Cycling the Avenue Verte in Sussex is one of the most scenic stages of this iconic London to Paris route. As you arrive in Sussex on the ferry at Newhaven, the journey travels through the Sussex countryside where you’ll discover traffic-free paths, charming towns and plenty of places to stop, eat and explore along the way. Whether you’re riding a small section or passing through on a longer adventure, Sussex offers a relaxed and memorable stretch of the Avenue Verte.
If you are looking for more cycling inspiration in Sussex, there are many other routes, bike hire companies and guided cycling experiences on offer.
What is the Avenue Verte?
Linking Paris to London, the Avenue Verte is a scenic cycling route split into 16 stages. Designed for both professional and leisure cyclists, the route passes through natural landscapes, towns and historic attractions along the way. The Avenue Verte route in Sussex starts at Newhaven, where the ferry service links the route to Dieppe. From here the route continues to Redhill in Surrey and links to London.
Along the way the Sussex section of the route is a great way to explore some incredible natural landscapes, taking in Seven Sisters Country Park, the High Weald National Landscape and the South Downs Way.
Planning Your Visit
Cyclists can plan a route to follow the official stages 13 - 15 through Sussex using the official Avenue Verte website. Many of the cycle routes in Sussex are managed by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, who have downloadable trail maps and detailed information about each route. Some routes are not marked with the Avenue Verte signage but are recognisable by the route 20 and 21 National Cycle network.
Many of the paths in Sussex and along the Avenue Verte have different surfaces, so it is recommended to use an all-terrain bike. The route itself is designed to be accessible to all, but some sections of the route in Sussex may travel along busy roads and uneven surfaces - please check the official Avenue Verte guide for more detail.
How to get to Sussex
We recommend using the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry crossing, which links France to the UK sections of the Avenue Verte. Daily crossings are operated by DFDS.
Visit our travel section for more information on getting to Sussex.
Highlights along the route in Sussex
Arriving in Newhaven
Arriving in Newhaven from Dieppe, this is the perfect place to explore Sussex and the nearby white cliffs of Seven Sisters. Stop off for a coffee at Mamoosh Riverside, next to the port (complete with bike parking), or a leisurely lunch at a local pub before you set off. Newhaven has a vibrant art scene, with exhibitions and art festivals taking place through the year.
Take a detour from Newhaven on National Cycle Route 2, and take a scenic ride out to Seven Sisters Country Park, or explore the quaint English village of Alfriston. Stay here at The Star, for a luxury rest and relaxation in the South Downs.
From the small town of Polegate, the Avenue Verte carries on along the Cuckoo Trail which is a continuous green lane and is traffic-free until it ends at Heathfield. The Cuckoo Trail is an old railway line running through 11 miles of pretty woodlands and natural habitats. Spot sculptures along the way by local artists or look out for wildlife.
Nearby Cycle route 2 offers a diversion into Eastbourne, which is a charming traditional seaside town and home to award-winning Towner Gallery. Nearby Sovreign Harbour is a good place to stop for some food and drink.
From the Cuckoo Trail, the path arrives in Heathfield. Wine-lovers can explore the nearby Wealden Wine trail to discover award-winning locally produced English Sparkling Wines.
Forest Way to East Grinstead
This section of route through East Sussex uses local road networks from Heathfield to get to the High Weald National Landscape. At Groombridge, the route follows the Forest Way, a 10 mile traffic-free path using old railway lines.
The Forest Way runs past the village of Hartfield and the Ashdown Forest, famous as the home of Winnie the Pooh, celebrating 100 years since AA Milne was inspired by the Forest to write the much-loved stories. The Ashdown Park Hotel offers a base to explore the famous national landscape and try a game of pooh-sticks.
Arriving in the historic market town of East Grinstead, explore the local area including the historic steam trains at Bluebell Railway at East Grinstead station which is part of the Avenue Verte route in this section.
Worth Way
Leaving East Grinstead, the route follows Worth Way (Route 21), a 7 mile traffic-free cycle path through the beautiful countryside of Worth Country Park in Mid Sussex towards Crawley.
Nearby, Tulley's Farm is a good place to visit for the popular Tulip Festival or Pumpkin Festival, depending on the time of year.
For a luxury rest stop, a detour from the Worth Way takes you to Alexander House and Spa, where weary cyclists can rejuvinate in the spa facilities.
Missing Link Brewing is a new micro brewery based in East Grinstead. These exciting new brewers…
Places to Stay, eat and drink along the Avenue Verte
There are plenty of places to eat and stay along the Avenue Verte route in Sussex. From luxury inns in Alfriston, specialist cycle cafes, to glamping spots in the High Weald.
