Venture into nature: Sussex through the seasons 

Nature. For many of us, it’s where we feel our freest. Our happiest. At one with the world. And in Sussex, we’re blessed with natural beauty, from our 140 ​​mile coastline to the rolling hills of the South Downs. It’s not just creatives, artists, and free-spirits who call our county home. You’ll also find all manner of flora and fauna, from rare seabirds to roaming farm animals.  

Of course, the best activities for a nature lover’s itinerary will vary season to season. Here are our top recommendations for seeing Sussex’s natural wonders, whatever the weather. Enjoy! 

 

Spring 

                                                                  A couple walk in the water at low tide near Seven Sisters

Woodland wonder 

From mid-April until the end of May, the woods in Sussex come alive with the enchanting song of nightingales. For a truly magical evening, Singing with Nightingales invites you to gather around the campfire, as musicians duet with the songbird as the sun goes down. Based in a secret location near Barcombe, the event is part theatre, part meditation, reconnecting you with the natural world in a unique, unexpected and deeply moving way. 

 

Seven Sisters Country Park 

Seven Sisters is one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Sussex. Named after the seven hills stretching between Seaford and Eastbourne, this 280-hectare site is abuzz with wildlife at this time of year – from bees and butterflies to migratory birds and grazing cows. The warmer weather is sure to put a spring in your step as you stroll through the grasslands and stare out over the sea, passing iconic landmarks like Beachy Head. Don’t forget to pop into the visitor centre to ask about walking routes and to see what wildlife has been spotted recently.  

 

A haven in Newhaven 

Overlooking Newhaven Cliffs, Castle Hill Nature Reserve is one of the county’s best-kept secrets. This sanctuary by the sea is rich in orchids and boasts stunning wildflower-filled grasslands, complemented by sweeping coastal views. Bit of a birdwatcher? Make sure you’re up bright and early to catch the dawn chorus and to spy all manner of rare seabirds.  

 

The greener way to travel 

Minimise your carbon footprint by sticking to public transport. The 700 Coastliner bus runs from Brighton to Chichester, calling at seaside towns like Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. Sussex is also very well connected with London by rail, and has an east-west trainline connecting Brighton and Eastbourne. 

 

Summer  

                                                                                           Two women cyclists having a picnic on the seafront at Worthing, with bikes parked in front

Finn-tastic tours 

The days are getting longer. The sun is shining (well, hopefully). And it’s the perfect time for a boat trip. The best bit? You’re off to try to see some dolphins with the Sussex Dolphin Project. Departing from both Brighton and Newhaven, you’ll learn from passionate, knowledgeable guides about the local marine wildlife. Fingers crossed you’ll see dolphins frolicking beside the boat. But if not, the stunning views make the trip worth it alone.  

 

Real-deal seals 

Dolphins aren’t Sussex’s only surprise residents. We’re home to seals, too. There’s even a seal safari run by Full Throttle Boat Charters, leaving Rye (about 30 minutes from Hastings) on a one-hour round-trip to ‘Seal Bay’. After the tour, take some time to explore Rye Harbour, which is itself a nature reserve with five birdwatching hides accessible to wheelchair users and mobility scooters. There’s also an excellent Discovery Centre, where you can find out about the wildlife, grab a coffee or even do a bit of shopping.  

 

Ride into the sunset 

Rather stay on dry land? Living Coast by Bike suggests a selection of cycling routes for nature lovers, ideal for enjoying those longer evenings. Our pick? The Ride with a “V” route takes you past vineyards and along the foot of the South Downs, while the more challenging Over and Under route takes in a range of habitats, from floodplains to coastal cliffs. For an easier ride, the It’s a Breeze route is a gentle pedal along the coast, where you can breathe in that salty sea air.  

 

Away with the birds 

For the avid birdwatcher in your life, you can buy gift vouchers for a tour with Wildstarts, which take place across the South Downs. (Of course, there’s nothing stopping you treating yourself). All of the money goes toward conservation charities, preserving the wildlife that gives us so much. From epic dawn-to-dusk days of discovery to more bitesize tours, they have something for every twitcher, making this the dream day out for any ornithologist.  

 

RSVP for the RSPB 

Discover the wildlife at Medmerry Nature Reserve and Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve – two RSPB sites just 3 miles from one another, each welcoming all manner of seabirds and migratory birds. 

 

Autumn 

 

                                                                                         Children at wakehurst in Autumn

Woodland walks 

As the leaves turn golden and crimson, Sussex serves up spectacular autumnal scenes at every turn. Alexandra Park, hidden away in Hastings, is a superb spot for a woodland stroll, as you walk under the multi-coloured canopies. Here, you’ll discover a renowned collection of rare and unusual trees, making it one of Britain’s most important public parks. 

 

A very big park in the country 

Near to Hastings’ Old Town, you’ll find Hastings Country Park, where you can get out your binoculars and admire the migrating swallows and house martins. Not a birdwatcher? This 660-acre site is ideal for simply enjoying the warmish weather before the temperature drops. Make sure you pop into the visitor centre, the Bale House, where you can learn about the wildlife and grab a cuppa in the cafe.  

   

Autumn in full bloom 

Already missing spring? We’ve got just the thing. The Flower Makers’ Museum in Hastings is a quirky curiosity found in the basement of The Shirley Leaf & Petal Co. The museum tells the tale of a business that has made intricate, life-like flowers for film and TV sets for over 110 years. For a deeper insight into this artisanal craft, you can also book tours and workshops.  

 

Did you know?

Sussex is home to around 140 vineyards, accounting for around 25% of those in Britain. Make sure you add a vineyard tour or wine tasting session to your itinerary and savour a tipple in a sublime countryside setting. 

 

 

Winter 

                                                                                         A public footpath waymarker with three arrows in Sussex

 

Spectacular starlings 

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring display of winter wildlife is not in the downs or along the cliffs. It’s in Sussex’s biggest city, Brighton & Hove. The murmuration of starlings. As dusk falls, thousands of starlings swoop in from the hills and dance in the sky over the sea, before roosting in the pier for the night. On a quiet evening, you can even hear the flutter of their wings. 

 

Winter walks 

Little known fact: the South Downs National Park is also an International Dark Sky Reserve, with sensational views of the stars and planets. In winter, Pied A Terre Adventures hold guided walks to some of the darkest parts of the park, where you can marvel at the majesty of the galaxy. Listen to the sound of nocturnal animals and feel the calming stillness of a winter’s night.  

 

Warming plates 

If your love for nature extends to a love for natural, locally-sourced ingredients, then make sure you book a table at Webbe’s Rock-a-Nore to come in from the cold. Here, the journey of the seafood from boat to plate is literally metres. The only thing fresher than the winter sea breeze is the day’s catch. 

 

A retreat like no other 

Immerse yourself in nature at Cuckmere Cottages and Camping, right in the heart of Seven Sisters Country Park. How do you get there? By walking. There’s no direct access for vehicles, making this a truly tranquil place to relax and unwind.