The pretty village of Wilmington, East Sussex, lies within the South Downs National Park between Lewes and Eastbourne. Nestled into the Downs and overlooked by the famous Long Man of Wilmington (a giant figure originally cut into the chalk hillside) this is one of the prettiest parts of Sussex and boasts sensational views of the Downs.
The village features:
- An historic church and priory with origins in the 11th century
- The Long Man Inn – a recently refurbished, locally-owned free house with rooms serving award-winning local beers and good food
- A village hall with kitchen and outside area including a boules pitch
- A public car park overlooking the famous chalk Long Man of Wilmington with access to the 100-mile South Downs Way
- A defibrillator (located at the Long Man Inn)
- Several listed buildings
- A famous yew tree more than 1600 years old
- A red telephone box that villagers have transformed into a library
Nearby are the neighbouring hamlets of Folkington, with its own historic church St. Peter ad Vincula, and Milton Street, where the award-winning gastropub The Sussex Ox is located. The three villages are connected by public footpaths and a cycle lane running alongside the A27.
Local attractions include Drusillas Park, Charleston and Glyndebourne, as well as the famous village of Alfriston. The closest railway stations are Polegate and Berwick.
Wilmington has some 300 residents and a thriving community centred around the Wilmington Village Club, which serves the three villages of Wilmington, Milton Street and Folkington, and is run by a volunteer committee of residents.
Please click here to download a PDF booklet of the village walk.