We’ve done the hard work for you and picked out the best things to do in Seaford, including places to eat and where to entertain the kids.
Discover Seaford’s Community Bench
The Seaford Shoal is a 35-metre-long community bench and sculpture, located at the aptly named Splash Point. The work was installed in May 2017, and is decorated with fish-shaped plaques which could be ‘sponsored’ by locals. Some are placed in memory of loved ones, whilst others celebrate significant life events. The plaques are shaped as sprats, sardines and herrings, reflecting the local sealife that patrols these waters.
Head to the beach for old-fashioned seaside fun
Seaford’s jewel in the crown has to be its glorious beach, stretching for miles between the town and Newhaven to the west. Although predominantly pebbled, the beach has sand which is exposed at low tide. This perfect spot for some old-fashioned seaside charm is dotted with bright beach huts, a Martello tower, cafes, ice cream kiosks and free parking. The water is regularly recorded as some of the cleanest by the Environment Agency, making this a great place for a splash in the sea. You can also hire one of seven beach huts, complete with fresh drinking water, a kettle, gas stove and deckchairs.
Learn more about Seaford’s history at the Seaford Museum
Housed in the iconic Martello Tower No.74, the Seaford Museum exists to provide visitors and locals with a look into Seaford’s past and the heritage of the town. Exhibits include items found on Seaford’s shore, Seaford town memorabilia, a collection of early gramophones, radios and televisions, and a reconstructed village general store. There is a children’s activity and dressing up area, and from the top of the tower you gain 360 degree panoramic views of Seaford and the beach.
Take a picnic to the Seven Sisters Country Park
If the thought of tackling a long cliff walk fills you with dread, then don’t worry as you can easily access the Seven Sisters via the Seven Sisters Country Park. The park has a visitor centre and bike hire located at Exceat, a short drive east of Seaford. Various trails run throughout the park, and there are reminders of the area’s military past, with pillboxes, an old tramway and anti-tank blocks found throughout the park. Refreshments are available at The Cuckmere Inn, or on hot summer days seek out the Saltmarsh Café for a cool drink and ice cream.
Climb the cliffs for views of the Seven Sisters
The famous white cliffs of the Seven Sisters dominate the skyline to the east of Seaford. Starting at Seaford Head Nature Reserve, follow the trail across the cliffs to Hope Gap, where you can access the beach at low tide. Continue east towards Cuckmere Haven and the famous Coastguard Cottages for that picture-perfect view. Don’t forget your camera! You can continue along the cliffs and over the top of the Seven Sisters all the way to Eastbourne; the trail is approximately 14 miles in length with an elevation gain of 285m. The perfect full-day activity, you can return to Seaford by bus from Eastbourne.
Play a round of golf at Seaford Head
Quite possibly the most picturesque golf course in the country, try not to let the views distract you from bringing your A-game! Seaford Head golf course is open daily, with a large modern clubhouse providing you with drinks and food. Designed in 1887, the golf course has one of the largest drops from tee to pin on the 18th hole, with 150ft between the two.
Enjoy some art and culture at the Crypt Gallery
The Crypt Gallery, so named because of its location in a medieval undercroft, believed to date back to the mid-13th century. Apart from a small section of the nearby church, the Crypt is believed to be the oldest surviging building in Seaford. The soaring vaulted chamber would have been used to store items of high value, and is known to have been used as a wool store for local merchants. Now home to a contemporary gallery where local, national and international artists are on display year-round, the incredible acoustics allow the venue to host spoken-word and live music events too.
Awaken your inner sommelier at Rathfinny Wine Estate
If you’re after something a bit different, why not delve into the world of English sparkling wines at the Rathfinny Wine Estate? Occupying a sunny south facing slope on chalk soils, this vineyard hosts guided tours, as well as a self-guided walking trail around the estate. Pop into the estate shop to sample and buy some of the wine, or stay at the Flint Barns for a weekend of wine-tasting, excellent food and an amazing home-away-from-home feeling.
Take to the ocean with a boat trip
Sussex Boat Trips, based in nearby Newhaven, offer some amazing trips out on the water, where you can see the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head from a completely different perspective. Spot the Belle Tout Lighthouse and Birling Gap on this hour-long trip out on the high seas.
Wander around the Medieval St. Leonard’s Church
Dating back to about 1100, St. Leonards Church holds a prominent place at the centre of the town. The building is steeped in history, including its important role during Seaford’s time as one of the medieval Cinque Ports. The exposed, salty climate has all but removed many of the inscriptions on the headstones in the graveyard, providing an atmospheric walk around the church.
Catch an indie film at Seaford Cinema
Located inside the Barn Theatre, the Seaford Cinema hosts regular film nights on Fridays and Saturdays, with live National Theatre performances being streamed throughout the year. The volunteer, not-for-profit cinema is a gem of culture in this seaside town.
More things to do in Seaford
Things to do with Kids
Need to entertain the kids? Seaford and the surrounding area is home to a number of brilliant attractions which will keep the little ones occupied for hours. Our favourites are listed below!
- Check out Drusillas Park - especially if you have younger children. Home to over 100 animals, including meerkats, penguins and giant anteaters, the zoo also offers hands-on activities and several adventure playgrounds for different age groups, as well as an indoor soft-play area and Safari Express train ride. Drusillas is also home to the first ever Hello Kitty attraction in Europe, which includes 3 Hello Kitty-themed children’s rides.
- Take a tour around Paradise Park and discover the gardens and heritage trail, with a mixture of formal and informal gardens and plant houses, several ponds to feed the fish, and hand-crafted models of Sussex landmarks.
- From the outside to the indoors, head into the soft play area at Paradise Park if the weather isn’t playing nicely. The Playzone caters for children of all ages, including brightly coloured tubes, ball pits and slides.
- Stay outside at Paradise Park and unleash your inner wild child in the adventure playground. Scramble up Tyrannosaurus Towers and slide back down to earth, or test your nerve on the Triassic Treetops ropes course.
- Hop on board the miniature Paradise Park train, which will take you on a tour of the gardens. The locomotive has been in operation since 1989, and will take you to a nine-hole mini golf course where you can compete against family and friends in this fun challenge.
- Visit the Planet Earth Museum to discover how our planet has evolved from its earliest beginnings to the present day. With dinosaurs, Neanderthals and fossils, this museum is perfect for kids to learn more about how we came to be.
- Take a walk of discovery around Newhaven Fort, just west of Seaford. The fort sits within 10 acres of beautiful green surroundings, providing the perfect place for kids to burn off some steam. Have a look inside the Victorian fort and dress up as a soldier, and experience a Blitz Bomb Shelter and air-raid simulation to learn what life was like during the two World Wars.
- Run, jump and play at the Marine Parade play area, a popular playground just off the main beach. Set adjacent to Salts Café, an American-style diner harking back to the 50s, the grown-ups can enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed setting whilst keeping an eye on children in the playground. A large grassy recreation area is perfect for a game of rounders, and sits behind the café and playground.
- Have some fun on the water with Newhaven & Seaford Sailing club, who offer paddleboarding and kayaking at Piddinghoe Lake in Newhaven.
- Rent some e-bikes and explore the South Downs at a leisurely pace with Cadence Cycle Club in Litlington, just north of Seaford. Refuel at their coffee and cake stop at the Litlington Hub when you’ve finished your ride!
- Go on a bear hunt in Friston Forest, located just east of Seaford in the South Downs National Park. With walking trails, orienteering, picnic areas and BBQ hire, the forest is the perfect day out to explore and make great memories as a family.
Best Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants in Seaford
Seaford is home to a good number of traditional and more contemporary pubs, eateries and cafes. Here we pick out our personal favourites for you to enjoy!
- If you head down to the beach today… be sure to check out Frankie’s Beach Café. This friendly, independent kiosk serves fresh coffee, cold drinks, ice creams, delicious coffees, and toasted sandwiches. Warm up or cool down after a day on the beach!
- For a warm welcome and some perfect pastries, pop in to Baca’s Coffee Bar. Sarah and Nimeir are passionate about great coffee and using locally and ethically sourced ingredients.
- For coffee on the fly, grab a drink to go at the Martello Kiosk, a bright, stripy affair on the esplanade.
- For cakes, light lunches, gluten-free and dairy-free bites in a funky yet traditional tea room, look no further than Church Lane Tea Room. They also serve a great afternoon tea!
- Move seamlessly between afternoon tea and dinner at The Old Plough pub. This dog and family-friendly establishment has a beautiful sunny seating area overlooking St Leonard’s Church.
- Enjoy some brilliant home-cooked food at The Grumpy Chef – a café and bistro restaurant specialising in seafood and modern European cuisine.
- Indulge in a British favourite of fish and chips at Trawlers on Church Street, or head over to Osbourne’s Fish & Chips just down the road.
- For something a bit different, why not try Aimes Kitchen, a speciality Vietnamese restaurant and bar in the heart of Seaford.
- Tuck into a loaf of Cheese-Mite bread, or a sumptuous chocolate éclair at Burt’s Bakery. With over 100 years combined experience, the team at Burt’s pride themselves on providing quality bread all year round.
- Milk it for all it’s worth at the Holy Cow Ice Cream Company, Seaford’s only dedicated ice cream parlour and dessert bar. From seasonal favourites such as gingerbread flavour, to the traditional mint choc-chip, Holy Cow also offers a variety of waffles, crepes, sundaes and milkshakes.
- Place a pizza order at La Mediterranea pizzeria and restaurant, where simple and fresh are the two key ingredients feeding this favourite local spot.
- Drink like a local at the Old Boot Inn, a welcoming and cosy spot where locals and visitors can enjoy a variety of ales and ciders, along with some great home-cooked pub food.
FAQs
How long is the Seven Sisters Walk?
Depending on how long you want to make it, the walk to the Seven Sisters can be anything between 2 and 14 miles. If you are after a shorter walk, then head up to Seaford Head from Splash Point for unmissable views of the spectacular white cliffs, or carry on to the Seven Sisters themselves for a longer walk. You can continue to Eastbourne on the full length of the trail, and get a bus back at the end.
Is it safe to swim at Seaford?
Seaford is lifeguarded between May and September on weekends and public holidays, usually between 10am and 6pm. The water quality is consistently good, and the beach is generally safe to swim from.
Are dogs allowed on the beach at Seaford?
Dogs must be kept on a lead and are not permitted in the dog ban area, which stretches between Edinburgh Road and West View between May 1st and 30th September.
