Seaford Head Nature Reserve - Sussex Wildlife Trust

What it’s like

Free clifftop walking with sea views, birdwatching and grazing animals to spot along the way, dogs welcome on a lead.

This is a chalk clifftop reserve above Seaford, and what you actually do here is walk it: the coastal paths give you proper sea views and the kind of open space that lets a child run ahead without you panicking. The site lists nature walks and birdwatching as the main draws, and if you've got binoculars in the car boot, this is where they earn their keep.

It's free to get in, which counts for something when a day out with kids can otherwise disappear into ticket prices. There's no booking involved either, so it works as a turn-up-and-walk option if the weather looks decent.

Worth knowing before you set off: the paths aren't easy going with a wheelchair or a bulky buggy, since the slopes are part of the reserve's character rather than an afterthought. Grazing animals sometimes share the land, so dogs need to stay on the lead and you'll want to keep an eye on the signage as you go. There are toilets on site, which takes the edge off the usual "how far to the loo" question with small kids.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Good for kids old enough to walk the clifftop paths themselves

• Grazing animals can be present, so follow the on-site signage and keep dogs leashed
• The terrain has slopes, so it's not a smooth ride for wheelchairs or buggies
• There are toilets on site

Plan your visit

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