soothe & stroll & unwind
Country Breaks in Pevensey
About Pevensey
The landing place of the Norman Invasion, Pevensey is now one of the South Coast's leading locations for windsurfing.
Walking
Pevensey and the surrounding area is largely flat, providing an ideal environment for easy strolls through the surrounding countryside. Pevensey features on both the Ordnance Survey Explorer 123 and 124 maps. If you are heading west from Pevensey you will need map 123 or map 124 if you are heading east.
1066 Country Walk
Pevensey is situated at one end of the 1066 Country Walk (the other end being Rye), which is a 31-mile (49 km) route through the key historic sites of the Norman invasion. Alternatively, The 1066 Country Walk Book (£4.95) provides a detailed route description and other relevant information, and is available from the Tourism Information Centres in Rye, Battle and Hastings, or directly from the publisher.
Circular Walk - Pevensey Haven
A relatively flat and easy five mile (8 km) walk passing through the outer bailey of Pevensey Castle, and then following the banks of the Pevensey Haven. Follow the 1066 Country Walk for half of the route. See Walks Around the East Sussex Countryside or call ESCC on 01273 482354.
Circular Walk - Pevensey Bay
A gentle circular walk between Pevensey and Pevensey Bay. Takes about one hour to complete, passing interesting sites en-route. Pick up the walk leaflet from Pevensey Bay Information Centre (also available in local shops) - free.
For walking ideas on coastal paths and lanes in Sussex, visit www.riverocean.org.uk.
For the local Ramblers Association information and walking events please visit www.ramblers.org.uk or call the local Ramblers Rother Group email admin@rotherramblers.org.uk. For access to the countryside for people with disabilities click here or Tel: 01273 481000.
Cycling
Pevensey and the levels make ideal flat countryside for easy cycling. National Route 2 from Brighton to Camber passes through Pevensey, as does National Route 21 - the Downs and Weald Cycle Route. For more information on these routes see the Sustrans website.
Pevensey Levels and Castles Circular is an easy/ moderate 24-mile (38 km) route that passes both Pevensey and Herstmonceux castles, crosses the Pevensey Levels and then runs along the coast back to Pevensey itself. For further details visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk.
Pevensey Levels and Cuckoo Trail Circular is a slightly shorter 19-mile (30 km) route that crosses the Levels, and goes up the Cuckoo Trail - a disused railway, passing through Hailsham Town. For further details download the circular cycle rides booklet from www.eastsussex.gov.uk. Other routes for more adventurous cyclists could include trips to Seven Sisters Country Park in Exceat, or following National Routes 2 or 21 further a field. Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 123 and 124 provide sufficient information to identify cycle paths and country lanes. Alternatively visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.
For a brochure of cycling events for the year in East Sussex visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk or contact ESCC on 01273 481654.
Bike Hire
There are no cycle hire shops in Pevensey, however, it is possible to pick bicycles up in Heathfield at Cycle Revival, or in Seven Sisters Country Park at Cuckmere Cycle Company.
Cycle Revival
Oxford House
Hailsham Road
Heathfield
TN21 8AA
Telephone: 01435 866118
web: www.cyclerevival.co.uk
Cuckmere Cycle Company Ltd
The Barn
Seven Sisters Country Park
Exceat
BN25 4AD
Telephone: 01323 870310
e-Mail: info@cuckmere-cycle.co.uk
web: www.cuckmere-cycle.co.uk
Riding
Bring your own horse or pony
There are three Toll Ride Routes to the west of Pevensey, in Abbots Woods, Friston Forest, and Hailsham (all about 9 miles or 14 km from Pevensey). Permits are required - these and relevant details can be obtained from www.tollrides.co.uk.
The High Weald Route is a long distance bridle route running from the West Sussex border to the South Downs Way. It passes close to Pevensey at Rickney (around 2 miles to the NW), although the Pevensey Castle Link (1066 Country Walk) connects Pevensey to the Route. For a map and more information contact Mrs C White, Primrose Lodge, Duddleswell, Uckfield, TN22 3JN, and include a stamped addressed envelope.
The Cuckoo Trail is a picturesque track that follows the former 'Cuckoo Line' railway track. It can be joined at Polegate, 7 miles (11 km) from Pevensey via the 1066 Country Walk. The 11 mile (16km) surfaced track through the Sussex countryside is a safe route for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders of all ages. For more information visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk.
Where to stay
See our accommodation pages.
What to see and do
See our Pevensey Attractions page for details of places to visit in the area.
See our Pevensey Events page to search for things to see and do throughout the year.
Some of the highlights in the area include:
Pevensey Castle
Roman castle ruins with 16 centuries of history. Originally built as a Roman bridgehead prior to the Battle of Hastings, and finally having an active role in World War II.
See our Pevensey Castle page for more information.
Pevensey Courthouse Museum
This museum is situated in the old 16th century Courthouse, complete with two cells downstairs. The building itself is filled with ancient artefacts, with the old courtroom set out as it was centuries ago.
See our Pevensey Courthouse Museum page for more information.
Herstmonceux Science Centre
Ideal day out for children of all ages, as well as adults, with over 100 interactive exhibits.
See our Herstmonceux Science Centre page for more information.
What to buy
Dig up some treasures in the shops and stores of Pevensey, look out for:
Antiques
Mint House Antiques
The Old Minthouse has been an Antique business science 1901 and has 10,000 m2 of antique furniture from the 18th Century to the 1900s
High Street
Pevensey
BN24 5LF
Telephone: 01323 762337
e-Mail: antiques@minthouse.co.uk
web: www.minthouse.co.uk
Utility Plus
Specialises in old signs and advertisements
66, High Street
Westham
BN24 5LR
Telephone: 01323 762316
Local produce
Pevensey Bay Village Market
Held on the 2nd Saturday in every month
St Wilfrid's Hall
Eastbourne Road
Pevensey
Telephone: 01323 460178
Suggested days out
See our Attractions and Events pages for full details of what to see and do in the area, why not try:
Explore science and nature at Herstmonceux
For a wonderfully varied day out that will appeal to all ages, visit Herstmonceux Castle, gardens and Observatory Science Centre (7 miles / 11km north of Pevensey). Conveniently located all on the same site, there is plenty to do (indoors and outdoors) for everyone. If you plan to cycle (or walk!) to Herstmonceux, see the Cycling or Walking sections. There is no direct or easy public transport between Pevensey and Herstmonceux, so if you want to go by car, call a taxi. There are plenty of local cabs in the area. For more information visit www.eastbourne.gov.uk.
Herstmonceux Castle is a magnificent moated castle built in the 15th Century. It is set in beautiful parkland and Elizabethan gardens. There are also many woodland trails leading to delightful areas such as the Rose Garden, Herb Garden and Rhododendron Garden. For more information see www.herstmonceux-castle.com, or call the castle on 01323 833816.
The Observatory Science Centre is set in buildings that were once home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. It has over 100 interactive exhibits both inside and outside, so it is an ideal place to go whatever the weather. For more information visit www.the-observatory.org or call the observatory on 01323 832731.
Throughout the year there are many special events taking place in both the castle gardens and the observatory. For up-to-date information check the websites listed above.
If you have the time while in Herstmonceux, you may like to take a relatively easy circular walk along country lanes and across fields. The route passes a number of pubs and restaurants. For more information see Walks Around the East Sussex Countryside (call ESCC on 01273 482354) or visit frs.accesseastsussex.org.
A day out on the beach and the Martello Towers
Pevensey's shingle shore beach has a Seaside Award for the highest quality of bathing water. Its amenities, which include provisions for disabled visitors, make the beach an attractive place for all to visit. The landing place for William the Conqueror is also a must see for history enthusiasts and those who fancy a beach with a bit more to offer.
Five of the 74 Martello Towers, built between Folkestone and Seaford to protect the vulnerable coasts of England against invasion during the Napoleonic wars, are also located on the beach in the bay. Some are empty ruins, whilst others are now houses. Take a stroll along the beach to see Towers 55, 60, 61, 62 and 64, which are in various states of repair.
Train Ride East to Bexhill and Hastings
There is an excellent rail service operating along the south coast between Pevensey, Bexhill and Hastings, with around two trains an hour in each direction. The journey time to Bexhill is around 12 minutes, and around 20 minutes to Hastings. For train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 0845 7 48 49 50.
In Bexhill, head to the seafront to gaze at Erich Mendelson's modernist masterpiece, the De La Warr Pavilion. Officially opened in 1935, its contemporary design ensured it was the most talked-about building of the decade. Recently refurbished, it is now a centre for the arts, with an excellent programme of events and a restaurant and bar overlooking the seafront. From the Pavilion you are well situated to explore the rest of Bexhill. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade, through Bexhill old town, or visit the Museum of Costume and Social History, or the Bexhill Museum.
If you have more time, or want to explore further, travel on to Hastings. There is something for everyone in Hastings, from heritage sites such as Hastings Castle, the Old Town, Cliff Railways and museums, sites of maritime interest such as the Stade (Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet), the Fishermen's Museum and Shipwreck Heritage Centre, Hastings Country Park, through to funfairs, bars and restaurants.
For more information see our Hastings Attractions pages.
How to get to Pevensey
By Train
The Marshlink Line, which runs from Ashford, through Hastings, to Eastbourne serves Pevensey. Trains are regular, throughout the day both on weekdays and weekends. There are usually two trains per hour in each direction.
There are three stations in the Pevensey area, Pevensey and Westham, which is just west of Pevensey Castle, Pevensey Bay, which is just north of the beach, and Normans Bay, which is very close to the beach further to the east.
For more information call national rail enquiries on 0845 7484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
By Bus
Eastbourne Buses operates a regular bus service between Pevensey and Eastbourne. The Local 5 and Rover 6 services are the ones to catch. For timetable information visit www.eastbournebuses.co.uk or call 01323 416416.
By Car
Pevensey and Pevensey Bay lie between Hastings and Eastbourne. Pevensey is on the intersection of the A259 from Hastings and the A27 from Brighton, whilst Pevernsey Bay lies on the A259, which goes on to Eastbourne.
Where can I get more information?
Find the details of local tourist information centres on our Contact Us page.
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