Out To Sea - Further Afield

Our Local Expert Says:

Rent a bicycle and head down this path toward quieter beaches. A hidden gem.

Description:

A three-mile walkway at the foot of the cliffs, starting at Brighton Marina and finishing at Saltdean, on the eastern edge of the city. The path opened as far as Rottingdean in 1933 and was extended to Saltdean two years later. There are cafes at Ovingdean Gap, the mid-way point, and Saltdean. You can leave the path at Rottingdean and have a look around this small town. The path is popular with cyclists and pushchairs due to its totally flat terrain. Take care of falling chalk from the cliffs.

Description:

Beachy Head is a scenic cliff you can walk up. There is a lighthouse hundreds of feet up in the air. It possible to walk and cycle all around Beachy Head. Beachy Head is a great place to see migrating birds and other wild life. It is the most famous part of the South Downs. Some people also enjoy paragliding over Beachy Head, which is a real spectacle. It is about 2 hours from the centre of Eastbourne.

Our Local Expert Says:

You should try and visit Lewes if you are in Sussex for a few days and definitely come for Guy Fawkes!

Description:

This town, situated within the South Downs next to the River Ouse, is the County Town of East Sussex. There are narrow alleyways (twittens) and many specialist shops selling antiques, crafts and local produce. Lewes even houses its own brewery. The town is home to Lewes Castle, a Norman ruin; Anne of Cleves House - part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII, and the Lewes Town Museum.

Description:

Steamers draws a mixture of both residents and visitors to its New Orleans-look venue. It's not quite wild enough to rival some of the bars under the King's Road Arches, but the frequent performances of live bands and bright breezy atmosphere all add to its charm. The large terrace at the front of Steamers is the perfect vantage point on sunny days to watch the waves roll in, hip Brightonians meander by and enjoy a pint or two of cool crisp beer. The food is a bit hit and miss: if burgers and chips, generous sandwiches, and scampi are dishes akin to paradise for you.

Description:

Since it became nameless in 1996, this pub has been serving many locals and students. With a good choice of beers, lagers and some organic wines it's a popular watering hole, especially if you've just climbed steep Southover Street. Wooden floors, stripped tables, red and white walls and local artwork give a homely feel. Food looks good and ranges from £2.50-£6.00. Try spicy nachos with a trio of dips, lime cod with roasted mediterranean vegetables, plus banoffee trifle. Crowds may gather at night so if it's packed crawl on to one of the many other watering holes in this area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Devils Dyke is so breathtaking you'll let out a sigh whether you climb down the hills, sit in the pub or attend the Beachdown Festival here.

Description:

Devil's Dyke offers outstanding views over the South Downs, the western Weald to the north and the English Channel to the south. This National Trust landmark is still a favourite day out for Brighton families. Legend has it that the dyke, a deep valley, was created by the devil in an attempt to flood the Weald but he was disturbed when an old woman put a lighted candle in her window. The best way to get there is by open-topped bus from Brighton Pier, which runs at hourly intervals throughout the summer. There is a National Trust information point at the top and a pub.

Description:

At 813ft, the highest point in Sussex and on the South Downs, the ultimate test for riders in the annual London-Brighton Bike Ride in June. On a clear day uninterrupted views across the Downs, the Weald, with Ashdown Forest and Crowborough Beacon to the north, and the English Channel, as far as the Isle of Wight, 50 miles away. The site of an Iron Age hill fort, it was one of a chain of summits on which beacon fires were lit to warn of the advancing Armada.

Description:

Extreme sports are practiced in the Chalkland of the South Downs like paragliding. The hills and valleys of the South Downs seem to lend themselves to this type of activity. The South Downs are enormous stretching for miles and encompassing Seven Sisters National Park, Devils Dyke and Beachy Head. You can walk, bike or cycle through portions of the South Downs.

Description:

Residents and visitors to Brighton find Al Duomo and its partner restaurant, Al Forno delightful. Al Duomo is a cool contemporary Italian restaurant and venue with a brown,red, and cream colour scheme, lots of exposed brickwork and sleek leather sofas. Close to the Royal Pavilion, it may appear small from the outside but is actually five floors, with a variety of separate dining and drinking areas. The ground floor is a large open area with high ceilings and a pizza oven, while other floors can accommodate celebrations of up to 90 people. Food is good quality and not too expensive. Try pizza, pasta, fish, meat and salad dishes (£4.10-£9.30). An extensive wine list offers bottles from £9.25-£25.50.