A Sussex beach has been named on a list of the ten best ‘secret’ sandy spots in the UK.

Cuckmere Haven, between Seaford Head and the Seven Sisters Country Park, is one of the most recognisable spots in Sussex.

The area has featured in several films and TV shows including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Luther, Atonement and Agatha Christie’s Poirot.

The Independent has now listed it as one of the best beaches to visit and avoid a crowd, and it has been ranked amongst beaches from Wales, Dorset and Northern Ireland.

It boasts a sandy beach, plenty of wildlife and views of the white chalk cliffs of Sussex.

One visitor said on TripAdvisor: “This iconic sight takes your breath away! The cliffs are blindingly white, and the beach and surrounding countryside is so pretty. Everyone should see this once in their lifetime.”

The coastguard cottages that overlook the valley, are also very well-known. But since they were built in the 1830s they have faced many fears of coastal erosion, with the land in front of the cottages slowly disappearing due to crumbling sea defences.

Residents have launched a campaign called Cuckmere Haven SOS to raise £250,000 to repair the defences and save the famous view.

To get to Cuckmere Haven beach you can walk along Cuckmere River in the valley or walk along the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head.

Free parking is available at the South Hill Barn in Seaford, which is a 40-minute walk from the coastal spot. Pay and display parking is also available at the Seven Sisters car park.

The best secret beaches, according to The Independent:

  • Man O’War Beach, Dorset.
  • Runswick Bay, Yorkshire.
  • Embleton Beach, Northumberland.
  • Church Doors Cove, Pembrokeshire.
  • Lantic Bay, Cornwall.
  • Sandwood Bay, Sutherland.
  • Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd.
  • Aberlady Bay, East Lothian.
  • White Park Bay, Northern Ireland.