What to do? Plan your East Sussex escape Things to Do Near Bramley Park Camping 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. Walks & nature Family days out Coast, culture & history Local food & drink Local pubs Planning FAQs 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. Walks & Nature 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. The Long Man of Wilmington 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. Plan your visit Directions Abbot’s Wood 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. Plan your visit Directions The Cuckoo Trail 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. Explore the trail Directions Diplocks Wood 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. Woodland information Directions Paragon Fields, Willingdon 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. View on the map Directions Friston Forest 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. Explore the forest Directions Alfriston & the South Downs Way 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. Explore Alfriston Directions Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Haven 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. View the walk Directions Beachy Head 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. Plan your visit Directions Birling Gap 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. Plan your visit Directions ⚠️ Cliff safety: the chalk cliff edges are unfenced, unstable and can crumble without warning. Stay well back from the edge and cliff base, keep children close and dogs under control, and follow local signs. Family Days Out 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. Drusillas Park 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. Visit Drusillas Directions Knockhatch Adventure Park 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. Visit Knockhatch Directions Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway 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. Plan your visit Directions Middle Farm 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. Visit Middle Farm Directions The Observatory Science Centre 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. Plan your visit Directions Coast, Culture & History Mix a classic seaside day with castles, gardens and some of East Sussex’s most interesting art and history. Eastbourne Beach & Pier 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. Explore the seafront Directions Seaford Beach 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. Beach information Directions Pevensey Castle 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. Plan your visit Directions Michelham Priory House & Gardens 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. Plan your visit Directions Towner Eastbourne 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. Plan your visit Directions Charleston 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. Plan your visit Directions Local Food, Beer & Wine For a slower afternoon, explore a Sussex vineyard or local brewery and combine a countryside walk with something made nearby. Rathfinny Wine Estate 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. Plan your visit Directions Long Man Brewery 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. Visit the brewery Directions 🍕 Back at Bramley Park: after exploring, return for a relaxed evening with fresh pizza, drinks and a campfire. Check the current food service times at reception during your stay. Local Pubs 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. Horse & Groom Harvester, Polegate 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. View the pub Directions The British Queen, Willingdon 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. View the pub Directions The Red Lion, Willingdon 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. View the pub Directions The Wheatsheaf Inn, Willingdon 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. View the pub Directions The Eight Bells, Jevington 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. View the pub Directions The Dinkum, Polegate 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.