Follow the river Ouse south and you reach the channel port of Newhaven, probably best known for its rapid cross-channel ferry service. For visitors the town holds a few surprises, including one of Sussex's few sandy beaches and a market day frequently attended by French traders offering magnificent cheeses, pastries, leather goods and craft items, a must for those with an eye for a bargain!

According to legend a violent storm during the reign of Elizabeth I diverted the course of the river Ouse, creating a new harbour at the loss of its neighbour Seaford. This New Haven quickly flourished with shipbuilding yards and breweries and established itself through the nineteenth century as a cross-channel port, being the shortest land/sea route between London and Paris. But, the French have not always been welcome. During the 1860s Newhaven Fort was built to defend the port from the hostile threat across the channel, it is now fully restored and the award-winning attraction houses a military museum, home front display, children's assault course and picnic areas.

Take a stroll and watch the shipping come and go, see the colourful fishing fleet at West Quay, their freshly-caught fish can be bought daily from one of the shops along the quayside. Newhaven is also home to the South's leading gardening and horticultural centre "Garden Paradise". This family attraction includes a planet earth hands-on display, dinosaur museum, Sussex in miniature, playland park, miniature railway and more. Along with a flea market, maritime museum, marina and other leisure facilities, Newhaven is far more than just a busy port.

Travelling a short distance east from Newhaven you arrive at Seaford. Smaller and quieter than the South's larger resorts, Seaford offers the ideal base for a traditional family holiday. It is difficult to imagine, as you wander through this charming town to its attractive beach that stretches for four miles to Newhaven, that it was once a thriving channel port. In the thirteenth century Seaford had reached such prominence with its exporting and importing that it was appointed a "Cinque Port", giving the town a whole range of civic privileges. Unfortunately, this prominence dwindled over the ensuing years through disease, floods, hostile attacks by the French and it eventually lost its harbour in a legendary storm during the sixteenth century that saw the river Ouse burst its banks, creating the harbour at Newhaven. Deprived of their livelihood the whole area eventually became notorious for smuggling.

Today, the town offers an excellent range of facilities, speciality shops, leisure centre, golf course, and a museum housed in the Martello Tower, built to defend our shores against Napoleon. In an area of outstanding natural beauty it is a haven for walkers, with breathtaking views of the Seven Sisters to the east of the town. Take time out to explore this historic town and area and relax in its tranquil atmosphere.