South Hill Barn Parking
The Town Council is introducing a one‑year trial of a paid parking system at the South Hill Barn car park, planned to begin in late April 2026.
This trial is a proactive step to help manage parking more effectively ahead of the busy summer months—reducing congestion and improving the experience for both residents and visitors.
Because Seaford residents already support the Seaford Head Estate and South Hill Barn through their council tax, the Council is committed to ensuring locals continue to benefit during this trial.
Free Parking for BN25 Residents
All BN25 residents are eligible for a free parking permit, giving them unlimited free parking at South Hill Barn for the entire duration of the trial.
How to Get Your Free Permit
Residents can collect their permit by:
- Visiting the Seaford Tourist Information Centre, 37 Church Street, Seaford Open Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
- Bringing proof of address:
- Either your driving licence
- OR a utility bill (e.g., electricity or council tax) plus your passport or bus pass
Permits will be registered to a specific car, so please ensure you know the car registration that you wish to have added to the permit. There is a maximum of three (3) permits available per household.
Your permit will be issued on the spot and can be displayed in your car windscreen immediately.
Trial Period and Review
The trial will run for the full financial year—from late April 2026 to March 2027.
Near the end of the trial, the Town Council will review the scheme’s effectiveness and present findings to Full Council to decide on next steps.
FAQs
- General Information About the Trial
Why is the Town Council introducing parking charges at South Hill Barn?
This one‑year trial aims to improve parking management during the busy summer season, reduce congestion, and enhance the experience for both residents and visitors. It is not designed to generate profit or fund specific improvement projects.
Is the Town Council banning visitors or coaches?
No. Everyone is still welcome. The trial simply introduces parking charges to help manage demand.
Coaches may park but will be charged a premium rate, and car park attendants will help ensure they park safely.
- Installation, Start Dates & Payment
When will the parking machines be installed and working?
The Town Council is awaiting planning approval. Once granted, the machines will be installed, tested, and prepared for use.
When will charging start?
Charging will begin once planning approval is granted and machines are installed. This is expected to be late April.
Will I be able to pay with cash?
No. The scheme is cashless, with payment available by card. This aligns with other local parking systems and reduces the risk of vandalism and theft.
How much will parking cost?
| PEAK PRICING | OFF PEAK PRICING | |||||||||
| Minutes | Cars | Minutes | Coaches | Minutes | Cars | Minutes | Coaches | |||
| Price | Price | Price | Price | |||||||
| 0-15 | £ 2.00 | 0-60 | £ 10.00 | 0-15 | £ 2.00 | 0-60 | £ 10.00 | |||
| 16-30 | £ 2.00 | 61-240 | £ 15.00 | 16-30 | £ 2.00 | 61-240 | £ 15.00 | |||
| 31-60 | £ 2.00 | 241+ | £ 20.00 | 31-60 | £ 2.00 | 241+ | £ 20.00 | |||
| 61-120 | £ 4.00 | 61-120 | £ 4.00 | |||||||
| 121-240 | £ 8.00 | 121-240 | £ 8.00 | |||||||
| 241-360 | £ 8.00 | 241-360 | £ 8.00 | |||||||
| All Day | £ 8.00 | All Day | £ 8.00 | |||||||
- Resident Permits
Who can get a resident parking permit?
Permits are available only to Seaford residents, as Seaford households already contribute to the upkeep of the Seaford Head Estate through their council tax. Residents of other towns do not pay for the upkeep of the Estate, so they are not entitled to a resident’s permit.
Why do you need my ID and proof of address?
This ensures permits are issued fairly and only to Seaford residents.
Why is my car registration written on the permit? Why can’t we swap permits between cars?
Permits are linked to individual vehicles to ensure fairness and to help manage congestion. Households are encouraged to car‑share where possible, and many residents can access Seaford Head on foot.
Will my resident permit guarantee me a parking space?
No. As with most permit schemes, it allows you to park for free but does not guarantee availability.
Can I use my resident permit in other Seaford car parks?
No. The South Hill Barn permit applies only to that car park. Other car parks are managed separately.
Will there be resident permits for the seafront?
No. There are currently no plans to introduce a permit scheme for Seaford Seafront.
- Collecting Your Permit
What if I can’t get to the Tourist Information Centre during working hours?
Residents are encouraged to visit when they can, and there is plenty of time before charging begins.
If you face exceptional circumstances, please email admin@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk and an officer can arrange an out‑of‑hours collection.
- Visitors and Non‑Residents
I don’t live in Seaford but use the car park regularly. Why can’t I get a permit?
Resident permits are limited to Seaford households, which already contribute financially to the upkeep of the area through their council tax. Visitors are still very welcome to park using the standard charging system.
Hope Gap Steps
Seaford Town Council has regrettably been forced to close Hope Gap steps due to the extreme cliff erosion at the site, which has left the steps dangerous and unsafe for public use.
A closure of the Hope Gap steps has been in place since August 2023, initially due to the damage (through erosion) to the bottom of the steps.
The Town Council has been working with partner authorities and stakeholders to look at the future of Hope Gap steps, gathering information for a sustainable solution.
This work will continue to take time, due to the sensitive nature of the site, and the need for the Town Council to consider the geological and ecological impact of any repair works as well as seek permission/consent from relevant governing bodies.
As can be seen by the photo below, there has been a significant amount of further cliff erosion, causing a large area of the steps to be undermined. The Town Council has had no choice but to accept that the steps are dangerously unsafe and continue to close the steps to the public.
The Town Council is aware that, at times, members of the public have ignored the danger signs and climbed the barrier to continue to use the steps. As a result, the Town Council will be installing security fencing which will encase the structure, discourage access to the steps and thus improve visitor safety at the site.
Warning signage will be placed as appropriate, including warning visitors approaching Hope Gap from Cuckmere.
Sussex Wildlife Trust – PhotoPosts around our reserves
It’s been around three years since the installation of the fixed-point photo posts on various reserves across Sussex as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. Since then, hundreds of submissions from visitors sending in their photos via social media or email – all contributing to some great citizen science!
Full details can be found atwwwsussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/photoposts-around-our-reserves-3-years-on
The Nature Reserve is easiest accessed by two points; South Hill Barn in Seaford or from Eastbourne Road (A259) at Exceat Bridge.
Currently there is free parking at South Hill Barn, Seaford, the nearest post code is BN25 4JQ. From here is a simply stunning walk down Seaford Head to Cuckmere Valley, overlooking the Seven Sisters Cliffs and river mouth. Alternatively, there is parking available at the Seven Sisters Country Park, A259, BN25 4AD, that does charge a fee. This allows access to the Nature Reserve from the northern end of the river if you cross Exceat Bridge and access the Reserve through the rear of the Cuckmere Inn’s car park.
While there why not pop in to The View at Seaford Head for a refreshing drink or bite to eat, sit on the terrace balcony and take in the view.
Miles Without Stiles!
South Downs National Park Authority have been working on creating route maps of trails suitable for people with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, please see the leaflet available for download with a route identified on Seaford Head or view the National Park Authority’s website for more information.
Picture: View of the Seven Sisters from the walk down Seaford Head towards Hope Gap and Cuckmere Valley.
We Hear You Now
The South Downs National Park Authority, in partnership with Seaford Town Council, other local authorities and volunteers, has launched the We Hear You Now project which features audio story, new myth and poetry at listening points across the Sussex Heritage Coast. Two of these listening points can be found on Seaford Head, the full leaflet, which includes listening point locations, can be found here – SDNPA We Hear You Now Leaflet
To find out more visit – https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/we-hear-you-now/
*This page was last updated February 2026*
