A 3-mile circular walk following the histroic Greenwich Meridian through Peacehaven. Starting at the Meridian Monument on Peacehaven Promenade (Cliff Top), and taking in 17 points of interest along the route. This is not a walk to be rushed, so take your time.
What is the Meridian Line? It is the vertical line of longitude that runs through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and defines the line between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It is also known as Zero degrees longitude and is also the Prime Meridian for the world. The magnificent Meridian Monument marks the place where the Meridian enters British soil.
Why this walk? By following this walk you will find a surprising number of green and secluded parks that you may not have come across before. The Jubilee Gym is angled towards adults but the Firle Road Play Area is for under 12s only. The Oval, of course, is for all ages and just the place to enjoy a picnic. This is a walk for the whole family.
How do I find my way? The directions are set out to follow the numbers on either the downloadable map, or the online map, starting at Number 1, the Meridian Monument, with the last point of interest, number 17, being Peacehaven Town Council.
Getting to the start No. 12 bus from Brighton or Eastbourne. Alight at Roderick Avenue. Bus times can be found at www.buses.co.uk
Memorial to King George V and marks the Prime Meridian
In or around 1933, one of the town’s residents, Commander W S Davenport, mentioned to the town’s founder, Charles Neville, that the Meridian Line passed through the town and out to sea. Neville requested Davenport arrange a public appeal to raise money to mark the Meridian and to commemorate the forthcoming Silver Jubilee of King George V. However, the King died before the Monument could be completed, thus it was unveiled as a memorial to the late King.
Spot the Māori greeting sign
Local veterinary practice with a meaningful name
Artwork on the Meridian Line
Outside the entrance lies a mosaic celebrating the Meridian Line. The mosaic was completed by local artist Aimee Harman, whose mosaic work can also be seen on the roundabout by The Dell.
Stands on 0° longitude
Painted gold to mark, not only the 100th year of Peacehaven, but also because it sits on the Meridian Line at 0° longitude. Stand by the post in Greenwich Way and you can step between Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This may be a small step physically, but geographically it’s huge!
Designed to represent the landscape of the local area, including the sea, the chalk cliffs, and the South Downs beyond.
Free public exercise space
Open to all and free to use throughout the year, the gym provides a great range of cardio and resistance exercise equipment.
Bounded on one side by trees and scrub, which include white/grey poplar, hawthorn and willow. It is an educational resource for the local community, where schools can carry out some of their science lessons.
Tree-lined grass area, ideal for picnics and for children to play
A green hub for food, skills and well-being
Community Garden members grow produce, share ideas, learn gardening skills, and is a great family venue. The garden contributes to a healthy lifestyle by:-
🌱 Join the Community Garden
Want to grow your own food or meet like-minded locals? For the most up-to-date information and upcoming meeting dates, and to join the Peacehaven Communmity Garden Facebook group, visit www.peacehaventowncouncil.gov.uk/community-garden
Panoramic views of the coast and countryside
It’s also a wonderful place for dog walks or taking a leisurely stroll. Why not head east to a viewpoint, complete with bench, to take a welcome rest and enjoy those views.
Education with an historic link
Another sign of Peacehaven’s proud connection to the Meridian. Nearby, watch out for Anzac Close, a reference to the original name suggested for Peacehaven.
Nature and adventure on a quieter route
Along this tree-lined hidden gem you can listen to birdsong and look out for squirrels. This footpath passes a BMX/pump track and avoids the traffic on Pelham Rise.
Historic building gifted by the famous singer
Gracie Fields bought this house for her parents after she visited Peacehaven in 1928. However, after only a few weeks, they found it ‘too far from the pub’ and ‘too isolated’, so Gracie bought them another house (in Telscombe), and the Peacehaven house was left vacant for several years. Gracie donated the house to be used as a home for children of variety show artists whose parents had died or fallen on hard times. In 1933, ‘The Gracie Fields Children’s Home and Orphanage’ opened and was funded by Gracie until 1967. When it re-opened in 1970 as a care home, Gracie attended the opening celebrations.
More details can be found at www.Graciefields.org
School crest inspired by the monument
A mixed secondary school for 11 to 16 year-olds, the school was opened in 2001 following a 40-year local community campaign for a secondary school in Peacehaven. The crest is inspired by the Meridian Monument – the circular shape reflects the ball on top of the Monument, and the line running through it represents the Meridian Line.
A vital community space with free facilities
Here you will find an accessible public toilet and baby change facility, alongside the usual services you would expect, like books, free Wi-Fi, computers, games and activities. The library also holds local history material if this walk has piqued your interest in Peacehaven. Residents have successfully campaigned to keep the library open in recent years. (Open Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday).
Drop in for info on local groups and activities
Find out about Peacehaven’s services, organisations, and groups, and access information on local things to do. Come on in, pick up some leaflets on the local and surrounding area, and talk to our welcoming officers, who will be only too happy to help. Opening hours are 9am – 4pm Monday – Friday.
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