Although American girl band TLC were pretty firm in their advice not to do this, we think it might be time to throw caution to the wind and start ‘chasing waterfalls’ whilst you are in Sussex. These waterfalls may not rival Niagara Falls, but most of them are found in enchanting spots around Sussex which alone provide the surroundings for a decent trek and day out in the countryside. There are many great things to enjoy about waterfalls alone, whether that’s the sound of water cascading down rocks or the sun glinting from above, but another bonus is that the nearby areas often play host to streams, lakes, ponds, bridges and lots of interesting wildlife.
The best thing about the first waterfall on our list is that you don’t even need to leave Brighton to see it. A secret city waterfall – how convenient! So, whether you are after a quick photo opportunity or a whole day in the countryside, this list will have you covered. Although the consensus is that most of these waterfalls are at their most impressive after a few days of decent rain so don’t expect to be blown away if you go visit in the middle of a heatwave. Waterfalls need, repeat after us, water. And please don’t go and tell TLC what you are about to do, for goodness sake!
Preston Park Waterfall, Brighton
Those who think you need to escape the city to enjoy the delights of a waterfall are wrong, wrong, wrong! Hidden away in Brighton’s very own Preston Park district is a stunning waterfall surrounded by a well-maintained rock garden. With water features, bridges and a variety of trees and plants, this is one of Brighton’s most unexpected secrets and the perfect place to take lovers, friends and family, or just enjoy a bit of quiet time on your own. Landscaped in 1935 by Captain B Maclaran, the rock garden is the largest municipal rock garden in the UK.
As well as enjoying the water cascading down several levels of rock, the nearby pond has also been rumoured to house a resident turtle that will occasionally pop out and say hello to visitors. This slice of Brighton is so peaceful and pristine, you’ll feel a million miles away from the hectic town centre and busy beach side bars and cafes. The fact that there is no obvious signage to the waterfall means only the most adventurous and savvy residents and holidayers will find this little haven so close to the city centre. Whilst in the area, it is worth grabbing a snack at one of the cafes in the nearby Preston Park or visiting St Peter’s, a 13th century church with a beautiful churchyard.
Garden of Eden Waterfall Circular, Crowborough
A little bit further from Brighton, heading towards Royal Tunbridge Wells, this secret waterfall is part of a 5.3km circular trail near Crowborough in East Sussex. Don’t worry, you won’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy this trail, with the route generally considered an easy one which takes an average of 1 hour 19 minutes to complete.
The trail is open year-round and there is plenty of parking available nearby which makes your waterfall hunt easier. As well as a charming waterfall, the trail is popular for birding, hiking and mountain biking. So whilst it may be busy in the summertime, you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the year.
Rather than a staggered waterfall like Preston Park, this waterfall is a more traditional one drop waterfall, although don’t expect to be able to shower underneath it. The flow of the waterfall does depend on the amount of water that has been falling. Because of this, there is a chance that at certain periods it may have dried up so it’s worth making sure there’s been a shower or two before your visit.
Heavy flow or not, the area is still stunning with regular streams appearing throughout the walk and the sound of water trickling will whisk you away from the pressures of everyday life. For those looking for some refreshments after their hike, the Ashdown Forest Garden Centre and Greenfingers Café are both a two-minute drive away and are known for doing rather tasty cream teas. And there’s probably no better way to end the day than that!
Bedelands Nature Reserve, Burgess Hill
Travelling from East to West Sussex, this waterfall pops up where you might least expect it – located down a residential road in Burgess Hill. In a similar style to Preston Park, but perhaps a little grander, the water cascades down step after step of rock to create a stunning scene you wouldn’t expect so near to a town.
The waterfall is part of the Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve, which also homes a large lake and lots of great walking trails. Once you get away from the residential road, this is an area surrounded by plants, trees and woodland and is enjoyed by local residents who come here to picnic and get back to nature.
Why not take a book and picnic mat and go rest by the lake, listening to the sound of the waterfall in the distance. There is also a swing over the water so those more daring can enjoy a closer look at the waterfall. Seven meadows are part of this 33 hectare site, which is the largest green site in Burgess Hill. The meadows house a diverse selection of wildlife to enjoy, including the protected Hazel Dormouse. With abundant wildflowers, the Millennium Seedbank and High Weald Landscape Trust both harvest seeds here. As well as the large lakes, there are a few smaller ponds for visitors to enjoy such as the well-fenced Dipping Pond, which is frequently booked by children’s groups and schools.
Little Roar Gill Waterfall, Hastings
Home to several small waterfalls and the larger Little Roar Gill waterfall, again this is somewhere better to visit after significant rainfall. The woodland trek through Alexandra Park can be muddy and is not accessible for wheelchairs, but there is a luscious rainforest like feel to this area of Sussex. Again, modern life is often only a stone’s throw away with roads, bridges and residential homes interspersed with the woods and magic of the forest. There is plenty of wildlife to spot during your walk with the highest population of crane flies in the UK.
The walk from the entrance of the Harmer’s Reservoir in Alexandra Park to the waterfall is around 20-30 minutes and there is free parking in the road at the reservoir. From the reservoir, you can walk to the miniature railway and head to Buckshole Reservoir. Following a path around the east side adjacent to St Helen’s Road, you will pick up the path into the Nature Reserve that leads to the Gill.
The name Little Roar Gill comes from the noise of the waterfall, which sounds like the roar of a lion if there has been enough rain. This isn’t the most isolated spot to see a waterfall as you will be surrounded by roads and houses, with people’s gardens overlooking the gill, but the waterfall is an impressive one and the woody terrain and streams and wildlife make it well worth the visit. Wellies will definitely be needed if it has been raining and if you want to splash around in the streams and waterfalls.
The Chantry Lane Waterfall, Storrington
Returning to West Sussex, this is another unexpected waterfall – this time because the waterfall is found directly next to a main road. This means that if you are up for taking a peak at this natural wonder, you will also need to make sure you do not get run over in the process (maybe that’s why TLC advised us not to chase them!).
It isn’t the largest of waterfalls, but the flow can be heavy after rainfall and the sight of a gushing waterfall next to man-made concrete creates an interesting juxtaposition, and photo opportunity. The Chantry Lane Waterfall is found along the River Stor, an important tributary of the tidal River Arun in West Sussex. One of only a few natural waterfalls in Sussex, it is the result of the river emerging from the South Downs near Chantry Lane and falling from clay stratum to greensand stratums. The River Stor used to power a fulling mill in the 18th century, a treatment site for woollen cloth that was made from the fleeces of sheep.
Whilst you are in the Storrington area, why not visit Parham House and Gardens, which is set in the heart of an ancient deer park and was featured as one of the top 20 in Simon Jenkin’s book ‘England’s Thousand Best Homes.’ You can also hire a boat that runs along the River Arun or sign up for a Horsham District Mystery Trail.
