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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. |
