Nestled in the South Downs 90 minutes from London you’ll find the perfect winter walk which passes through ‘Britain’s greatest village’. Well, that’s according to The Telegraph, which repeatedly names Alfriston in East Sussex in its list of the best places to visit in the country.
It adds the South Downs beauty spot is ‘brim-full of historic charm’, which includes listed listed buildings, old pubs and quaint tea rooms. What’s better is that it’s surrounded by incredible chalky hills which offer breathtaking views of surrounding countryside.
A five-mile walk – which is about 10,000 steps for those keen to hit that daily target in the New Year – allows you to take in Alfriston’s scenery along with a strange landmark nearby. The circular route initially follows the famous South Downs Way in Alfriston heading east.
It’s along this stretch you’ll come one of the quirkiest landmarks in Britain. Carved into the face of a hill you’ll see the Long Man of Wilmington. The landmark itself has baffled historians for years. Many believe the hill figure to be thousands of years old, but no one is quite sure why he is there.
The Long Man of Wilmington is one of the country’s quirkiest landmarks
(Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
The first mention of the Long Man came in a picture drawn in 1710, although some historians believe it was carved into the slopes of Windover Hill more than 5,000 years ago to mark the position of Orion in the night sky.
After taking in views of landmark and natural scenery the walk then descends to Litlington Village, passing Lullington Heath Nature Reserve on the way. After enjoying the chalk heath, bell heather and gorse bushes, the walk then picks up the route of the Vanguard Way on the journey back to Alfriston.
The Vanguard Way is a long-forgotten journey of pilgrims in the 15th century from East Croydon down to Newhaven on the Sussex coast. This part of the walk follows a delightful stretch of the River Cuckmere on the way back to the starting point.
After this walk you’ll no doubt need a rest, so call into The Singing Kettle for ‘the best scones in Sussex’ according to the Telegraph, or head to The George Inn or the Six Bells for well-earned drink.
Alfriston is prone to flooding after wet weather, so check for flood alerts and road closures before travelling if there has been any heavy rain.
Alfriston village appears frozen in time
(Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)
Getting there from London
It’s location in the countryside means Alfriston is easiest to reach by car. This journey is about 90 minutes from parts of South London via the M23, A23 and A27.
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