Brighton Marina to Seaford

The Walk: Another section of the England Coast Path, including the impressive undercliff path (more like a concrete road), the Greenwich Meridian Monument at Peacehaven, the shear cliffs of Peacehaven Heights and Harbour Heights, an optional visit to Newhaven Fort, Newhaven Port and Seaford Beach.

Misty Sunset over Brighton Marina

Route

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

The route essentially follows the England Coast Path as follows

• walk along the Marina promenade and over the lock gates
• wide undercliff path (which is more like a concrete road) to Saltdean, where the undercliff ends
• clifftop path to and through Peacehaven (or, the undercliff path resumes with an access road at Malines Avenue, RED route)
• over Peacehaven Heights and Harbour Heights to Newhaven Fort (optional visit, charge)
• harbourside pavement to Newhaven Town
• across the River Ouse
• on back roads to the footbridge over the railway 
• shingly/concrete path along the Seahaven Beach to the outskirts of Seaford at Bishopstone
• on along the sea front to Seaford (GREEN route) (with options to cut short to train or bus, BLUE route)

Why do it? 

Impressive undercliff path (more like a concrete road), 

Undercliff path/road

The Greenwich Meridian Monument at Peacehaven

Greenwich Meridian Monument, Peacehaven

In spring, display of feral wallflowers along the Peacehaven Clifftop

Wallflowers, Peacehaven

Giant ammonite fossils on Peacehaven beach at Friar's Bay Steps. The 'beach' comprises a sea-worn chalk platform, very rough and difficult to walk on.

Giant ammonite fossil on upstanding platform

Sea views from the shear cliffs of Peacehaven Heights and Newhaven Fort (the latter is well worth a visit)

Looking East from Peacehaven Heights towrds Seaford Head

Nautical comings and goings at Newhaven Port

Ferry in Newhaven Port

Remains of Mill Creek Tidal Mill village (mill operated c1788-1883, houses finally demolished 1939)

Tide Mills info board

Site of Seaford Seaplane Station (anti-submarine patrols 1917-18)

Seaplane station info board

Remains of Chailey Heritage Marine Hospital for Recovering Disabled Children (1923-1940)

Chailey Hospital info board

Seaford sea front and Martello Tower

Seaford Martello Tower

Logistics: 

Park at Brighton Marina: long term parking available at the ASDA superstore for a charge. Walk along the Marina waterfront and cross the lock gates to join the undercliff path.

From Seaford you can get the number 12 bus back to the start (alight at Marina Gate) or train back to Brighton then walk, or get the bus from the station back to Marina Gate.

You could cut the walk short at Newhaven or Bishopstone (either bus or train as above)

Distance: 14 miles to Seaford, 12 miles to Bishopstone

Challenges: The Undercliff Walk to Saltdean is a popular stroll, so don't expect solitude.

Refreshments: 

Numerous establishments at Brighton Marina (Wetherspoons is open from early to late)

Smugglers Inn at Telscombe (terrace with sea views)

Hope Inn, at Newhaven harbour mouth

Numerous options in Newhaven town and Seaford

Wetherspoons, Brighton Marina

Nearby Walks: 

For an overview map of all my coast walk see this page.

To the West: Shoreham to Brighton

To the East: Seaford to Birling Gap 

For a circular walk from Peacehaven to Newhaven Fort, including an exploration of Newhaven West Beach, see this blog

For a cycle ride including similar ground, see here

More Photos

Mix of an obstinately foggy day in March, and visits in the summer

Misty day at Brighton Marina

Sunny day at Brighton Marina (walk along prom to left)

Brighton Marina

The Undercliff path is under those cliffs

Roedean School

Undercliff path on a misty day

Beach huts, Ovingdean

Subway to Saltdean town

View from Telscombe Cliffs

Peacehaven Undercliff

Wallflowers, Peacehaven

Friar's Bay steps

Peacehaven Clifftop

Approaching Coastwatch lookout, Harbour Heights

Coastwatch station

Road down to the Harbour from Newhaven Fort

Newhaven Harbour viewed from Fort (entrance charge)

Newhaven Harbour

Newhaven Fort Entrance (charge)

Harbourside path

Path to railway footbridge

Railway footbridge, looking East over Mill Creek

Footbridge over Mill Creek

New(ish) road bridge over Mill Creek

Seaford Beach on a sunny day

Seaford Beach on a misty day

Path follows old railway line which served the Tide Mills

Seaford Prom

Seaford Prom