Seaford

Seaford is a commuter town and coastal resort in East Sussex, with a population in 2021 of 23,865.

Understand
Seaford was a medieval port, attached to the Cinque Port of Hastings, but it silted up and shipping moved to Newhaven. It remained a backwater until the railway arrived in the 19th century, when it became a seaside resort and commuter town for Brighton and London. Those commuters prompted a growth in schools, so a rollcall of the famous were educated here. They include Anthony Blunt the royal art keeper and Soviet spy, actor Nigel Davenport, comedian Dickie Henderson, and actresses Penelope Keith and Margaret Rutherford.

Get in
has trains every 30 min from Brighton via Falmer, Lewes, Newhaven and Bishopstone at the west edge of town. There's a ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting area. There is step-free access to the single terminus platform.

Coaster Bus 12 / 12X runs every 20 min from Eastbourne, taking 50 min to Seaford and continuing to Newhaven and Brighton (another hour).

A259 is the coast highway between Brighton (13 miles), Seaford and Eastbourne (10 miles).

Seaford doesn't have a port, see Newhaven for ferries from Dieppe.

Get around
Town is small enough to walk around, but you need wheels for the outlying sights, which are not on a bus route.

Taxi operators are Cuckmere Taxis (+44 1323 899214) and Beacon (+44 1323 898888).

See
is an attractive village four miles northeast. Sights include St Andrew's Church, the 15th century hall adjacent, and many 18th / 19th century cottages.

Do

 * Seaford Beach is a long pebble beach to the south of the town centre. There are a couple of cafes and free car parking.
 * Seaford Golf Club is at 111 Firle Rd north edge of town, and Seaford Head GC is at the east edge on Southdown Rd.

Buy

 * Morrisons is the main supermarket, on Dane Rd near the railway station. It's open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM.

Drink

 * Lots of pubs in town centre.
 * Harley House at 79 Sutton Rd makes gin.

Sleep




Connect
As of Dec 2023, Seaford and its approach highway from Newhaven have 4G from Three, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. The signal is patchy further east towards Beachy Head and Eastbourne.

Go next

 * Newhaven is a busy Channel port with limited attractions. Continue west to jaunty Brighton.
 * Cuckmere Haven east is a scenic area of the South Downs.
 * Eastbourne is a traditional seaside resort trying to reinvent itself along the lines of Brighton.