Rathfinny Trail
Pick up an Estate map from the Cellar Door or the Flint Barns and walk the Trail. You can make it part of a longer walk, but if you start at the Cellar Door it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and is about three miles.
South Downs Way
A long-distance footpath and bridleway running along the South Downs in southern England, and is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales. The trail runs for 160 km (100 miles) from Winchester, in Hampshire, to Eastbourne, in East Sussex, with about 4,150 miles (13,620 ft) of ascent and descent. It's a short walk up the valley to join this iconic route.
Drusillas Park
A small 10 acres zoo near to Alfriston, only 5 minutes by car from the Estate. Its exhibits are targeted towards children between 2 and 10 years old. Soft-play area, large slides, netted walkways plus zoo animals, feeding times, restaurant and shop.
Friston Forest
Offers an infinite number of waymarked routes of varying lengths and difficulty for visitors to explore the beech woods and heathland glades. Its undulating terrain makes it popular with walkers and mountain bikers. Route maps can be obtained from the Visitor Centre at the Seven Sisters Country Park near to the two main car parks for the Forest.
Cuckmere River
With fantastic views of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Valley is a haven for wildlife, from over-wintering wildfowl to colourful wild flowers. Cradle Valley is a wonderful example of the species-rich chalk grassland which gave rise to the South Downs becoming a National Park. This habitat attracts rare and colourful butterflies and plants in summer, so keep all senses "peeled". High and Over's dramatic river cliff has been carved out of the soft chalk by the river below. In 1836 a white horse was cut into the chalk on the steep scarp and it remains a popular natural attraction.
Beachy Head
Visit Beachy Head cliffs near Eastbourne for the breath-taking views. The UK's highest chalk sea cliff stretches from the western end of Eastbourne seafront in the new South Downs National Park to the Seven Sisters Country Park in the east on the Cuckmere Valley. Visit Beachy Head Countryside Centre or take a boat trip to the iconic Beachy Head light house.
Lewes Castle
Climb to the top of this 1000-year-old Norman Castle for stunning panoramic views across Sussex. Lewes is a town steeped in history with a myriad of little shops and lanes to explore. It is about 25 minutes by car or there is a bus and/or train service from either Seaford or Berwick which are 5 minutes from the Estate.
Middle Farm
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs, it's about a 45 minute walk from the Flint Barns or 10 minutes by car. Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. They offer a warm country welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy from feeding the lambs, grooming a horse to just sitting in the cafe or perusing their cider selection. Image credit: Design M.
Long Walks
There are plenty of different walks to do in this area and we have some good books on local walks in the lounge as well as OS map 123 to buy. Feel free to ask one of the staff for a recommended walk.
Birling Gap & Crowlink
Near Eastbourne, these are part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. One minute you can be walking on ancient downland, the next you could be rock-pooling below towering cliffs of chalk. Spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea can be seen from all angles. Birling Gap provides a point of entry for delightful walks and you can find a cafe, shop and visitor centre here on the cliff top. The beach below is ideal for seaside picnics with its rock pools and areas of pebbles and sand. It is a great example of a marine nature reserve. It's a short drive away or catch the regular bus service from Seaford (runs from Brighton to Eastbourne on a regular basis).
Glynde Place
Glynde Place, home to the VIIth Viscount and Viscountess Hampden, is a magnificent Elizabethan country house sitting high on the South Downs, looking out over the Weald to the north. Originally built in the mid 16th century, it has been lived in by only three families in over five centuries. Extensive alterations and improvements were carried out in the 18th century, including building the new stable block, adjacent church and the distinctive wyverns gates by Richard Trevor, Bishop of Durham. Glynde is a pretty little village just east of Lewes and on route to Glyndebourne.
Newhaven Fort
Offering the perfect family day out, there is so much to explore at Newhaven Fort, including the vast, echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. Experience a sense of freedom in this 10-acre site as you stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the breath-taking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast. The cliff-top gun emplacements are sure to fire any imagination! Newhaven is around 10 minutes away, west towards Brighton.
Michelham Priory
Cross the moat through the 14th-century gatehouse and enter the seven acres of beautiful gardens which surround this historic house. Inside the house, furniture and artefacts trace the property's religious origins and its development over 800 years. There are trails and hands-on activities indoors and out for all the family. Outside, you can explore the medieval watermill, working forge, rope museum and dramatic Elizabethan Great Barn. Michelham Priory has lots of free parking, a cafe, new playground and gift shop.
Arlington Reservoir
Completed in 1971, Arlington Reservoir supplies water to the Eastbourne, Polegate, Hailsham and Heathfield areas, as well as being a local trout fishery. The 49-hectare site supports diverse habitats, with 173 recorded bird species and a wintering population of up to 10,000 wildfowl. A flat walk around the edge of the reservoir to blow the cobwebs away! It's a 10-minute drive from the Estate.
Cuckmere Cycle Company
The Cuckmere Cycle Company is perfectly situated beside the Cuckmere Estuary and surrounding Friston Forest trails. You can hire a range of bikes including e-bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes and trailers.
