LANDSCAPE
The Sussex landscape with its rolling South Downs, its ancient Wealden woodlands and its stunning coastline has constantly drawn artists and, more recently, winemakers to live and work here. Sussex provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities – walking, cycling, exploring nature and wildlife. With some of the best beaches and mildest climate in the country, it’s the perfect place for a getaway.
High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Landscape
A medieval landscape of wooded, rolling hills studded with sandstone outcrops at the heart of South East England.
Firle Beacon
Landscape
Firle Beacon, with fantastic views across the sea, sits high above the village of Firle in the South Downs National Park. The Beacon is home to a Neolithic tomb, and can be accessed using one of the many footpaths leading up from the village.
Kingley Vale walk
Landscape
This ancient forest is thought to have the oldest living trees in Britain. It also has some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in southern England, along with unique wildlife, including 11 types of orchids.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Landscape
Sussex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve is a 465 hectares mosaic of coastal habitats – shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater ditches and gravel pits, and reedbeds. It is home to 4,500 species of plants and animals of which more than 300 are nationally rare or endangered.
Ashdown Forest
Landscape
Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. It is known the world over as the ‘home’ of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Devils Dyke
Landscape
Devil’s Dyke is a legendary spot in the South Downs National Park. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK.
Seven Sisters and Friston Forest
Landscape
The dramatic Seven Sisters Country Park, with its chalk sea cliffs, chalk grassland and the meandering Cuckmere estuary is set within the South Downs National Park, along the Sussex Heritage Coast.
Sheffield Parkland
Landscape
The historic Sheffield Parkland dates back several centuries and has had many uses including as a deer park and a Second World War camp. It is now grazed with livestock and is a diverse haven for wildlife.
Long Man of Wilmington
Landscape
Britain’s tallest chalk hill figure. There is no firm evidence about who he is, or why he is there. The figure is cut into the steep slopes of Windover Hill, and is 235 feet high.
Pevensey Bay
Landscape
Pevensey Bay is an old fishing village founded in the 1600s and is famously known as William of Normandy’s landing place in 1066. It is now a popular seaside destination. Pevensey village dates back to the 13th century and the nearby Pevensey Levels are a natural haven for wild birds, flowers and animals.
Cissbury Ring
Landscape
Cissbury Ring, in the South Downs National Park, is the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. Set high up on a chalk promontory, on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
Ditchling Common
Landscape
The Common is a tranquil place where you can enjoy woodlands, open grassy areas, lakes, stunning bluebells in springtime, and splendid views towards the South Downs. The networks of paths are great for countryside walks and for spotting rare fauna and flora. Picnic tables are provided.
Malling Down Nature Reserve
Landscape
This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea.
Wakehurst
Landscape
In the heart of Sussex lies Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. Visit throughout the year to explore a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows and wetlands, plus exciting events and trails.
Weald & Downland Living Museum
Landscape
Discover over 1,000 years of Sussex rural history, see what life was like for people living in these landscapes and experience daily life through the seasons at this open-air, living museum in the heart of the South Downs.
Amberley Wild Brooks Nature Reserve
Landscape
This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea.
Map your own route
