Sussex Summer Landscape

Leave your Brighton hotel for the day and you do not have to drive far to discover the beauty of Sussex. A trip for half a day will take you deep into the country and if you want to venture out for the whole day there is no shortage of places of interest.

Sussex is bordered by motorways, but in the heart of this county life goes on at a more reasoned pace. As you travel be sure to allow plenty of time. The herds of cows, on their way to the milking parlours, do not hurry down these country lanes. The names of the towns and villages are charming and romantic, and so are the sights along the way.

Going away from Brighton, in an easterly direction along the coastal road, you will head towards Peaceheaven. You will see the two thousand berth Brighton Marina after you leave the main conurbation. Here you can enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, a little bit if shopping or a leisurely lunch in one of the many eateries.

On the high ground, above and inland, sits the picturesque village of  Rottingdean. Rudyard Kipling, famed author of  ‘The Jungle Book’ lived here, and what a pleasant place it is. Kipling’s Garden is a popular place to visit and together with the local windmill, St. Margaret’s Church with its acclaimed stained glass windows, and some very nice pubs, this is a good area to stop for local exploration.

The road East follows the line of cliffs and offers photographic opportunities of the panoramic views over the English Channel. Frequent ferries running from Newhaven to Dieppe and Le Havre mingle with the multitude of merchant vessels in these busy shipping lanes.

Deep in the Sussex Countryside

Newhaven Fort is a lively family attraction and includes a museum. It was built around 1860 and formed part of the defences against a French invasion in Victorian times. It again played an active role in both the First and Second World Wars. A programme of varied events make this a family attraction.

Seaford is home to Martello Tower No.74 , one of the many fortifications built around 1800  to protect this early Cinque port. Now a museum with a host of Victorian exhibits it is deceptively large at 5000 square foot. The tall white cliffs at Seaford rise steeply from the shingle shore. This area is home to the Seaford Head Nature Reserve and is a popular resting and refuelling place for migrating birds before they take on the long sea crossing. Sadly these local shores are threatened by rising sea levels and may one day be given back to the sea.

In this area, known as The Sussex Heritage Coast, the South Downs Way runs along the cliff tops. Walkers can enjoy views of the huge cross sections of chalk rising vertically from the shore. The cliffs roll gently along the coastline and form the famous Seven Sisters range. The small coves, hidden from view, and lying down between the cliffs, were once the regular haunts of bands of smugglers hiding away from the watchful eye of the customs men. This is a magnificent kite flying, walking and cycling area. A guided walk at low tide, to the famous Beachy Head Lighthouse, is a regular feature at the foot of the cliffs.

The adventurous, not content to keep on dry land, may want to take to the waves and the opportunity arises at Eastbourne where sea trips along the coast are available. Advance booking is recommended and warm weatherproof wear is the advised clothing, even on a warm day!