Former Blue Peter presenter and actor Peter Duncan shares his lifelong love affair with the UK’s south coast – from childhood summers backstage to dawn swims in East Sussex
Interview by Susie Atkinson
My favourite stretch of coastline has to be the South Coast – all of it. I’ve got decades of memories dotted along its length. I was born into a theatrical family and spent much of my childhood following my parents as they put on shows in seaside towns – Brighton, Hastings, Weymouth. My dad was a producer and comedian, my mum a singer. We were like travelling troubadours. I was christened in Mousehole in Cornwall while they were doing a show.
Brighton and Hove hold a special place in my heart – we performed at the West Pier for nearly a decade. Later, when I started doing TV myself, including Duncan Dares, I came back to walk the South Downs, hang glide (with a dramatic crash), and tackle a 30-mile walk with a man who had one leg. He beat me, of course.
Now I live in East Sussex and feel like I’ve come full circle. I swim at dawn off Pett Level, walk the windswept coast around Camber Sands, and hike Hastings Country Park. There’s a raw, honest beauty to this bit of coastline. It’s inspired me creatively too – I’ve started sculpting – and I’m currently walking on a tightrope to perch in the woods behind my house.
The blend of nature, movement and meaning is what inspired me to co-found The Natural Adventure. We offer walking and cycling holidays in over 50 countries – ethical, affordable trips that support local communities and get people moving through landscapes slowly and mindfully. Just like my parents once did with theatre, I now help people take centre stage in nature. For more information, go to thenaturaladventure.com.
