East Sussex

East Sussex with its quaint villages, beautiful coastline and rich farmland is a popular visitor destination and just a short journey from London. Hastings, famous for its connections with the 1066 battle is a charming seaside town, and the nearby town of Battle is where William the conqueror fought King Harold in 1066.

For scenery the dramatic Beachy Head is the high point on a chalk cliff with stunning scenery and the unfortunate reputation of being a popular suicide spot. For those with culture in mind the annual operatic and music festival at Glyndebourne complete with high class picnics is an interesting insight into well heeled British life.  

Historic Bodlam Castle will delight families with its restored ramparts, whilst the picturesque town of Rye with its timbered buildings and cobbled lanes is full of tales about ghosts and smugglers, and where Henry James spent time writing novels.

Walk up the Rye Estuary to see boats heading out to sea, or across the Camber Sands for a bracing walk. The fun of Brighton as a day trip from London remains with its seaside atmosphere, huge gay scene, and quirky shops in the Lanes.

Ride on the helter skelter and try one of the many cafes in this popular town. The South Downs remain very popular with walking and with some well known trails such as the Monarch’s Way and South Downs way. You can even be rolled along the Downs in a zorbing ball, and horse riders use this area a lot. With some of the older seaside resorts having a bygone reputation there is still a lot of energy and tradition in the towns of East Sussex and some typically English villages in the more rural areas. Spend time here and see for yourself.