Pevensey

Pevensey is situated in the district of Wealden midway between the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Bexhill. It comprises the ancient village of Pevensey, the larger seaside resort of Pevensey Bay and some 7 miles of farmland on Pevensey Levels, a wetland of international significance.

Pevensey Village

Pevensey Village is a small historic settlement with many ancient buildings dominated by the East Gate of Pevensey Castle. The Norman castle is run by English Heritage and is open to the public. Other buildings of interest in this historic village are The Courthouse (one of the smallest Gaols in England which you can still visit) and the early English church of St. Nicolas.

Pevensey Bay

Pevensey Bay is a coastal village and holiday resort with a variety of village shops. For visitors to the area there is an information centre and car park.

Pevensey Levels

Pevensey Levels is an internationally designated wetland site as well as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is adjacent to Pevensey and Pevensey Bay. It is especially known for its diverse collection of birds and wildlife.

Nearby attractions include Herstmonceux Castle and Science Centre and the 13 mile-long Cuckoo Trail, which runs from Polegate through some of the prettiest countryside in Wealden and finishes at Heathfield.

Historical interest

William the Conqueror, along with his army, carts and horses landed at Pevensey Beach before moving onto his famous battle with Harold at Senlac Hill, Battle. The famous 1066 walk starts in Pevensey village and winds its way to Battle.

Other nearby attractions include Stone Cross Windmill, St. Marys Church Westham (The first Norman Church ever built in UK), Alfriston Village with the first ever National Trust Property, The Long Man of Wilmington, Seven Sisters Country Park plus farm shops/pick your own and TiPi Camping. There is a golf course and Sussex Wildlife Trust area (which includes one of only two sites in the whole UK for Raft Spiders). Pevensey is also close to the South Downs National Park.

Pevensey is also depicted on the very famous Bayeaux Tapestry, held in Bayeaux, France It is also one of a few ports to be granted Cinque Port status in England and still has Martello Towers along its coast line.