Seaford Tourism Museum Seaford Head Golf East Sussex UK

Seaford Museum, Martello Tower & The Crypt Gallery

Seaford's fascinating links with the sea are explored in-depth at the Seaford Museum based in Martello Tower no.74 at the eastern end of Seaford seafront. Seaford was once one of the mighty Cinque Ports along the English Channel coast designated with extra powers as a key site of defence. Cinque ports were often at locations on the most narrow stretch of the Channel from mainland Europe. Other Cinque Ports included Dover, Hastings, Hythe and Rye across the East Sussex and Kent Coast. These extra powers meant that Seaford as far back as 1229 was an important military and defence centre. Along with many other previously important centres in England, Seaford through the 18th and early 19th cenutries became a 'Rotten Borough', essentially a parliamentary constituency with a very small population usually controlled by a patron who would have unrepresentative influence in parliament. Famous names emerging under this system in Seaford included William Pitt (the elder) who was MP of Seaford from 1747 to 1754 then later Prime Minister from 1766 to 1768. The Reform Act of 1862 finally saw off the power of the Rotten Boroughs.

The Martello defence tower housing the museum dates from between 1806 and 1810. This was one of 103 Martello towers built around the English coastline from Suffolk, around Kent and in Sussex at Eastbourne and here in Seaford. Built relatively late for Martello Towers, the Seaford Martello was built specifically to defend Newhaven and Tidemills. You can find out more about Seaford's Cinque Port and Military History at the superb Seaford Museum within the Martello Tower.

The Seaford Museum caters well for children with other exhibits including a Victorian Kitchen and Shop, a Wartime Kitchen, an old Chemist and a model Railway and Victorian Schoolroom. Find extensive literature on Seaford's maritime and Cinque port history amongst other gifts and books within the Museum's on-site shop. For information on opening times and a pictorial tour of the museum see the museum's weblink right. Seaford Museum and Heritage Society, Martello Tower, Esplanade, Seaford, East Sussex. 01323-898222 (24hr answerphone). Extensive free parking is adjacent to the museum.

See also the The Crypt Gallery Seaford, Access via West Street Car Park, East Sussex BN25 1HE. Tel. 01323 891461. Situated adjacent to Seaford TIC, Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5pm. Closes for lunch 1.30 to 2.15pm.

• Seaford Hotels
• Seaford Accommodation
• Seaford B&B

Seaford Head Nature Reserve

Situated midway between Brighton and Eastbourne, Seaford serves as the perfect base from which to explore one of England's most dramatic and stunning designated heritage coastlines. Just east of Seaford the Downland meets the sea first at the Seaford Head Nature Reserve and then further east Cuckmere Haven or Estuary and the great drama of the chalky white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Seaford Head Nature Reserve covers a huge 303 acres inclusive of Downland and Cliffs. Call in at Seaford Tourist Information Centre for reserve guides. The Seaford Head area is best reached on foot from Seaford Esplanade or by car along Chyngton Way in Seaford.

Some of the best panoramic views of the Seven Sisters are from Seaford Head within the reserve. The iconic photo of the Seven Sisters is often from Seaford Head near the coastguard cottages. A comprehensive map is via the Seaford Head Nature Reserve weblink right.

Main car park and cycle park for the reserve is at South Hill Barn (no cycling within the reserve). Once the site of a Bronze Age bowl barrow as well as an Iron Age hill fort, the Seaford Head Reserve contains remains of the Iron Age fort plus evidence of World War II entrenchments. The landscape is a mix of rolling Downland and farmland, culminating in the chalk cliffs at the sea edge. Erosion is around half a metre per year. Numerous habitats are in the area across the chalk Downland, the cliffs, the wave cut platform and around the west grassland where the River Cuckmere pushes towards the sea.

The Cliffs are a breeding site for birds including Fulmars and Kittiwakes whilst down on the Wave cut platform spot burrowing molluscs in chalk holes and Strawberry Sea Anemones. Tides need to be noted if exploring the wave cut platform at sea level and care needs to be taken at the eroding cliff edge. Another highlight is the vegetated shingle bank either side of the River Cuckmere where it meets the sea. In this area you'll sea the stunning Yellow Horned Poppy. The reserve is a haven for wildlife and you can expect to see a huge variety of insects and birds. Butterflies love the warm climate here and around 200 species of birds have been spotted in the area including Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons and the Skylark. For more information on the Seaford Head Nature Reserve, its landscape and the habitats see the comprehensive reserve webguide right. The nature reserve sits within the boundary of the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• Seaford Guest Houses
• Seaford Bed and Breakfast
• Seaford Holiday Cottages

Seaford Head Golf Links

Situated to the far east of Seaford town towards Seaford Head is the spectacularly sited Seaford Head Golf Club. The course offers outstanding views of both the coast and Downland including stunning views of the Seven Sisters from the 12th hole. The course has a long history dating back to 1887, and from 1889 it has been an 18 hole course. For information on Day and Weekly Green Fees see the golf course's weblink right.

Seaford Head Golf Course, Southdown Road, Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4JS. To Book Tel. 01323 890139.

• Hotels in Seaford
• Accommodation in Seaford
• B&Bs in Seaford