There’s a particular magic to autumn in Brighton. The city seems to exhale after the heady whirl of summer. The streets take on a softer light, whilst the parks and surrounding areas take on vibrant yellow and reddish hues. The air carries that unmistakable, woodsmoke and pumpkin spiced-tinged promise of fluffy scarves, woolly hats and long autumn walks.
If you ask us, there’s no better time to lace up your boots, wrap your hands around a takeaway coffee – or scrummy hot chocolate - and set out in search of crunching leaves and sweeping views.
Here are a few of our absolute favourite autumn walks to do in and around the Brighton area — each one a little escape, yet never far from the city’s charm.
Just a short meander from central Brighton and a quick bus ride away lies Stanmer Park. This wonderful park feels like a secret estate tucked away for those in the know. Its sweeping lawns and woodland trails are ablaze in russet and gold come October. Follow the winding paths through beech and oak on a beautiful autumn adventure. Not forgetting to take advantage of their gorgeous tea room with warming drinks and delicious cakes to finish off the walk.
For drama with your fresh air, Devil’s Dyke delivers. It’s less about enjoying rich autumn colours and more about embracing that crisp autumn air with walks along the sweeping South Downs. The circular walks here are perfect for spotting kestrels on the wing and watching the hillsides fade into smoky blues as the afternoon wanes.
Sometimes the best autumn walks are along the water. Starting from Brighton Marina, the Undercliff Walk stretches east beneath the chalk-white cliffs. The sea is at its most hypnotic this time of year — steel-grey one moment, flecked with sunlight the next. The briny breeze from the undercliff autumn walk is the best natural wake-up call you’ll ever have. We recommend heading out early to catch the morning rays!
A little trip north of Brighton will reward you with one of the most spectacular seasonal displays in Sussex. The National Trust landscaped gardens of Sheffield Park were made for autumn — Japanese maples, fiery liquidambar trees and mirror-still lakes that double the beauty. Pack a flask of coffee, bring a warming picnic, take your time and let the day unfurl as slowly as the leaves drifting down around you.
Venture a bit further away from Brighton and you’ll be rewarded with endless skies, gentle hills, and the sinuous curve of the river heading towards the sea. Cuckmere Haven in autumn is an artist’s palette brought to life. It’s a walk for big views and quiet moments, where every bend reveals a new composition of light, colour, and texture. Sit on the cliffs and listen to the sea, taking time away from the business of everyday life.
Whether you prefer the wild sweep of the Downs, the hush of ancient woodland or the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore, Brighton’s autumn walks invite you to slow down and savour the season. Bring a friend, a camera, a flask of warming coffee or just a generous dose of curiosity! Let the city and countryside weave their autumnal spell.
