Rodmell and Virginia Woolf
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Our view
"Where the River Ouse cuts through the Downs, through two beautiful villages with important literary associations."
Walk directions
Walk along Rodmell’s main village street, diverting to visit the church, and pass by Monk’s House where Virginia and Leonard Woolf once lived. At the village/National Trust car park at the end of the village continue straight ahead (avoiding the road bending to the left) at the bridleway sign and onto a track.
Beyond a water treatment works you will find yourself in the flat water meadows of the River Ouse, where it cuts through the chalk of the South Downs, with long views across to Lewes Castle and cattle and horses grazing. Continue straight ahead and through a bridle gate, most likely disturbing a heron or two as you go, then pass through another bridle gate to reach the riverbank.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Tracks and riverbank path, village streets and some lanes
Landscape
- Water meadows of the River Ouse and villages on the foothills of the South Downs
Dog friendliness
- On lead along road between Southease and Rodmell and in Rodmell village
Parking
- On-street parking on The Street, Rodmell or at Monk’s House car park when house is closed
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
In 1919 the novelist Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard, leading lights in the Bloomsbury Group, bought Monk’s House in Rodmell as a country retreat. They were following her sister, Vanessa Bell, who had settled in 1916 at Charleston Farmhouse, near Eastbourne. Frequent visitors to Monk’s...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
East Sussex is a land of stately homes, castles and the South Downs, with miles of chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. For history buffs, there are a great many historic landmarks within Sussex, such as the battlefield where the Battle of Hastings took place, or visitors can enjoy pretty towns such as Lewes, Rye and Uckfield and the city of Brighton.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Malmaison Brighton
Overlooking the waterfront at Brighton Marina, the stylish Malmaison Brighton offers a good number of contemporary sea-facing rooms with balconies, terraces and air conditioning. The po...
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
The Jolly Sportsman
The Jolly Sportsman lives in the picturesque village of East Chiltington, and offers a combination of locally sourced food, comfortable accommodation, and a stunning garden bar, all set...
Central Wave
Awaiting description....
A Room With A View
In a superb position opposite the beach and near the celebrated Palace Pier, but also on the corner of a delightful garden square, A Room with a View offers space, comfort and convenien...
New Steine
Close to the seafront, off the Esplanade, the New Steine provides spacious and well-appointed accommodation. Simple yet appealing dishes with a French and British influence are availabl...
Queens Hotel
This hotel has a fantastic location with views of the beach and pier. The modern bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious, and many benefit from uninterrupted sea views. All bedrooms have Sm...
Places to eat nearby View all
