Newhaven is situated just opposite the French port of Dieppe, and was once an important defensive outpost against marauding French raids and invasions. When we arrived we visited St Michael’s Church which dates back to the 12th Century.
After that we walked around the ancient castle walls. There are some great views from up there! I could see all the way across to Brighton and beyond to Worthing.
Newhaven Castle was first built in the 13th century as a wooden structure, but after attacks by French ships it was rebuilt as a stone fortress in the 15th century. It was modified again in the 16th century but it fell into disrepair after a Spanish invasion attacked Newhaven in 1588.
These days, all that remains of the castle is its circular, grassed-over mound which you can walk around for free. The land slopes steeply on two sides and there are some great views from the top.