Alfriston
A medieval village in the Cuckmere Valley, home to the National Trust's first property, the thatched Clergy House.
Alfriston is a well-preserved medieval village at the foot of the South Downs. Along its main street are half-timbered old houses, the 15th-century Star Inn and tea rooms. Beside a green stands St Andrew's Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the South Downs'. The thatched Clergy House was built in the 14th century and bought by the National Trust in 1896 for £10, making it the first property the Trust acquired. It is open roughly from March to October. On a hillside nearby is the giant chalk figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. The village is about 6 km from the Seven Sisters' Exceat, so the two can be linked up on foot.
Opening hours
Village open all day; pastor's house approx. Mar–Oct
Nearby sights
- Long Man of Wilmington
- Seven Sisters Cliffs & Cuckmere Haven
- Charleston
- Birling Gap
- Beachy Head
- Lewes Castle
- Undercliff Walk & Rottingdean
- Sheffield Park and Garden