Friston Forest

Due to road closure the Butchers Hole car park will close at 6pm

Visitor information

Escape to nature and experience Friston Forest’s beautiful beech woodland on foot or bike

Friston Forest is within the South Downs National Park between Lulington Heath National Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park. It is the largest area of recently established forest in South East England.

This expansive beech woodland makes a perfect family day out for those who love exploring the countryside. With walking and cycling trails, great views of the Cuckmere and the sweeping South Downs, Friston Forest has something for everyone.

At a glance

  • 2 walking trails
  • Cycling trails
  • Horse riding off-bridleway on gravel tracks only
  • Orienteering
  • Picnic areas
  • No BBQs allowed

Things to do

Friston Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for cycling in the great outdoors.

Friston Forest has two waymarked routes. Follow the Easy cycle trail for family friendly cycling...

Friston Forest offers some of the best riding in the south of England; with a wealth of trails and connections to the South Downs. 

From May 2025 equestrians can enjoy riding off...

Try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels.

The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. There are many...

Take an active walk on either the Butchers Trudge or the White Horse View trail at Friston Forest. 

 

Nearby forests

Forest floor covered in bluebells at Abbot's Wood

Located near Polegate, Abbot's Wood is a great place for a stroll at any time of year, with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, barbecues and picnic tables.

This ancient...

Autumn Leaves

Come and explore Birchden Wood, south of Royal Tunbridge Wells, it's a perfect day out for families, walkers and climbers. Harrison's Rocks, a sandstone crag owned by the BMC, are...

Children running woodland path, Whinlatter

Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located east of Horsham, St Leonard's Forest isn't short of fascinating history. 

Legend has it that a French hermit...

Thin trail running through conifer woodland

With around five miles of hard surface road and great networks of unsurfaced tracks, Hemsted Forest makes for a great day out, whatever the season!

The forest houses a mixture of...

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