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RAF Friston – Spitfires and Spies (Commemorating VJ Day)

Starting at Crowlink car park, join us on this guided walk to learn about the history of RAF Friston and how it grew from an emergency airstrip into a front-line fighter station during WW2. We commemorate 80 years since VJ Day.

  • Booking essential

Starting from Crowlink car park, we walk to the site of the RAF memorial in the middle of what used to be RAF Friston. On the route, we mention the history of Gayle's Place before reaching the site of the old airfield and hearing about some of the brave men and women who were based here and flew the iconic Spitfires that still fly over this beautiful landscape. Imagine the aerial battles that went on overhead as well as incoming doodlebugs!

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £5.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Suitable for children aged 12+ accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Meet at the National Trust Crowlink car park, where our friendly guides will greet you. Please have your booking confirmation ready to show.

What to bring and wear

The weather can be extreme on the Seven Sisters so please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Ensure you bring water and sunscreen.

Accessibility

The walk is 4 hours with a 30 minute rest break halfway. It is over uneven terrain with steep inclines and stiles. Suitable for fit walkers. There are also grazing animals along the walk.

Other

The car park at Crowlink has limited parking. Consider car sharing. The coastal bus runs frequently along the A259, nearest bus stop is Friston Pond and then a short walk up a Bridle Pathway to the start point. Unfortunately no dogs on this walk due to animals grazing

Upcoming events

Event

Stepping into Spring 

Join us for our first guided walk of the season where we welcome the start of Spring. This is a circular walk on Belle Tout enjoying the fauna and flora found there.

Event summary

on
13 Apr 2025
at
10:30 to 13:00
Event

RAF Friston – Spitfires and Spies (Commemorating VE Day) 

Starting at Crowlink car park, join us on this guided walk to learn about the history of RAF Friston and how it grew from an emergency airstrip into a front-line fighter station during WW2. We commemorate 80 years since VE Day.

Event summary

on
11 May 2025
at
10:30 to 14:30
Event

Artists inspired by the South Downs 

Starting from Crowlink car park, join us for this guided walk and follow in the footsteps of some of the many artists who have depicted the Seven Sisters and the surrounding Downland.

Event summary

on
15 Jun 2025
at
10:30 to 13:00
Event

Squire, Parson and Shepherd - What life was like living on the Downs 

Join us on this guided walk on the Seven Sisters which takes us on a journey through peoples lives on the Downs. A fascinating insight into days gone by.

Event summary

on
13 Jul 2025
at
10:30 to 13:00