Living in Seaford

There is a strong sense of community in Seaford, bolstered by active residents’ associations, regular town events, and a network of local groups catering to diverse interests. The friendly, welcoming community hosts an annual Seaford Carnival, artisan markets, and cultural festivals, fostering connections among residents.

Green spaces are plentiful, including the Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Cuckmere Haven, and the South Downs trails, all presenting opportunities for walking, cycling, and relaxation in nature. Community halls, leisure centres, and a vibrant volunteering tradition further add to the area’s inclusive, engaged local life.

Crime rates in Seaford are typically below the national average, contributing to a perception of safety that is one of the town’s main draws. As a peaceful seaside community, most incidents are low-level, such as anti-social behaviour or minor theft, with violent crime being relatively rare compared to urban centres.

The town benefits from a visible community policing team, neighbourhood watch schemes, and active resident associations. Ongoing projects and local initiatives aim to ensure Seaford remains secure for all inhabitants. Recent regeneration in the town centre and along the seafront has enhanced lighting and public areas, further adding to a sense of safety.

Parking in Seaford is generally considered straightforward compared to larger coastal towns or cities. The town centre offers several pay-and-display car parks, while residential streets typically provide unrestricted or permit-based parking. During peak tourist periods, particularly in summer, spaces near the seafront and popular landmarks such as Seaford Head can become limited, but outside of these times, parking is rarely a significant issue for residents.

The A259 offers convenient road access across the south coast. Traffic congestion in Seaford is usually mild, though the A259 can be busier during rush hours and holiday weekends. It is easy to reach surrounding towns:

• Brighton – approx. 35 minutes via A259 (14 miles)
• Lewes – approx. 20 minutes via A26 (10 miles)
• Eastbourne – approx. 30 minutes via A259 (13 miles)
• Newhaven – approx. 10 minutes via A259 (4 miles)

Seaford has an appealing food scene focused on independent cafés, fish and chip shops, tearooms, and family-friendly pubs. Popular spots such as The Grumpy Chef and front-facing beach cafés make the most of the town’s coastal setting. The Wellington and Cinque Ports are longstanding pubs that serve as local social hubs with traditional fare.

The nightlife in Seaford is largely low-key, with a handful of bars and community events replacing the club scene found in nearby Brighton. Occasional live music nights, quiz evenings, and theatre performances at the Seaford Little Theatre add to the social life. For residents looking for a more lively atmosphere, the quick journey to Brighton provides ample nightlife and late-night venues.

School Quality
Seaford has a selection of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, making it an appealing destination for families seeking good educational opportunities. Seaford Head School’s outstanding rating reflects the general standard of local schools.

Parks and Green Space
Numerous parks, play areas, and easy access to the South Downs provide ample outdoor options for families. The seafront promenade and local recreation grounds are popular with children and adults alike.

Childcare
Several nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders operate in the area, providing flexible childcare solutions. Supportive community networks further ease the lives of families with young children.

Safety
Seaford is considered a safe area with low crime, contributing to its family-friendly appeal. Active neighbourhood groups and engaged policing help maintain this environment.

Family Activities
The town offers sports facilities, swimming pools, summer camps, and creative workshops. Proximity to Cuckmere Haven and Drusillas Park provides weekend adventure and learning opportunities.

Seaford is a pet-friendly town, benefiting from an abundance of green spaces, coastal walks, and easy access to the South Downs for longer adventures with dogs. The seafront and Seaford Head Nature Reserve are popular with local dog owners, offering extensive areas for exercising pets.

There are several veterinary practices in town, including Seaford Vets and Downlands Veterinary Group, as well as local pet shops and dog-friendly cafés that welcome four-legged companions. Local rental properties increasingly accommodate pets, reflecting the broad acceptance of animals in both private and public spaces.

Public transport in Seaford is robust, with regular train services connecting the town to London, Brighton, Lewes, and beyond. The Seaford railway station provides a direct line to Lewes, which then links to the Southern network for London Victoria and Brighton connections. Buses run frequently to nearby towns, including Eastbourne, Newhaven, and Brighton, servicing both daily commuters and leisure travelers.

For road users, the A259 coastal road runs through Seaford, providing access east to Eastbourne and west toward Newhaven, Brighton, and Worthing. The town is also a gateway to the South Downs and popular countryside routes. Gatwick Airport is approximately 50 minutes by car, and both London airports and regional hubs are within feasible driving or rail distances.

Typical commute times:

• Brighton – approx. 30 minutes by train or car
• Lewes – approx. 15 minutes by train
• London Victoria – about 90 minutes by train (changing at Lewes)
• Eastbourne – approx. 35 minutes by car, 30–40 minutes by bus
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 50 minutes by car, 60–70 minutes by train (with changes)

Primary Schools
Seaford provides a good selection of primary education options, including Seaford Primary School (Ofsted rated 'Good', March 2022), Chyngton School (Ofsted rated 'Good', November 2021), and Cradle Hill Community Primary School (Ofsted rated 'Good', December 2021). These are well regarded for their supportive environments and range of extracurricular opportunities. Annecy Catholic Primary School also serves families seeking a faith-based education.

Secondary Schools
The town's principal secondary school is Seaford Head School, an academy with a strong local reputation. Seaford Head School (Ofsted rated 'Outstanding', April 2017) is known for its inclusive ethos, comprehensive curriculum, and successful exam results. This makes it a popular choice for families both within and outside Seaford.

Colleges and Sixth Forms
For post-16 education, students commonly attend Seaford Head Sixth Form (linked to the secondary school) or commute to larger colleges in Lewes or Eastbourne. East Sussex College in Lewes and Sussex Downs College in Eastbourne are accessible options, providing a broad range of academic and vocational courses.

Universities
There are no universities directly in Seaford. However, the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton are both within commuting distance, with frequent rail and road links making them practical choices for local students moving into higher education.