Sussex Coastal Paths and New Ferry Routes for Spring

Spring has arrived in Brighton, and with it comes the perfect timing to explore the latest developments along our coastline. The King Charles III England Coast Path has reached a major milestone, having been officially inaugurated by the King on 19 March 2026. This massive project aims to link the entire English coast, and for those of us based in Brighton, the local sections offer some of the best access to the outdoors we've had in years. The 33-mile stretch from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne, which has been open for a while now, remains a favorite for a day out. It takes you past the old Shoreham Harbour lighthouse, along the Hove Esplanade, and right through the heart of Brighton before heading towards the Undercliff Walk at Saltdean and eventually reaching the cliffs at Seaford Head. A recent update at Mill Creek in Newhaven has even realigned the path under a new road bridge, making the route towards the coast smoother for walkers.

If you're looking for more expansive landscapes, the 44-mile section in West Sussex that opened in late 2023 is where you'll find the region's most impressive sand dunes. Starting from East Head and stretching to Shoreham-by-Sea, this path connects spots like West Wittering and Climping. What makes this particularly interesting is the creation of the 'coastal margin,' a legal right of access that allows you to wander through the dunes and beaches between the path and the sea. The route is well-marked with the National Trail acorn symbol, and if you're using Ordnance Survey maps, you'll see the trail marked with green diamonds and the accessible margin shaded in pink. It’s a practical way to reach nature reserves like Medmerry, where you can spot everything from common blue butterflies to migratory raptors depending on the day.

For those planning to venture slightly further or looking for a different perspective on the coast, the ferry links from Newhaven remain a steady option. The Newhaven to Dieppe service operates year-round, providing a direct connection for those who want to combine a coastal walk with a trip across the channel. Back in Brighton, the local travel infrastructure continues to support these coastal getaways, with bike schemes and walking routes designed to get you from the city center to the start of these trails efficiently. The path system also includes a 'roll-back' feature, meaning that as the cliffs naturally erode or flooding occurs, the trail is moved inland to ensure the route stays continuous. This ensures that the access we have now to the beaches and cliffs between Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and Worthing will remain available for the long term.