Josephine’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Birling Gap is a great place to park to walk and take in the wonderful scenery. You can go in different directions - towards the lighthouse and Beachy Head or towards the East Dean and the Seven Sisters.
In the summer months I recommend heading here to sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Detour to pick up some fish and chips on your way and make sure you take the route that goes via Beachy Head to get the most out of the scenic drive and views (20-25 minute drive from the farm). You may need change for parking.
If you want a short walk and a pub lunch then a great option is Birling Gap to the Tiger Inn in East Dean - it's about a 3 mile round trip.
56 yerel halk öneriyor
Birling Gap
Birling Gap is a great place to park to walk and take in the wonderful scenery. You can go in different directions - towards the lighthouse and Beachy Head or towards the East Dean and the Seven Sisters.
In the summer months I recommend heading here to sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Detour to pick up some fish and chips on your way and make sure you take the route that goes via Beachy Head to get the most out of the scenic drive and views (20-25 minute drive from the farm). You may need change for parking.
If you want a short walk and a pub lunch then a great option is Birling Gap to the Tiger Inn in East Dean - it's about a 3 mile round trip.
The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs by the English Channel. They form part of the South Downs, between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne.
They are a must visit in the area if you like walking, beautiful scenerey and being outside in nature.
Park at the Seven Sisters Car Park: Exceat, Seaford BN25 4AD (25 minute drive from the farm). It's pay & display so remember some change.
You can then walk along the meandering river to the sea and climb the hills to get the most amazing views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven.
134 yerel halk öneriyor
Seven Sisters Country Park
East Dean RoadThe Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs by the English Channel. They form part of the South Downs, between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne.
They are a must visit in the area if you like walking, beautiful scenerey and being outside in nature.
Park at the Seven Sisters Car Park: Exceat, Seaford BN25 4AD (25 minute drive from the farm). It's pay & display so remember some change.
You can then walk along the meandering river to the sea and climb the hills to get the most amazing views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven.
Beachy Head is a chalk headland on the South Downs close to Eastbourne, immediately east of the Seven Sisters. It is the UK's highest chalk sea cliff. You can walk up from the western end of Eastbourne seafront at Meads village (park near Bede's prep school). You can also visit the lighthouse, Beachy Head Countryside Centre, Beachy Head pub or take a trip on an open-topped bus. Beachy Head is roughly a 20 minute drive from the farm.
160 yerel halk öneriyor
Beachy Head
Beachy Head is a chalk headland on the South Downs close to Eastbourne, immediately east of the Seven Sisters. It is the UK's highest chalk sea cliff. You can walk up from the western end of Eastbourne seafront at Meads village (park near Bede's prep school). You can also visit the lighthouse, Beachy Head Countryside Centre, Beachy Head pub or take a trip on an open-topped bus. Beachy Head is roughly a 20 minute drive from the farm.
With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, it was the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066. Explore the dark dungeons and look out for the ghost of “the Pale Lady of Pevensey”. 10 minute drive from the farm.
46 yerel halk öneriyor
Pevensey Kalesi
Castle RoadWith a history stretching back over 16 centuries, it was the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066. Explore the dark dungeons and look out for the ghost of “the Pale Lady of Pevensey”. 10 minute drive from the farm.
Charleston is a seventeenth century Sussex farmhouse that was the country retreat for the Bloomsbury group. It opens every year between April and November and runs a public programme of workshops, talks, walks and events as well as two literary Festivals, one in May and a short story festival in September. 20 minute drive from the farm.
93 yerel halk öneriyor
Charleston Trust
Charleston is a seventeenth century Sussex farmhouse that was the country retreat for the Bloomsbury group. It opens every year between April and November and runs a public programme of workshops, talks, walks and events as well as two literary Festivals, one in May and a short story festival in September. 20 minute drive from the farm.
City/town information
Alfriston lies in the heart of the Cuckmere valley, surrounded by the Wealden South Downs. The Clergy House, a National Trust site with a history dating back to the 14th century. This cottage, with its authentic thatched roof and timber frames, was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust. Around the village, visitors can also enjoy galleries, cafes and boutiques. Badgers Tea House is great spot for afternoon tea.
67 yerel halk öneriyor
Alfriston
Alfriston lies in the heart of the Cuckmere valley, surrounded by the Wealden South Downs. The Clergy House, a National Trust site with a history dating back to the 14th century. This cottage, with its authentic thatched roof and timber frames, was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust. Around the village, visitors can also enjoy galleries, cafes and boutiques. Badgers Tea House is great spot for afternoon tea.
Eastbourne is famously known as the sunshine coast. There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do for all ages.
The town’s must-sees include the South Downs National Park – Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven are some of the main beauty spots. The white cliffs gently slope down from Beachy Head to the almost 2 miles long Promenade. Water sports, children's theme parks, mini golf, gardens, a Victorian Pier, Napoleonic fortress, leisure pool, Sovereign Harbour, Dotto Train, boat trips to Beachy Head and a 1930's Seafront Bandstand with summer night concerts are just a few of the attractions along Eastbourne seafront.
Eastbourne hosts the AEGON International Tennis Championship, a tournament which attracts many of the world's top tennis players; Airbourne, Eastbourne's annual free air show and the biggest seafront air show in the world as well as shows and ballets at The Congress and Devonshire Theatres.
Sovereign Harbour Marina is one of the premier marinas in the south-east of England with many prestigious yachts moored here. There are boat tours to both Beachy Head Lighthouse and Eastbourne's other lighthouse, the Sovereign Lighthouse, a few miles out to sea at Pevensey.
118 yerel halk öneriyor
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is famously known as the sunshine coast. There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do for all ages.
The town’s must-sees include the South Downs National Park – Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven are some of the main beauty spots. The white cliffs gently slope down from Beachy Head to the almost 2 miles long Promenade. Water sports, children's theme parks, mini golf, gardens, a Victorian Pier, Napoleonic fortress, leisure pool, Sovereign Harbour, Dotto Train, boat trips to Beachy Head and a 1930's Seafront Bandstand with summer night concerts are just a few of the attractions along Eastbourne seafront.
Eastbourne hosts the AEGON International Tennis Championship, a tournament which attracts many of the world's top tennis players; Airbourne, Eastbourne's annual free air show and the biggest seafront air show in the world as well as shows and ballets at The Congress and Devonshire Theatres.
Sovereign Harbour Marina is one of the premier marinas in the south-east of England with many prestigious yachts moored here. There are boat tours to both Beachy Head Lighthouse and Eastbourne's other lighthouse, the Sovereign Lighthouse, a few miles out to sea at Pevensey.
Considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Brighton offers something for every walk of life. Visit the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Sealife Centre, explore the seaside fun of Brighton Pier, the Brighton Wheel, the new British Airways i360 and the famous pebble beach. The city is also home to a cornucopia of cultural delights as well as big name shops and hundreds of independent boutiques down Brighton’s famous lanes.
Trains from Polegate go roughly twice an hour and take approx. 30 minutes. From there it's a short walk to the centre. If you're driving the journey normally takes about 45 mins; be sure to park in one of the Churchill Shopping centre car parks and avoid the expensive NCP car parks.
80 yerel halk öneriyor
Brighton
Considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Brighton offers something for every walk of life. Visit the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Sealife Centre, explore the seaside fun of Brighton Pier, the Brighton Wheel, the new British Airways i360 and the famous pebble beach. The city is also home to a cornucopia of cultural delights as well as big name shops and hundreds of independent boutiques down Brighton’s famous lanes.
Trains from Polegate go roughly twice an hour and take approx. 30 minutes. From there it's a short walk to the centre. If you're driving the journey normally takes about 45 mins; be sure to park in one of the Churchill Shopping centre car parks and avoid the expensive NCP car parks.
Browse the antique shops of the Cliffe, visit the Farmers market on the first and third Saturday every month and pick up some delicious local fare. Pop into Bills for a cuppa or a bite to eat. Have a pint of Harveys, the local brew, and take in some music in one of the many friendly pubs in the area. There is also Lewes Depot, a new independent cinema and cafe-restaurant right next to Lewes train station.
290 yerel halk öneriyor
Lewes
Browse the antique shops of the Cliffe, visit the Farmers market on the first and third Saturday every month and pick up some delicious local fare. Pop into Bills for a cuppa or a bite to eat. Have a pint of Harveys, the local brew, and take in some music in one of the many friendly pubs in the area. There is also Lewes Depot, a new independent cinema and cafe-restaurant right next to Lewes train station.
This cosmopolitan town is home to one of the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror, a preserved Old Town and a strong local arts community. To soak up Hastings’ history, wander the preserved Old Town’s winding streets and tiny twittens crammed with Tudor houses and flower-bedecked cottages, and inhale the hard-working fishing quarter with its towering net huts and ramshackle huts on the beach.
Hastings Old Town lies in a valley between the East and West Hills, each with their own funicular railway. Take the East Hill Lift from the fishing beach up to Hastings Country Park, where on clear days you can see from Beachy Head to Dungeness and as far as Folkestone and the coast of France. Take the West Hill Lift from George Street, up through a tunnel of rock to emerge into the tranquil light of another world, where you can explore the ruins of Hastings Castle.
Then, for a modern twist head for the America Ground - a vibrant triangle in the centre of Hastings. Above the independent shops, restaurants and cafes you’ll see the grand architecture of Hastings Library, The Printworks and Holy Trinity Church. These lead you through to the RIBA Stirling Award-winning Hastings Pier and The Source, transformed from its origins as a Turkish baths into the biggest underground BMX and skate park in the world. For non-skaters, the balcony café is a great place to watch the action below.
183 yerel halk öneriyor
Hastings
This cosmopolitan town is home to one of the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror, a preserved Old Town and a strong local arts community. To soak up Hastings’ history, wander the preserved Old Town’s winding streets and tiny twittens crammed with Tudor houses and flower-bedecked cottages, and inhale the hard-working fishing quarter with its towering net huts and ramshackle huts on the beach.
Hastings Old Town lies in a valley between the East and West Hills, each with their own funicular railway. Take the East Hill Lift from the fishing beach up to Hastings Country Park, where on clear days you can see from Beachy Head to Dungeness and as far as Folkestone and the coast of France. Take the West Hill Lift from George Street, up through a tunnel of rock to emerge into the tranquil light of another world, where you can explore the ruins of Hastings Castle.
Then, for a modern twist head for the America Ground - a vibrant triangle in the centre of Hastings. Above the independent shops, restaurants and cafes you’ll see the grand architecture of Hastings Library, The Printworks and Holy Trinity Church. These lead you through to the RIBA Stirling Award-winning Hastings Pier and The Source, transformed from its origins as a Turkish baths into the biggest underground BMX and skate park in the world. For non-skaters, the balcony café is a great place to watch the action below.
The attractive town of Battle gets its name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. Today the Abbey ruins and the battlefield are cared for by English Heritage and are open to visitors.
77 yerel halk öneriyor
Battle
The attractive town of Battle gets its name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. Today the Abbey ruins and the battlefield are cared for by English Heritage and are open to visitors.
Catch a direct train to London Victoria from Polegate station and be in London an hour and a half later. Spend a day shopping on Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Or visit some of the top attraction on offer such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, Windsor, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, Tower of London, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the list goes on...
186 yerel halk öneriyor
London
Catch a direct train to London Victoria from Polegate station and be in London an hour and a half later. Spend a day shopping on Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Or visit some of the top attraction on offer such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, Windsor, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, Tower of London, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the list goes on...
Kids Zone
Enjoy a great family day out at one of the top tourist attractions in East Sussex. Drusilla’s is widely regarded as one of the best small zoos in the country. Masses of climbing, sliding, jumping and swinging fun, interactive maze, state-of-the-art soft play complex, Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, Hello Kitty secret garden and much more. 15 minute drive from the farm.
154 yerel halk öneriyor
Drusillas Parkı
Alfriston RoadEnjoy a great family day out at one of the top tourist attractions in East Sussex. Drusilla’s is widely regarded as one of the best small zoos in the country. Masses of climbing, sliding, jumping and swinging fun, interactive maze, state-of-the-art soft play complex, Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, Hello Kitty secret garden and much more. 15 minute drive from the farm.
A fantastic choice for families, with an Owl Sanctuary, a large indoor play centre, several outdoor adventure playgrounds, a boating lake, the Wave Runner water slide, go karts, mini quads, paddling pool, and a petting farm. There is also a dry ski slope here and a good ski shop. 10 minute drive from the farm.
48 yerel halk öneriyor
Knockhatch Macera Parkı
Hailsham BypassA fantastic choice for families, with an Owl Sanctuary, a large indoor play centre, several outdoor adventure playgrounds, a boating lake, the Wave Runner water slide, go karts, mini quads, paddling pool, and a petting farm. There is also a dry ski slope here and a good ski shop. 10 minute drive from the farm.
Wonderful pick your own (PYO) fruit and vegetables, Butchers, Farm Shop selling local produce and coffee shop. Lots for children, with a Farm Trail, play area and school holiday events. In the summer there are tractor and trailer rides which take children through the farm, visiting all the animals and the pond. 2 minute drive from the farm.
Sharnfold Farm
Hailsham RoadWonderful pick your own (PYO) fruit and vegetables, Butchers, Farm Shop selling local produce and coffee shop. Lots for children, with a Farm Trail, play area and school holiday events. In the summer there are tractor and trailer rides which take children through the farm, visiting all the animals and the pond. 2 minute drive from the farm.
Urban Jump is a 25000sq feet Trampoline Park in Heathfield, with indoor assault course, cafe and softplay area. Urban Jump can get very busy, so they advise you book your sessions before travelling to avoid disappointment. 20 minute drive from the farm.
13 yerel halk öneriyor
Urban Jump Trampoline Park
Urban Jump is a 25000sq feet Trampoline Park in Heathfield, with indoor assault course, cafe and softplay area. Urban Jump can get very busy, so they advise you book your sessions before travelling to avoid disappointment. 20 minute drive from the farm.
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625-acre working family farm. They offer a warm countryside welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy. There is a farm shop, butchers, cider barn, bakery, café, gift shop and plant sales. Pre-book tickets to experience their open farm, feeding and animal handling and check their website for other seasonal events. 20 minute drive from the farm.
54 yerel halk öneriyor
Middle Farm
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625-acre working family farm. They offer a warm countryside welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy. There is a farm shop, butchers, cider barn, bakery, café, gift shop and plant sales. Pre-book tickets to experience their open farm, feeding and animal handling and check their website for other seasonal events. 20 minute drive from the farm.
Full steam ahead for a great day out! Travel behind the famous one-eighth scale miniature locomotives as they meander for nearly a mile around the beautiful country park. Enjoy a pleasant stroll around the five-acre lake. Visit 'Grandmas Garden', then get lost in the maze. Also for the children is an adventure playground to help "let off steam" and a play area for the under-fives. Relax in the tea gardens with a beverage, lunch, or Cream Tea from the railway style cafe. Picnic areas, model railways and the Railway Gift Shop. 10 minute drive from the farm.
24 yerel halk öneriyor
Eastbourne Minyatür Buharlı Tren Macera Parkı
Lottbridge DroveFull steam ahead for a great day out! Travel behind the famous one-eighth scale miniature locomotives as they meander for nearly a mile around the beautiful country park. Enjoy a pleasant stroll around the five-acre lake. Visit 'Grandmas Garden', then get lost in the maze. Also for the children is an adventure playground to help "let off steam" and a play area for the under-fives. Relax in the tea gardens with a beverage, lunch, or Cream Tea from the railway style cafe. Picnic areas, model railways and the Railway Gift Shop. 10 minute drive from the farm.
Walking/Cycling
Accessible from the farm (1.5 miles away). This 14-mile surfaced path through the Sussex countryside is mostly traffic free and is a safe route for walkers and cyclists of all ages, forming part of the National Cycle Network – route 21. The trail follows the former ‘Cuckoo Line’ railway track and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. It passes through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.
Cuckoo Trail (Polegate - Hailsham)
Cuckoo TrailAccessible from the farm (1.5 miles away). This 14-mile surfaced path through the Sussex countryside is mostly traffic free and is a safe route for walkers and cyclists of all ages, forming part of the National Cycle Network – route 21. The trail follows the former ‘Cuckoo Line’ railway track and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. It passes through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.
For more serious walkers there is the 1066 Country Walk. This 50-kilometre (31 mile) walk runs from Rye to Pevensey, exploring sites linked to the Battle of Hastings. It passes through rolling countryside beside oast houses, windmills and parts of the South Downs. If you want to walk part of the 1066 walk then you can walk a 5-mile figure of eight loop that starts near Pevensey Castle. It’s local, flat and you can stop at Chilley Farm café en-route.
1066 Country Walk - Bexhill Link
1066 Country Walk - Bexhill LinkFor more serious walkers there is the 1066 Country Walk. This 50-kilometre (31 mile) walk runs from Rye to Pevensey, exploring sites linked to the Battle of Hastings. It passes through rolling countryside beside oast houses, windmills and parts of the South Downs. If you want to walk part of the 1066 walk then you can walk a 5-mile figure of eight loop that starts near Pevensey Castle. It’s local, flat and you can stop at Chilley Farm café en-route.
You can walk the Seven Sisters in a day. It’s 13.6 miles from Seaford Beach to Eastbourne Pier. Allow approx. 7 hours with breaks. The difficulty is perhaps moderate, it’s a long walk with several 50m ascents and descents throughout. Apart from the section around Cuckmere Haven and the finish along the Eastbourne seafront, almost none of the route is flat – but somehow in the grandeur of the scenery the effort is not noticed.
The best way to do it is park near the train station in Seaford which is about a 25 minute drive away (West Street car park, BN25 1EE). Head towards the seafront and walk up onto the Downs. The path follows the cliff tops making it easy to follow. Once you’ve reached your destination of Eastbourne Pier, you can get the train or bus back to your car (or if you have two cars leave one parked along Eastbourne seafront on your way to Seaford). There are a couple of pubs en-route: Cuckmere Inn, Saltmarsh café and Beachy Head Pub.
If you don’t want to walk the whole lot, then you can easily explore parts of it. Waymarks include: Hope Gap (parking) – Coastguard Cottages – Cuckmere Haven – Cuckmere Inn (parking) – Seven Sisters Country Park (parking) – Birling Gap (parking) – Belle Tout Lighthouse – Beachy Head Lighthouse – Beachy Head Pub (parking) – Eastbourne Seaside Promenade (parking along road).
170 yerel halk öneriyor
Seven Sisters Kayalıkları
You can walk the Seven Sisters in a day. It’s 13.6 miles from Seaford Beach to Eastbourne Pier. Allow approx. 7 hours with breaks. The difficulty is perhaps moderate, it’s a long walk with several 50m ascents and descents throughout. Apart from the section around Cuckmere Haven and the finish along the Eastbourne seafront, almost none of the route is flat – but somehow in the grandeur of the scenery the effort is not noticed.
The best way to do it is park near the train station in Seaford which is about a 25 minute drive away (West Street car park, BN25 1EE). Head towards the seafront and walk up onto the Downs. The path follows the cliff tops making it easy to follow. Once you’ve reached your destination of Eastbourne Pier, you can get the train or bus back to your car (or if you have two cars leave one parked along Eastbourne seafront on your way to Seaford). There are a couple of pubs en-route: Cuckmere Inn, Saltmarsh café and Beachy Head Pub.
If you don’t want to walk the whole lot, then you can easily explore parts of it. Waymarks include: Hope Gap (parking) – Coastguard Cottages – Cuckmere Haven – Cuckmere Inn (parking) – Seven Sisters Country Park (parking) – Birling Gap (parking) – Belle Tout Lighthouse – Beachy Head Lighthouse – Beachy Head Pub (parking) – Eastbourne Seaside Promenade (parking along road).
Food scene
A family-owned Wine Estate, established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, dedicated to producing some of the world’s finest sparkling wines from a perfect site in Sussex, England. Located in Alfriston, on a wonderful south-facing slope in England’s South Downs. The climate, chalk soil and aspect make it the perfect site for producing Sussex Sparkling wine. Have a look on their website for upcoming events or book to dine here. 15-20 minute drive from the farm.
24 yerel halk öneriyor
The Flint Barns - Rathfinny Wine Estate
A family-owned Wine Estate, established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, dedicated to producing some of the world’s finest sparkling wines from a perfect site in Sussex, England. Located in Alfriston, on a wonderful south-facing slope in England’s South Downs. The climate, chalk soil and aspect make it the perfect site for producing Sussex Sparkling wine. Have a look on their website for upcoming events or book to dine here. 15-20 minute drive from the farm.
Great wine and food in Eastbourne town centre. Family run with friendly, knowledgeable service. A small venue and extremely popular - you almost always need to book in advance. A good choice for a date night. Check website for opening times (normally Thurs – Sunday for lunch and dinner).
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Cru
8 Hyde GardensGreat wine and food in Eastbourne town centre. Family run with friendly, knowledgeable service. A small venue and extremely popular - you almost always need to book in advance. A good choice for a date night. Check website for opening times (normally Thurs – Sunday for lunch and dinner).
Family run Italian restaurant in town centre. Great Italian food at reasonable prices and friendly service. 15-20 minute drive from the farm.
8 yerel halk öneriyor
Anema e Core
227 Terminus RdFamily run Italian restaurant in town centre. Great Italian food at reasonable prices and friendly service. 15-20 minute drive from the farm.
Good Thai food located in the harbour which is a nice change from Eastbourne. 10 minute drive.
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Thai Marina
13 The WaterfrontGood Thai food located in the harbour which is a nice change from Eastbourne. 10 minute drive.
A nice walk + pub lunch option. Park at Butts Brow (15 min drive, pay & display) and then walk down the hill to Jevington. Circular walk approx. 3 miles.
16 yerel halk öneriyor
The Eight Bells
Jevington RoadA nice walk + pub lunch option. Park at Butts Brow (15 min drive, pay & display) and then walk down the hill to Jevington. Circular walk approx. 3 miles.
Play area for kids, wines, real ales, pizza oven & good food. One of my favourites! Very popular - book ahead.
23 yerel halk öneriyor
The Gun Inn
Gun HillPlay area for kids, wines, real ales, pizza oven & good food. One of my favourites! Very popular - book ahead.