Cycling the Avenue Verte: Newhaven, Sussex & Beyond

If You’ve Got Two Hours in Newhaven…

Straight off the ferry and in need of post-crossing refreshment? Mamoosh Riverside is an easy first stop. Just a few minutes from the ferry port on Newhaven’s east quay, it combines sunny outdoor seating, big indoor tables, and bike parking. The menu is built for hungry riders: warm artisan pittas stuffed with Middle Eastern flavours, fresh salads, homemade pastries and strong coffee. Locals will tell you not to miss the almond croissant - ideally enjoyed al fresco alongside glittering river views.

Afterwards, why not pop next door to BN9 Studio & The Atrium? Once a busy 19th-century repair yard for railway and ship engines, the industrial Marine Workshops still feels connected to the town’s working-port history, but now with local artists and makers bringing fresh energy to the space. Contemporary exhibitions, workshops and cultural events run throughout the year in collaboration with Towner Eastbourne. Head upstairs for panoramic views across the Ouse Valley and out to sea. Downstairs, Newhaven Tourist Information Centre offers plenty of advice about the area alongside gifts and cards from local suppliers.  

Weekend visitors will find a regularly changing schedule of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and an ABYSS Brewery pop-up at The Sidings. Situated next door to Marine Workshops, this covered open air venue is a favourite for locals and guests alike throughout the summer – and the ideal place to grab a pre-crossing drink or two.

Don’t miss:

▪️Sitting by the river with a coffee at Mamoosh Riverside

▪️Exploring local art exhibitions at BN9 Studio

▪️Picking up a postcard or two at Newhaven Tourist Information Centre

▪️Enjoying a drink at The Sidings or in town at 18^th-century The Bridge Inn

Spend Half a Day in Newhaven

With half a day to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to venture beyond the harbour and experience the landscape that defines this stretch of Sussex.

For the history buffs…

Perched high above the harbour, Newhaven Fort is one of the town’s most striking landmarks and well worth a visit – the panoramic views across the Sussex coastline are worth the steep cycle to reach them. Reopened in February 2025 following a £7.5 million restoration, the 19th-century coastal defence is home to atmospheric tunnels, military exhibitions, and immersive visitor experiences. Located within the Fort, cycle-friendly café Cadence makes a nice pitstop for coffee and cake.

For the ocean lovers…

For a different perspective on the Sussex coast, why not park the bike and head out on a local boat trip? Maverick Boat Adventures runs boat cruises from Newhaven marina taking in hidden coves, historic smuggling spots and wildlife-rich waters, as well as the dramatic white cliffs of Seven Sisters. Alongside Seven Sisters and Beachy Head Lighthouse cruises, Sussex Boat Trips has teamed up with Sussex Dolphin Project to offer a thrilling 8-mile RIB ride out to Rampion Offshore Windfarm to learn about local dolphins with all profits going towards the project’s conservation work.

For the creatives…

BN9 Studio & The Atrium (see Two Hour itinerary) is a great spot to soak up local artwork and exhibitions. Or for something a little different the Oceanic Woodstore on Denton Island offers short 2-to-3-hour beginner courses that include making a wooden charcuterie board, or seascape coasters using epoxy resin.

For the nature enthusiasts…

Up on the cliffs near Newhaven Fort, Castle Hill Nature Reserve is renowned for its soaring views of the sea, Newhaven Lighthouse, the Downs and Seaford Head – as well as chalk grassland wildflowers like rampion, vetch and orchids that support rare butterflies. Park your bike at Newhaven Fort and enjoy a wander from there. Heading out of Newhaven towards Seaford on the AV route, Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve is a great location to see wildfowl such as teal, moorhen, shelduck and mallard, and is easily accessible by bike.

Where To Stay                   

Accommodation in Newhaven                                                                     

From a spacious sunny houseboat to a self-contained flat, there are several options on Airbnb and Booking.com for places to stay in Newhaven. Remember to check beforehand about bike parking to ensure there will be somewhere to store your trusty steed.                                                                         

Affordable and cheerful, Premier Inn is just half a mile from the ferry port with Premier Plus rooms including Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, bedside USB ports and a mini fridge. You can keep your bike in your room or in the secure cycle storage. Fuel up with an all-you-can-eat breakfast at the onsite restaurant before hitting the road in the morning.     

Newhaven Food & Drink For Cyclists

After half a day exploring, it’s time to refuel. Café lunches come courtesy of Mamoosh Riverside (see Two Hour itinerary), Drink & Dine in town for breakfast, brunch and lunch – and maybe a cheeky cocktail or two – or The Hillcrest Café at the much-loved local community centre of the same name, where on weekdays affordable home-cooked food is served with a smile by volunteers. Or stock up on authentic Sardinian deli treats at L’Isola Buona – a local well-hidden gem run by Lucia (no bike parking but can wait outside with bike).

For something more substantial, The Bridge Inn in town – built in the 18^th century as a Georgian residence – serves pub classics like beer-battered fish & chips alongside ale from nearby Harvey’s Brewery (bike parking in town). The Hope Inn is a much-loved harbour-view pub serving seasonal and locally-sourced dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood – a great stop for a leisurely lunch (ask about bike storage). Just round the corner, award-winning Indian restaurant The Viceroy has been serving Newhaven delicious, fresh curries for over 35 years and opens from 5 pm (bike parking in town).

Pizza lovers are spoilt for choice. Recently opened on Newhaven High Street, Pat’s Pizza is abuzz with activity from Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm – pop into the next-door Newhaven Tap to explore craft beers from local micro-breweries while your pizza’s being cooked in Pat’s wood-fired ovens. A great place to stop after a Fort visit, Rustico by the harbour serves tasty, no-fuss Italian fare. Described by locals as like a ‘real Italian trattoria’, family-run Padella D’oro  on Bridge Street (bike parking in town) offers a main, a side and a glass of wine for around £20.

Don’t miss:

▪️Exploring Newhaven’s Victorian hill fort and soaking up the panoramic views

▪️Spotting wildflowers and butterflies (spring and early summer) at Castle Hill Nature Reserve

▪️Discovering local ales and craft beers at The Bridge Inn or Newhaven Tap

▪️Refuelling with authentic Italian fare at Pat’s Pizza, Rustico or Padella D’oro

Make the Most of a Full Day (Or Stay a Little Longer)

After a morning spent exploring one of Newhaven’s attractions like Newhaven Fort or a boat trip (see Half Day), it’s time to discover the surrounding towns and villages. The suggestions below take in key experiences on the next stage of your Avenue Verte journey.

R & R On The Route

In need of a bit of rejuvenation? Saddle-sore cyclists can ease aches at family-run wellness sanctuary Bodyhaven Beauty Salon in the centre of Newhaven (bike parking nearby) – massage treatments include Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, and Chinese Cupping. The Nomadic Sauna on Seaford seafront (on the AV route) combines a wood-fired, sea-view community sauna with cold plunge baths and optional sea swims – great for inflamed muscles and joints (note: no bike parking outside).

A Stop In Time – Tide Mills

The ride between Newhaven and Seaford is one of the easiest and most scenic sections, with seafront paths and dedicated cycle lanes. Enjoy a stop at Tide Mills where the ruins of an 18^th-century tidal-powered flour mill and its adjoining village are brought to life through signposts and online audio QR codes. The sandy parts of beach revealed at low tide make this a popular secret sea swimming spot for locals too (no bike parking).

Beachfront Chilling at Seaford

From Newhaven, past Tide Mills, the cycle lane takes you to the charming coastal town of Seaford, loved by the locals for its long promenade with stunning cliff views of Seaford Head. Equally well-loved is the little pink shack at the far end, where Holy Cow Ice Cream Company sell their award-winning, handmade ice cream. After a restorative dip in the sea – Seaford’s ‘bathing town’ reputation dates back to the 1800s – treat yourself to one of the daily-changing selection of quirky flavours (expect to queue!). If you’re in need of an on-the-go snack while here, La Squadra Della Pizza is a small, family-run business making wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in pop-up locations around Seaford.

Explore the Seven Sisters Country Park

Travel east from Seaford to discover some of the most iconic coastal scenery on the Avenue Verte at the Seven Sisters Country Park and Visitor Centre. Grab a take-away coffee and sandwiches at the Visitor Centre café and peruse their information centre and shop. Or sit down in the country-cottage style gardens at the Saltmarsh Café and sample their seasonal menu of locally sourced fare. Hidden away upstairs in this restful enclave, the Grade II-listed Saltmarsh Farmhouse Hotel has five boutique B&B rooms with exposed beams and Cuckmere views (bike racks outside). Just round the corner, you’ll find the friendly folk at Cuckmere Cycle Company who can help with repairs and equipment – check out the classic Tour de France bikes hanging from the rafters.

If you’re feeling adventurous after some refreshments, cross the road to Buzz Active where you can hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to take out on the River Cuckmere, with qualified instructors on hand to help you master both.

Raise A Toast: A Brewery and A Wine Estate

As well as Newhaven Tap, ABYSS at The Sidings, The Bridge Inn, The Hope Inn, and Drink & Dine in Newhaven, there are plenty of spots further along the route to raise a toast to your cycling achievements. Surrounded by verdant green countryside and farmland, the Long Man Brewery in Litlington offers tours and beer tasting experiences (need to pre-book) in a beautifully restored flint building – or simply pop in for a pint. Steps from the brewery, the Litlington Cadence café and cycle hub makes this area a favourite haunt for Sussex cyclists, with plenty of bike parking. Established in 2010, the family-run Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston produces some of the world’s finest English sparkling wines – sipping a glass while soaking up the incredible views from the terrace more than makes up for the arduous uphill cycle to get there. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the regularly updated board of birds and animals spotted here, along with wine tastings, tours, and even self-catered and B&B accommodation for a real treat.

Don’t miss:

▪️Exploring the remains of a ruined tidal-powered mill and village

▪️Refreshing with a sauna, sea swim and artisan ice cream on Seaford seafront

▪️Soaking up one of England’s most iconic views at the Seven Sisters Country Park

▪️Sampling fine English sparkling wine with views over the South Downs

Accommodation on the Avenue Verte Route                                                                                          

▪️Cuckmere Cottages and Camping offer car-free self-catering cottages one mile into Seven Sisters County Park – the ideal getaway on your trip if you like star-gazing and being close to nature. Emma also runs the Saltmarsh Farmhouse Hotel (see Explore the Seven Sisters Country Park).

▪️Alfriston Cabins and shepherd huts are set in a small area of private woods and include hot tubs, firepits, hammocks, and more.

▪️Ideal for those on a budget who are carrying camping kit on their bikes, Alfriston Camping Park is a great place for pitching tents with views across the South Downs.

▪️A 29-bedroom luxury hotel, The Star at Alfriston dates back to 1345 and is the perfect choice for those in need of some pampering after hours in the saddle. Ask about lockable bike storage. Equally luxurious, the rooms at Rathfinny Wine Estate are also worth checking out (see Raise A Toast: A Brewery and A Wine Estate above).