Friston Forest
A beautiful expanse of woodland in the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking, dog walks, and family adventures with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and fresh greenery
Friston Forest
Best Time
Blossoms and fresh greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful expanse of woodland in the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking, dog walks, and family adventures with stunning views.
"Nice forest where to walk surrounded by nature. The signs are clear, you cannot get lost."
Download Offline Maps
Signal is unreliable; use the AllTrails app for offline maps on hikes . :iphone:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Friston Forest is a great spot for dog walks, with plenty of space to roam . :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Horse Trail
Friston Forest
A peaceful walk with stunning views of the South Downs and a unique white horse design on a distant hill.
Seven Sisters Circular Hike
Friston Forest & Seven Sisters Cliffs
Combine woodland trails with dramatic coastal scenery for an unforgettable full-day adventure.
Forest School Adventures
Friston Forest
Young explorers can build dens, create nature art, and even learn to light a campfire.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps
Signal is unreliable; use the AllTrails app for offline maps on hikes. :iphone:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Friston Forest is a great spot for dog walks, with plenty of space to roam.
Pack Snacks & Water
Bring your own food for longer hikes, or plan a stop at a nearby cafe.
Layer Up
The forest can be warm, but exposed areas can be windy and chilly. A coat is recommended. :coat:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps
Signal is unreliable; use the AllTrails app for offline maps on hikes. :iphone:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Friston Forest is a great spot for dog walks, with plenty of space to roam.
Pack Snacks & Water
Bring your own food for longer hikes, or plan a stop at a nearby cafe.
Layer Up
The forest can be warm, but exposed areas can be windy and chilly. A coat is recommended. :coat:
Bike Trails Available
Mountain bikers enjoy the trails here too! :mountain_bicyclist:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Friston Forest is praised as a beautiful, large forested area perfect for walks, offering clear signage and well-maintained paths. Visitors appreciate the reasonable parking fees and the option to enjoy nature with their dogs. Some note that exposed areas can be windy, but the forest itself provides warmth and shelter.
"Nice forest where to walk surrounded by nature. The signs are clear, you cannot get lost. I walked the White Horse trail, which was very peaceful and enjoyable. It is called like this because you can spot a white horse drawn on the opposite hill."
Erika Cracco
"Nice place here also if you hike well you can find the white horse design gives better view"
krish shajee
"First of all the area that the forest sits is beautiful, nestled between the villages of Litlington and Wilmington these charming villages have much to offer the casual walker as seen against the backdrop of the South Downs national park which is in itself an area of outstanding beauty.
The carpark is nestled beneath mature trees with a toilet block very handily placed
Parking is cheap and accessed via a pay point that excepts contactless pay, (no coins).
There are several marked walks within the site but with other plans for the day we opted for the near 3km White Horse view walk. It would take about 1 1/2 of which the first half is a gentle rise on the outer edges of the forest to a view point, then a nice level part followed by a gentle decent back to the car park
On our visit the outer edge part was windy and a bit chilly, so glad I took a coat however as soon as we turned into the forest there was no wind and pleasantly warm
There are many benches on the walk which gives great views of the surrounding countryside.
We wish we had more time to do a longer walk as we both and our dog were uplifted by our back to nature excusion"
Russell Jacklin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Friston Forest is accessible by car with parking available at Exceat and other points.
Yes, there are several parking areas, including at Exceat. Payment is typically contactless and reasonably priced, around £5.50 for all-day parking.
Yes, buses stop at Exceat, which is a gateway to Friston Forest and the Seven Sisters area.
Friston Forest is nestled between charming villages like Litlington and Wilmington, and is close to Eastbourne.
Absolutely! Friston Forest has trails popular with mountain bikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Friston Forest is a natural area and does not require tickets for entry. Parking fees may apply.
Friston Forest is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times for the natural landscape.
There is no entrance fee for Friston Forest itself. However, parking charges do apply at designated car parks.
Yes, Friston Forest is very dog-friendly and a popular spot for dog walks.
Yes, there is a toilet block conveniently located near the car park at Friston Forest.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the White Horse trail for views of the South Downs and the Seven Sisters Circular hike which combines forest and coast.
Yes, children can enjoy building dens, creating nature art, and exploring the woodland.
You can expect beautiful woodland scenery, panoramic views of the South Downs National Park, and dramatic coastal vistas if you venture towards the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
Yes, there are picnic tables and benches dotted around the forest, perfect for a mid-walk break.
The White Horse trail is approximately 3km and takes about 1.5 hours to complete, with a gentle rise and descent.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find cafes and pubs nearby. Saltmarsh Farmhouse is a popular spot for coffee and cake after a walk,
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for longer hikes. There are picnic tables available.
You can find traditional British pub fare, as well as cafes offering coffee, cake, and light snacks.
Definitely! Friston Forest has numerous benches and picnic tables scattered throughout, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
There are no restaurants directly within Friston Forest, but several charming eateries are located in the nearby villages and along the coast.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the woodland's dappled light, the panoramic views of the South Downs, and the dramatic Seven Sisters Cliffs.
Yes, the combination of rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and expansive woodland provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the forest canopy provides shade.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Park guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
The viewpoints along the White Horse trail offer great vistas, and the Seven Sisters Cliffs provide iconic coastal backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
fostering creativity and a love for the outdoors. The well-maintained paths are suitable for little legs, and the forest provides a safe environment for exploration and imaginative play. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks, as there are plenty of picnic spots 🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Remember to download offline maps as signal can be poor 🐶 Dog Owners
The varied trails cater to different energy levels, and the forest is dotted with benches and picnic areas perfect for a break with your canine companion.+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Seven Sisters & Friston Forest Loop
This hike typically takes around 3-5 hours and covers about 13.5 km (8.3 miles). Many visitors suggest parking at Birling Gap car park, which costs around £6.50 for the day. Remember to download the route map offline, as mobile signal can be very weak in the area.This trail offers a fantastic blend of experiences. You'll wander through the serene Friston Forest, enjoying its woodland paths and the shelter it provides from the wind.
It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding walk, with many visitors describing their legs as 'shaking' but the views as '10/10'.Family Adventures in Friston Forest
The well-maintained paths make it accessible for younger children, and the natural environment encourages imaginative play and exploration.Beyond structured activities, the forest itself provides a natural playground. Children can enjoy the simple pleasure of walking amongst the trees, discovering woodland creatures, and perhaps even playing games like the 'alphabet game' with fellow walkers.
Friston Forest for Dog Owners
Many visitors bring their canine companions along, and the forest is well-equipped with benches and picnic areas where you can rest with your pet.While the forest offers plenty of off-leash opportunities in designated areas, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. The varied terrain, from woodland paths to open fields, ensures an engaging experience for dogs of all sizes and energy levels. After a good romp in the forest, many visitors combine their trip with a visit to a local pub that welcomes dogs, like The Beachy Head Pub,
+1 for a well-deserved treat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit