The South Downs National Park runs right through West Sussex, offering some of England's finest walking. But not all routes suit little legs. Here are our favourite family-friendly walks, short enough for kids, rewarding enough for grown-ups.
Quick Comparison
| Walk | Location | Distance | Difficulty | Buggy-Friendly | |------|----------|----------|------------|----------------| | Cissbury Ring | Worthing | 1.5 miles | Moderate (steep) | No | | Arundel Riverside | Arundel | 3 miles | Easy (flat) | Yes | | Devil's Dyke | Brighton | 1-3 miles | Easy-Moderate | Partial | | Kingley Vale | Chichester | 2 miles | Moderate | No | | Amberley to Bury Hill | Amberley | 2.5 miles | Moderate | No | | Stansted Forest | Rowlands Castle | 2 miles | Easy | Partial | | Slindon Estate | Arundel | 1.5 miles | Easy | Partial | | Chanctonbury Ring | Steyning | 2 miles | Hard (steep) | No |
The Walks
Cissbury Ring, near Worthing
One of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe with stunning 360-degree views. The walk from the car park to the top is about 20 minutes and it is steep, but manageable for children over four. Once you are up, the walking is flat and the views are incredible.
📍 Start: Cissbury Ring car park, near Worthing 📏 Distance: About 1.5 miles round trip ⬆️ Difficulty: Moderate (steep climb, flat on top) 🅿️ Parking: Free
Top tip: Go at sunset for magical views. Bring a kite as it is always windy up top.
Arundel Riverside
Gentle riverside walk along the River Arun. Start at Arundel, walk to the pretty village of South Stoke with its lovely Norman church, and return. About three miles round trip and almost entirely flat. This is the best buggy-friendly walk on the list.
📍 Start: Arundel town centre 📏 Distance: 3 miles round trip ⬆️ Difficulty: Easy (flat throughout) 🅿️ Parking: Pay and display in Arundel
Top tip: Combine with Arundel Castle or the wetlands centre. The Black Rabbit pub at South Stoke is worth the walk.
Devil's Dyke, near Brighton
Famous beauty spot with a spectacular dry valley. Multiple routes from the pub car park, with the short loop to the viewpoint being perfect for families. Watch the hang gliders launch from the ridge for free entertainment.
📍 Start: Devil's Dyke pub car park 📏 Distance: 1 to 3 miles (multiple routes) ⬆️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 🅿️ Parking: £4
Top tip: The pub does good food but gets packed on sunny weekends. The hang gliders are mesmerising.
Kingley Vale, near Chichester
Ancient yew forest, one of the finest in Europe. Magical, twisted trees that kids love exploring. The trail to the Devil's Humps (Bronze Age burial mounds) is about two miles and feels like something from a fairy tale.
📍 Start: Kingley Vale car park, West Stoke, near Chichester 📏 Distance: About 2 miles to the top ⬆️ Difficulty: Moderate 🅿️ Parking: Free
Top tip: The yew forest genuinely feels magical. Bring a camera. Best avoided after heavy rain as it gets slippery.
Amberley to Bury Hill
Start from the pretty village of Amberley, climb up to Bury Hill for views, and return via quiet lanes. About 2.5 miles with one steep section. The village has a great tea room and beautiful thatched cottages.
📍 Start: Amberley village 📏 Distance: 2.5 miles round trip ⬆️ Difficulty: Moderate (one steep section)
Top tip: Park in Amberley and explore the thatched cottages. The Bridge Inn is family-friendly for lunch.
Stansted Forest, near Rowlands Castle
Ancient woodland with waymarked trails. The forest loop is about two miles and very manageable. Beech trees, bluebells in spring, and a folly tower to discover. Perfect for kids who like exploring.
📍 Start: Stansted Forest car park 📏 Distance: 2 miles (forest loop) ⬆️ Difficulty: Easy
Top tip: Visit in late April or early May for the bluebell carpet. It is spectacular.
Slindon Estate, near Arundel
National Trust estate with easy woodland walks and views to the sea. The short circular from Slindon village is about 1.5 miles. The pumpkin trail in autumn is hugely popular, so book ahead for that.
📍 Start: Slindon village, near Arundel 📏 Distance: 1.5 miles (short circular) ⬆️ Difficulty: Easy 🅿️ Parking: Free for NT members, others £5 🔗 Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate
Top tip: The pumpkin trail in October is hugely popular. Book well ahead. The Forge cafe in the village is lovely.
Chanctonbury Ring, near Steyning
Iconic clump of trees on a hilltop with Iron Age hillfort remains. Steep climb but short, about 30 minutes from the road. Atmospheric and great for older kids who like legends. The story goes that if you run around the ring seven times at midnight, the devil appears.
📍 Start: Chanctonbury Ring car park, near Steyning 📏 Distance: About 2 miles round trip ⬆️ Difficulty: Hard (steep climb)
Top tip: Save the devil legend for older kids. The views from the top are worth the climb on a clear day.
Spring (April to May) is the best time for bluebells and wildflowers. Early summer offers long days. Autumn brings spectacular colours. Always wear proper shoes and check the weather before heading out.