???? Let me know when you plan to do this and I will ensure I avoid the A27/A259! TomTom route planner gives it 1hr 48 min 56.4 miles - due to the plethora of road works on the coast is is currently suggesting the "pretty way" via Uckfield/Heathfield/Bodiam (!!). Via Coast comes out at 2hrs...
You can get a direct train to Brighton from there - I don't think they stop at Falmer but I hope that commons sense prevails on match days.
Are there any "Marshlink" Seagulls out there? I pondered this briefly on our way back from the seaside past Appledore Station (not very near to...