth to your shots of the coastline and rolling hills.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping vistas. However, even a good smartphone camera can capture stunning images due to the natural beauty of the location.
Weather can be a factor; be prepared for wind and changing light conditions. The vastness of the landscape means composition is key to avoid flat images.
While Butts Brow offers views towards the Seven Sisters cliffs, they are more prominently viewed from areas closer to Seaford or East Dean. You can see them in the distance from Butts Brow on a very clear day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Recommendations:
* Bring snacks and drinks: Facilities are limited, so come prepared.
* Wear sturdy shoes: Even on easier paths, good footwear is essential.
* Explore the varied trails: Choose shorter loops for younger children and longer ones for older kids.
* Look for wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds, insects, and perhaps even sheep grazing on the downs.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Walkers
Tips for Solo Adventurers:
* Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member know your route and expected return time.
* Carry a fully charged phone: For safety and navigation.
* Respect the environment: Adhere to 'leave no trace' principles.
* Keep dogs under control: Especially important in areas with livestock or near cliff edges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography Focus:
* Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the expansive vistas.
* Tripod: Recommended for low-light conditions and sharper images.
* Weather preparedness: Dramatic skies can enhance photos, so embrace varied conditions.
* Explore different viewpoints: Don't just stick to the main summit; explore nearby paths for unique angles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking and Walking Trails
Local Tip: Many Redditors suggest combining a visit to Butts Brow with a walk towards Willingdon Hill for extended exploration. The trails are generally well-signposted, but carrying a map or using a navigation app is always advisable, especially for longer treks. The terrain can be undulating, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Consider the weather when planning your hike. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, but in fog or rain, the experience can be more challenging. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time, especially if venturing onto less frequented paths.
The Airbourne Airshow Experience
Community Insight: Visitors often recommend Butts Brow specifically for Airbourne to escape the intense crowds found at the seafront. You still get to witness the impressive flying displays, but with more personal space and a less frantic atmosphere. It's a great option if you prefer a more relaxed viewing experience.
To make the most of this, arrive early to secure a good spot. Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the aircraft as they perform their routines. The sound of the jets and planes echoing across the downs adds to the dramatic spectacle. Remember to check the Airbourne schedule in advance to know when the main displays are happening.
Photography Opportunities
Golden Hour Magic: The best light for photography at Butts Brow is typically during the early morning and late afternoon 'golden hours'. The low-angled sun casts a warm glow, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the landscape. This is also when the sea can appear particularly serene or dramatic, depending on the conditions.
When composing your shots, look for foreground interest such as wildflowers, gorse bushes, or grazing sheep to add depth and scale to your images. The changing weather can also provide dramatic skies, so don't be afraid to shoot in varied conditions. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the full scope of the panoramic views.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit