The first time I swam in the British sea was at Seafood, summer 2009. I remember the cold took my breath away. My heart pounded in my chest. I gasped for air until my body acclimatised to the temperature. This was three years into marriage, with no kids. The day was ours to lounge around on the pebbly shore before driving off to see the Long Man of Wilmington. I can’t remember where I first heard about The Long Man, possibly in a documentary. It was a lovely day out. I was recently reminded of that day while watching Netflix’s series, The Sandman. In Season 2, episode 3, ‘More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Hold’. His chalk figure on the South Downs was a film location. Naturally, I had to revisit, and the UK heatwave was my excuse. East Sussex is delightful for a daycation from the city.
East Sussex
East Sussex comprises 42 towns/cities/villages in the county, each with its charm. Rye has it for cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Brighton has its pier and nightlife. Hastings is known for its great medieval battle and connection to piracy. When I think of Seaford, it’s the pebble beach and clear water.
Sussex (meaning South Saxon) is split into east and west. East Sussex is on the southeastern end of England, bordering the English Channel. A ridge of chalk hills, the South Downs, runs across the county from east to west, reaching the sea in a line of magnificent cliffs, notably at Beachy Head.
After the Battle Of Hastings in the 11th Century. The chief medieval towns were Chichester, Lewes, and the ports of Hastings and Rye. By the end of the 19th century, resort towns lined the coast, such as Bognor Regis, Worthing, Eastbourne, and Bexhill. Seaford may have been inhabited due to its location near the sea and river estuary.
Seaford Beach East Sussex
Seaford Beach is located in Seaford, which comes under the district of Lewes. Once known for shipwrecks and smuggling, it’s now a pleasant coastal town. The train station is next to cafes and shops. Alternatively, you can drive. We pre-booked parking in Morrisons on the high street. The beach was less than a 10-minute walk away.
The water quality is checked regularly, which gives me comfort to swim. Salt Dean is usually our go-to beach but it’s getting popular. Seaford is perfect because it’s not highly commercialised. You must walk into town, depending on what you need. It’s a family-oriented beach. The water is a clear, beautiful azure. The shore is a long pebbly stretch with space for everyone. On a windy day, it’s perfect for water sports as well. We saw people paddleboarding and windsurfing. I also saw people fishing at Splash Point.
Along Seaford’s Esplanade
Of course, I explored some of the Seaford’s Esplanade. Along which there are refreshment kiosks, changing facilities, and the Seaford Museum. Seating is conveniently spaced along the way and ideal vantage points to rest and enjoy the vista. Additionally, there’s striking community seating entitled The Shoal. It’s close to the beach huts and Seaford Head at Splash Point. The bench:
‘ represents a remarkable stream meandering the length of the breakwater. The brainchild of Gabby Tofts, an inspirational gardener, and Christian Funnell, a renowned local sculptor…’
When I next visit, I will go to the Seaford Head nature reserve. I want to experience the view from the cliffs where the old Splash Point Hotel used to be.
Long Man of Wilmington
The Long Man is located in Polegate, a small town with under 9,000 inhabitants, in East Sussex. It lies on the Roman road which runs from Pevensey Castle to Lewes. After visiting Seaford Beach, we drove through Alfriston village to reach The Long Man (note: it’s pretty village surrounded by the Wealden South Downs with narrow, winding roads). He’s still perfect in every way and well-maintained. On this occasion, I didn’t attempt to walk up to him. I merely admired from afar.
VISITOR TIP: Before visiting, check which paths are public footpaths. Some of the land is private.
The view on a clear day is breathtaking. When we were there, we could see a horse galloping in the distance. Some say The Long Man is a guardian; others say he’s a fertility symbol. No one knows how they got there. My kids found it disconcerting now to know how he came to be etched into the mountains. I think it’s fascinating that he’s been there since time immemorial. Maybe one day the mystery will be solved.
When we left, we drove to Eastbourne 25-minute drive away, for more coastal views. If you wanted to linger a while, you could try the Cuckoo Trail or pop into the Long Man Inn and pub. You can refuel and enjoy the country air.
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Driving from Seaford to Eastbourne made me realise just how many cute little villages there are to visit in England. I will certainly return to East Sussex this summer. I hope you enjoyed this blog. Be sure to visit my travel page for inspiration on places to visit. You can find on Instagram @MsXpat and @Xpatathome
What are your plans for the summer? What trips and days out have you got planned? Comment in the box below. I would love to hear from you.
