Whitehawk Hill
From the top of Whitehawk Hill there are panoramic views over the city to the downs and the sea, including the Isle of Wight on a clear day.
Whitehawk Hill is an ancient habitat designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) with areas of species-rich chalk grassland supporting colonies of Adonis and Chalkhill Blue butterflies. From the top there are panoramic views over the city to the downs and the sea, including the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Whitehawk Camp, near the top of Whitehawk Hill between the mast and Brighton Racecourse grandstand, was recognised as being the first Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) in Sussex.
Whitehawk Hill is also one of our grazing sites. The area grazed by the sheep is below the racecourse grandstand, you can see this on the Whitehawk Hill map (PDF 107KB).
Across the racecourse to the north is Tenantry Down which is part of Whitehawk Hill and also has panoramic views over the city. It is bordered by Tenantry allotments to the west and Brighton Racecourse to the south west.
Please remember to follow the Countryside Code when moving through this area.
Whitehawk Hill Consultation
Ancient chalk grassland is internationally important – it is one of Britain’s rarest and richest habitats, with threatened species including Adonis Blue butterfly and orchids. But without conservation management, it will give way to brambles and rough scrub.
The chalk grassland at Whitehawk Hill is suffering from many years of neglect and will soon be lost for ever, unless the right management can be introduced.
Recently the council was offered government funding to conserve the ancient chalk grassland on Whitehawk Hill and to improve the hill as a public space.
Thank you to those of you who gave your views about our plans for conserving Whitehawk Hill. The resulting management plan will be published shortly, in the mean time take a look at the original consultation document and the results below.
Getting there
Click the map above to find the park's location
Bus
The 21 and 37 buses stop nearest the site. Further information and timetables available from the Brighton & Hove Bus company.
Cars
There is limited on-street parking available.
Get involved and find out more
- Park Rangers - What are they doing in your area?
- One of our Easily Accessible areas