Brighton is neatly and conviniently located at the heart of East Sussex's coastline. Our idyllic location at The Grand Brighton means we're privileged to be placed conveniently in the epicentre of Brighton and Hove's beautiful, bustling city whilst still sitting within close proximity to an abundance of coastal and countryside walking routes. Here's our round up of our favourite places to escape to in East Sussex...
STANMER PARK | Best for a casual weekend stroll
Enjoy a picnic on the landscaped lawn in front of Stanmer Park's historic Georgian country house, explore open grass fields or meander through natural woodlands.
Local artists have paid homage to the park's wildlife with sculptures of owls and badgers dotted around the grounds (great fun for children to spot and climb upon), and deer which are commonly spotted by walkers in autumn and winter months.
Getting there from The Grand Brighton
Bicycle: Hire a BTN Life Bicycle from right outside the hotel. The cycle to Stamner Park should take approximately 30 minutes for an adult cyclist.
Train: Walk to Brighton station from the hotel and hitch a 10 minute train to Falmer, the station outside The University of Sussex which is adjacent to the park.
Bus: Take 25X, 29, 29B or 28 Regency route bus from Churchill Square. Buses take 30 minutes, and depart every 10 minutes from this stop.
Car: Drive for 20 minutes north via Lewes Road where there is car parking available at the park.
SOUTH DOWNS ARCHEOLOGY AND THE CHATTRI MEMORIAL | Best for history lovers
The South Downs is a belt of greenery surrounding the city of Brighton and Hove, and there's plenty of unusual artefacts and landmarks for walkers to look out for on their hilly climbs. We love this archeological walking route designed by The National Trust, which takes a circular loop from Devil's Dyke Car park where there is also a bus stop, handy for those taking public transport.
Another historical landmark which sits just a five mile walk away from Devil's Dyke is the Chattri Memorial, a site dedicated to an Indian soldier who fought on behalf of Britain in the First World War and was hospitalised in the Royal Pavilion. The Pavilion museum also holds a permanent exhibition dedicated to this time period and it's worth making a day trip of visiting both sites whilst in Brighton.
Getting there from The Grand Brighton
Bus: Across from the hotel you'll find a bus stop outside British Airways i360 Tower. Jump on the number 77 towards Devil's Dyke which takes 30 minutes.
Car: A 30 minute drive north via Dyke Road.
CUCKMERE RIVER | Best for activity seekers
The Cuckmere valley and river is sheltered from sea winds by its neighbouring white chalk cliffs, making it the ideal walking and activity spot throughout the year even on the most blustery of days. Meander down a beautiful estuary, go pond dipping or why not try stand up paddleboarding and kayaking down the river.
Activity seekers can arrange kayak hire and stand up paddleboarding lessons in advance here, or if you don't fancy the water there are also bikes for hire by the hour. And, when you're finished with your walk or sporting feats, head over to the Cuckmere Inn to wind down with a classic pub lunch and hot drinks.
Whether you start your walk from Cuckmere Inn or from the Seven Sister's County Park centre there's plenty of linear and circular walking routes to choose from, from easy half an hour loops to three-hour long hikes over the valley. Explore and download sample routes here.
Getting there from The Grand Brighton
Bus: Hop on the 12X coaster bus at Imperial Arcade and take a one hour ride with sea views until the stop at Cuckmere Inn.
Car: Drive east for 40 minutes along the A259 until you reach the Seven Sister's county park where there is a pay per hour car park.
SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS AND BEACHY HEAD | Best for hill hikers and dog walkers
The Seven Sisters Cliffs, overlooking Cuckmere River rise up east and connect with the iconic cliff top Beachy Head. The 531 feet wall of chalk is the highest sea cliff in Britain and affords stunning views of the channel. On the clearest of days, you may even spot the Isle of Wight on the horizon with views of Pevensey Bay and Hastings to the east and Newhaven and Brighton to the west of the coast.
Getting there from The Grand Brighton
Bus: Hop on the 12X coaster bus at Imperial Arcade and take a one hour, 10 minute ride with sea views until the stop at Seven Sister's Country Park. The top of the cliffs is a 20 minute hike from the visitor centre.
Car: Drive east for 60 minutes along the coast on the A259 until you reach the Seven Sister's Cliffs where there is a pay per hour car park.
