Friston Forest & Seven Sisters eBike Tour

Taking a guided eBike tour through Sussex offers a fantastic way to experience the area’s natural beauty, charming villages, and fascinating landmarks all in one day. This 5.5-hour adventure combines scenic cycling, historical sights, and tasting experiences — perfect for those who love active outings with a dash of cultural and culinary delights.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the mix of exhilarating rides along the coast and in the forest, complemented by visits to local spots like Longman Brewery and Jevington’s Eight Bells Village Pub. Plus, the opportunity to take in the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs from a variety of vantage points makes it a memorable journey.

A potential consideration? The tour involves some physical activity, including mountain biking and hill climbs, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and ready for a day of outdoor exploration. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy active days mixed with cultural stops and scenic vistas. If you’re after an authentic, well-rounded experience of Sussex’s countryside with manageable challenge levels, this tour could be a great choice.

Key Points

• Active yet relaxed: eBike allows you to enjoy the scenery without strenuous pedaling, but some mountain biking and hill climbs are part of the experience.
• Diverse highlights: From coastlines and forests to historic landmarks and local breweries, the tour offers variety.
• Small group size: Limited to four participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Inclusion of water and snacks: Keeps you energized for the journey.
• Flexible options at stops: Whether it’s wine tasting or a hearty lunch, you can tailor the day to your preferences.
• Transport and equipment provided: Modern eBikes and transport via truck make the experience smooth and accessible.

An In-Depth Look at the Friston Forest & Seven Sisters eBike Tour

This tour starts from a meeting point at White Corner House in Hove, a convenient location for those staying in Brighton or nearby. After a brief 30-minute coach ride, you arrive in Alfriston, a picturesque village that serves as the gateway to your adventure. Here, you get a quick 20-minute walk to soak in the village’s charm before hopping onto your 2023/24 model eMountain bikes.

Starting in Alfriston and the Coastal Drive

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive from Brighton to Alfriston, setting the tone with views of the Sussex countryside. Once in Alfriston, we love the way the guide introduces the tour’s flow and highlights key points you’ll see later. After loading up the bikes, you’ll head towards Seaford Head, either via the wine estate or a direct drive, depending on the day.

Riding along the coast, you’ll descend to the edge of the cliffs for jaw-dropping views of the Seven Sisters. The cliffs are nature’s artwork, with striking white chalk faces rising sharply from the sea. The actual experience of riding along the cliff edges is invigorating — here, the eBike’s assist makes uphill sections manageable, leaving you free to simply enjoy the panoramic vistas.

Mountain Biking Through Friston Forest

Next, the adventure turns inland into Friston Forest, a natural playground for mountain biking enthusiasts. The tour features some single-track trails that wind through tall trees, with hills providing a gentle challenge thanks to the eBike’s power boost. Reviewers mention that “flying up all the hills with the e-bike” is pure fun, and the forest’s serenity offers a nice contrast to the coastal scenery.

The guide is knowledgeable, often sharing insights about the forest’s flora and fauna, and ensuring safety during more technical sections. For those less confident in mountain biking, the trail’s manageable difficulty makes it accessible, but don’t expect a leisurely stroll — it’s more of an active, exhilarating experience.

Wine Tasting and Local Breweries

Midway, there’s an optional stop at a local winery where you can indulge in wine tasting. If wine isn’t your thing, the guide mentions alternative stops, including a visit to Long Man Brewery, a highlight for beer lovers. Here, you can sample various local brews, gaining insight into Sussex’s brewing traditions.

Guests have commented that the brewery visit “adds an authentic local touch,” and some have noted the beer was a highlight, especially after some energetic cycling. The brewery is described as a friendly, relaxed place where you can chat with the staff and enjoy a well-deserved break.

Village Pub and Lunch Options

After a good stretch of riding, the tour heads to Jevington’s Eight Bells Village Pub for a refreshment or a meal. The pub’s warm atmosphere and hearty offerings are commonly praised, offering a comfortable stop before heading back into the countryside.

For those wishing to explore further, the guide recommends a quick stroll around Alfriston, with its historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. If you opt for a hearty lunch, it provides a perfect way to fuel up before the journey back.

Return Journey and Final Stops

The last part of the tour includes a visit to the Long Man of Wilmington, a famous chalk figure etched into the hillside, which is best viewed from a vantage point. It’s a quick photo opportunity and a reminder of the area’s historic significance.

The final stop is back at Alfriston for some free time to explore the village’s quaint streets or relax with a coffee before returning to Hove. The entire experience wraps up with a comfortable 30-minute coach ride back, allowing reflection on a day packed with diverse sights and experiences.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour offers modern eBikes, a professional guide, transport via a truck, and supplies like water and energy snacks — ensuring you stay fueled and comfortable. The small group size (up to four participants) means more personalized attention and flexibility, which many reviewers appreciate.

On the downside, meals and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for those extras, especially if you plan to indulge at the brewery or pub. The tour’s 5.5-hour duration is fairly compact but packed with activity, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and can handle some physical effort.

Practical Tips

• Wear suitable outdoor clothing, including layers and sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to do mountain biking.
• A basic level of bike riding ability is required, but the eBike assist makes tackling hills easier.
• Check your fitness level if you’re not used to active outdoor days — the hills and forest trails can be challenging for some.
• Bring cash or cards if you plan to purchase drinks or meals at stops.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who want a diverse day out, combining coastal scenery, forest trails, and local culture. It’s especially good for those who enjoy cycling but prefer assistance for hilly or longer stretches. Nature lovers will appreciate the Seven Sisters views and woodland trails, while anyone interested in local food and drink will enjoy the brewery and pub stops.

While the tour isn’t suited for absolute beginners or those uncomfortable on bikes, most participants with some biking experience can handle the ride with ease. It’s also a fantastic choice for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, relaxed yet adventure-filled day.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist? No, but you should be comfortable riding a bike. The eBike assist helps with hills and longer distances, making it accessible for most riders.

How long is the cycling part of the tour? The total bike riding is approximately 50 minutes at Seaford Head, plus time in the forest and around the Seven Sisters. The overall tour lasts about 5.5 hours.

Are meals included? No, meals and drinks are not included, but the tour stops at pubs, breweries, and villages where you can purchase food and beverages.

Is there any physical difficulty involved? Yes, there are some hills and mountain biking sections in Friston Forest, but the eBike assist makes these manageable for most riders.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable, outdoor-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for cycling and walking.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 4 participants for a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Friston Forest & Seven Sisters eBike Tour offers a well-rounded, active day exploring some of Sussex’s most iconic sights. It balances scenic coastal views, forest adventures, and local flavor with an easygoing pace and small-group intimacy. The inclusion of modern eBikes, knowledgeable guides, and optional tastings makes it both fun and authentic.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities but want a relaxed, manageable pace. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Sussex’s countryside, coast, and local culture — all while having a great day on two wheels.

Embrace the outdoors, enjoy stunning vistas, and indulge in local flavors with this engaging Sussex eBike adventure. It’s a day that combines activity, culture, and natural beauty in a way that’s both fun and memorable.