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,
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.
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.
