Newhaven Today

Welcome to Newhaven

The town of Newhaven, home to around 13,000 people, is situated at the mouth of the River Ouse and surrounded by the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Best known for its ferry link to Dieppe, France (operated by DFDS Transmanche), the harbour sits at the heart of the town, overlooked by residential areas on the hillsides. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the stunning natural scenery of cliffs, Downs, river, and sea.

A Maritime Heritage

Newhaven has a proud maritime history. The port, once central to town life, continues to shape its identity. Many modern developments in the town echo this heritage, from housing on West Quay inspired by fishing lofts and ocean liners, to the modern lifeboat station and riverside walkway. The old maritime workshop buildings on the east side of the river have been transformed into a college, further enhancing the riverside area. The recent designation of Newhaven as an Enterprise Zone promises exciting opportunities for regeneration and business growth. It now hosts a brand new art space BN9, a local brewery- Abyss Brewery and a fantastic café, Mamoosh Riverside.

Despite being a working port town, Newhaven has plenty to offer visitors:

• Newhaven Fort – A 19th-century clifftop fortress with ramparts, guns, underground passages, and fascinating displays on wartime life.

• Paradise Park – A family attraction featuring a dinosaur park, fossil and mineral collections, indoor and outdoor gardens, miniature railway, crazy golf, and children’s amusements.

The maritime atmosphere is a highlight for visitors. Walk along West Quay to see colourful fishing boats, watch the daily fish trade, and spot wildlife such as cormorants, swans, and seabirds. The Lifeboat Station is open to visitors, while Newhaven Marina offers yachting, scuba diving, water sports, and boat hire for sea angling and visit the famous Newhaven Fort attraction.

Nature and the Outdoors

• Castle Hill Nature Reserve – Located near Newhaven Fort, this Site of Special Scientific Interest features chalk grassland, rare birds such as the Dartford warbler and peregrine falcon, and breathtaking views over the town, sea, and Seaford Head.

• Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve – A newly created marshland and reed-bed reserve east of the town with paved paths for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. Nearby lies the lost village of Tidemills, once home to about 100 people, where flint walls and interpretive panels tell the story of this historic site.

History and Culture

The Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum, next to Paradise Park in Avis Way, showcases the town’s rich history with collections of artefacts, documents, and photographs.

For a tourist leaflet and map, the “Newhaven Coast & Country Guide”, please contact Newhaven Town Council.