Cuckmere Haven Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful South Downs National Park in East Sussex, Cuckmere Haven is a picturesque and tranquil destination that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. With its stunning white cliffs, rolling hills, and meandering river, this scenic spot is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

One of the main highlights of Cuckmere Haven is its iconic white cliffs, which provide breathtaking views of the English Channel. These towering chalk cliffs have been shaped by centuries of erosion, creating a dramatic landscape that is both awe-inspiring and unique. Walking along the cliff tops, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and the sparkling blue waters below.

For those seeking a more active experience, Cuckmere Haven offers a range of outdoor activities. The area is a popular spot for hiking, with several well-marked trails that meander through the stunning countryside. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there are routes to suit all abilities, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace.

The meandering Cuckmere River is another highlight of the area. Flowing through the lush green valley, the river provides a peaceful setting for picnics, leisurely walks, or even a spot of fishing. As you follow its gentle course, you'll encounter an abundance of wildlife, including birds, otters, and even the occasional seal.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cuckmere Haven is also steeped in history. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and evidence of its past can be found in the form of ancient burial mounds and the remnants of a Roman fort. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Alfriston Clergy House, a medieval thatched building owned by the National Trust, is a must-see.

Alternative names: Elevation: 121 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°48'24"N, 0°9'58"E

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Cuckmere Haven Top Attractions

Cuckmere Haven Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cuckmere Haven offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lullington Church, Litlington White Horse, Cuckmere Valley, Seaford Head. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic architecture
Lullington Church
Lullington Church, also known as the Church of the Good Shepherd, on the South Downs at Lullington in East Sussex is one of several churches claimed to be the smallest church in England.
50°47'18"N • 0°8'31"E
Litlington White Horse
The Litlington White Horse is a chalk hill figure depicting a horse, situated on Hindover Hill in the South Downs, looking over the River Cuckmere to the west of the village of Litlington and north of East Blatchington in East Sussex, England.
Archaeological site
Cuckmere Valley
Cuckmere Valley is a civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex, England. As its name suggests, the parish consists of a number of small settlements in the lower reaches of the River Cuckmere.

Park
Seaford Head
Seaford Head is a 150.2-hectare Local Nature Reserve east of Seaford in East Sussex. It is part of Seaford to Beachy Head Site of Special Scientific Interest An area of 83 hectares is owned by Seaford Town Council and managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Row of 7 white cliffs on the Channel
Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast, and are a stretch of the sea-eroded section of the South Downs range of hills, in the county of East Sussex, in south-east England.
Forest
Friston Forest
Friston Forest is a forest, located between Seaford and Eastbourne in East Sussex. It is part of the South Downs National Park area. The forest is managed by Forestry England and covers an area of 2.79 square kilometres, or 278.73 ha.
History museum • Museum
Alfriston Clergy House
Alfriston Clergy House in Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, England, was the first built property to be acquired by the National Trust. It was purchased in 1896 for £10. The house lies adjacent to the Church of St. Andrew. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Park
Lullington Heath
Lullington Heath is a 72.7-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest west of Eastbourne in East Sussex. It is a national nature reserve and a Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I.
Windmill
Alfriston Windmill
Alfriston Windmill is a tower mill at Alfriston, Sussex, England which has been converted to residential accommodation.
Church
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church is the parish church of Alfriston, East Sussex, England. This Grade I listed building was built in the 1370s and is also known as the 'Cathedral of the Downs'.
50°48'29"N • 0°9'24"E
Alfriston Market Cross
Alfriston Market Cross is the only remaining market cross in Sussex, other than the elaborate market cross in Chichester. It is formed of a stone base and shaft on a brick plinth; the cross itself is missing, but the shaft is topped with a ‘cornice-like’ stone.
50°45'7"N • 0°11'2"E
Seaford to Beachy Head
Seaford to Beachy Head is a 1,108.7-hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest which stretches from Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex. It has several Geological Conservation Review sites. Part of it is a Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I.
Archaeological site
Long Burgh Long Barrow
Long Burgh Long Barrow, is an unchambered long barrow located near to the village of Alfriston in the south-eastern English county of East Sussex. Probably constructed in the fourth millennium BCE, during Britain's Early Neolithic period, today it survives only in a state of ruin.
50°48'40"N • 0°13'16"E
Folkington Reservoir
Folkington Reservoir is a 5.8-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south-west of Polegate in East Sussex. The banks of the reservoir support a rich chalk grassland flora including kidney vetch, horseshoe vetch, pyramidal orchid, fragrant orchid and the rare and protected hairy mallow.

Day trips

Cuckmere Haven – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cuckmere Haven, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Royal Pavilion (Brighton), Bodiam Castle (Robertsbridge), Bateman's (Burwash).

13 milesW
Iconic Regency palace and museum
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is a striking architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Brighton, United Kingdom, and stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. This distinctive building, characterized by its Indo-Saracenic style, was originally...
21 milesNE
Forts and castles, Historical place
Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge
Bodiam Castle stands as an archetypal medieval fortress surrounded by a broad, serene moat in the heart of East Sussex, near the village of Robertsbridge, United Kingdom. This 14th-century castle, built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III...
16 milesNE
Historical place, History museum, Museum
Bateman's, Burwash
Nestled in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Bateman's is a charming 17th-century house that once served as the home of the famous writer Rudyard Kipling. Located in the quaint village of Burwash, the Jacobean building is constructed from the local sandstone...
28 milesNE
Park, Garden, Historical place
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook
Nestled in the quaint town of Cranbrook in the United Kingdom, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a horticultural masterpiece that beckons garden enthusiasts and tourists alike. This renowned garden in England is celebrated for its romantic design, vibrant floral displays...
26 milesN
Horse track, Gambling, Sport venue
Lingfield Park Racecourse, Lingfield
Nestled in the serene countryside of Surrey, Lingfield Park Racecourse stands as a premier destination for horse racing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Established in 1890, this historic venue has been captivating audiences with the thrill of the race for well...