Breeze up the Downs and beyond

This map includes some service that are not listed below.

Devil’s Dyke is just a stunning 30 minute bus ride from Brighton city centre, with delightful downland views along the way.

There’s so much you can enjoy at Devil’s Dyke and whatever you choose to do, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque scenery.

This is an ideal place for an invigorating walk and a spot of kite flying. Above all, Devil’s Dyke is the gateway to the South Downs. It’s just a bus ride away.

Wonderful walks from Devil’s Dyke

Devil’s Dyke to Upper Beeding

Follow the South Downs Way west for approximately four miles to Beeding Hill then three quarters of a mile north-west down the hill to the High Street in Upper Beeding. Then take the number 2 bus back to Brighton.

Devil’s Dyke to Patcham

Take the Sussex Border Path east and then south-east for approximately three miles to Patcham. Catch a 5A bus from Old London Road to Churchill Square in Brighton.

The National Trust also hosts a variety of events, including open days at ancient Saddlescombe Farm, which is a lovely 30 minute walk east from Devil’s Dyke along the South Downs Way.

The Wild Flour Cafe at Saddlescombe Farm is open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, between March and the end of October, and weekends only in November. All drinks, cakes and meals are homemade. Simply show a valid bus ticket or pass and get 10% off food and drink.

A range of leaflets about the area, and ideas for walks or activities, are available from the National Trust information point at Devil’s Dyke. Phone 01273 857 712 or go to the National Trust website.

Route 77

The 77 runs every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday (except 25 December) between Brighton and  Devil’s Dyke throughout the year. Buses run up to every 75 minutes.

Special Offers

• £5 Breeze Return - walkers can also use this ticket to return from Ditchling Beacon or Stanmer Park. 
• free travel by up to four children or young people aged 19 or under when accompanied by a fare paying adult or an adult concessionary pass holder. This offer applies at all times, but excludes night-time routes and journeys
• 50p single journey tickets for unaccompanied children or young people under 19. This offer applies at off peak times only (after 6pm on school days), and any time on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and school holidays but excludes night time routes and journeys

Breeze up to a stunning countryside estate nestled in the South Downs National Park.

You can find more information about Stanmer Park and the South Downs National Park.

Stanmer Park lies in the heart of ‘The Living Coast’, recognised by UNESCO as a world Biosphere region connecting people and nature.

Stanmer Park Restoration Project

In the 18th Century the Pelham family bought the Estate and employed master mason Nicholas Dubois to re-design the iconic Stanmer House.

Across the green sits a picturesque church and village pond. In the historic core is the restored Walled Garden. Formerly Stanmer House’s kitchen garden, it’s been transformed through the Project by Plumpton College into One Garden Brighton, an exciting new accessible public attraction.

Access enhancements elsewhere include:

• a disabled toilet in a new information and welcome kiosk at the Lower Lodges
• new pathways, trails and pavements
• an offroad route alongside the central roadway
• cycle parking
• a new playground

Find out more about the Stanmer restoration.

Enjoy Stanmer to the full 

Extra education, learning and volunteering opportunities are coming, adding to existing park events and activities such as Healthwalks, and Earthship Brighton tours.

Route 78

Runs between Brighton and Stanmer Park every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday throughout the year (except 25 December), approximately hourly.

Special Offers

• £5 Breeze Return - walkers can use this ticket to return from Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon
• free travel for journeys that are within the park like Stanmer Park entrance to Stanmer Village
• free travel by up to four children or young people aged 19 or under when accompanied by a fare paying adult or an adult concessionary pass holder. This offer applies at all times, but excludes night-time routes and journeys
• 50p single journey tickets for unaccompanied children or young people under 19. This offer applies at off peak times only (after 6pm on school days), and any time on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and school holidays but excludes night time routes and journeys

Bus 78 runs through Stanmer Park and up to Stanmer Village - for One Garden Brighton. In Stanmer Park buses will stop anywhere, where it is safe to do so.

The last stop is Stanmer Village, by the farm building opposite the church. Bus routes 23 and 25 will drop you at the Lower Lodges entrance to Stanmer Park and run frequently, seven days a week.

The 30 minute bus ride to Ditchling Beacon is extremely scenic, with downland views from the top deck seats. In the distance you can even see the Chattri memorial to Indian soldiers.

Once at Ditchling Beacon there are many possible walks east or west along the South Downs Way National Trail, or just take in the stunning views and catch the next bus back.

Ditchling Beacon has spectacular views across the Weald. It was an Iron Age hillfort; the steep northern slope formed a natural defence. Ditchling Beacon was one of the chain of fires lit to warn of invasions such as the Spanish Armada. It is now managed by the National Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Walks

Ditchling Beacon to Stanmer Park (2.8 miles) 

From the car park cross the road and follow the South Downs Way to the east, soon turning right onto a bridleway heading downhill. From Stanmer Village catch the 78 bus back to Brighton.

Ditchling Beacon to Ditchling Village and Hassocks

Footpaths, tracks and lanes will take you on a scenic descent to picturesque Ditchling Village (approx. 2 miles). From Ditchling Village it’s then a 2-mile walk to Hassocks Station, with frequent trains back to Brighton or to London.

Ditchling Beacon to Patcham

Take the South Downs Way west for about one mile, then turn south west and follow the Sussex Border Path for about 2.5 miles down to Patcham. Catch bus 5A from Old London Road to Brighton’s city centre. 

Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke

Catch the weekend-only 79 bus to  Ditchling Beacon. From the bus stop, walk west along the South Downs Way for about six miles to Devil’s Dyke, via Saddlescombe. At the top of the Dyke, turn right along the road to the 77 bus stop (opposite the Devil’s Dyke pub).

Route 79

Runs between Brighton and Ditchling Beacon every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday throughout the year (except 25 December), approximately hourly.

Special Offers

• 5 ‘Breeze return’ - walkers can also use this ticket to return from Devil’s Dyke or Stanmer Park
• £3.20 return from London Road shops or any bus stop on Ditchling Road
• free travel by up to four children or young people aged 19 or under when accompanied by a fare paying adult or an adult concessionary pass holder. This offer applies at all times, but excludes night-time routes and journeys
• 50p single journey tickets for unaccompanied children or young people under 19. This offer applies at off peak times only (after 6pm on school days), and any time on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and school holidays but excludes night time routes and journeys

Buses every 30 minutes from Brighton to Beachy Head and Birling Gap on Sundays and Public Holidays.

The 13X starts its journey from Brighton Station and picks up passengers at:

• Imperial Arcade - bus stop K
• North Street - bus stop C
• Sea Life Centre - bus stop K

It then stops at selected stops along the Coast Road to:

• Rottingdean
• Saltdean
• Peacehaven
• Newhaven
• Seaford

It then continues on to:

• Seven Sisters
• East Dean
• Birling Gap
• Beachy Head
• Eastbourne

Birling Gap

There’s so much for you and your family to see and do at Birling Gap. The visitor centre offers tracker packs for rock pooling, fossil hunting and grassland bug hunts. 

The perfect spot to enjoy big skies, coastal landscapes, changing colours and quiet walks throughout the year. The visitor centre at Birling Gap is run by the National Trust.

Catch the 13X, it’s just a bus ride away.

Beachy Head

Beachy Head is famous for its white cliffs and the dramatic undulating coastline created by the Seven Sisters, but there is much more to explore.

A short walk inland brings you to the village of East Dean, where there’s a pub and deli that surround a quaint village green. Beachy Head beer is brewed a short hop down the road.

Catch the 12A or 12X to Seven Sisters and the 13X to Beachy Head.

Route 12X operates between Brighton and Eastbourne from:

• Brighton Station
• Imperial Arcade
• North Street
• Sea Life Centre

It then goes along the Coast Road to:

• Rottingdean
• Saltdean
• Peacehaven
• Newhaven
• Seaford

It then continues on to:

• Seven Sisters
• East Dean
• Eastbourne

There’s a regular service that operates from Monday to Saturday.

Eastbourne

To get to Eastbourne, catch the 12A, 12X or 13X.

There's something for everyone in Eastbourne. You can marvel at pro-skaters’ stunts and tricks at Eastbourne Extreme or discover more about the area’s history, museums and art galleries.

If you prefer a more relaxed or scenic day out, you can enjoy the beach, parks and gardens. It doesn’t just stop there. You could also sample the local produce from vineyards and farmers’ markets and soak up the local atmosphere in one of the many restaurants, wine bars or traditional pubs.

South Downs Way National Trail starts here too. With a networkSAVER ticket you can hop on and off as many times as you like. It’s perfect for a family day out.

Sensational Seven Sisters

To get to the Seven Sisters catch the 12A, 12X or 13X.

Situated in the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters Country Park has 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, a meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular location for a number of outdoor activities including walking, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing.

The Country Park is named after the famous Seven Sisters that form part of the chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast, one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines. Harry Potter fans will recognise the stunning location from the film, The Goblet of Fire.

Routes 28 and 29 operate between Brighton and Tunbridge Wells.

Lewes

To get to Lewes catch the 28 or 29, it’s just a bus ride away.

Lewes has long been known for its spirit of independence and its inhabitants are proud of the town’s significant history stretching back to Saxon times.

It’s not all about the history though, there are lots of things to do in Lewes. It’s a great place to shop with so many independent, antique and quirky shops. It’s also the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink in one of its historic pubs. Lewes also boasts a working brewery situated in the heart of the town.

Tunbridge Wells

To get to Tunbridge Wells catch the 29.

Tunbridge Wells is the only spa town in the south-east of England.

Wealthy people used to come from miles around to ‘take to the waters’ of those eponymous wells and springs.

These days, you can still visit the Chalybeate Spring and The Pantiles with its shops and cafes, and plenty of splendid Georgian architecture to enjoy. It’s just a bus ride away.

From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,600km2 of breath-taking views, hidden gems and quintessentially English scenery.

A rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and visitor attractions weave together a story of people and place in harmony.

Visit the South Downs National Park website or the Brighton & Hove City Council website to discover more about this beautiful National Park and the 100-mile-long South Downs Way National Trail which runs its entire length.

For The Downs on Your Doorstep (Stanmer & Ditchling Beacon) leaflet and other South Downs Bus Walks leaflets phone 01273 292 480 or visit the South Downs National Park website. 

For bus information phone 01273 886 200 or visit the Brighton & Hove buses website to plan your journey online.

The metrobus route 270 operates between Brighton and East Grinstead, and stops off at small towns and villages en route through the outstanding Sussex countryside.

Lindfield won the ‘Best Kept Village in Sussex Award’ so often it withdrew to give others a chance. East Grinstead is a lovely destination with a historic High Street that’s worth a visit.

The bus route travels from Churchill Square to Old Steine along London Road to Patcham then on to:

• Hassocks
• Burgess Hill
• Haywards Heath
• Lindfield
• Horsted Keynes
• Forest Row
• East Grinstead

The Metrobus route 272 operates between Brighton and Crawley.

It travels from from County Hospital to Old Steine along London Road to Patcham then on to:

• Hassocks
• Burgess Hill
• Haywards Heath
• Ardingly
• Wakehurst
• Crawley

It runs Monday to Saturday, every 2 hours.

Route 2 operates between Rottingdean and Steyning.

From Rottingdean the bus travels via:

• Woodingdean
• Race Hill
• through city centre
• Old Steine
• Churchill Square
• Hove Town Hall

It then goes on to:

• Portslade
• Southwick
• Shoreham
• Bramber
• Steyning

There’s a regular service operating daily.

Stunning Steyning

To get to Steyning catch the route 2.

One of the prettiest towns in Sussex, it has more or less everything - a fine high street, historic buildings,
good shops, historic pubs such as The Chequer and tea houses.

Surrounded by the lush green countryside nearby, it’s the perfect place to visit by bus, making for a great day out.

Wakehurst is Kew Wild Botanic Garden in Sussex, to get there catch the 272. 

Situated on the High Weald, there are over 500 acres of ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve waiting to be explored.

An Elizabethan mansion stands majestically in the grounds, it's the perfect backdrop to the mansion’s formal gardens and lawns. Wakehurst is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, which is the largest wild seed conservation project in the world.

A stunning walled garden, water gardens and meadowland are just a small part of what you can experience at Wakehurst. Children will love the natural play spaces, while nature lovers will delight in spotting unusual flora, fungi and wildlife in the reserve. It’s just a bus ride away.

Travel all day on Brighton & Hove buses with a:

• networkSAVER for just £5.20
• duo tickets for £8.40
• family tickets just £9 with the Brighton & Hove Buses app

Metrobus Metrovoyager tickets:

• single for £7.25
• duo tickets at £10
• family tickets £12 with the Metrobus app

Contactless payments are accepted on all local bus services.

Discovery tickets

• Adult Discovery - £9
• Child Discovery for children age 5 to 15 years old - £7.20
• Family Discovery for five people with a minimum of one adult and a maximum of 2 adults - £17.50

Discovery tickets are issued and accepted by the following operators in West Sussex, East Sussex,
Surrey, Brighton & Hove and East Hampshire:

• Arriva
• Brighton & Hove Buses
• Compass Travel
• Community Transport - Brighton, Hove & Area
• Community Transport - Lewes Area
• Cuckmere Buses
• Metrobus
• North Wealden Community Transport
• Rye and District Community Transport
• Safeguard
• Seaford and District
• Southdown PSV
• Southern Transit
• Stagecoach
• Sussex Coaches
• The Big Lemon

Other exclusions may apply, check with the operator.

All this information is correct at time of publication.

Check the Brighton & Hove buses website for details.

The Brighton & Hove Way follows a circuit of existing rights of way starting from Brighton Palace Pier.

It follows the undercliff to Saltdean and taking in:

Castle Hill National Nature Reserve

• Falmer
• Stanmer Park
• the Chattri Memorial
• Old Portslade
• Hove Esplanade

Visit the Brighton and Hove Way website for more information.

Download the View Ranger App on your phone, for free from your app store.

Then register and search for the South Downs National Park, to view the entire suite of South Downs walk and ride routes.

On Sundays there are lovely woodland walks around the city’s largest park. Meet at Stanmer Village Tea Rooms at 10:45am, the walk is 3 to 3.5 miles long. You can catch the 78 bus.

On Thursdays there is a lovely woodland walk finishing at the village tea rooms. Choose between a 3-mile walk or a longer one. Meet at Lower Lodges at 11am. You can catch the 23 or 25 bus.

Find out how to join a guided healthwalk, or phone 01273 292 574 for more information.

By catching the bus instead of taking the car you're:

• adding to your daily step count
• helping to reduce carbon emissions
• helping to improve air quality in the city and at beauty spots

Did you know that catching the bus from Brighton Pier to Devil’s Dyke would save 1884g of CO2 compared to driving. That’s the same as keeping a lightbulb on for 531 hours or keeping the TV on for 195 hours.

Find out how much carbon you've saved by catching the bus using the Brighton and Hove buses journey planner at buses.co.uk or via our app.

Choose bus travel for extra rewards. Download the BetterPoints app and join the Move for Change challenge.

To ask for The Downs on Your Doorstep (Stanmer & Ditchling Beacon) leaflet and other South Downs Bus Walks leaflets phone 01273 292 480 or download the leaflet. 

For ideas for your own walk see go to the Car Free Walk website, or for local group walks go to the Brighton and Hove Ramblers website, or the Friends of the South Downs website.

The Ordnance Survey Explorer map number 122 shows all the paths in the area.

Brighton is at the heart of The Living Coast UNESCO World Biosphere Region which recognises our internationally important natural environment, our communities and our local, sustainable connections between people and nature.

Leave the car at home and travel by bus in the Biosphere. Find out more on The Living Coast website.