Cuckmere Haven
Cuckmere Haven
4.5
About
Cuckmere Haven Seaford. The Nature Reserve is easiest accessed by two points; South Hill Barn in Seaford or from Eastbourne Road (A259) at Exceat Bridge. Free parking is provided at South Hill Barn, Seaford, the nearest post code is BN25 4JQ. From here is a simply stunning walk down Seaford Head to Cuckmere Valley, overlooking the Seven Sisters Cliffs and river mouth.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
192 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
41
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Olivia
8 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Love this place! One of my favourite beaches. Love walking my dogs here. Lovely cliff walks, there is also a beach. You can access one half of the beach via the cliffs. Other half is split by a river. You can access it by driving there, then taking a walk by the river (perfect for paddle boarding) and go to the other half of the beach (clear water but a little deep) or you can access the Seven Sisters cliffs which lead to Beachy Head. Definitely recommend! Maybe not for younger children who don’t like walking or who like to play in the sand - there are only pebbles here.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annmarie M
Brighton, UK110 contributions
Dec 2022
We were a group of 5 including my elderly father who was treating us all as an xmas gift.
We were sat in a cold place. Kept our coats on. We all had 3 courses & we all had cause to complain.
My sister -in-law had the prawn cocktail starter. How it left the kitchen I have no idea! The lettuce was brown! All of it. Her butter was freezing and unable to spread.
We then had the mains. I had roasted veg wrap as did my sister-in-law. I thought roasted veg would be hot, it didn’t mention it was a cold dish. Two very cold wraps with not much veg. My partner had the vegan plant based burger. Awful. Over cooked and like cardboard. My father had fish , chips and mushy peas. The fish was ok but the mushy peas were stone cold! Desserts were ok but overall very disappointing. My father paid AND left a tip! Bear in mind the bill was over £160 he is a pensioner . Very expensive for poor hit and miss food. On leaving he had a bad fall as didn’t see the steps . Surely they should have been marked with yellow non slip paint. Please carry out this necessary improvement especially in this extreme weather . He was very shocked and shaken
We were sat in a cold place. Kept our coats on. We all had 3 courses & we all had cause to complain.
My sister -in-law had the prawn cocktail starter. How it left the kitchen I have no idea! The lettuce was brown! All of it. Her butter was freezing and unable to spread.
We then had the mains. I had roasted veg wrap as did my sister-in-law. I thought roasted veg would be hot, it didn’t mention it was a cold dish. Two very cold wraps with not much veg. My partner had the vegan plant based burger. Awful. Over cooked and like cardboard. My father had fish , chips and mushy peas. The fish was ok but the mushy peas were stone cold! Desserts were ok but overall very disappointing. My father paid AND left a tip! Bear in mind the bill was over £160 he is a pensioner . Very expensive for poor hit and miss food. On leaving he had a bad fall as didn’t see the steps . Surely they should have been marked with yellow non slip paint. Please carry out this necessary improvement especially in this extreme weather . He was very shocked and shaken
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheRat1
Haywards Heath, UK301 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The Cuckmere Haven location is one of the best areas for walking along the Sussex coast. Parking is available near the South Downs information centre and then a short walk down to the seafront. The paths are flat and well surfaced although it’s advisable to wear hiking shoes or boots. We have walked on both sides of the river which splits the beach. You could be lucky and cross at low tide and walk back. To the east you have the Seven Sister and to the west Seaford Head.
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew Jones
London, UK357 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
To get to Cuckmere Haven from Seaford it’s about an hour’s hike, but it’s well worth the effort. The beach, the sea, the cliffs, the river… such a beautiful, contrasting mix of natural wonders and landscapes. Sit back, relax, take it all in — and take some great pics.
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ann H
York, UK2,158 contributions
Sep 2022
This beautiful stretch of coastline between Seaford and Seven Sisters is truly glorious and unspoilt. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon walk which made us appreciate the true splendour of the location. We parked for free at Seaford Head and took the short walk in the direction of Seven Sisters eventually meeting a sign for the beach. The views across to the Seven Sisters are spectacular and a must for anyone visiting.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sharpeyMarlow
Marlow, England121 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Hired Huge SUP (paddle board) from Buzz and then went to cafe for light bite . The staff and service at Buzz were great - very friendly and super helpful.
The cafe over the road served beautiful coffee but late in day had run out of most of their food
The cafe over the road served beautiful coffee but late in day had run out of most of their food
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Greg M
United Kingdom2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Great food and amazing cocktails (would advise passion fruit cocktail)
Will be returning again, great for a summer chat and dine.
Adam and Andy did some great work cheers guys 🥂
Will be returning again, great for a summer chat and dine.
Adam and Andy did some great work cheers guys 🥂
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Goldie1520
Rainham, UK327 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We walked to Cuckmere Haven from
Alfriston. It was quite an easy walk as it was very flat, although we had to look out for cowpats and at one point had to skirt round a herd of cows. However, the walk was totally worth it to see the quintessential south coast scenery at Cuckmere Haven. We took a packed lunch and it was lovely to sit on a a log on the beach and enjoy the views as we ate.
Alfriston. It was quite an easy walk as it was very flat, although we had to look out for cowpats and at one point had to skirt round a herd of cows. However, the walk was totally worth it to see the quintessential south coast scenery at Cuckmere Haven. We took a packed lunch and it was lovely to sit on a a log on the beach and enjoy the views as we ate.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SKB627
Illinois229 contributions
May 2022
Absolutely stunning. If you are anywhere near Brighton or Eastbourne, please walk from Seaford to the cliffs. So, so beautiful. I wish I lived near here!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Noolina
London, UK69 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
A breathtaking place. Simply astonishing!
Bring a pair of Wellies if you want to cross to the other side without getting your feet wet or Rock shoes!
Bring a pair of Wellies if you want to cross to the other side without getting your feet wet or Rock shoes!
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tansysue
Sussex400 contributions
Has anyone encountered Quicksand at the mouth of the river at Cuckmere Haven?
I was hoping to be able to cross the river at the beach end at low tide but not sure if it's safe to do so
Alexbw2008
London, UK83 contributions
How can I get here without a car?
Would be travelling from London
Don’t mind abit of walking
Tansysue
Sussex400 contributions
Train to Seaford via Lewes
Lots of buses to Eastbourne from Library will stop at Seven Sisters Country Park (Coaster 12, 12A 12X) 10 min bus ride then a 2km walk to the beach
see buses on Brighton & Hove web site
Familycitybreaks
London, UK17 contributions
What is the best car park for an elderly person to park at that shows the great views and has easy access to either the view and if they wanted to the beach? They will have a walking stick with them so need the ground to be fairly level.
Geoff H
Cranbrook, UK12,315 contributions
To just sit in the car and look at the views, there are two car parks. They are both on the right of the A259 when driving from Seaford to Eastbourne. The first one is a free one at the Cuckmere Inn and this gives views across the Cuckmere River to the Seven Sisters. The second one is not that far away, just through the traffic lights at the Cuckmere Inn and across the bridge. This is a pay and display car park and from here it is possible to walk but it's a fair distance right out to beach. The path from this car park is level, grassy at first but then a firm pebbley roadway. This, however, stops about half way to the beach and the rest of the way is on a grass track. It is used by puchchair and wheelchair users but the grass track towards the end can get muddy in wet weather.
Hi, I am planning a trip to Cuckmere with my little one and was wondering if I can take our pushchair all the way to the beach? How long is the walk from the car park to the beach?
Thank you :))
Geoff H
Cranbrook, UK12,315 contributions
The simple answer is yes. From the car park the start is on grass but it is level. Then comes a solid road track and the last part is again level grass. The only thing to watch out for, however, is that the last grass part can get muddy if there's been an appreciable amount of rain. As for timing, it's a good three quarters of an hour to an hour to walk all the way to the beach but well worth it. Hope this has been of some use. Enjoy your walk.
Charlotte K
Worthing, UK
I wanted to paddleboard the meanders then the river either to the sea of towards alfriston. Has anyone done this? I’ve got my own board.... just interested in any insider tips to choose that have SUP d these routes already??
Thanks !!
Iain B
Eastbourne, UK5 contributions
I have done this by kayak. Enter the water at the canoe club then take the Meander to where you see it close to the river about half way down. You can get out here and cross over the bank to the river. From there you can paddle down to the sea or up to Alfriston. At Alfriston you can pull the board or kayak out at the footbridge behind the church and find a pub for lunch. Check the tide first. The river only flows over the beach into the sea at high tide. When the tide is coming in and breaches into the river it is very fast flowing and will push you upstream. So it’s best to make sure you are paddling with the tide in each direction, but my experience is you have plenty of time either side of slack without problem.
kab1212019
London, UK1 contribution
,I am planning a trip tomorrow with my 84 year old mother and she is desperate to see the sea side is there free parking near cookmere haven ans cessible walking?
moonpignoah
Brighton, UK17 contributions
I think the sea would be too much of a walk for most 84year old s At cookmere,
Carol P
Brighton, UK
Is the area wheelchair friendly
_christinabacon1
Seaford, UK5 contributions
There is a concreted path from the cattlegrid almost to the beach on the Eastbourne side of the river. Do enjoy the beauty.
queen48
Fareham78 contributions
Do you know if the cuckmere haven visitor centre at exceat open on Sunday 19th Feb 2017?
708Robin
West Sussex, UK1,288 contributions
The Centre is open daily from 10.30am until 4.30pm April - October (inclusive). From November - March the Centre is open from 11.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday only.
Cuckmere Haven (Seaford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuckmere Haven
- We recommend booking Cuckmere Haven tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Cuckmere Haven tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cuckmere Haven:
- (1.45 km) Saltmarsh Farmhouse
- (4.87 km) The Buckle Seaford
- (5.49 km) Belle Tout Lighthouse
- (9.52 km) Ravilious Hotel
- (8.59 km) Ocklynge Manor Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Cuckmere Haven:
- (3.34 km) Sub-Station
- (3.35 km) Ollivers Restaurant
- (3.22 km) The Grumpy Chef
- (3.32 km) Church Lane Tea Room
- (3.26 km) Pomegranate
- Attractions near Cuckmere Haven:
- (0.58 km) Seven Sisters Country Park
- (0.50 km) Coastguard Cottages
- (2.11 km) Cupani Garden
- (4.79 km) Maverick Boat Adventures
- (5.23 km) Driftwood Garden