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Area of flood plains in Sussex, England
Photo: Terry Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cuckmere Haven is in the South Downs and East Sussex of England. Cuckmere Haven is an area of flood plains in Sussex, England where the river Cuckmere meets the English Channel between Eastbourne and Brighton. The river is an example of a meandering river, and contains several oxbow lakes. The beach at Cuckmere haven sits next to the famous chalk cliffs, the Seven Sisters.
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There is a concrete track which offers safe and easy access to the beach and amazing views of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. The path is flat and suitable for all ages and abilities. The Friston Forest, a area easily accessible from the park offers a number of trails and routes from a pleasant family ride to downhill biking. Information about these routes can be found at the Cuckmere Cycle Hire shop, which is located next to the Visitor Centre. The park can be easily reached by the National Cycle Network.
With a wide variety of different habitats packed into this special site, there are some great year round birding opportunities, weather permitting! more information is available here.
If you'd rather use the famed meanders for having a look around, the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club has instructors and canoes. Hire is for groups who pre book only, although occasionally there are days when people can turn up and just have a go. You can also get annual membership, meaning you can use the club's facilities at any time in that year.
Walk, bus (with the 13X), cycle or drive (could try canoeing if you're up for it) up to the Seven Sisters Sheep Centre. It offers one of the largest collections of sheep in the world with over 40 different breeds of sheep with many older breeds no longer seen on modern farms. In the spring, lambing takes place so you may be lucky enough to see a lamb being born (March to May) and between July and September, shearing takes place.
The Chalk Cliffs of the Seven Sisters provide a fairly rich hunting ground for fossils, but please be aware there have been rock falls - it is advisable to wear glasses and maybe even hard hats. Coastal erosion is a big problem in this area, so chopping off vast swathes of the cliff isn't a great idea. However, fossilised ammonites, sea urchins and gastropods can be found.
used to be called the Golden Galleon
This pub is situated on the west side of the river, offering home-cooked food and beer. It isn't the most authentic pub ever, but is good for pub food after (or before) a walk round the park.
This place has six rooms which you can stay in, and it definitely has a cosy feel. It also offers traditional Sussex food in a farmhouse environment. It is behind the Visitors' Centre and its cafe can get crowded year round, so it may be best to book in advance, although it is not necessary for groups with fewer than six members.
Three barns nearby to the park, with comfy settings and mod-cons like WiFi, TV and BBQs. They're only a mile (1.6km) away from the coast, and is set back from the busy park in the village of West Dean.
These are essentially backpackers' accommodation offering space for 20 small tents and sleeping up to 35 people in a traditional Sussex barn. It isn't for the use of the general public though, and can only be used for "pre-arranged educational groups and events". You need to contact the County Council to make a reservation and to check dates. If you stay here, you must be over 21, or have someone over 21 in your group.
By car
Cuckmere Haven is situated on the A259 between Seaford and Eastbourne.
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