Newhaven

England, United Kingdom

The busy port of Newhaven is located in East Sussex, England. Situated at the mouth of the River Ouse, just a stone’s throw away from Brighton, Newhaven is connected to France by ferry and offers numerous amenities for travelers!

Discover the best tips about the port of Newhaven, its ferry connections and services, and what to do in the city during your stay.

Below, you can find detailed information about:

Urban coast of Newhaven, England, at night

The illuminated coastline of Newhaven at night

Newhaven ferry port

The ferry port of Newhaven is one of the most important gateways between England and France, providing fast, safe and convenient maritime services throughout the year. There are also numerous fishing vessels in operation, supporting Newhaven’s local industry.

Ferries from Newhaven port: schedules and tickets

The strategic position of Newhaven allows you to easily travel to the French port of Dieppe, Normandy. The route is operated year-round by the company DFDS. Specifically:

  • Newhaven - Dieppe ferry: you can catch a ferry from Newhaven - Dieppe every day, with around 2-3 departures depending on the season. The estimated travel time is around 4 hours.

Tip: traveling by ferry between the UK and France certainly has its perks! Learn all about it in our dedicated article.

Where is the ferry port in Newhaven?

The port of Newhaven is at the mouth of the River Ouse, on the South East Coast of England. The DFDS ferry terminal is rather close to the city center of Newhaven, within walking distance from most points of interest.

How to get to Newhaven port?

Close to the port, you can find 2 train and several bus stations that are connected to neighboring locations in England. You can also drive there by car from other urban hotspots, such as Brighton.

Once you get to the center of Newhaven, you can easily reach the terminal on foot, as the city is quite pedestrian-friendly. There are several signs to guide you on your way there.

Fishing spot at the port of Newhaven with the lighthouse in the background

Quiet and serene fishing spot in the port area of Newhaven

Holidays in Newhaven

Reflecting its Medieval past in every corner, Newhaven is a beautiful seaside town with historic landmarks to visit, stunning landscapes to explore and picturesque towns in proximity. As such, Newhaven is perfect for day trips or weekend getaways in East Sussex.

And once you immerse yourself in the city’s energy, why not resume your journey elsewhere? Plan a visit to the famous beach of Brighton or catch a ferry to France and visit Dieppe!

Newhaven is great for all kinds of travelers, with lovers of nature and history enjoying diverse sightseeing and outdoor exploration. And with the presence of a college campus in Newhaven, you can expect plenty of entertainment options beaming with life.

How to get to Newhaven

There are several ways of getting to Newhaven, including by car, public transport and ferry.

To reach Newhaven by car, there are motorways from London and Brighton. The one that leads to Newhaven is A26, past Lewes, the county town of East Sussex.

Alternatively, you can take the train to Newhaven from London, Brighton, Seaford and Lewes. Newhaven Harbor Station is within walking distance from the ferry port. As the nearest airports are mostly located in London, getting there by plane and then resuming your trip to Newhaven by train is nothing but smooth sailing.

Last but not least, you can catch a ferry to Newhaven from Dieppe in the well-connected French region of Normandy. In just 4 hours, you can cross the English Channel and get in the right mood for your holidays in the seaside wonder of Newhaven!

What to do in Newhaven

Stroll along the River Ouse, visit one of the many cozy pubs, go for historical sightseeing and try out water sports on the diverse coast of Newhaven.

Whatever you choose for your holiday in Newhaven, you can explore most of the city in 1 or 2 days. Now, if you want to explore the other riverside beauties of East Sussex, such as Brighton and its reputable beach, planning a longer visit is highly recommended.

Let’s discover the best of Newhaven and its surrounding areas below, including the top landmarks and entertainment options.

Sightseeing and activities in Newhaven

In Newhaven, you can combine sightseeing with nature exploration and get the best of both worlds. For starters, we recommend visiting the following locations and attractions in Newhaven:

  • Newhaven Fort, the city’s most famous historical landmark, now functioning as a museum
  • The evergreen Castle Hill, which is a National Nature Reserve
  • The man-made Denton Island, in the port area of Newhaven
  • The serene St Michael's Anglican & Methodist Church
  • The port’s Newhaven Lighthouse

Now, what about activities in Newhaven? For thrill-seekers and lovers of photography, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities in dreamlike locations.

Bordered by lush greenery, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, Newhaven has the perfect scenery for outdoor activities! One of the most popular things to do is water sports, such as kayaking, surfing and water skiing. There are also family-friendly options, as well as group events in collaboration with Seaford and Brighton.

Now, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, Newhaven has that covered as well! Go for a walk on the beautiful Newhaven Beach, divided into two parts by the river, and then explore the surrounding area. We highly recommend the long Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs, which stretches generously between the two cities, offering beautiful views and many opportunities for hiking.

Cloudy day over Newhaven's rocky cliffs

One-of-a-kind exploration across Newhaven's rocky coast

Nightlife in Newhaven

In Newhaven, nightlife unfolds alongside the River Ouse, with several bars and traditional pubs that cater to all tastes. For more energetic moments, you can visit Brighton at night, which also offers numerous LGBTQI+ entertainment options.

Food in Newhaven

What good is an English holiday destination without traditional restaurants full of fish and chips? As Newhaven is known for its fishing industry, you can expect mouthwatering seafood delights in every corner of the city!

Among the many British delicacies and craft beers at the local pubs of Newhaven, you can also opt for international options, such as Sardinian and Turkish restaurants.

A serving of fish and chips at a British restaurant

Mouth-watering fish and chips waiting for you!

Useful information about Newhaven

Newhaven provides visitors and locals alike with everything, from central accommodation options to modern services. If you choose to spend the night here, consider booking closer to the city center, where the seaport and the train stations are located.

Nearby, you can also find medical clinics, pharmacies, bank branches and currency exchanges.

Tip: for additional medical and other services, you can visit the neighboring town of Brighton or Lewes, the county town of East Sussex.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Newhaven

Here are some useful phone numbers for your stay in Newhaven:

  • Newhaven Port Authority: +441273612900
  • Lewes Tourist Information: +441273483448
  • Newhaven Police Station: +441273470101
  • DFDS ferry terminal: +441235845138
  • Emergency phone number: 999

Transportation in Newhaven

Newhaven is easy to explore, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the night here. Most central locations are visitable on foot, including its city center and ferry port.

Alternatively, there is a convenient public transport network, with frequent local bus services and regional train connections. To travel more independently, however, you can make use of local car rental services or taxis.

The sandy beach of Brighton overlooking the sea

Brighton, the most famous neighbor of Newhaven!

Book Newhaven ferry tickets online

At the moment, booking Newhaven - Dieppe ferry tickets is not possible on Ferryhopper. As we focus on including more ferry routes, discover all the ways to travel between the UK and France on our interactive Map of ferries. Find inspiration for your next trip and book ferry tickets hassle-free!

Newhaven ferry timetable

View the complete ferry schedule from and to Newhaven for the upcoming week. Find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators and ticket prices.

Nearby destinations

Newhaven has direct ferry connections to 1 ports :