Category Archives: National Parks

Bodiam, Castles, East Sussex, England, High Weald, History, South East, UK

Bodiam Castle – The Storybook Fortress of Sussex

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Introduction

Bodiam Castle looks like it has stepped straight out of a fairytale — a 14th-century fortress perfectly mirrored in its surrounding moat. Built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, it was intended both as a defensive stronghold against French raids and as a statement of wealth and power. Today, it stands as one of the best-loved castles in Sussex, drawing visitors from across the world.

Here’s a short reel from my visit to Bodiam Castle:

The castle’s location can be found on Google Maps and you can also explore it alongside my other places on All Map Locations.

A Castle of Defence and Display

Construction began in 1385 after Dalyngrigge received permission, or “license to crenellate,” from Richard II. The design — a near-perfect quadrangle surrounded by water — was as much about prestige as practicality. Its wide moat and single entrance drawbridge offered real defence, but the elegant symmetry and impressive towers were built to impress as much as protect.

Bodiam castle November light
Bodiam castle November light

The castle later passed through the Lewknor family and then, during the English Civil War, was partially dismantled to prevent military use. By the 19th century, it was a romantic ruin attracting artists and travellers. In 1829, the eccentric local squire John “Mad Jack” Fuller purchased the castle to prevent its destruction, ensuring its survival. Its fortunes changed again when Lord Curzon undertook major restoration in the early 20th century, before entrusting Bodiam to the National Trust in 1925.

Visiting Bodiam Castle

Wandering around the site today, you can cross the moat on the bridge, climb the towers for sweeping views of the Rother Valley, and look down into the ruined interiors where the great hall, kitchens, and chapel once stood. The moat itself teems with wildlife, while the surrounding landscape makes it a favourite spot for walks and photography.

Practical Info

Location: Near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, in the Rother Valley
Access: Managed by the National Trust, with paid entry and parking onsite
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for reflections in the moat, but summer offers longer opening hours
Nearby:

Castles, East Sussex, England, Hastings, High Weald, History, June, Ruins & Remains, South East, UK

Hastings Castle – The Ruins That Still Rule the Hill

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Introduction

Hastings Castle may be a ruin, but it still commands attention. Perched high above the Old Town on West Hill, it offers not just a window into the Norman past but one of the most breathtaking views in Sussex — castle walls in the foreground, the pier and coastline stretching out beyond. To me, that’s more than worth the entrance fee.

One of my favourite vantage points in the area — here’s the full video Short. If you’re exploring Hastings, don’t miss this spot.

A Castle That’s Seen It All

Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey built in 1066, Hastings Castle was soon rebuilt in stone by 1070, making it William the Conqueror’s first permanent stronghold after landing at nearby Pevensey. Over the centuries, coastal erosion, neglect, and storms have taken their toll — especially the Great Storms of the 13th century, which destroyed large portions of the site.

Hastings castle ruins west hill
View west from inside the grounds of the ruins of Hastings Castle on top of West Hill east Sussex south east England UK

By the Victorian era, what was left was romanticised as a ruin, excavated and reimagined for a new kind of tourism. Even the dramatic archways visible today owe something to 19th-century reshaping.

Not Just Crumbling Walls

Some people scoff at the £6.75 entrance fee, calling it expensive for “a few bits of wall.” But as a photographer and someone drawn to the atmosphere of old places, I see it differently. The framing of the ruined towers against the coastline is stunning, especially at sunset. And just standing there, imagining William himself looking out across this same horizon — that’s priceless.

This isn’t just about bricks and ruins. It’s about presence. It’s about putting yourself in the scene.

The Controversy

When I visited in June, a Pride flag was flying from the highest point. For some, it was a symbol of inclusion. For others, it sparked debate — was it appropriate to fly any temporary political or identity flag in place of the Union Jack at a site so steeped in national heritage?

Whatever your take, it stirred strong feelings. And that’s what these places do — they bring history into the present.

Practical Info

  • Location: West Hill, Hastings, East Sussex
  • Access: Best reached via the West Hill Cliff Railway or steep footpath from George Street
  • Best Time to Visit: Clear days for views; sunset for photography
  • Nearby:

Final Thoughts

Hastings Castle isn’t just a historic site — it’s a lens through which to view the past and the present. Whether you come for the view, the atmosphere, or the story, there’s something timeless here. And maybe that’s the point: the castle may be in ruins, but it still rules the hill.

East Sussex, England, Landmarks, Reels and Shorts, South Downs, South East, UK, Videography

Litlington White Horse & High and Over – Sussex Chalk Figure and Valley Views

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Introduction

Above the village of Litlington stands a striking chalk figure carved into the hillside – the Litlington White Horse. From here the landscape opens into the Cuckmere Valley, a place of sky, river, and history. High and Over, the nearby viewpoint, is one of the best places to take it all in, with sweeping views over the South Downs to the sea.

A closer look at the White Horse and valley – watch the full video here:

Find it here on Google Maps or explore my own collection of All Map Locations.

History of the White Horse

The Litlington White Horse is a chalk hill figure first cut in 1924 by local villagers. It replaced an earlier horse that had faded into the grass and scrub. While it may not be as ancient as the Uffington figure in Oxfordshire,

white horse high and over
white horse of Litlington high and over south downs

it has become a much-loved landmark of East Sussex. Chalk figures like this are a reminder of human imprint on the Downs – visible for miles, yet fragile without upkeep.

High and Over

The headland above Litlington is known as High and Over – a name that perfectly fits its lofty position. This spot offers one of the best viewpoints in the South Downs National Park.

mistly morning high and over cuckmere valley
mistly morning high and over cuckmere valley

On a clear day, you can see the Cuckmere meanders winding their way to the sea at Cuckmere Haven, with Seaford Head and the Seven Sisters cliffs beyond.

Cuckmere Valley and River

The Cuckmere is unique as the only Sussex river to cut directly through the chalk South Downs to the sea in a natural valley. Its meandering curves near Exceat are famous among walkers, photographers, and artists. These sweeping bends are classic river features – oxbow shapes that one day may form oxbow lakes when cut off from the main channel. The valley itself remains a beautiful, largely unspoilt landscape.

Lullington and Surroundings

To the east lies Lullington, a hamlet claimed to have the smallest church in England. Walking down Church Lane here, with sunlight spilling across the fields, gives a timeless sense of rural Sussex. Goats grazing the chalk slopes and paragliders drifting above complete the scene – an ever-changing picture of people and nature.

Practical Info

  • Location: Litlington White Horse, near Alfriston, East Sussex.
  • Access: Car park at High and Over; footpaths lead to the horse and along the valley.
  • Best Time to Visit: Clear days for views; late afternoon light gives drama to the valley.
  • Nearby:
    • Alfriston Clergy House – the first National Trust property.
    • Cuckmere Haven – the river mouth with views of the Seven Sisters.
    • Lullington Church – one of England’s smallest places of worship.
East Sussex, England, History, Memorials, South Downs, South East, UK

Friston Airfield Memorial – A South Downs WWII Tribute

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Introduction

On the quiet slopes above Friston, East Sussex, a memorial stands to mark the site of a once-bustling wartime airfield. During the Second World War, this patch of the South Downs became an emergency landing ground and fighter base, where RAF and Allied pilots flew coastal patrols, engaged enemy aircraft, and escorted bombers back across the Channel. Today, the airfield is gone, but the memorial ensures that the men who served here are not forgotten.

Here’s a short reel from the site:

A simple stone memorial looks out across the Downs, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made in these skies.

History

Friston Airfield was established during WWII as a strategic base for Fighter Command. Its location on the South Downs, just inland from the coast, made it ideal for intercepting enemy aircraft and providing protection for convoys and returning bombers.

The grass strip runway and temporary facilities saw intense activity during the height of the war. Spitfires and Hurricanes of the RAF operated here, later joined by squadrons from other Allied nations, including Poland and Canada.

The airfield also served as an emergency landing ground for damaged aircraft limping back across the Channel — not all of which made it safely. The memorial honours both those who flew from Friston and those who fell nearby.

Visiting the Memorial

Today, there is little sign of the wartime airfield itself — the South Downs landscape has reclaimed the site. What remains is a peaceful spot, with wide skies and rolling fields that once echoed to the sound of Merlin engines.

The memorial stone stands at the roadside near the village of Friston. From here, the views stretch across the Downs and out towards the Channel, a reminder of the very skies where the air war once raged.

Practical Info

  • Location: Near Friston, East Sussex, just off the A259 between Eastbourne and Seaford.
  • Access: The memorial is roadside and easily accessible by car. Parking is limited.
  • Best Time to Visit: Clear days give the best views across the Downs and out to sea.
  • Nearby:

Reflection

Friston Airfield has vanished from the landscape, but the memorial keeps its memory alive. For those who stop here, it’s a chance to picture the roar of engines, the tension of combat, and the bravery of young pilots who defended these skies.

East Sussex, England, High Weald, History, Ruins & Remains, South East, UK

Crowhurst Manor Ruins – A Forgotten Fragment of Medieval Sussex

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Introduction

You come for the yew — but stay for the ruin.

Tucked behind the legendary 1,300-year-old yew tree in the graveyard of St George’s Church, the ruins of Crowhurst Manor are easy to miss. But they speak quietly of medieval power and long-lost prestige. This was once a substantial moated manor — and today, only its fractured walls remain, weathered into the hillside.

Here’s a short look at what’s left — and what we know of its story.


Here’s a glimpse of the old manor wall in the morning light.
Watch the full clip above, and explore the history below.

🔗 Crowhurst on Google Maps
🔗 All My Map Locations Collection

The History

Crowhurst Manor was first built around 1250 by Walter de Scotney, a steward to the Earl of Cornwall. It sat within a moated enclosure — the kind of minor aristocratic estate that symbolised wealth and control in medieval Sussex.

Later, in the 1350s, it was reportedly enlarged or repaired under John, Earl of Richmond — an important royal figure who likely never stayed here, but whose influence extended across the region.

By the 19th century, it had already slipped into ruin. The moat remains faintly visible in satellite images, and one crumbling flint wall still stands beside the lane that leads past the church.

crowhurst manor ruins east sussex
Crowhurst manor ruins east Sussex

Today, few who visit the ancient yew realise just how close they are to this buried history.

Practical Info

  • Location: Behind St George’s Church, Crowhurst, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpath runs beside the ruin — visible from the lane, no need to trespass
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light
  • Nearby:

Closing Thoughts

There’s something haunting about a ruin like this. It doesn’t shout its history — it leaves you to find it. Overgrown, quiet, and slowly returning to the earth, it’s a reminder that even once-important places can fade into near silence.

But for a few moments, you can stand beside its stones and imagine the lives once lived here — under the same sky, beside the same yew.

August, East Sussex, England, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK, Wilmington

Exmoor Ponies on Wilmington Hill – South Downs Views to Firle Beacon

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Introduction

High on Wilmington Hill at the end of August, the weather turned blustery and dramatic. A rainbow briefly appeared before storm clouds rolled over the Downs. Against this backdrop, a herd of Exmoor ponies grazed the slopes, with Firle Beacon soft in the distance. These hardy ponies are more than just a beautiful sight — they play a vital role in conserving the chalk grassland of the South Downs.

Here’s a short reel from the day:

Exmoor ponies on the South Downs are here for a reason — conservation grazing keeps the slopes open for wildflowers, butterflies, and other wildlife.

📍 View Wilmington Hill on Google Maps
🗺️ See all my Sussex locations here

History & Landscape

Wilmington Hill rises steeply above the Sussex Weald, offering world-class views across the patchwork fields of the Downs. Just below lies one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — the Long Man of Wilmington, a mysterious chalk figure cut into the hillside.

The ponies here are Exmoors, one of Britain’s oldest native breeds. Their hardy build and steady grazing make them ideal for managing rough chalk grassland, preventing scrub from overwhelming the delicate ecosystem. This form of conservation grazing helps to preserve habitats for species such as the Grayling butterfly, which depends on open, sunny slopes.

Photography Notes

The light on this day was constantly shifting — clouds racing in the wind, the land below glowing one moment and darkening the next.

Photographing the ponies against this backdrop created a natural contrast: the immediacy of a living subject set against the timeless South Downs landscape.

Exmoor ponies on wilmington hill south downs
pony on wilmington hill with firle beacon lit up in the background south downs east Sussex south east England UK

Practical Info

  • Location: Wilmington Hill, near the village of Wilmington, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpaths lead up from Wilmington village and nearby car parks; the climb is steep in places but rewarded with wide views
  • Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early autumn for dramatic skies and active grazing; spring for wildflowers
  • Nearby:

Closing Thoughts

The Exmoor ponies add something special to Wilmington Hill — a reminder that the South Downs are not just scenery but a living landscape, shaped by centuries of grazing, farming, and human imagination. With the Long Man at their feet and Firle Beacon on the horizon, this is Sussex at its most evocative.

August, East Sussex, England, High Weald, July, landscape photography, photography, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK

August 2025 Landscape Photography Review

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What follows is a collection of my best photos taken during August 2025. Including trips to Ashdown forest on the high weald and walks over the south downs all within the boundaries of east Sussex.

Continue reading August 2025 Landscape Photography Review →
August, East Sussex, England, Hastings, High Weald, Natural History, South East, Summer, UK, Woodland & Parks

Old Roar Ghyll – The Forgotten Wilderness of Alexandra Park

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Introduction

At the northern end of Hastings’ Alexandra Park lies a hidden valley once celebrated as a jewel of Victorian landscape design: Old Roar Ghyll. In the 1860s, when Robert Marnock laid out the park, the ghyll was meant to be its dramatic finale – a roaring sandstone waterfall, shaded woodland paths, rustic bridges and wild scenery just a short walk from town.

Today, the scene is very different.

Here’s a look at what I found on my recent visit:

Even now, you can trace the old walk through Little Roar Ghyll upstream to where the waterfall once roared. And yet, what was once a highlight of Hastings is now blocked by landslides, dried by drought, and hemmed in by housing estates.

Find it on Google Maps • Explore my All Map Locations Collection

The Walk

I started at the upper entrance, only to be stopped straight away by barriers and a sign – another path closed due to landslip.

old roar gyhll path closed hastings
old roar gyhll path closed hastings

So I dropped into Little Roar Ghyll instead, which still runs through the shaded woodland. It’s probably looked after more by locals than the council.

Little Roar Gyhll Alexandra park Hastings
Little Roar Gyhll Alexandra park Hastings

With the stream almost dry, I followed the bed upstream, pushing through nettles and scrambling over fallen logs. Eventually I reached Old Roar Ghyll itself – the great sandstone cliff that once carried a waterfall so loud it gave the place its name. This time it was silent, the stream cut off or dried to nothing, the rocks scarred by fresh collapses.

Just beyond, a smaller, unnamed waterfall spills prettily down the valley side – perhaps the loveliest sight of the day. But even here, blockages of timber and more closed paths show how little maintenance is done.

Decline and Red Tape

Alexandra Park below is still neat, polished, and well-funded, but the wild ghylls at the top are being left to rot. Some argue this is nature reclaiming itself – and there’s truth in that – but from walking it, it feels more like abandonment.

Local people know why: these valleys sit within protected SSSI land, meaning any work involves endless surveys, health and safety paperwork, and permissions. Residents who’d happily clear paths and keep the place open run into 50-page forms and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, houses stand right on the unstable edges, blighted by landslips, their values falling.

We’re told there’s no money, no will, and no plan – yet billions are found for other projects elsewhere.

There used to be a streamside path leading up to Roar Gyhll with it being the prize spectacle. During the 70s due to development right up to the valley edge it began to subside and gradually got closed off now completely inaccessible. This is what happens when short sighted housing is prioritised over rare natural environments like this.

Why It Matters

Places like Old Roar Ghyll are more than neglected corners of a park. They’re part of our heritage and our wellbeing. Every child should have somewhere wild to roam close to home. Adults need green space for mental health, especially in towns. And in Hastings, these sandstone ghylls are rare landscapes found nowhere else in Sussex.

To let them collapse through short-sightedness and red tape is to lose a treasure forever.

Practical Info

  • Location: Northern end of Alexandra Park, Hastings, East Sussex.
  • Access: Little Roar Ghyll is still open, but Old Roar Ghyll itself is blocked by landslides and officially inaccessible.
  • Best Time to Visit: After rain, when the streams and falls are flowing – though check path closures before you go.
  • Nearby:

August, East Sussex, England, High Weald, Natural History, South East, Summer, UK, Woodland & Parks

Lake Wood Uckfield – Sandstone Caves and Woodland Lake

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Introduction

Lake Wood, on the western edge of Uckfield, is a hidden corner of the High Weald. It offers a peaceful woodland walk, dramatic sandstone outcrops, and a spring-fed lake with a history that blends natural geology with human design.

Here’s a short reel from my visit:

A reminder of how geology, landscape, and community care combine to create something special.

Explore on Google Maps
See all my mapped locations on All Map Locations

Natural History

Lake Wood sits within the High Weald, one of the most geologically distinctive landscapes in southern England. Around 140 million years ago, during the Cretaceous, sands and clays were laid down in a shallow sea. Over time, erosion stripped away the softer clays and left behind the harder sandstone ridges.

The outcrops here belong to the Ardingly Sandstone — the same formation that gives rise to Eridge Rocks and other striking cliff faces across the Weald. These rocky ledges, caves, and gullies create a unique microclimate where mosses, lichens, and ferns thrive.

The lake itself is spring-fed and seepage-fed through surrounding rocks and peat, forming a balanced ecosystem for aquatic life and woodland species.

Human Influence

In the early 19th century, the estate owner landscaped Lake Wood in the romantic picturesque style. Tunnels, steps, and even a boathouse were carved directly into the sandstone, blending natural features with human design.

What feels ancient and untouched is partly a crafted vision, shaped to enhance its beauty and mystery. Today, the Woodland Trust manages the site, preserving both its ecological value and historic character.

Conservation

Lake Wood is no ordinary woodland — it has survived repeated threats of development thanks to decades of effort from the local community. Volunteers work tirelessly to keep the paths open, clear litter, and protect wildlife.

Erosion from footfall can expose tree roots and wear away the sandstone ledges, so staying to the marked paths is important. Signs also ask visitors not to swim or fish, as the delicate pH of the lake must be preserved.

The latest challenge came as recently as 2024, when a large housing appeal was dismissed after strong local opposition. Lake Wood stands today because people continue to care about it.

Practical Info

  • Location: Lake Wood, west of Uckfield, East Sussex
  • Access: Free access via Rocks Park Road (limited parking nearby). Managed by the Woodland Trust.
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round — spring brings fresh woodland growth, autumn brings colour, and low sun highlights the sandstone cliffs.
  • Nearby:
    • Eridge Rocks – dramatic sandstone outcrops and nature reserve.
    • Ashdown Forest – open heathland, famous as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh.
    • Sheffield Park Garden – landscaped 18th-century garden with lakes and woodland walks.

August, East Sussex, England, History, Memorials, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK

The Butts Brow Liberator Memorial – Ruth-Less 1944

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Introduction

On a winter’s day in February 1944, a United States Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator named Ruth-Less tried to limp back across the Downs after a raid on V-1 rocket sites in northern France. It never made it. The bomber struck the ridge at Butts Brow above Eastbourne, killing all ten men on board. Today, a simple plaque set into the hillside remembers their sacrifice.

Here’s a short reel capturing the memorial and the view across the Downs:

A small stone, a wide landscape, and a story that travelled across the Atlantic.

👉 View Butts Brow on Google Maps
👉 See all my mapped locations here

The Crash of Ruth-Less

On 2 February 1944, B-24D Liberator 41-24282, code BAR-Y, of the 44th Bomb Group, was returning from a mission over northern France. The aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy fire and was flying through heavy cloud and severe icing.

The crew tried to reach the emergency landing strip at Friston, just beyond Eastbourne. But in low visibility the bomber clipped the ridge at Butts Brow and broke apart. Eight men died instantly; the remaining two succumbed to their injuries later that day at Princess Alice Hospital.

ruth-less memorial butts brow south downs
ruth-less memorial butts brow south downs

The crew are remembered by name on the plaque: Edward J. Ackerman, James H. Bales, James O. Bolin, George M. Dewald, Aubrey J. Maloy, Harold W. Schwab, Ralph E. Strait, James L. Wilson, Orville L. Wulff, and Chester W. Yurick.

Ruth-Less had already survived the famous 1943 Ploiești raid on Romania’s oil fields — one of the toughest missions of the war. That it was lost here, within sight of safety, gives the stone on Butts Brow an added poignancy.

The memorial plaque was unveiled in 1995 through the efforts of local historian Kevin Watson.

Practical Info

Location: Butts Brow, Willingdon, Eastbourne, East Sussex (plaque lies south of the main car park on the ridge).
Access: Public footpaths across the Downs; easiest from the Butts Brow car park.
Best time to visit: Clear days for far-reaching views, or quiet winter afternoons for atmosphere.
Nearby:

  • Beachy Head – The cliff-top lighthouse and another wartime crash site
  • Friston Airfield Memorial – The landing ground the crew never reached
  • Eastbourne Redoubt – The seafront fort that guarded the coast
  • Wilmington Hill – great views east across the east Sussex countryside

Reflection

It’s easy to walk past a small plaque in the grass. But standing here, looking across the same horizon those ten men never crossed, the scale of the sacrifice becomes real. Butts Brow holds not just a view, but a memory.

August, East Sussex, England, High Weald, History, landscape photography, Memorials, photography, Reels and Shorts, South East, Summer, UK, Videography

The Airman’s Grave, Ashdown Forest

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Introduction

On the ridges of Ashdown Forest, surrounded by purple heather, lies one of the most poignant memorials in Sussex. The Airman’s Grave marks the spot where a Wellington bomber from RAF 142 Squadron crashed on 31 July 1941, killing all six crew. It is not a burial site, but a place of remembrance, created by the mother of one of the airmen and cared for ever since.

Here’s my short video from a late August evening, with the heather in full bloom:

The memorial sits in the heart of Ashdown Forest, a landscape famous for its open heath, forest walks, and connections to A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. But here, the beauty of the High Weald meets the weight of wartime history.

View location on Google Maps
See all my map locations here

The Story of the Airman’s Grave

In the early hours of 31 July 1941, a Vickers Wellington bomber from RAF Binbrook, flying with 142 Squadron, was returning from a raid on Cologne. The aircraft had engine trouble and was struggling in poor weather. At 04:56 GMT, it came down on the southern slopes of Ashdown Forest.

All six crew — Flight Sergeant Harry Vidler, Sergeant Vic Sutton, Sergeant Wilf Brooks, Flight Sergeant Ernest Cave, Sergeant Stan Hathaway, and Flight Sergeant Len Saunders — were killed. Their average age was just 24.

airmans grave ashdown forest sunset
airmans grave ashdown forest sunset high weald east sussex

Soon after, the mother of Sergeant Sutton placed a simple wooden cross at the site. Over the years, this grew into the stone memorial we see today, enclosed by a low wall and marked with a plaque naming each of the crew. It has become a place of quiet remembrance, still visited and honoured each year.

A Place of Contrast

Ashdown Forest is a place of beauty: open heath, purple heather, and wide skies. It was once a medieval hunting ground, later common land, and now a landscape of walks and views across the High Weald. Standing at the Airman’s Grave, with the colours of late summer all around, it’s hard to reconcile the peace of the forest with the violent end of that July morning in 1941.

It is precisely this contrast that makes the memorial so moving. The forest endures; the heather blooms again each year; but the story of those six young men remains tied to this spot.

Practical Info

  • Location: Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, England
  • Access: Reached on foot via forest paths — parking available at nearby car parks – Hollies. The memorial is well signposted.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late summer when the heather is in bloom, or November when poppies mark Remembrance Day.
  • Nearby: Winnie-the-Pooh locations, High Weald walks, Sussex WWII sites.

Final Thoughts

The Airman’s Grave is one of Sussex’s most touching memorials — not grand or imposing, but personal and enduring. It stands for the young men who flew from Lincolnshire that night and never returned, and for the countless others whose names are remembered across our landscape.

August, East Sussex, England, History, landscape photography, Memorials, photography, Reels and Shorts, South Downs, South East, UK, Videography

The Lost Village of Exceat – South Downs History

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Introduction

High on Exceat Hill above the Cuckmere Valley stands a simple memorial stone. It marks the site of a village long vanished, where only wind and grass remain. From here the views sweep south over the winding river, Cuckmere Haven, and the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. At golden hour it feels timeless – a reminder of both beauty and loss.

To bring the story to life, I also made a short film about Exceat. It tells the tale of the village, its church, and how it vanished from the map.

The stone on Exceat Hill is all that remains, but walking here you can still imagine the village that once overlooked the Cuckmere.

Location

Exceat Hill lies within the South Downs National Park, East Sussex, just above the meandering Cuckmere River.

Memorial stone on Exceat Hill marking the site of the lost medieval village of Exceat, South Downs, East Sussex.
Exceat church stone memorial seven sisters country park south downs east Sussex south east England UK

The memorial stone sits along the walking routes that connect with the popular paths to Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs. From this vantage point the entire valley opens up, making it one of the most evocative places in Sussex.

Explore on Google Maps: Exceat Hill – Memorial Stone
See all my map locations: Sussex Photography – Map Collection

History

Exceat is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. In medieval times it was a small settlement with a flint church at its heart and access to the sea via the river mouth at Cuckmere Haven. The fourteenth century brought disaster: famine, plague, and French coastal raids left the community shattered. By 1460 only two parishioners remained. The parish was absorbed into West Dean, the church crumbled, and the village was lost to time.
In 1913 an excavation uncovered the footprint of the church, and the memorial stone was set up to mark the site. Today it is all that survives.

My Visit

I came up here with the camera at golden hour. First to photograph the stone itself in the warm light of evening, then to turn my lens downriver to capture the Cuckmere as it curled through the valley toward the sea.

Golden hour view of the Cuckmere River winding through the valley in the South Downs, East Sussex.
The Cuckmere River at golden hour, curving gently through the valley towards the sea.

The light was soft, the cirrus clouds drifting, and the whole valley glowed. These are the moments that remind me why I love still photography as much as making reels – freezing a view that feels both ancient and alive.

Reflections

Standing by the memorial, it’s hard not to think of how fragile life once was. An entire community erased by forces beyond its control. And yet, looking out at the valley, it’s also a place of renewal – fields, river, and sky carrying on long after the village disappeared. Sharing these stories through photos and film feels important: the more people value these landscapes, the more likely they will be preserved.

Practical Info

  • Location: Exceat Hill, near Cuckmere Haven, South Downs National Park, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpaths from the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre and car park
  • Best time to visit: Golden hour for photography; clear days for sweeping views
  • Nearby: Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Haven beach, the village of Alfriston