Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery

Introduction
This review covers a popular day trip from Brighton that promises a blend of breathtaking scenery, local flavors, and charming villages. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the detailed information and reviews suggest it offers a well-rounded experience for lovers of nature, wine, and authentic English villages.

What we love about this tour is the combination of stunning coastal views at the Seven Sisters, the chance to sample award-winning Sussex wines at Rathfinny, and the opportunity to explore a traditional brewery. Plus, the fact that it offers private transportation and a relaxed, intimate pace makes it particularly appealing.

A possible drawback is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you prefer a sit-down meal during the day. Still, this trip is ideal for those who want to explore at a comfortable pace without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. If you enjoy scenic drives, wine tasting, and discovering local history, this tour is a great pick.

Good To Know

• Scenic Coastal Views: The Seven Sisters cliffs provide iconic photo opportunities and breathtaking vistas.
• Wine Tasting: Rathfinny Wine Estate offers a genuine taste of Sussex’s sparkling wines, produced from local grapes.
• Historic & Cultural Stops: Alfriston Village and Long Man Brewery add a charming, authentic touch to the day.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private, air-conditioned transport with WiFi makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Colin enhance the experience with fun facts and local insights.
• Flexible & Relaxed: The tour’s slow pace and small group size (max 14) promote a personal experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Devil’s Dyke National Trust (Pass By)

While you won’t stop here, the tour passes by Devil’s Dyke to give you a glimpse of the UK’s largest V-shaped valley, rising 700 feet. It’s a quick visual highlight that sets the tone for the stunning natural scenery ahead. If you’re into dramatic landscapes, the view from the bus as it passes by is quite impressive.

Seaford Head Nature Reserve

This is a highlight for many, offering spectacular views of the Seven Sisters from Seaford Head. The reserve, managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust, allows about 45 minutes to take in the dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. According to reviews, the views here are so striking that visitors can’t help but snap countless photos. Admission is free, making it a great budget-friendly stop.

Rathfinny Wine Estate

A true treat for wine lovers, Rathfinny is known for its traditional method sparkling wines. The estate emphasizes hand-harvested grapes and a careful process involving whole-bunch pressing and maturation on lees. Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute visit that includes free wine tastings. Reviewers have praised the wines as authentic expressions of Sussex terroir, with one mentioning the vintage Sussex sparkling wine as a “true expression” of the region.

Long Man Brewery

After a short drive, you’ll visit this award-winning brewery housed in a historic flint barn in Litlington. The brewery’s story is described as “as rich and robust as the beers it crafts,” and the visit lasts about 40 minutes. You’ll get to sample Long Man Brewery beers, which many guests find a perfect complement to the day’s experiences. The brewery’s setting and authentic brewing story add to the charm, as noted by those who visited.

The Long Man of Wilmington (Pass By)

While there’s no stop here, the tour passes by this famous hill figure. It’s a quick visual highlight, giving you a sense of the local landscape and history without taking time away from the other attractions.

Alfriston Village

The final stop is about an hour in the beautiful village of Alfriston. Known for its historic sites, pubs, cafes, and bookshops, it’s a quintessentially English village perfect for strolling and soaking up local culture. One reviewer appreciated the relaxed walk around, noting the charming shops and classic tea houses as highlights.

What Travelers Can Expect

Transportation & Comfort
Travel is in a luxury Mercedes minibus that’s air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi, making the journey pleasant and comfortable. The small group size (up to 14 travelers) means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the guide, often described as friendly and knowledgeable (like Colin), adds personal touches with fun facts.

Timing & Pacing
The tour lasts roughly six hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The stops are carefully chosen to balance scenic views, cultural insights, and tasting opportunities. The flexible pacing means you can enjoy each location as slowly as you like, taking photos or just relaxing.

Price & Value
At $194.39 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions—private transport, guide, WiFi, water, and tastings. Notably, lunch is not included, so budget for a meal or snacks during the stops. Many find the wine tastings and scenic stops worth the price, especially with the small group intimacy and expert guidance.

Reviews & Authentic Experiences

• One guest described the day as “very casual and intimate,” with a “relaxed pace” and a stop in a “quaint Sussex village.”
• Another said, “Colin was amazing, super friendly, and showed us around with fun facts and anecdotes,” highlighting the guide’s role in enriching the experience.
• Visitors also appreciated the stunning views at Seaford Head and the authentic wines at Rathfinny, describing the tastings as genuine and flavorful.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Book in advance (average booking 41 days ahead), as the tour tends to fill up.
• Arrive early for the 9:30 am start, especially if you need to coordinate pickup or parking.
• Bring layers, as coastal weather can be unpredictable, even in summer.
• Consider packing some snacks or a picnic, though there are cafes and shops in Alfriston.
• Plan ahead for lunch, as it’s not included—many guests recommend grabbing a pub lunch in Alfriston or packing a light snack.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, local wine, and cultural charm. The small group setting and knowledgeable guide make it more personal and engaging, while the scenic stops—especially Seaford Head and the Seven Sisters—are sure to impress.

For those who love beautiful coastlines, authentic wine experiences, and historic villages, this is a compelling day trip that delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace, meaningful tastings, and picturesque landscapes without the hassle of planning each detail.

The only caveat is the absence of included lunch, but with the scenic stops and quality experiences, many find it a small trade-off for the value offered. Overall, a great way to explore Sussex’s natural beauty and local flavors in comfort and style.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to eat in Alfriston or at a nearby pub.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, from 9:30 am to early afternoon, with stops at key sites.

What type of vehicle is used?
Transport is in a luxury Mercedes minibus, which is air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi for a comfortable ride.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 14, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.

Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, Rathfinny’s wine tastings are included, as well as beer sampling at Long Man Brewery.

Is the tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The scenic views at Seaford Head and the coast are ideal for capturing memorable photos.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring layers for changing weather, a camera, and possibly some snacks. The stops are mostly outdoors or in charming villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

In all, this tour offers a rewarding day discovering Sussex’s coastal beauty, vineyards, and villages. With a relaxed pace and authentic experiences, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a taste of England’s countryside and coast in style.