There is a particular kind of magic in leaving a bustling city centre and finding yourself atop a rolling green ridge in under thirty minutes. The Breeze 79, operated by Brighton & Hove Buses, offers exactly this experience. It is less of a commute and more of an escape route, whisking passengers from the vibrant seaside streets of Brighton up to the highest point in East Sussex.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker looking to conquer the South Downs Way, or simply someone seeking a panoramic sunset without the legwork, the 79 is your chariot to the clouds.
What makes this route special
The “Breeze” network is designed specifically to connect the city with the countryside, encouraging locals and visitors to leave their cars at home and explore the South Downs National Park sustainably.
While the famous open-top 77 route heads to Devil’s Dyke, the 79 takes a different path, climbing steadily up Ditchling Road. It offers a quieter, perhaps more serene journey that culminates in one of the most spectacular 360-degree views in the South of England. The transition is stark and beautiful; one moment you are passing rows of Victorian terraces, and the next, you are surrounded by ancient woodland and open chalk grassland.
A journey from sea level to sky
The route begins at the Old Steine in Brighton, right in the heart of the action. Before you board, you can grab a coffee in the labyrinthine Lanes or take a quick breath of sea air at the nearby pier.
As the bus heads north, it climbs out of the city valley. The urban landscape begins to thin out as you approach Hollingbury. This is a fantastic stop for history buffs; the stop puts you within easy walking distance of Hollingbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort. It is a place where history lies beneath your feet, surrounded by gorse and wildflowers.
Continuing the ascent, the bus reaches Upper Lodges. This stop serves as the northern gateway to the massive Stanmer Park estate. It is a secret entrance of sorts; while most crowds flock to the main gates near the university, hopping off here allows you to walk down through the Great Wood into the village, rather than hiking up!
Finally, the bus conquers the ridge to reach its terminus: Ditchling Beacon. Standing at 248 metres above sea level, the Beacon offers views that stretch across the Weald to the North Downs on one side, and out to the sparkling English Channel on the other. It is truly a “top of the world” feeling.
When does the route run
The Breeze 79 is a leisure service designed for days out. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays throughout the year.
Because it is a year-round service, it offers a different experience in every season: golden sunsets in summer, crisp frosty walks in winter, and rolling green hills in spring.
Service frequency and connections
The service generally runs hourly, making it easy to plan your day. The reliable schedule allows you to spend a solid hour or two walking on the Downs before catching the next bus back for tea in the city.
The route connects seamlessly with other Brighton & Hove services. If you start your journey at the Old Steine, you can connect from almost any part of the city.
Value for money
One of the most compelling reasons to ride the 79 is the cost. With the current government fare cap schemes (confirmed as £3 for single journeys through 2025), a trip to the top of the Downs is cheaper than a coffee.
Considering that parking at Ditchling Beacon can be crowded and expensive (National Trust members park free, but spaces are limited), the bus is not only the greener choice but often the cheaper and less stressful one too.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit upstairs: Even though the 79 is usually a standard double-decker (rather than open-top), the views from the front of the top deck as you approach the Beacon are commanding.
- Dress in layers: It might be a warm, still day in Brighton city centre, but the Ditchling Beacon is exposed and can be quite windy. A windbreaker is always a good idea.
- Check the return times: As an hourly service, you don’t want to miss the bus by two minutes! Snap a photo of the timetable at the stop when you arrive.
- Look for the ice cream van: There is almost always an ice cream van parked at Ditchling Beacon—a well-earned treat after a walk.
Planning a day out on this route
For a perfect active day out, try a “linear walk.”
- Take the 79 from Brighton to Ditchling Beacon.
- Enjoy the views and perhaps walk a section of the South Downs Way.
- Walk west along the ridge (about 2-3 miles) towards Stanmer Park.
- Drop down into the woodland to Upper Lodges or continue all the way down to Stanmer Village for a Sunday roast or tea.
- Catch the 78 bus (which runs from Stanmer Park) back to the city.
This “bus up, walk down” strategy saves your legs on the ascent but still gives you all the glory of the South Downs walking experience.
Year-round appeal
Don’t let the “Breeze” name fool you into thinking this is summer-only fun. The 79 runs all year (weekends), and the Downs are arguably at their most dramatic in the colder months. The mist rolling over the Weald in autumn or the crisp visibility on a cold January morning makes for spectacular photography. Just remember, when the snow falls, the Beacon road can sometimes close, so always check the Brighton & Hove Buses app for service updates during extreme weather.
