Newhaven Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Newhaven with this helpful and informative travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Newhaven

Newhaven, a small town in East Sussex of South East England, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It is located at the mouth of the River Ouse and boasts of captivating coastlines, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Newhaven

Newhaven has a variety of attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Here is a list of must-see places and activities that you should add to your itinerary when visiting Newhaven:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Newhaven Fort: An imposing military fortress dating back to the late 1800s designed to protect England from invasion. It boasts of an interactive museum and exhibits that showcase British history.

  • Paradise Park: A beautiful wildlife sanctuary perched on a hilltop above the town. It is home to a variety of birds and rare animals and offers breathtaking views of the town and the coast.

Natural Attractions of Newhaven: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Seven Sisters: A series of chalk cliffs and undulating seascapes that form a picturesque sight along the coastline of East Sussex. Visitors can walk along the cliffs for stunning views of the English Channel.

  • Piddinghoe Pond and Lewes riverside walk: A favorite location for birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking, with scenic views of the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newhaven

Newhaven and its surroundings offer scenic hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views of nature. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The South Downs Way: A long-distance trail spanning 100 miles, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, taking in rolling hills, rare long-grass meadows, and picturesque villages.

  • The Vanguard Way: A 66-mile trail leading from Croydon to Newhaven, taking in the picturesque Sussex countryside.

Best Things to Do in Newhaven: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of activities and tours to enjoy when visiting Newhaven, including:

  • Seafishing trip: Experience a day of fishing with locals or a professional fishing guide, on-board a fishing boat.

  • Wine Tours:Visit local vineyards, sample different wines, enjoy a picnic, and take in the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newhaven

Day 1: Visit Newhaven Fort and explore the interactive museum.

Day 2: Take a walk or bike ride along the south down way and admire the rolling hills and picturesque villages.

Day 3: A day of fishing with locals or professional fishing guide, onboard a fishing boat.

Day 4: Visit Paradise Park, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary perched on a hilltop above the town.

Day 5: Visit the quaint village of Telscombe, known for its beautiful gardens and magnificent views.

Day 6: Go wine tasting and explore local vineyards.

Day 7: Relax on the beach and enjoy the natural wonders of Newhaven.

Food and Drink Scene of Newhaven

Newhaven has a thriving food and drink scene, known for its seafood, regional produce, local vineyards, and charming pubs. Don’t miss the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Head to one of the local fish and chip shops for a traditional English meal.

  • Full English Breakfast: A hearty English breakfast usually consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, and baked beans.

Local Beverages

  • Sussex Bitter: A local beer brewed in Sussex

  • Sussex sparkling wine: Delicious and effervescent wine that rivals the best in the world.

Where to Stay in Newhaven: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Newhaven has a good range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including:

  • Premier Inn Newhaven (3-star)

  • YHA South Downs (budget-friendly)

  • Newhaven Lodge (budget-friendly)

What to Buy in Newhaven: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Newhaven has many souvenirs, local products, and delicacies that are worth bringing home, including:

  • Sussex sparkling wine

  • Local honey and preserves

Local Culture and Customs of Newhaven

Newhaven is a town rich in culture and customs, with friendly locals eager to share their stories. Some of the local customs and traditions include festivities such as Bonfire Night and “Lewes Guy Fawkes Night”.

Best Time to Visit Newhaven

The best time to visit Newhaven is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newhaven

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment

  • Respect the town’s cultural heritage.

  • Enjoy the scenic views.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.

  • Disturb wildlife or disturb local customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newhaven

Newhaven is a safe town for tourists. As with any tourist destination, visitors should take precautions such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables safely secured.

Health in Newhaven

Newhaven has adequate medical facilities, including a doctor’s surgery and a hospital.

Getting to Newhaven: Transportation Options and Logistics

Newhaven is well-connected to other parts of the country via various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Newhaven

The nearest airport to Newhaven is London Gatwick Airport, which is around a 45-minute drive away.

Bus Stations Near Newhaven

Newhaven Bus station is located near the town center and is well connected to other parts of the town and the region.

Other Options

Trains from London Victoria or London Bridge to Newhaven Harbor take approximately one hour.

How to Get Around in Newhaven

Newhaven is a relatively small town and can be easily navigated on foot or by bike. Local buses and taxi services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Newhaven: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Newhaven is a great starting point for several nearby destinations, including:

  • Brighton: A vibrant seaside town with a lively arts and music scene, a pier, and beaches.

  • Lewes: A market town known for its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and independent shops.

  • Seaford: A charming coastal town offering excellent walking trails along the cliffs.

Conclusion

Newhaven is a beautiful town with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a thriving food and drink scene. With a week-long itinerary, activities, and tours, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re a culture vulture, nature lover, or foodie, Newhaven is a great destination for your next trip in East Sussex, England.

Map showing trains and roads into Newhaven. Map showing trains and roads into Newhaven. The interior of Newhaven Fort The interior of Newhaven Fort Part of the Tide Mills Part of the Tide Mills