Top nine places to go for a walk in East Sussex this spring

If you saw our top five ways to de-stress blog earlier this month, then you’ll know that exercise is a great way to combat stress. This April, we’re sharing some of our best tips, ideas, and resources to raise awareness of stress and things we can do to relieve stress.

Walking is an excellent way to get some gentle exercise and help you to feel happier. In fact, this blog combines walking with beautiful outdoor places, so you’re not only exercising, you’re getting fresh air and taking a moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and wildlife on your doorsteps.

So now that spring is here, it’s time to dust off those walking boots, adventure around your local trails, and unwind from the world around you!

1, The Beach

The East Sussex coast is blessed with long stretches of beautiful beaches. For those of us who have been lucky enough to live by the sea, you’ll know that beach walks are awesome. You have the chance to breathe in the sea air, skim stones into the sea, and enjoy an ice cream or a good old fish ‘n’ chips. The seafront in Eastbourne and Hastings might be busy at times, but it's always full of energy and things to do. With tennis courts, football courts, and of course, crazy golf, you're not limited to just walking along the parade.

2, South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park is one of the newest national parks in England. It covers 1,627 square kilometres and is the window to some of the most beautiful views across the seas and neighbouring towns and villages. There are so many different walking trails suited for all levels. Or, if you are the adventurous type, you can go ‘off trail’ and explore.

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Either way, walking across the South Downs will give you the chance to see many different animals, from birds and butterflies to sheep and bunnies. And with many benches and short grassed areas, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy a picnic.

3, Cuckmere River

Hidden away in the Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere River is a 6.3-mile loop trail near Seaford. The route will take you all the way down to the sea, and is completely surrounded by wildlife and nature. It offers a tranquil walk with only the noise of the birds singing and the water flowing. A great walk that is accessible all year round. Feel active? The river is also a great spot for canoeing and standup paddleboarding during the summer months.

4, Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is an old area of peaceful open forest with many different trails available to explore. Not far from Uckfield, the forest is the home of Winnie-the-Pooh, giving you the chance to visit the well-known Pooh Bridge and Pooh House. The forest is filled with colourful flowers and plants and butterflies and birds that sing, making for a peaceful walk.

5, Cuckoo Trail

The Cuckoo Trail is a 14-mile foot and cycle path that runs from Eastbourne to Heathfield, passing through different towns and villages, such as Polegate, Hailsham and Hellingly. It was once a railway line linking the towns together but closed in the 1960s.

Today, the tree formed corridor plays host to a wonderful amount of wildlife with added benches along the trail, perfect for a picnic.

6, Lewes Priory

A medieval ruined castle in the heart of Lewes, providing not only a scenic walk but also an educational one. With information boards spotted around the sight, it turns a casual walk into one filled with information about the area.

7, St Leonards Forest

Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St Leonards Forest is just outside Horsham and is perfect for getting out into nature. It is filled with eye-catching landscapes and full of myths and legends about a French hermit dragon slayer that once lived there. A beautiful and peaceful place to walk full of magic and mystery.

8, Herstmonceux Castle

This 15th-century castle in the quaint village of Herstmonceux is thought to be one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England. Surrounded by 300 acres of well cared for woodlands and gardens, it can make for one peaceful and almost fairytale-like walk.

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Walking around the castle and gardens will make you feel like you're living your own version of Bridgeton without having to travel far at all.

9, Your local neighbourhood

If you can't travel to any of these other places, then why not explore your own neighbourhood? Become a tourist for the day and walk down the roads and alleys you don’t usually go down. Challenge yourself to take right turns when you would normally go left. Mix it up a bit - it's amazing what new things you will discover that have been on your doorstep the whole time.

Have you been on a great walk recently? Are there any other places you'd add to our list? Let us know on social media!