Plan your East Sussex escape
From chalk-cliff walks and woodland trails to family attractions, historic places and relaxed days by the sea, Bramley Park makes a brilliant base for exploring Eastbourne and the South Downs.
We are based on Wannock Road in Polegate, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Most of the places below are within roughly 5–25 minutes of the campsite, so you can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your break.
Drive times are approximate and may change with traffic. Check opening hours, tickets, weather and access information directly with each attraction before setting off.
Rolling hills, famous white cliffs and easy woodland trails are all close by. Pack sensible shoes, water and an extra layer—the coast can be breezy even on sunny days.
Around 10 minutes by car
Walk to the foot or top of Sussex’s famous hillside figure and enjoy broad views across the Downs. The paths become steep and uneven higher up, making this a rewarding choice for walkers who want a proper stretch of the legs.
Around 10–15 minutes by car
A relaxed Forestry England day out with waymarked woodland walks, picnic tables, barbecue areas, a play area and a medieval lake. It is particularly good for families and dog walkers looking for an easier alternative to the cliffs.
Around 10 minutes to a local access point
This mostly traffic-free, surfaced route follows the former railway line through Polegate, Hailsham and the Sussex countryside. Choose a short stroll or make a day of it on foot or by bike—the full trail stretches for 14 miles.
Immediately off Wannock Road
A handy semi-ancient woodland for a short local walk without planning a full day out. This small council-owned wood is popular with local dog walkers and is especially convenient when you only have an hour or two to spare.
Around 5–10 minutes by car
A quiet open space at the foot of the South Downs with lovely views and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. It is a good choice for an easy local stroll or dog walk, with paths linking towards the surrounding downland.
Around 15–20 minutes by car
Explore waymarked walking routes, a relatively flat family cycle trail and the faster Jeremy Cole mountain-bike trail. With woodland, picnic spots and routes for different energy levels, it is an excellent active day outdoors.
Around 10–15 minutes by car
Explore one of Sussex’s prettiest villages, with historic buildings, independent shops, cafés and riverside scenery. Alfriston also sits on the South Downs Way, so it is an excellent starting point for a longer countryside walk.
Around 20 minutes by car
Follow the Cuckmere Valley towards the shingle beach for one of the best-known views in Sussex. The easy-access valley trail is approximately 1.3 miles each way, while more challenging cliff-top routes continue across the Seven Sisters.
Around 20 minutes by car
See sweeping views over Eastbourne and the English Channel from Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff. Visit the Beachy Head Experience, follow the accessible Peace Path or walk towards the famous red-and-white lighthouse viewpoint.
Around 25 minutes by car
Head down to the pebble beach, look for fossils and rock pools, or take in the Seven Sisters from the surrounding downland. The National Trust café makes this a convenient stop before or after a coastal walk.
Whether the children want animals, adventure play, trains or hands-on science, these are some of the best family attractions within easy reach of the campsite.
Around 10 minutes by car
A full family day out combining hundreds of animals with adventure play, family rides, indoor experiences and splash areas. It is particularly well suited to families with younger children, and advance booking can offer better value.
Around 15 minutes by car
Fill the day with animals, rides, splash areas and extensive indoor and outdoor play. With plenty to do under cover as well as outside, Knockhatch is a useful option when the Sussex weather cannot make up its mind.
Around 15 minutes by car
Ride behind one-eighth-scale miniature locomotives around a country park, then explore the lake, maze, crazy golf and play areas. It is an easygoing half-day or full-day option for younger families and railway enthusiasts.
Around 15–20 minutes by car
Meet farm animals, explore the play barn and farm trail, then stop for a tearoom treat. The farm shop, bakery, butchery and cider barn also make Middle Farm a worthwhile stop for anyone who enjoys good Sussex produce.
Around 25 minutes by car
Discover more than 100 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits in the historic telescope domes at Herstmonceux. It is an engaging rainy-day choice for curious children, with special events and stargazing sessions on selected dates.
Mix a classic seaside day with castles, gardens and some of East Sussex’s most interesting art and history.
Around 20 minutes by car
Enjoy the beach, Victorian pier, promenade and seafront gardens, with cafés, amusements and plenty of space for a relaxed wander. Combine it with Towner Eastbourne or the Dotto mini train for an easy town-and-seaside day.
Around 20–25 minutes by car
Enjoy a quieter shingle beach, a long promenade and wide views across Seaford Bay. It is a relaxed place for a seaside walk, a picnic or a swim in suitable conditions, with Seaford Head and the Seven Sisters close by.
Around 15 minutes by car
Explore Roman walls, medieval ruins and stories spanning the Norman Conquest to the Second World War. Children can tackle the castle code, peer into the dungeon and discover the exhibitions inside the ancient fortress.
Around 15 minutes by car
Discover 800 years of Sussex history on a picturesque medieval moated island. Explore the historic rooms, gardens and working watermill, with hands-on activities and family events helping to bring the story to life.
Around 20 minutes by car
Eastbourne’s colourful art gallery presents modern and contemporary exhibitions, talks, activities and cinema screenings. General gallery admission is free, making it an excellent cultural stop or wet-weather option.
Around 20 minutes by car
Visit the decorated farmhouse and studio of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, once a meeting place for the Bloomsbury group. The site also includes galleries, a beautiful walled garden, shop, café and a changing programme of events.
For a slower afternoon, explore a Sussex vineyard or local brewery and combine a countryside walk with something made nearby.
Around 20 minutes by car
Visit this South Downs wine estate for tours, tastings, seasonal dining and impressive views across the vineyard. There is also a self-guided walking trail that is suitable for children and dogs, with no advance booking required.
Around 15 minutes by car
Visit the brewery shop and tasting room at Church Farm in Litlington to try local cask and keg beers or pick up bottles and mini casks. Brewery tours and tastings can also be booked on selected dates.
Nearby options for a meal, a relaxed drink or live sport. Opening hours, menus and match schedules can change, so check with the pub before setting off.
Around 5–10 minutes by car
A familiar, family-friendly choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner, serving grills, burgers and the Harvester salad bar. Handy for groups looking for a broad menu and straightforward dining close to the campsite.
Around 5–10 minutes by car
A friendly village pub offering food, drinks and regular entertainment. It is a relaxed local option for an evening meal or drink after a day out on the Downs.
Around 5–10 minutes by car
A welcoming pub at the foot of the South Downs with freshly prepared food, real ales and a traditional atmosphere. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it useful after a family or dog walk.
Around 5–10 minutes by car
A village pub at the foot of the South Downs serving food and drink, with regular live music. A convenient stop before or after exploring the nearby Willingdon walks.
Around 10–15 minutes by car
A traditional independently owned free house in the pretty village of Jevington, with a bar, food and gardens. It pairs especially well with a walk through the surrounding South Downs countryside.
Around 5–10 minutes by car · Best for live sport
A family-run traditional pub close to Polegate station, serving Harvey’s ales and welcoming families and dogs. This is the strongest local choice for live sport, with major fixtures shown across Sky, TNT and Amazon.
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about exploring the area.
Drusillas Park, Knockhatch Adventure Park, Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, Middle Farm and the Observatory Science Centre are all strong family choices, depending on the children’s ages and the weather.
Diplocks Wood and Paragon Fields are the closest choices for a short local stroll. The Long Man of Wilmington is a nearby landmark walk, while Friston Forest offers walking, family cycling and mountain biking. For coastal scenery, try Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven, Beachy Head or Birling Gap.
The Horse & Groom Harvester and the Dinkum are in Polegate. The British Queen, Red Lion and Wheatsheaf are in Willingdon, while the Eight Bells is in Jevington. For live sport, the Dinkum is our first choice—check the fixture schedule with the pub before travelling.
Try the Observatory Science Centre, Towner Eastbourne, the indoor areas at Knockhatch, or the historic interiors at Michelham Priory and Charleston. Always check current opening arrangements before travelling.
Many outdoor routes welcome responsible dog walkers, but livestock, wildlife and cliff edges require extra care. Keep dogs under close control, follow signs and check each land manager’s latest guidance before your visit.
Stay close to the South Downs, Seven Sisters and Eastbourne, with spacious camping, furnished glamping tents, hot showers, fresh pizza, breakfast and proper campfires.
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