Seaford has a long shingle beach below Seaford Head, with the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven and Newhaven Fort close by.
Image: Newhaven FortNewhaven Fort is East Sussex's largest fort, on the coast between Brighton and Eastbourne. Exhibitions cover Sussex history and both world wars, there is an interactive timeline and an immersive escape room, and children can let off steam in the adventure playground. A café and gift shop round off the visit.
Image: Seven Sisters Country ParkThe 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.
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateA 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 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.
Image: Paradise Park and GardensParadise Park in Newhaven pairs formal and informal gardens, with small lakes, waterfalls and fountains, with indoor planthouses and the Planet Earth Museum. Children can follow the Dinosaur Safari and use the Playzone, and there is a restaurant and coffee shop. A Halloween trail runs through October.
Image: National TrustA 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: Drusillas ParkA family zoo aimed at younger children, mixing animals with rides, play areas and soft play. It is one of the easiest full days out in East Sussex for families with under-10s.
Image: National TrustBirling Gap is where the South Downs meet the sea at the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest undeveloped stretches of the south coast. Walk the clifftop downland, or take the steps down to the shingle beach for rock pools and fossil hunting. The National Trust café, shop and visitor centre sit on the cliff top.
Image: CharlestonThe modernist home and studio of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, a farmhouse near Firle where a timed house visit explores their art and lives. Galleries with changing exhibitions, a walled garden, a cafe and a shop complete the visit.
Image: The Sussex Archaeological SocietyA huge chalk-outlined figure on the slopes of Windover Hill, described by the Sussex Archaeological Society as Europe's largest portrayal of the human form. Park below the hill and follow the footpaths to the base or up to the top for wide views over the Downs.
Photo: Poliphilo, CC0An 11-mile traffic-free path along the old Cuckoo Line railway from Polegate to Heathfield, with an extension south towards Eastbourne. It is popular with walkers, cyclists and riders, and passes through Hailsham, Hellingly and Horam.
Image: National TrustThe weatherboarded cottage that was Virginia and Leonard Woolf's country home, with rooms kept as they lived in them and a much-loved cottage garden. It is small and visits are by pre-booked time slot, so plan ahead.
Image: Seaford Bonfire SocietySeaford Bonfire Society holds its annual bonfire night on the same Saturday as Hastings, with an evening start at 7pm. It is a smaller, local alternative to the big East Sussex processions.
Image: Seven Sisters Country ParkCapturing the Forest is an exhibition at Seven Sisters Country Park near Seaford, running across the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2026. Times and further details are on the event page. It suits families, couples and friends visiting the South Downs coast.
Image: Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor CentreSussex Creatives holds two farewell exhibitions of local artists and makers at the Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, from 10am to 4pm each day. Visitors can see cards, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, glassware, wool craft and novelty items. Entry is free, with parking charges applying, and the event suits families, couples and friends.
Image: Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Visitor CentreA drop-in autumn crafts and activities session runs at the Pump Barn at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre in Exceat, near Seaford, on 28 October 2026 at 11:00 am. It is free and suits families, with under 18s required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Booking is recommended, and details are on the official Seven Sisters page.
Image: Rathfinny Wine Estate, Cellar DoorA one-hour wine tasting at Rathfinny Wine Estate's Cellar Door in Alfriston, led by a guide who introduces the estate's story and winemaking approach. Six wines are tasted from the Sussex Sparkling range and the Cradle Valley still wines. Booking is required, and it suits adults interested in English wine; it is a tasting only, with tours booked separately.
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateA one hour 45 minute guided tour of the Rathfinny Wine Estate vineyard near Alfriston, run during the harvest season. Visitors learn how the addition of sugar, known as dosage, shapes the style of sparkling wine, and may see grape picking and pressing. The experience ends with a guided tasting of three Rathfinny wines, and suits adults interested in wine and winemaking.
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateA hosted harvest dinner at the Flint Barns at Rathfinny Wine Estate near Alfriston, marking the end of the harvest. The evening includes a tasting of the new Cradle Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2025. Booking is required, and the event suits adults and families looking for a seasonal dinner in the Downs.
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateA Christmas market held over 5 and 6 December 2026 at Rathfinny Wine Estate near Alfriston. Visitors can shop for seasonal gifts and receive a complimentary glass of Sussex sparkling wine. Booking is recommended, and the event suits families, couples and friends. Check the event page for opening times.
Image: Paradise Park and GardensParadise Park in Newhaven runs a Halloween trail through October and half term, alongside its gardens, Dinosaur Safari and Playzone. It is an easy add-on to a family visit.
Image: Newhaven FortNewhaven Fort is East Sussex's largest fort, on the coast between Brighton and Eastbourne. Exhibitions cover Sussex history and both world wars, there is an interactive timeline and an immersive escape room, and children can let off steam in the adventure playground. A café and gift shop round off the visit.
Image: Rathfinny Wine EstateA 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: Paradise Park and GardensParadise Park in Newhaven pairs formal and informal gardens, with small lakes, waterfalls and fountains, with indoor planthouses and the Planet Earth Museum. Children can follow the Dinosaur Safari and use the Playzone, and there is a restaurant and coffee shop. A Halloween trail runs through October.
Image: National TrustA 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: Drusillas ParkA family zoo aimed at younger children, mixing animals with rides, play areas and soft play. It is one of the easiest full days out in East Sussex for families with under-10s.
Image: CharlestonThe modernist home and studio of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, a farmhouse near Firle where a timed house visit explores their art and lives. Galleries with changing exhibitions, a walled garden, a cafe and a shop complete the visit.
Image: Seven Sisters Country ParkThe 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.
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.
Image: National TrustBirling Gap is where the South Downs meet the sea at the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest undeveloped stretches of the south coast. Walk the clifftop downland, or take the steps down to the shingle beach for rock pools and fossil hunting. The National Trust café, shop and visitor centre sit on the cliff top.
Image: The Sussex Archaeological SocietyA huge chalk-outlined figure on the slopes of Windover Hill, described by the Sussex Archaeological Society as Europe's largest portrayal of the human form. Park below the hill and follow the footpaths to the base or up to the top for wide views over the Downs.
Photo: Poliphilo, CC0An 11-mile traffic-free path along the old Cuckoo Line railway from Polegate to Heathfield, with an extension south towards Eastbourne. It is popular with walkers, cyclists and riders, and passes through Hailsham, Hellingly and Horam.
