Cuckmere Haven and Cuckmere Valley
Seaford, Coast
Image: National TrustThe National Trust land around the meandering Cuckmere River, from the downland at High and Over down to Cuckmere Haven with classic views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. Riverside and hilltop trails link farmland, saltmarsh and chalk grassland.
Highlights
- River meanders and views of the Seven Sisters
- High and Over white horse, cut in 1836
- Butterflies and wild flowers in Cradle Valley
- Wartime pillboxes and anti-tank traps at Chyngton Farm
Good to know
- Keep dogs on leads where signs ask
- Buses 12, 12A and 12B between Brighton and Eastbourne stop at Exceat
- Toilets are at Seven Sisters car park
Getting there
Cuckmere Haven and Cuckmere Valley, Cuckmere Valley, between Seaford and Exceat, East Sussex, BN26 5TTParking: Free parking at Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve and High and Over. The Golden Galleon at Exceat car park is for customers only.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateRathfinny Wine Estate
A family-run sparkling wine estate on a south-facing slope of the South Downs near Alfriston. Browse the Cellar Door, book a tour of the winery with a guided tasting, or settle in at The Hut or the Flint Barns for food and a glass.
Image: National TrustAlfriston Clergy House
A thatched, timber-framed Wealden hall-house built for the village priest in the early 15th century, and the first building the National Trust ever bought, in 1896. It sits beside the church on The Tye with a cottage garden looking over the Cuckmere Valley.
Image: Seven Sisters Country ParkSeven Sisters Country Park
The classic view of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs starts here, where the Cuckmere river meanders down to the sea. A level trail runs about 2km to the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven, so it works for pushchairs and less confident walkers too.