Stanmer Park

Stanmer Park is Brighton's largest park and the gateway to the South Downs National Park. Managed by Brighton & Hove City Council, this Grade II registered 18th-century landscape covers parkland, woodland and open-access farmland, and is a designated Local Nature Reserve with a Green Flag Award.

Families head for the playground at the Lower Lodges entrance, which has a variety of equipment suitable for all ages and abilities, including a bespoke play unit inspired by Stanmer House. There are three themed walking trails (including the Woodland Walk), marked cycling routes, bike hire from Circa in the Park, and miles of open-access woodland to explore. The Green Drive pathway provides a step-free off-road route from the Lower Lodges into Stanmer Village.

Highlights include the free-to-enter One Garden Brighton at the restored Walled Garden (run by Plumpton College, with changing places facilities), the Grade I listed Stanmer House, historic Stanmer Village with its 18th-century houses and church, the Long Barn farmyard, orchards with a national collection of Sussex apple trees, and Earthship Brighton. Stanmer Tea Rooms and the Circa in the Park kiosk serve food and drink daily.

Public toilets and disabled toilets are available, with free Blue Badge parking in designated spaces. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. The park hosts events throughout the year; the car parks are pay and display (9am-8pm daily, Upper Lodges until 5pm).