Cuckmere Valley is a small parish in East Sussex. It covers an area of about 18 km square and includes the three small villages of Litlington, Lullington and Westdean. It also includes part of the South Downs Way, Friston Forest and the Seven Sisters Country Park, as well as the beach at Cuckmere Haven. It also borders the River Cuckmere.
The Cuckmere Valley has three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, namely Seaford to Beachy Head, Wilmington Downs and Lullington Heath. Lullington is home to the smallest church in Sussex.
The White Horse
Carved into the side of Hindover Hill (also known as High-and-Over), overlooking the river, is a white horse. It is about 20 metres high and 28 metres long and was carved in a single night by a local farmer in 1924. It is now owned and maintained by the National Trust and the current horse is believed to have replaced an earlier one.
Exceat and Westdean
The abandoned village of Exceat used to be on the slopes of the Downs overlooking Cuckmere Haven. It’s believed that the village might have been a naval base for King Alfred the Great. But the village had been abandoned by the 14th century, probably as a result of the Black Death or due to French raids along the coast. If you look carefully, when walking here, you may be able to find a stone that marks the spot where Exceat Church once stood. Today, this area is known for the Visitor Centre, café, a bridge across the river and a pub.
The tiny village of Westdean is on the edge of Friston Forest. It dates back to the Saxon era when there was a farmstead here. Some of the church also dates back to the Saxon era and it is thought that Alfred the Great may have had a base here in the ninth century. The Normans were here too and you can just see a Norman dovecote, while The Parsonage (originally a Priest House) dates from around 1280.
Friston Forest
Friston Forest is a large area of woodland. It was planted in the 1930s and 40s and is a great place for walking and cycling. You can access it from the Visitor Centre at Exceat.
The River Cuckmere
The River Cuckmere is 45 km long and rises near Heathfield. It meanders beautifully with large curves which make it popular for kayaking. It is the only Sussex river which has not been developed at its mouth into a port or harbour.
Cuckmere Haven
Cuckmere Haven is where the River Cuckmere meets the sea between Eastbourne and Seaford. It was once a place where smugglers landed and it was also important during WWII. Today, you can still find pillboxes and dragon’s teeth (concrete blocks) which were part of the defences.
The Cuckmere Valley Nature Reserve is at the lower estuary part of the river and is an important area for conservation.
You can walk to the beach along a flat and accessible path from the Visitor Centre. It’s just over one kilometre. You can also descend to the west side of the river where it meets the sea from Seaford Head. Cuckmere Haven also marks the start of the Seven Sisters cliffs, and you can walk along them along a higher path from the Visitor Centre.
Cuckmere Valley in a fanstastic area for walking, wildlife and enjoying the great outdoors. If you’ve enjoyed this post, you may also like:
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