The Long Man of Wilmington (East Sussex)
The Long Man of Wilmington is a 70ft giant man carved into the chalk hills of South Downs National Park near Alfriston (a pretty ancient Sussex village). His origin and reason for carving him have remained a mystery for generations.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
We know he is over 300 years old (due to a sketch of him in 1710), and some believe he could have been carved as early as the Iron Age, or in Roman times.
In 1920, the chalk had faded, so locals and historians gave him a makeover with chisels and paint, and today there are surrounding concrete blocks, so he is easier to maintain!
The Long Man holds a stave in each hand, perhaps to symbolise his strength, to measure the land, or perhaps he was an astronomer? Or is watching over the fields? Nobody knows. One tale is that he marks the site of eternal rest, of two giant brothers who roamed the South Downs, and fell in battle.
If you wish to visit the Long Man without a big hike, it can be viewed from nearby Wilmington Priory. Nearby is the Litlington Chalk Horse, much smaller and carved into the hill in 1924.
The village of Litlington sits on the bank of the River Cuckmere, dating back to Domesday times. It’s home to one of the smallest churches in England, a charming architectural gem inspired by Gothic design, built in the 13 century. So is much older that its horse friend, by several hundred years!
The South Downs (England’s Newest National Park)
This stretches from Winchester (Hampshire) to Eastbourne (East Sussex) and is known for its chalk downs and beech woods that glow with copper hues in autumn. Many villages (like Amberley) lie nestled in the valleys, with old pubs and hidden churches giving a real example of old England.
This park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, which attracts butterflies, skylarks and shy deer. Barn owls can safely hunt at dusk, and local nature reserves protect rare bats, dormice and orchids.
The South Downs Way is a 100-mile national trail that runs across the heart of the park. It’s well-marked and open to walkers – taking you through open hills, secret valleys and quiet forests.
More About East Sussex
East Sussex is a large county in southeast England, which spans the historic towns of Rye, Battle and Hastings (where smugglers used to ply their trade) to Edwardian resorts like Bexhill-on-Sea, a major city and inland weald towns.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is near Camber Sands, and home to over 4000 species of wildlife, including 300 rare species. The reserve features a moving shingle coastland and a variety of habitats including salt marshes, shingle ridges and woodlands.
Along with ‘Norton’s Cabin’, a popular photography subject, a historic cabin on the beach for happy coastal hermits of old!
The nearby town of Rye is very hilly, with winding cobbled lanes, crooked Tudor houses and centuries-old inns. Mermaid Street is lined with sloping cottages, and home to many independent shops.
Nearby is the village of Winchelsea, where comedian Spike Milligan is buried. He has a Celtic inscription on his grave, after being refused his request for it to read ‘I told I was ill!’
Often classed as one of the funniest ever men, he fought a huge battle with depression, and often spoke on men’s mental health.
Also near Rye is Peasmarsh, a tiny village noted for being home to one of England’s few independent supermarkets. It’s not a ‘green grocery’ but does keep money within the community, and also runs several bakeries and cafes throughout the region.
Never walk on sand dunes, to protect nesting birds, seal pups and other wildlife. Also keep dogs away, especially in breeding season.
