Seaford Museum of Local History

The museum sits right in Seaford town centre, tucked away in a building that honestly doesn't announce itself with much fuss. Inside you'll find the sort of local history collection that makes sense only if you've got some connection to the area - or you're the type who actually enjoys reading about medieval pottery shards and Victorian shopkeeping ledgers.

The exhibits cover Seaford's past from Saxon times through to the 20th century, with particular focus on the town's fishing heritage and its transformation as a seaside resort. There's a decent chunk of material about the Napoleonic Wars - Seaford's clifftop position meant it was fortified against French invasion - and some genuinely interesting photographs showing how the high street looked a hundred years ago.

It's best suited to local history enthusiasts rather than casual visitors after a quick cultural fix. A proper nose around takes about 90 minutes, though you could dash through in half that if you're not reading every label. School groups seem to get something out of it, particularly if they're studying local history for coursework.

The admission fee and opening hours aren't set in stone, so ring ahead or check locally when you're at Three Ponds Holiday Park, which is only 3.8 miles away. Combine this with a walk along Seaford Head or a stroll down to Newhaven's clifftops and you've got a decent half-day. It won't blow your mind, but it's free or cheap and gives you proper context for why this stretch of coast mattered.