The Seven Sisters are perhaps one of the most iconic Sussex landmarks, and part of an area of Sussex that is fantastic for walking, or exploring by car or bike. In addition to the Seven Sisters Country Park, you have Cuckmere Haven, the Cuckmere Valley, Seaford Head and Friston Forest on the doorstep. And in February, there is a guided night walk from Exceat as part of the South Downs Dark Skies Festival. With that in mind, if you’re visiting this part of the world you might want to make a weekend of it, and so we thought we’d share some ideas of places to stay near Seven Sisters.
Places to stay in Seaford
Seaford is becoming an increasingly popular place to visit, poised as it is between Brighton, Eastbourne, the South Downs and the beach.
Harbour View
There are surprisingly few hotels in Seaford but quite a few BnBs and we love the look of this one. Just to the west of Seaford, as the name suggests, Harbour View Airbnb has views of Seaford Bay. They get great reviews, have a hot tub, and are also Airbnb super hosts (which is always reassuring)! Jump in the car from here or walk to the base of Seaford Head or alternatively head west to the forgotten village of Tide Mills and on to Newhaven Fort via the New England Coast Path. You’ll find them on Airbnb.
Cost: It’s £89 / night
Dog friendly: No. They have a cat
Places to eat nearby: Yes and breakfast is included
Places to stay in Alfriston
If walking is on your agenda, then Alfriston is a great second base once you’ve left Seaford. There are a number of different walks that will lead you there and lots of notable landmarks along the way, including Rathfinny vineyard, the giant, chalk horse carved into the South Downs, and the River Cuckmere’s curvacious path through the Cuckmere Valley. Alfriston itself is listed as one of the prettiest villages in England and is packed to the rafters with interesting buildings, legends of smugglers and places of interest. It’s also another great place to pick up the South Downs Way. You are a little spoilt for choice here for places to stay and could go upmarket with a stay at either The Star in the centre of Alfriston (rooms start at about £210 / night) or Deans Place which is walking distance from the village (rooms start at £162 / night off-season).
Ye Olde Smugglers Inn
But if you want oodles of character, book yourself into Ye Olde Smugglers Inn right in the heart of Alfriston. The building dates back to the 14th century and has strong links to the famous Alfriston smugglers gang and was owned by their leader. Rumours abound of secret passages and ghosts but if nothing else you’ll find wonderfully wonky walls and a warm welcome.
Cost: Starting at £125 / night
Dog friendly: Yes
Places to eat nearby: Yes and breakfast is included
Places to Stay in East Dean
To complete your stay (particularly for walkers) take to the South Downs Way from Alfriston, walk on to Friston Forest and then to East Dean. East Dean is a fabulous base because from here you can walk on to Birling Gap and Beachy Head or back to Seaford via the Seven Sisters. If you’re not a walker, it’s also a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. If you are feeling very adventurous you could even stay in the BelleToute lighthouse (rooms start at £205 mid-week off-season).
The Tiger Inn
But for the third of our places to stay near Seven Sisters suggestions, your weary feet might want to find their way to The Tiger Inn on The Green in East Dean. They have luxury rooms in the 15th century pub.
Cost: Starting at £100 / night
Dog friendly: Yes in the pub but not in the rooms
Places to eat nearby: Yes and breakfast is included
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