Seaside Towns
EASTBOURNE
Just under 12 miles away, Eastbourne is the nearest main town featuring a 19th century pier, bandstand and vibrant shopping complex – The Beacon. Just outside of the town you will find the Marina with its waterfront restaurants and cafes.
BRIGHTON
A 25 mile drive finds you in the avant-garde seaside town of Brighton. With its wealth of restaurants, quirky individual cafes and bars. Along with night life and entertainment, Brighton is the place to visit. Explore The Lanes, with their twisting alleyways housing bespoke jewellers, high-end antique shops and boutiques.
HASTINGS
Hastings has a rich maritime history and today has the largest beach-based fishing fleet in the UK. With not one but two funicular railways you can easily access Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves where you can learn the story of smuggling on the south coast of England 200 years ago! The old town is home to bookshops, antique and curio shops as well as atmospheric pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Castles
HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE
Herstmonceux is a beautiful castle dating from the 15th century now owned by Queens University in Canada as its international study centre. Gardens and grounds are open to the public from 1st April 2021.
PEVENSEY CASTLE
Pevensey Castle’s history stretches back over 16 centuries, it is famously the landing place of William the Conqueror’s army in 1066. New exhibitions tell the castle’s story from the Romans to the Second World War.
BODIAM CASTLE
Bodiam is a moated castle built in 1385 to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. Explore the gardens and grounds and when Covid restrictions are lifted find out about its history inside.
The Great Outdoors
ABBOTS WOOD
Located near Polegate, Abbots Wood is an ancient woodland with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, picnic and barbecue areas.
THE CUCKOO TRAIL
Once a railway line, this trail is popular with walkers and cyclists and runs for 11 miles from Heathfield to Polegate.
THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
This 100 mile trail runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex and is popular with walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
Kids’ Activities
KNOCKHATCH ADVENTURE PARK
With indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a boating lake, a children’s farm and owl sanctuary, and rides on a Quadapillar – fun for all the family! Also Knockhatch Ski & Snowboard Centre.
DRUSILLAS PARK
Widely considered the best small zoo in the country, Drusillas cares for domestic and wild animals including lemurs, meerkats and penguins. With indoor and outdoor play areas and the Safari Express train ride.
