Exceat

Exceat is one of several lost downland villages. Its inhabitants succumbed to the Black Death in the 1300s, and raids by the French led to it being abandoned altogether a century later. A standing stone which marks the site of the Exceat church is all that remains of this lost habitation. This may have been one of Alfred the Great’s main naval bases in his war against the Vikings. Beautiful views over the Cuckmere.

Parking: BN25 4AD (Seven Sisters Car Park, £4 a day, then walk)

For more info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/trails/cliff-top-walk-from-birling-gap-to-exceat