Eastbourne, the home of sun, sea and fish and chips. And, of course, as the gateway to the glorious South Downs National Park, your walking options are boundless.
Stretch your legs and see the glorious sights around Eastbourne
Eastbourne sits on the eastern edge of the South Downs National Park which offers diverse and inspirational landscapes with truly breathtaking views.
There is a a rich variety of wildlife and habitats including rare and internationally important species, and all manner of tranquil and unspoilt places.
The South Downs Way may beckon, but a number of smaller chucks are accessible and manageable and bound to raise an enormous smile as you meander and wonder.
Walking the South Downs Way and more!
The South Downs Way runs for 100 miles (160km) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex and follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. The undulating route provides a wonderful trip for long distance riders as well as walkers and a real escape from urban life despite being within easy reach of London.
Many of our guests have enjoyed walking the whole journey but if you don’t have the usual 8-10 days to cover the stretch, why don’t you target a manageable chunk (and arguably the most spectacular) with the walk between Seaford and Eastbourne, with the glorious Seven Sisters cliff-top walk?
It is probably the most well-known and popular walk on the South Coast. Running approx. 13km so allow for at least 6 hours as you will want to stop often and catch your breath, ahem, we mean take in the stunning views. Please, though, stay well away from the edge which is continually crumbling and falling into the sea. If committing to 6 hours feels a little bit too much like hard work, there are various jump off points along the way including at Birling Gap, Cuckmere River, Friston Forest – all of which are well served by the number 12/13 bus service.
This popular spot, where the South Downs meets the sea, draws visitors from near and far. Amble across the ancient woodlands above, or explore miles of sea front rock pools for sea creatures or fossils, hours of entertainment, and that’s just the adults! And no excursion is complete without a visit to the newly revamped National Trust tea room and shop for a refreshing cup of tea, and a piece of cake, of course!
Just a word of warning though – it can get quite busy during the peak Summer months when you really need to arrive at the carpark fairly early in order to secure a parking spot. So, do as the locals do, and head inland for a more secluded walk at Crowlink which is both family and dog friendly.
Cuckmere River
The walk along Cuckmere River is a tale of two halves. Starting at Seven Sisters Country Park in Exceat follow a very easy wide, manmade path along the sinuous river. Ascend a slight bank of shingle to reveal the, quite honestly, breathtaking views at Cuckmere Haven – sea and sky and crashing waves. Drink it all in before turning the way you came or take a slight detour to the east of the main path for a more rugged return route. Again – parking in peak Summer months can be a bit challenging so if you find you can’t get in there – just head to Friston Forest which is literally opposite instead.
This stunning beach woodland is nestled between Lulington Heath National Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park and offers miles and miles of stunning views of the Cuckmere and South Downs. Enjoyed by walker and cyclists alike it has something for everyone. And if, like me, you enjoy a bit of foraging – there are definitely mushrooms and sloes to be had at certain times of the year. I have spent many happy an hour with the dog here, stopping and picking a variety of delicacies to sample at home.
Not bring your walking boots? Other things to do in Eastbourne?
Changing the vibe entirely, Eastbourne also offers more modern forms of entertainment (also good options for a rainy day). If you’ve ever fancied your chances at the Crystal Maze you can now put your money where your mouth is at Eastbourne Escape Rooms. Choose between a Sweeny Todd, Dracula Castle or Jurassic Land themed room. Ranging in difficulty, the rooms are suitable for all the family.
If you fancy something a bit more high tech, the Boom Battle Bar might be right up your street. Filled with crazy games such as axe throwing, augmented reality darts, crazier golf and beer pong, as well as American pool and shuffleboard you can battle it out with a mate or date (or that really annoying family member that you want to get one up on!)
And lastly, Eastbourne is blessed not only with the sea and sun (officially the UK’s sunniest place) but also a plethora of theatres – all based within the town’s easily walkable centre. Showing of mix of independent productions and travelling west end shows it’s well worth planning ahead to try and catch a show during your visit. Visit Eastbourne Theatres for a list of what’s on, where.
Properties close to great walks around Eastbourne
Let us guide you towards some memorable walks and holiday accommodation
No matter what you are looking for, we’ve got something to suit everyone at Exclusively Eastbourne.
Just visit exclusivelyeastbourne.co.uk or give us a ring on 01323 406090 – we’re always happy to help as we all live locally and know every property like the backs of our (sun-tanned) hands.