The Coastal Culture Trail is set over 18 miles of stunning coastline and sits on the edge of the South Downs National Park, so fill your lungs with fresh air and get into the great outdoors.
The coastal cycle trail, which runs all the way from Hastings Contemporary to Towner Art Gallery, is easily achievable by bike and takes about 4 hours. Bikes can be hired from the Bexhill Cycle Hire Company in Bexhill, Bell’s Bicycles in Hastings, and Let’s Bike in Eastbourne. There are also a number of excellent cycle rides that you can take from Eastbourne up onto the South Downs.
The Cuckoo Trail runs from Eastbourne to Heathfield through 14 miles of Sussex countryside. The path is surfaced and mostly traffic free and is a safe route for walkers and cyclists of all ages.
Alternatively you can head from Eastbourne to Cuckmere Haven and cycle along the valley to the sea or through the picturesque Friston Forest.
Just outside of Hastings in the nearby town of Bodiam you can rent rowing boats and kayaks from Bodiam Boating Station and cruise down the river Rother to Rye or Bodiam Castle. If you are looking to spend a night under the stars, camping is also available on the site. For an alternative night under canvas there are a number of glamping and yurt sites throughout East Sussex for a stay with a difference.
A walk in the South Downs National Park is a must for ramblers. Towner Art Gallery runs a series of special curator led tours of the South Downs, exploring the landscapes which have inspired many of the works in the Towner collection.
For water lovers, enjoy Eastbourne’s sea on a kayak or standup paddle board from Buzz Active. Families can paddle through the waterways of Seven Sisters Country Park by joining a session or trip with Cuckmere Haven Canoe Club.
For more extreme sport lovers, try kitesurfing lessons from the Kite Surf Centre.