Newhaven Ferries Fort Paradise Park Peacehaven Sussex UK

Newhaven Fort

Whilst the Martello Tower at Seaford is indicative of the Napoleonic era, Newhaven's historic fort is distinctly Victorian and was completed in 1871. Newhaven Fort also saw extensive service during the two World Wars of the 20th century. The emphasis then in this superb family attraction is very much on the Victorian and World War periods. Newhaven Fort stands as the largest work of defence ever constructed in Sussex and was designed by the 22 year old Lieutenant John Charles Ardagh. The fort took 7 years to construct and saw its first guns fired in 1873. Decommissioned later in the 20th century, the fort suffered years of neglect before finally opening as a heritage centre in the early 1980s.

A choice of exhibits, reconstructions and activities guarantee a funpacked day here at Newhaven Fort. The site covers a huge 10 acres so there's plenty of space to wander and enjoy the sea air. The views from the ramparts are spectacular towards the Seven Sisters and South Downs. Recreations include a trench from the Western Front and a Second World War Street Shelter and enormous guns from the period are on display. Specific exhibits include a 12 minute film showing in the theatre detailing the history of the fort's construction with details on its designer as well as its role during wartime. Other exhibit areas explore themes including Sussex and Surrey Yeomanry Regiments, the First and Second World War, the Post-War period and threat of nuclear war and Dieppe and the D-Day Landings which is especially relevant to Newhaven as many troops left from Newhaven for the D-Day landings. This is an exceptional journey into the history of Britain at War from the Victorian period and brings history alive for children particularly well.

Great for kids is the on-site under 12s outdoor adventure playground and the Searchlight Cafe offers welcome refreshment. Find a range of wartime gifts, poetry and souvenirs within the on-site shop. A fun-packed calendar of events takes place at Newhaven Fort throughout the year including wartime jazz evenings, theatre performance, Classic Motorbike Shows and Vintage Car Rallies. Checkout the events page on Newhaven Fort's weblink right for events listings.

Newhaven Fort, Fort Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9DS. Tel. 01273 517622. Open Daily from 1st March to 31st October from 10.30am to 6pm (5pm during October). Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

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Sussex Voyager Boat Trips & Newhaven Marina

Newhaven Marina is seeing some exciting regeneration which looks set to make it one of Sussex's top marinas. The site already boasts around 12 visitor berths, shopping facilities, new apartments underway and ample free parking with pubs and restaurants within easy reach. Browse the Marina's weblink right for the latest developments. Brighton is a mere 20 minute drive away and other top Sussex attractions including the Seven Sisters Country Park, family attractions Drusillas and Paradise Park and the Sussex Downs and Alfriston are also within easy reach making Newhaven increasingly a desirable holiday and residential base.

One of the best Sussex Coast Boat Trip companies operates from Newhaven Marina - Sussex Voyages (see weblink right for details). A choice of boat trips are available including the most popular Seven Sistors Heritage Coast boat trip taking in the stunning chalk cliffs with full panaramic views from the sea. Also available is the Brighton Seafront and Marina boat trip. Longer trips include the Isle of Wight Adventure Day or how about a gentle sunset Cruise taking in the Seven Sisters. Special events, private charters and birdwatching and fishing trips for groups can also be arranged.

For details and booking hotline contact Sussex Voyages on 0845 8387114. To find Newhaven Marina, as you enter Newhaven from the A259 coast road follow signs for West Beach and Newhaven Fort, then onto South Road and left at the mini roundabout next to the Harbourside Pub. Sussex Voyages are situated opposite Simpson Marine chandlers. (Sat Nav Postcode BN9 9BY).

Newhaven Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Fort Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9BY. Tel. 01273 513 881.

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Paradise Park Newhaven

Paradise Park just outside Newhaven and clearly signposted off the Lewes A26 by-pass covers a huge area and offers a range of attractions including the South's leading Garden Centre, planthouses with a varied collection of flora from around the world, Gardens and Trails including the Sussex History Trail and a Caribbean garden with palm trees and the Amazing Planet Earth exhibition.

Plenty is on offer for children including a Playzone with miniature railway, 18 hole crazy golf course and radio controlled boats. The Dinosaur Safari is usually a particular favourite with the kids with a trail guiding you around life size models of dinosaurs!

Paradise Park, Avis Road, Newhaven, (signposted off A26 and A259), East Sussex, BN9 0DH. Tel. 01273 616011. Open daily all year except 25/26th December. See the Paradise Park weblink right for more details. From Mid June a local produce market takes place at the park every Tuesday.

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Newhaven Ferries Dieppe/Le Havre

Newhaven Ferry Port is the closest port to London whilst Dieppe, a major destination from Newhaven is the closest port to Paris. The Dieppe to Newhaven ferry route is a popular channel crossing offered by Transmanche Ferries (weblink right). Transmanche's sister company LD Lines offers a daily summer service only between Newhaven and Le Havre. Both foot passengers and vehicles are welcome on these routes.

Two to three ferries operate daily from Newhaven to Dieppe and Dieppe to Newhaven. See the Transmanche/LD Lines weblinks right for an up-to-date timetable. Crossings take around 4 hours and check-in is 2 hours prior to sailing times. Passengers who arrive less than 45 minutes before their departure time are not guaranteed to board.

Facilities at Newhaven Ferry Port include the Haven Cafe open 7 days a week until 5pm plus a freight drivers lounge open two hours prior to all sailings. A rest area, showers and toilets including disabled access toilets are all on-site.

Newhaven Ferry Port, Railway Approach, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0DF. General Enquiries Tel. 0844 576 8836.

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Telscombe Cliffs & Peacehaven

Before 1914 little stood between Rottingdean and Newhaven except rolling Downland. Along came speculator and rich businessman Charles Neville who bought up a five mile belt of land which stretched around 1 mile inland with an idea to create a 'garden city by the sea!'. Peacehaven was the name chosen for the town and today the area has a leisurely and laid-back feel, serving as a quiet seaside base with easy access both to the South Downs and Seven Sisters and Saltdean and Brighton to the west.

Pretty coastal cliff walking is on the menu around Peacehaven and the Telscombe Cliffs. The white obelisk in the town denotes the fact that Peacehaven sits on the Greenwich Meridian line.

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