Gentle Walks with Big Payoff
The South Downs aren’t just for long-distance trekkers—they’re perfect for family-friendly rambles too. With lush green hills, easy trails, and points of interest like hill forts and coast views, families can enjoy nature without overdoing it. These routes are kid-tested and parent-approved.
Why the South Downs Work for Families
- Wide, grassy paths ideal for walking or buggy-pushing
- Minimal elevation gain—no lung-busting climbs
- Close access to towns, cafés, and public transport
- Engaging features: wildlife, historic landmarks, coastal views
- Dog-friendly and safe for all ages
What Makes a Walk Family-Friendly
- Distance: Under 8 km total
- Route Type: Loops or out-and-backs (easy for little legs)
- Facilities Nearby: Parking, toilets, picnic spots, visitor centres
- Fun Features: Streams, playgrounds, forts, viewpoints—something to keep everyone engaged
1. Seven Sisters Country Park – East Sussex
- Distance & Time: ~2.6 miles (4.2 km) / 1–2 hrs
- Start Point: Exceat/Visitor Centre car park, accessible by bus or car
- Why It’s Great for Families: Gentle valley trail to the shingle beach, with Seven Sisters cliff panoramas and interactive audio trail stops
- Top Tip: Stop at the Visitor Centre café and finish with ice cream by the beach
2. Devil’s Dyke Circuit – West Sussex
- Distance & Time: ~5 km / 1.5–2 hrs
- Start Point: National Trust car park or Summer Down Road (bus drop-off available)
- Why It’s Great: Huge dry valley with easy stompable trails, Iron Age hillfort remains, and great space to run
- Top Tip: Seasonal bus (#77) runs up to the Dyke—ideal for single-parent loops or strollers
3. Cissbury Ring – near Worthing
- Distance & Time: ~4 km / 1.5 hrs
- Start Point: Durrington car park (National Trust)
- Why It’s Great: Flat grassy downs and open hill fort to explore, plus butterflies and ponies
- Top Tip: Bring binoculars—they love spotting buzzards and butterflies in summer
4. Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Hampshire
- Distance & Time: 4–7 km loops / 1.5–2 hrs
- Start Point: Country Park car park, bus access from Petersfield
- Why It’s Great: Woodland trails, adventure play areas, meadows full of butterflies—with an easy climb to Butser Hill summit and park café
- Top Tip: Time it on a buggy-accessible trail—the “Dragon of Butser Hill” earns brownie points!
5. Arundel Park Meadow Circuit – West Sussex
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2 hrs
- Start Point: Arundel town car park
- Why It’s Great: Gentle loop through woodland, lakes, castle views, and flora-rich meadows
- Top Tip: Finish with an ice cream in Arundel’s high street, and let kids spot ducks by the river
Final Thoughts
The South Downs are perfect for family days out—easy walks, memorable views, and big skies. Keep the route simple, let kids explore, and pack snacks for scenic pit-stops.
Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash
