Welcome to East Sussex

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ian David Heads

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COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Ian Sinclair

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EDITORIAL TEAM

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PRODUCTION TEAM

Production Manager

Ashleigh Walker

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Production Assistant

Lizzie Lawrenson lizzie.lawrenson@kingfishermedia.co.uk

HEAD OF ACCOUNTS

Joanne James

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ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Krishna Dholakia • Jo Hunter

Gemma Marrin • Hannah Osborne

Susan Pearson • Dawn Tinkler • Lynne Walls

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24 CONTENTS

09 WELCOME

One of the UK’s most varied and interesting counties from coast to countryside.

10 DAYS OUT

East Sussex offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

22 TOP PICKS

Our top things to see and do when visiting this stunning coastal county.

24 SHOPPING

Shopaholics will love East Sussex for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents.

34 EATING OUT

This county is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.

42 WEEKENDER

Only here for the weekend? Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to East Sussex.

44 ARTS & CULTURE

Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.

48 AFTER DARK

The nightlife in East Sussex is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues.

52 BEYOND EAST SUSSEX

Although this county has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.

54 PHOTO FINISH

A final look at the county of East Sussex –Seven Sisters Cliffs.

©CAITLIN ISOLA/BOATYARD FISH & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT; PHILIP VILE/CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

34

WELCOME TO EAST SUSSEX

ONE

OF THE UK’S MOST VARIED AND INTERESTING COUNTIES FROM COAST TO COUNTRYSIDE

Welcome to East Sussex – and may we congratulate you on your choice of destination. It’s not all pretty surroundings and lovely vistas, impressive though they undoubtedly are. East Sussex also has great modern shopping, restaurants, arts and culture, and some of the best places to stay in the country.

East Sussex has everything from historic battlefields to hip and alternative seaside resorts, and many attractions are open all year round, so finding something to do is easy. Highlights include Drusillas Park, Alfriston; Monk’s House, Rodwell; Lamb House in Rye; Lewes Castle and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park.

Situated in the south east of England, this romantic county also boasts some lovely countryside where there are wonderful estates and picturesque gardens to explore.

There are spectacular views along the South Downs Way, which stretches for 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. The Seven Sisters Country Park is also worth a visit with its iconic chalk cliffs.

Tourists also flock to East Sussex for its food and drink. Whether you want fabulously fresh fish from local waters, a platter of Sussex cheeses or a glass of English fizz, you won’t be disappointed here.

If you’re a culture vulture, you’ll be pleased to discover that this beautiful county has inspired artists and writers for years. There’s a plethora of art galleries and museums to visit, plus a busy calendar of festivals and events throughout the year.

All in all, you’ve picked a great time to visit this wonderful coastal county, so please enjoy everything it has to offer – and be sure to come back soon!

“THERE ARE SPECTACULAR VIEWS ALONG THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY, WHICH STRETCHES FOR 100 MILES FROM EASTBOURNE TO WINCHESTER”

GREAT DAYS OUT IN EAST SUSSEX

Home to hip towns, stunning seascapes and lush countryside, East Sussex is one of the UK’s most dynamic counties. From long walks along the Sussex coast to exploring ancient castles, and shopping in vintage markets to sampling local wine –you’ll never be short of things to do here.

East Sussex is made for family adventures. Scream your heart out at local theme parks, go wild at along nature trails and enjoy all the fun of the British seaside. Then head for a country home or castle, where the kids can live out their storybook fantasies and you can brush up on your English history.

There’s fresh air and wholesome fun to be had at the county’s adventure parks and farms, and they don’t come much more wholesome than the Wilderness Wood in Hadlow Down. It has 62 acres where kids and adults can go wild – in the best way possible. There are also green woodwork and forest school sessions, as well as a café serving hot drinks and cake, and a shop selling everything from firewood to rustic garden furniture.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Another great day out for all the family is Drusillas Park, in Alfriston, one of the best small zoos in Britain. Alongside the animals, there are several adventure play areas, where children of all ages can climb, slide, jump and swing.

Middle Farm is the perfect place for kids to let off steam. The 625-acre working family farm has a picnic area, nature trail, two outdoor playgrounds, a hay barn and range of animals to pet, from rabbits and goats to pigs and llamas. For adults, there’s a farm shop, gift shop, restaurant and more than 100 different draught ciders and perries to taste. Just make sure someone else is driving!

For some serious thrills head to Source Park in Hastings – the largest underground BMX and skateboard park in the world. A former Victorian Turkish Baths under Hastings promenade, it won Historic England’s 2017 award for the ‘Best rescue of a historic building’. There are two massive parks, attracting some of the best riders in the world as well as beginners of all ages.

If you want to take things a little easier, head to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, where you can ride on a mini locomotive that’s one-eighth the size of the real thing. There’s also a five-acre lake, a maze and an adventure playground – or you can just eat cake in the prize-winning tea gardens.

Knockhatch Adventure Park in Hailsham has loads of fun things to do, including a boating lake, waterslide, go karts, crazy golf, mini-quads and a climbing wall.

“ANOTHER GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY IS DRUSILLAS PARK IN ALFRISTON. IT’S ONE OF THE BEST SMALL ZOOS IN BRITAIN”

Charleston was the country home of Vanessa Bell (sister of Virginia Woolf) and Duncan Grant, part of an influential crowd of intellectuals, artists and writers known as the Bloomsbury Group. Vanessa and Duncan used the house as a blank canvas, painting the walls, doors and furniture to create a unique decorative style.

In addition to the house and artists’ garden, there’s an exhibition gallery showing a mix of contemporary and historical art, a Crafts Council-selected shop selling art and books, and a café.

Virginia Woolf’s house is just a 20-minute drive away, in Rodmell. Monk’s House is a 16th-century weatherboarded cottage, where the writer lived with her husband, the political activist, journalist and editor Leonard Woolf. The National Trust now operates the building as a writers’ house museum – but be warned, it closes during the winter.

There are several other National Trust properties in East Sussex. Bateman’s in Burwash is the former home of Rudyard Kipling, while Lamb House in Rye was once home to writer Henry James.

THIS COUNTY OFFERS AN ABUNDANCE OF THINGS TO DO WITH DAYS OUT AND TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP 16TH-CENTURY MONK’S HOUSE, LEWES; VISIT MIDDLE FARM, THE PERFECT PLACE FOR KIDS; DRUSILLAS PARK

Sheffield Park and Garden is where the heritage Bluebell Railway starts, before chugging its way to East Grinstead, via Horsted Keynes and Kingscote, through stunning woodland and countryside. Sheffield Park station also has a shop, model railway, museum and a fantastic collection of locomotives and carriages to explore.

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, is another family favourite – a 14th-century moated castle offering great views from the top, as well as storytelling, trails and crafts.

AWARD-WINNING EXHIBITION

For a real slice of ancient history, you have to visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England – the 1066 Battle of Hastings. The award-winning exhibition in Battle brings alive the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest and its significance in the tumultuous history of England. If you’re visiting in October, make sure you don’t miss the annual re-enactment of the famous battle.

Just down the road, in Hastings, you can visit the beautiful ruins of Hastings Castle, which was the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror. Built during the Norman Conquest of Britain, the castle was depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry

Even if castles aren’t your thing, it’s worth a visit, as the views from the top over Hastings and beyond are breathtaking. There are also great views from the top of West Hill, which has Britain’s steepest funicular railway.

“FOR A REAL SLICE OF ANCIENT HISTORY, YOU HAVE TO VISIT THE SITE OF ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BATTLES IN ENGLAND –THE 1066 BATTLE OF HASTINGS”

You can go from Hastings’ highest views to the depths of the Earth with Smugglers Adventure – a museum

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TOP LEFT TO RIGHT BLUEBELL RAILWAY; BODIAM CASTLE; BOTTOM RIGHT

THE AWARD-WINNING EXHIBITION AT BATTLE.

©ENGLISH HERITAGE; PHILIPBIRD123/TIM M/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Situated on the Hastings shoreline, The White Rock Theatre is an established, and much-loved entertainment venue. With a rich and varied programme including top comedians, incredible live music, dance, family shows and an unmissable Christmas pantomime, it is the ideal place to get your culture fix during your visit to East Sussex.

The White Rock is operated by The Guildhall Trust, a registered charity whose vision is to become one of the country’s leading cultural organisations. The Trust places its communities at the centre of everything it does, inspiring, entertaining and transforming lives, and delivering an engaging ‘Get Involved’ programme for the community.

See what’s on and how you can get involved at whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

VisitTunbridgeWells.com

On the border with East Sussex, Royal Tunbridge Wells offers town and country at its best. Rural rambles, mountain biking, rock climbing, cosy country pubs, live music festivals: there is plenty for visitors to experience across the area. If you’d prefer a more relaxing stay, you can shop in designer boutiques, admire the stunning architecture followed by a live performance at the Assembly Hall or Trinity Theatre.

The Pantiles, the famous white colonnaded walkway and the historic heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, retains much of the charm and buzz of its Georgian heyday, with unique shops and cafés. Find out more about our local history at the newly opened Amelia Scott Museum.

Discover a wealth of castles, historic houses, and stunning gardens, all within easy reach. Notable gems include: Scotney Castle, the world famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Penshurst Place and Hever Castle.

The Amelia Scott, Curators Talk

Scotney Castle, National Trust

The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

“LEWES CASTLE IS IN THE CENTRE OF LEWES TOWN. CLIMB TO THE TOP FOR PANORAMIC VIEWS, AND, ON THE WAY UP, DON SOME ANGLO-SAXON COSTUMES FROM THE DRESSING UP BOX”

built into underground caverns. Make your way through the dark corridors once used by smugglers, with only a torch to guide your way, while learning about the people who made their money on the black market.

Step back in time at the 1,000-year-old Lewes Castle, which is in the centre of Lewes town. Climb to the top for panoramic views, and, on the way up, don some AngloSaxon costumes from the dressing up box. In the gardens below, there are traditional games, trails, quizzes and other activities. Next door, in the Barbican House Museum, you

can learn more about the history of the area through interactive and static displays.

Pull on some sturdy shoes and soak up the views as you wander the green hills, forests and chalk cliffs. Or make the most of the seaside and get active in or on the water. Whatever you’re into the great East Sussex outdoors delivers adventures aplenty!

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

There are some spectacular views along the South Downs Way, which stretches for 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. Make a start at the Seven Sisters Country Park, a series of seven hills in the chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. Footpaths and trails range from 40 minutes to four hours, and you can grab a trail map at the visitor centre.

Just east of the last peak is Birling Gap, and beyond that is the famous Beachy Head, which is the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff, and one of the most famous. Several films have been shot there, including The Living Daylights, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire,

>> p21

Welcome to St Bartholomew’s Church

This Grade I listed Victorian Church is famous for its Art Nouveau furnishing.

St Bartholomew’s is part of the Church of England and is rooted in the AngloCatholic tradition, which emphasises the importance of beauty and reverence in worship, particularly in the Mass (the Eucharist).

Open for services and:

Monday - Friday: 10am - 1pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Times when Mass is celebrated can be found on our website.

Ann Street, Brighton BN1 4GP

www.stbartholomewsbrighton.org.uk

The untold story of the finding, excavation and recovery of the Mary Rose

Explore what’s on offer at The Waterfront

The Waterfront at Sovereign Harbour is the place to enjoy a family day out, an evening with friends or just enjoy some quality self-care alone time.

FOOD & DRINK

Enjoy delicious food and drink at The Waterfront with an array of cuisines to choose from across the waterside cafés, bars and restaurants. Enjoy marina views with inside seating, al fresco dining or enjoy hot and cold food and drinks to takeaway.

PAMPER, PLAY & SHOP

Treat yourself to a day of self-care with pampering treatments available at the hair, beauty and dental businesses. Enjoy a family-friendly game of glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf. Plus, with a dedicated convenience store and an onsite lettings and estate agents, there’s a wide range of purchases to be made.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Keep entertained all year round with an annual events programme that celebrates local community including seasonal artisan markets, car rallies, urban beach, character entertainers and more! And with options to explore the local harbour, beaches and tourist attractions by foot and by boat, you’ll  always have something to explore and do at The Waterfront.

The Waterfront, Eastbourne, BN23 5UZ

TheWaterfrontEastbourne

eastbournewaterfront

www.eastbournewaterfront.co.uk

and Notes on a Scandal. You can even stay in the lighthouse there, which has been beautifully restored and renovated.

If you like your walks with a glass of wine, then a tour of Rathfinny Wine Estate is a must. It was established in 2010 and is now one of the largest vineyards in Europe, producing over one-million bottles of Sussex sparkling wine a year. You can take a guided walk through the vineyard and learn about winemaking, followed by a lunch or afternoon tea, complete with stunning country views.

If the weather’s good enough, while away a few hours at Pells Pool in Lewes. It’s the oldest freshwater, outdoor public swimming pool in the UK, and is spring-fed. There’s also a paddling pool for little ones, and lots of grass to lounge on, making it the perfect place for picnics.

POPULAR SPORTS

One of the best ways to see the South Coast is from a kayak. Get down to Eastbourne Kayak and Surf Hire, where you can hire single or double kayaks and spend an hour or so on the water. Or why not try the increasingly popular sport of stand-up paddle boarding? It’s a great work out!

If towering dunes and swathes of golden sand are what you’re after, make for Camber Sands, near Rye, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sussex. This fabulous stretch of unspoilt beach extends for almost five miles, but it’s busiest at the western end, by the mouth of the River Rother.

Across the river from Camber Sands is the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which has a variety of wildlife and landscapes, from woodlands and salt marshes to meadows and wetlands. With such a massive range of ecosystems,

this is a top spot for little nature enthusiasts to record and identify the creatures you encounter.

For something a bit different, why not treat the family to a ski or snowboard taster session at Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre in Hailsham? Open since 2001, its dry slope is 360ft long, with a vertical drop of 100ft. There is also a nursery slope and Ringo Run, where you can bomb down the slopes on large inflatable rings.

Spend your holiday in East Sussex and you can fill your days with stunning seascapes, wild walking trails, fun-filled adventure parks and a whole host of fantastic country houses and majestic castles.

ABOVE IF THE WEATHER IS GOOD ENOUGH THEN VISIT THE SPRING-FED, OUTDOOR PELLS POOL IN LEWES; BELOW CAMBER SANDS BEACH

©LILIYA TROTT/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; NICK ROBINSON/PELLS POOL

THE BEST OF EAST SUSSEX

OUR TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO WHEN VISITING THIS STUNNING COUNTY

u INCREDIBLE VIEWS

Whether you’re gazing out at the seafront from a café on a sunny day, walking across the South Downs or enjoying the bracing sea breeze from its chalk cliffs, East Sussex is not short of stunning views. The views from Seven Sisters are incredible, and nothing beats a brisk hike across the peaks and dips towards Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

u FABULOUS ART

East Sussex’s glorious countryside and coastline has been a source of inspiration for many artists over the years, so there is no shortage of art galleries where you can view their work. The most famous are the award-winning Towner Eastbourne, De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and Hastings Contemporary, but there are many more showcasing local talent.

u CAMBER SANDS

With almost five miles of fine golden sand, the beach at Camber Sands is one of the best beaches in the UK. You can while away the hours building sand castles or just lying in the sun. If you’re feeling more adventurous how about having a go at some watersports? The Kitesurf Centre offers kitesurfing tuition, while Rye Watersports has kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing lessons.

u ANTIQUES & VINTAGE TREASURES

It’s easy to waste a few hours – or even a few days – exploring the numerous antique shops and markets in East Sussex. Rye, Hastings, and Lewes are vintage heaven, with an eclectic mix of antiques, furniture, collectables, vintage clothes and more. For locally sourced vintage furniture, check out Hastings Antique Warehouse, which has several floors heaving with some fantastic finds!

u LOCAL WINE

Thanks to its warm, dry climate, south-facing slopes near the coast and chalk soil, which is similar to the Champagne region of France, East Sussex is the perfect place for producing quality still and sparkling wines. As a result, there are a number of vineyards selling award-winning wines, which you have to try while you’re here – why not start off with Rathfinny Estate, Bluebell Vineyard or Carr Taylor Vineyard?

u

GREAT FOOD

The East Sussex food scene has never been better. There is a real emphasis on local, seasonal produce and pride in how it’s prepared. So,

whether you’re looking for fine dining, pub grub, authentic Asian or a dirty burger, this county has it all. Highlights include Cru, Eastbourne; Mirabelle, at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne; and for award-winning Sunday dinners, The Pelham Arms in Lewes.

u STUNNING MEDIEVAL VILLAGES

Thanks to its incredible history, East Sussex is home to some beautiful, very old villages, with narrow cobbled streets, medieval cottages and fairytale castles. One of the most popular is Alfriston, which is one of the oldest villages in the UK. It was founded in the Saxon period and became a market town in the Middle Ages and has a plethora of historic buildings in a quaint village setting.

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GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE

East Sussex has miles and miles of South Downs countryside, woodland, downland and dramatic cliffs for you to enjoy. The county covers part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is one of the best

surviving medieval landscapes in northern Europe – and the most stunning.

u

THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS

For a memorable family day out in East Sussex visit Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. You can stand on the site where this historic battle was fought before exploring the abbey ruins. There is also a visitor centre, which shows a film that re-tells the story of the great battle, as well as a gatehouse exhibition.

u HISTORIC PUBS

East Sussex has a rich history, and as a result there are a number of fantastic old pubs and inns, dating as far back as the 12th century. Two of our favourites are the Blackboys Inn, a beautiful 14th-century pub on the outskirts of Uckfield and The Mermaid Inn in Rye.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM THE STUNNING SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS; DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL; ABOVE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT BEACHY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE; VISIT THE BATTLE ABBEY GATEHOUSE; RATHFINNY ESTATE; WATERSPORTS AT CAMBER SANDS

©DAVID HUGHES/IAN WOOLCOCK/LEMANIEH/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; ENGLISH HERITAGE; RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE; RYE WATERSPORTS

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP IN EAST SUSSEX

SHOPAHOLICS WILL LOVE EAST SUSSEX FOR ITS ECLECTIC MIX OF BOHOCHIC BOUTIQUES, HIGH-STREET STAPLES AND QUIRKY INDEPENDENTS

Wherever you find yourself in East Sussex, there’s excellent retail therapy on offer. Quirky, independent stores are everywhere, even in sleepy small towns and villages, while the bigger towns rival London in terms of style, choice and cool factor. So make sure you have plenty of space in your bags – you’re going to need it!

LIVELY SHOPPING STREETS

Eastbourne has a wide range of shops on offer, from high street chains at The Beacon and boutiques at the Enterprise Shopping Centre to quaint Victorian shopping streets and lively local markets.

Let’s start with Little Chelsea, which was named the third coolest neighbourhood in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2018. It has over 50 independent retailers, offering the perfect opportunity to sample luxury delis

and discover historic antiques, unique homewares and exclusive brands.

One of the longest-running shops is Taboo jewellers, which first opened its doors in 1989. Owner Neil Lamprell has built the company from humble beginnings to be one of the most highly regarded silver businesses in East Sussex. Neil takes regular trips to Mexico, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Poland to source new and exciting jewellery collections to bring to Eastbourne.

Used and rare vinyl is the USP of The Vinyl Frontier, the longest-established independent record shop in town. It also hosts in-store acoustic performances, and there’s a licensed café at the rear of the shop, where you can enjoy a coffee, or something stronger, while you listen to some of their records.

The Enterprise Shopping Centre is one of the most unusual places to shop and eat in East Sussex. A former

Victorian railway building, the centre is home to a wide range of independent stores offering unique wares not often found on the high street, all under the original large glass roof, which floods the centre with sunshine.

You’ll be able to find clothes shops, computers, cafés and even a coastal living lifestyle store! It also sells stuff that doesn’t begin with the letter C, such as jewellery, homewares and flowers; there’s a truly eclectic mix of over 30 shops, eateries and services, all independents, including Aurelie & Rose, which sells lovely, vintage-inspired clothing, and the Yummy Noodle Bar, a firm favourite which first opened 25 years ago.

Eastbourne has a thriving arts scene, and there are lots of shops selling local artists’ work – everything from seascapes and abstracts to prints and ceramics. Some of the best places to buy are Nigel Greaves Gallery and Henry Paddon Contemporary Art – both of which also arrange commissions.

Foodies rejoice! Barley Sugar is one of the best independent delis in Sussex. It champions local produce, but also sells top-quality produce from all around the UK

“THE ENTERPRISE SHOPPING CENTRE IS ONE OF THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACES TO SHOP AND EAT IN EAST SUSSEX. A FORMER VICTORIAN RAILWAY BUILDING, WITH A GLASS ROOF WHICH FLOODS IT WITH SUNSHINE”

and Europe. You’ll find a vast cheese counter displaying around 100 different cheeses, a great choice of continental and British charcuterie and hams, and a daily delivery of fresh artisan sourdough breads.

FARMERS’ MARKET

Just outside Eastbourne, in the beautiful village of East Dean, is a weekly Farmers’ Market, where you can sample the flavours of the countryside. The market takes place every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.

If you love scouring the streets for one-off pieces of clothing and designer gems, you’ll love Hastings and neighbouring St Leonards. These towns have an alternative streak, and pride themselves on their independent retailers, which are among the best in the county.

Hastings Old Town has a cluster of quality boutiques. Try Warp & Weft, which sells apparel, homewares and accessories for men and women in soothing, earthy tones. Or browse the goods in Hawk & Dove, where you’ll find a mixture of gorgeous, handpicked designer and vintage clothing and accessories.

OPPOSITE PAGE THE BEACON, IS HOME TO BIG-NAME BRANDS, RESTAURANTS, NINJA ARENA AND A CINEMA >>

©ELNUR/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; ING IMAGE; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; THE BEACON

BRUFORDS

SINCE 1886

LUXURY WATCHES • DIAMOND JEWELLERY • PRE-OWNED • AFTERSALES

Brufords: Your Complete Jewellers

As a family-run, independent jewellers in Eastbourne since 1886, at Brufords we pride ourselves on our reputation for exceptional service, exclusive choice, and attention to detail. Our store situated in The Beacon shopping centre is home to our dedicated ROLEX in-store showroom, alongside luxury Swiss watch brands including Breitling, Longines, TAG Heuer, TUDOR and Tissot. In-store at The Beacon, you’ll also find our diamond and fine jewellery collections, pre-owned selection and lifestyle brands including Gucci and Swarovski.

An Array of Aftersales Services

At Brufords, we understand the sentimental value that your watches and jewell ery hold, so when your much loved pieces are in need of a little bit of TLC, visit us in-store to discover how we can help restore them to their former glory.

Our comprehensive range of aftersales services includes ring re-sizing, bracelet and chain alterations, watch battery replacement and full servicing, to name but a few, and our team of dedicated aftersales experts are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our Exclusive Bridal Boutique

Committed to providing our customers with the very best when it comes to choosing jewellery for life’s special moments and beyond, in 2023 we opened our bespoke in-store bridal boutique in partnership with British jewellery brand Brown & Newirth®.

Home to our exquisite selection of engagement, wedding and eternity rings, plus our bridal jewellery collection, each

piece in our showroom is handpicked by our team of jewellery specialists to suit every preference, lifestyle and price point. You can also make one of life’s precious moments even more memorable with our “Bridal by Appointment” service.

Offered exclusively instore, you can enjoy a glass of Champagne whilst one of our experts helps you to choose the jewellery you’ll wear for a lifetime.

Our New Flagship Store

Set to open in Summer 2024, our exciting new premises at No.10 Cornfield Road will be home to a second bridal boutique - complete with Champagne bar - jewellery showroom and aftersales centre.

On opening, the building - which dates back to 1913 when John Sainsbury first opened the store - will have undergone major renovations both in-keeping with its original features and updating its design to fit the needs of the contemporary customer.

A State-of-the-Art, On-Site Watch Workshop

We are also extremely proud of our in-house, stateof-the-art watch workshop, which allows us to offer customers the very best in luxury watch maintenance.

Situated at our Cornfield Road head office, the workshop has been designed to reflect the exacting standards of excellence you’d expect from us here at Brufords, and our team of watchmakers and technicians has been carefully selected for their uncompromising professionalism and expertise. Having achieved accreditation status from several major Swiss watch brands, this recognition now allows full access to genuine parts and materials, ensuring that all types of servicing operation can be entrusted to us.

“HASTINGS ALSO HAS SOME GREAT VINTAGE FURNITURE STORES. BALFOUR & BYROM SPECIALISES IN GORGEOUS ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES, INTERIORS AND FURNITURE”

You’ll find a similarly stylish ethos at Butlers Emporium, set in an early 19th-century building on George Street. Their elegantly curated range features natural materials, quality design and organic ingredients, and is displayed across the shop’s old furniture and cabinets.

Hip threads aren’t just for grown-ups, though. Over in St Leonards, Little Mashers sells unique, colourful clothing and gifts for kids aged 12 and under.

Chain stores more your thing? Hastings also has all your favourites in Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, including H&M, Marks and Spencer, JD Sports and Primark.

Like so many of these funky seaside resorts, Hastings also has some great vintage furniture stores. Balfour & Byrom specialises in gorgeous antiques, collectables, interiors and furniture, while the American-born owner of the Goods Depot has been dealing in antiques since the mid-70s.

You’ll find Moroccan-inspired interiors in House of Habibi; locally made crafts and gifts at Made In Hastings; vintage lifestyle goods, gifts and British-made greetings cards in Up The Garden Path; and affordable, vintage costume jewellery, purses, shawls and more at Little Treasures Vintage.

VINTAGE FURNITURE

For locally sourced vintage furniture, make a beeline for Hastings Antique Warehouse, which has several floors heaving with some great finds, while Shop House Hastings sells a beautiful mixture of new and vintage things for your home.

If you’re looking for a shopping experience with a difference, head to AG Hendy & Co. Owned by food journalist and photographer Alastair Hendy, the building has been restored to its original Georgian glory and is full of new and vintage equipment for the kitchen, scullery, pantry and dining room.

Dyke and Dean Warehouse is a former printworks, which now sells contemporary homewares and utilitarian items, carefully curated by product designers Oliver Dean and Eddie Lloyd-Dyke. St Leonards Modern Goods sells hand-made, home-made leather goods, alongside a selection of British-made clothing and homewares from other independent designers.

All that shopping is going to give you tired feet, so

©ANTONI SHKRABA/PEXELS; MAVOIMAGES/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

AFTER A STROLL ALONG THE SEAFRONT, OR A BRISK WALK OVER THE SOUTH DOWNS, IT’S TIME TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT, ENTERTAIN THE CHILDREN AND INDULGE IN A BIT OF RETAIL THERAPY.

THE BEACON SHOPPING CENTRE HAS A FANTASTIC RANGE OF RESTAURANTS, LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND SHOPS TO SATISFY ALL TASTES.

FOR TOP OF THE RANGE AMERICAN-STYLE BURGERS AND PIZZAS, POP INTO CHUCK & BLADE/SQUARE PEG DETROIT PIZZA ON THE FIRST FLOOR.

FANCY SOME STREET FOOD MIXED WITH CRAZY GAMES? FAST-FORWARD TO BOOM BATTLE BAR FOR A BIT OF BAVARIAN AXE- THROWING TO HELP YOUR FOOD GO DOWN.

TIME TO PUT YOUR FEET UP? A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT THE EIGHT-SCREEN CINEWORLD. AND IF YOUR CHILDREN NEED TO LET OFF STEAM, TAKE THEM ALONG TO THE NINJA ARENA FOR SOME HIGH-ENERGY FUN AND GAMES.

PLENTY OF PARKING AND ELECTRIC CHARGING POINTS IN THE BEACON’S DEDICATED MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, WITH DIRECT LIFT ACCESS INTO THE SHOPPING CENTRE.

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NEXT DOOR YOU WILL FIND BIRDHAUS, WITH A DELICIOUS RANGE OF CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS AND MOUTH-WATERING SIDES, AND OPPOSITE IS THE EVER-POPULAR NANDOS AND ITS FAMOUS PER-I PER-I CHICKEN.

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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

why not finish the day at Soak, which sells a full range of bathroom goodies, including bath bombs, soaps, candles, bath toys, body scrubs, wash mitts and wash bags? They also try to stock as many local, organic and natural products as possible.

It’s easy to spend a day wandering around the charming shops and markets of Lewes, Rye and Uckfield. The locals here are a discerning crowd, and this is reflected in the stylish jewellers, quirky bookshops, flea markets and antique shops.

A great place to start is The Needlemakers, a beautiful building, with ancient brickwork, cobbled floors and huge wooden beams that date back to 1820. It’s now home to an excellent café and wonderful independent shops selling homewares, gifts, books, haberdashery and more.

For more great shops in beautiful surroundings, try Riverside Lewes on Cliffe Bridge, home to a butcher, a tattoo artist and Poppy’s chocolate and sweet shop for decadent treats to take home to a friend (or for yourself)!

INDEPENDENT SHOPS

You’ll also find some fabulous independent shops out on the High Street. A favourite with the locals is Wickle, which sells bright, bold and beautiful goodies, including children’s clothes and toys, homewares, clothing, gifts, accessories and useful stuff for your home.

Kings Framers in Plumpton Green is a framing shop with a difference. It also sells bath wares, clothing, edibles, candles, cards and gorgeous products for your home. All are carefully chosen and beautifully displayed.

Other shops to explore include Freight HHG, which sells a range of household goods, clothing and accessories

– all designed in-house; Closet & Botts, which celebrates new, vintage and hand-made products that owners Chloe and Harriet have uncovered on their travels to Europe; and From Victoria, which specialises in houseplants and bohemian homewares.

Don’t miss Louis Potts & Company, which sells stunning china and glassware for the home. The shop started out on London’s Portobello Road market in 1969, before Andrew and Patricia Clarke moved to Lewes in 1976. More than 40 years later, they are still going strong.

If you want something to read on the journey home, be sure to pop in to Bow Windows Bookshop, for old and fine books and maps, including a good selection for kids.

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ABOVE LEWES IS A GREAT DESTINATION FOR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT SHOPPING

In the market for an ancient piece of furniture or a timeless ornament? Cliffe Antiques Centre is brimming with wonderful and unusual antiques at affordable prices. Also worth exploring is Lewes Flea Market, held in a converted church. It’s the ideal place to hunt for retro design, furniture and all manner of second-hand knick-knacks.

Just outside Lewes is the quaint village of Alfriston. Here, you’ll find the renowned interior-design shop, Diana Kelly, which sells beautiful antiques and textiles. Diana has a real eye for finding things, and her eccentric window displays are the talk of the town!

Rye is home to a number of great independent retro and vintage shops and takes pride in the fact that chain stores are a ‘no-no’ in town. Virtually every shop along the Strand sells second-hand goods, and each one has its own individual charm. Favourites include Strand Quay Interiors, where around 30 traders sell and buy glass, brass, china, militaria, pictures, furniture and much more.

Wishbarn Antiques is another place to have a rummage. It has three showrooms arranged over two floors, chockfull of furniture, decorative items and lighting from the 17th century to the 21st century.

Rye might be famous for its antiques, but there’s even more to tempt your purse strings. Forget Me Not Rye is a

cute little shop, full to the brim with contemporary and traditional homewares, including greetings cards, gift wrap, textiles, toiletries, babywear and seasonal products.

Rye Pottery has been wowing the locals since the late 1700s. Its renowned for its beautiful hand-made ceramics and some of its pieces are on show at leading museums, such as the V&A in London.

BROWSE FOR GIFTS

From clothes to art, and jewellery to home furnishings, you’ll find all you need in Uckfield. A favourite with locals is Josefina, which sells a selection of furniture, homewares, candles, gifts, jewellery and much more. It’s a great place to browse for a special gift for someone back home.

If you’re looking for something a bit special, then W.E. Clark & Son jewellers is worth a visit. The multi-awardwinning business was established in 1819, and is now run by the fourth generation of the Clark family. They also have a branch in Lewes.

You’ll need to pull on some comfy shoes for a shopping excursion in East Sussex. There are so many quirky independent shops and markets that you can easily while away a whole day browsing – and you’ll need plenty of space in your bags too!

EXPERIENCE A TASTE SENSATION IN EAST SUSSEX

THIS COUNTY IS A FOODIE’S PARADISE WITH A HOST OF FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS AND PUBS – SO MAKE SURE YOU BRING A HEALTHY APPETITE

When it comes to eating out, East Sussex delivers a diverse range of eateries to tempt your tastebuds. If you want fine dining, you’ll find it here; alongside cool cafés, fish and chip shops and country pubs showcasing the best seasonal Sussex produce. Want your dining to go global? You can tuck into everything from kebabs to Italian to West African.

MANY RESTAURANTS

East Sussex produce is well worth celebrating, and it’s the star of the show in many restaurants. Whether you want fabulously fresh fish from local waters, a platter of Sussex cheeses or a glass of English fizz, you won’t be disappointed.

The Beach Deck, right on Eastbourne seafront, offers a feast for the eyes as well as your belly. You can tuck into burgers, mussels or fish and chips while soaking up the sea breezes For more fish and chips, and one of the best places in town is Dolphin Fish Bar.

Started back in 2014, Nelson Coffee Roasters serves its own house-roasted speciality coffee, as well as delicious Aussie-inspired brunches and lunches. Fluffy pancake stacks come with fruit compote or sausage and bacon, and there’s a range of poke bowls and fruit smoothies if you’re keeping things healthy.

For great pub grub, head to The Rainbow, which has a gorgeous garden complete with heated booths and giant

“A SPECIALIST FISH RESTAURANT JUST DOWN THE ROAD – THE BOATYARD, WHICH HAS AN EVER-CHANGING À LA CARTE AND SMALL PLATES MENU”

tipis. The menu features locally sourced fish and meat, ciabatta sandwiches and delicious Sunday roasts.

Stylish Cru serves a delicious range of small plates, which are perfect for sharing and feature plenty of regional produce – think Sussex brown crab rarebit or salmon cured in Brighton gin. Large plates include hefty burgers, steaks and local lobster.

If it’s fine dining you seek, check out Mirabelle at the Grand Hotel, which serves cutting-edge cuisine in sumptuous surroundings. The creativity and quality of the dishes has seen the restaurant win numerous awards, and you’ll be sampling goodies such as steamed Sussex plaice with gherkin and capers, and South Downs venison duo with pickled walnuts and port jus.

Want to keep things plant-based? The Good Grub will sort you out with falafel, curries and satay skewers, alongside gorgeous cocktails and decadent deserts.

No trip to Hastings would be complete without a wander down George Street, which links the Old Town to the seafront. It’s lined with independent coffee bars, sweet shops, vintage emporiums and quirky restaurants.

DELICIOUS DISHES

Set in a 200-year-old fishermen’s shed, Rock-a-Nore Kitchen is just a stone’s throw from the beach. It serves fish pulled straight from the sea, complemented by more fresh Sussex fare. You’ll find delicious dishes such as potted crab, scallop risotto and monkfish with saffron and mussels.

Need some more old-fashioned charm? Penbuckles Delicatessen, just down the road, sells an array of mouthwatering delights, from local cheese and wine to incredible vegan pastries. It’s the perfect place to grab some goodies for a picnic lunch.

You’ll satisfy all your sugar cravings at Italian-run ice cream parlour, Di Pola’s. It’s all made on site, and flavours include honeycomb, apple and ginger, sea salt caramel and Oreo.

Slap bang on the seafront is The Bank Hotel & Bistro, where you can rock up for an all-day breakfast, coffee and cake or Sunday roast, with or without British bubbly, Pimms or sangria.

For a slap-up lunch, Maggie’s Fish & Chips should be top of your list – if you can get a table. This café serves the best fish and chips in the South East, with the lightest of batter and double-fried chips. It makes your mouth water just thinking about it…

With branches in both St Leonards and Hastings, Half Man! Half Burger! has locals queuing for its patties, which are made from 100 per cent grass-fed, local beef. Every burger has two patties and a range of delicious toppings, which you can have with optional sides, including chilli

cheese fries and coleslaw made with apple, lime and red cabbage. There are also tasty vegan and veggie options, so everyone is catered for. Just make sure you save room for their ‘trashy desserts’!

St Clement’s Restaurant is well worth a visit, thanks to its delicious, locally sourced dishes. Everything is made from scratch, from the freshly baked, complimentary soda bread at the start of your meal to the puddings and ice creams at the end.

The cosy and welcoming Farmyard restaurant is a real winner, serving organic meats, fresh fish and seafood and local cheeses, which are perfectly paired with their excellent list of natural wines. They also own a specialist fish restaurant just down the road – The Boatyard, which has an ever-changing à la carte and small plates menu.

If you love food, you’ll love the charming town of Lewes, just eight miles outside Brighton. The fantastic Lewes Farmers’ Market takes place on the first and third Saturdays of the month, where small-scale Sussex businesses sell all kinds of seasonal food that you can prepare at home or eat on the street.

OPPOSITE PAGE THERE’S A HUGE MENU TO CHOOSE FROM AT THE BOATYARD, ST LEONARDS

For something a bit cosier, you can’t go wrong at The Swan Inn, on the outskirts of Lewes. Quirky yet traditional, it offers delicious home-cooked food, ranging from sandwiches and soups to more spectacular mains and delicious desserts.

The Pelham Arms is another great local boozer, with an enticing menu of burgers, posh fish finger sandwiches, sharing boards, vegan options and award-winning Sunday roasts. It also has its own brewery.

The Flint Owl Bakery takes the business of bread very seriously. It supplies a long list of local restaurants, cafés and pubs, but you can also purchase it at their bakery and café in the centre of town. Alongside the various loaves, you can enjoy savoury items such as sausage rolls and quiche (all homemade), finished off with a slice of perfectly baked cake.

LOCAL CROWD

Bill’s is another hotspot with the local Lewes crowd. This is where the popular chain began back in 2001, and it’s still serving the same great breakfasts, lunches, dinners and everything in between. It can get very busy at the weekend, so make sure you book in advance.

If modern British cooking is what you’re after, Fork, on Station Street, fits the bill and then some. The food is all responsibly sourced and grown, including Sussex cheeses, fish from local boats and fruit and veg from local nurseries. Dishes such as lobster risotto with samphire and supreme of guinea fowl with red wine jus will wow your tastebuds.

Right on the East Sussex/Kent border is the charming town of Rye, which is chock-full of great places to eat and drink. Fletcher’s House is a favourite with locals, who come for its excellent food and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Tudor-beamed restaurant was once home to Jacobean playwright John Fletcher.

Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the 16th-century Ship Inn, which is a family and dog-friendly pub. It has a laid-back, vintage feel inside, which matches its simple but sensational menus.

Haydens is a small guest house with a café attached, set in an 18th-century building in the heart of Rye. They are predominantly a coffee shop, but also serve great breakfasts and light lunches, made using locally sourced ingredients, which are organic wherever possible.

Tatner’s Street Kitchen started out as a catering van, and now has a permanent home at the Old Forge in the centre of Rye. Burgers, kebabs and loaded fries are the order of the day.

BELOW ENJOY BURGERS WITH TWO PATTIES AT HALF MAN HALF BURGER

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©JACOB LUND/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; STEVE PAINTER/HALF MAN! HALF BURGER!

Simple, beautifully presented local seafood is the selling point of Webbe’s at the Fish Café. Order a fish board to sample a bit of everything or get stuck into an aromatic bowl of Rye Bay fish stew. If you’d rather cook your own meal, sign up for Webbe’s Cookery School upstairs. A full day costs £130, which includes all the ingredients you need to cook a specially designed lunch.

For classics with a modern slant, made with the best of Sussex ingredients, make your way to Landgate Bistro. The Good Food Guide ranked it as the best restaurant in Rye for six consecutive years, and it’s also the only restaurant in Sussex mentioned in Where Chefs Eat.

If you’re visiting the historic and beautiful town of Battle, grab a bite to eat at the Royal Oak, which dates to the 15th century. You’ll find a main menu of traditional British classics, including excellent Sunday roasts.

In the heart of East Sussex lie the neighbouring towns of Uckfield and Heathfield – both of which have some great local restaurants, cafés and pubs. Heathes restaurant on Heathfield’s high street is the place to go for stylish contemporary classics with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Chef Craig has worked in top restaurants around the globe.

Also in Heathfield is the Star Inn, where you can enjoy excellent homemade food in atmospheric 14th-century surroundings. Tuck into meat, veggie or seafood platters or try their Harveys beer-battered fish and chips. Their desserts are also amazing, so save some room!

If you want a feast for your eyes as well as your belly, then eat at the Stonehill Dining Room, which is located in

the stunning Holy Cross Priory, just down the road from Cross-in-Hand. The neo-Gothic mansion has a fascinating history and architecture, which creates a stunning backdrop to your dining.

The Highlands Inn is Uckfield’s favourite family pub and restaurant, with a diverse menu of homemade and locally sourced foods. This expansive venue also has a separate sports bar/pool room for the grown-ups, and a large garden for kids.

If you want to tour the globe through your belly, East Sussex is an excellent place to do so! Whether you’re looking for fantastic French cuisine, a tongue-tingling Thai curry or a full-on mezze feast, you’ll find it in this cultured county.

FOODIE STREET

Terminus Road is fast becoming Eastbourne’s foodie street. It has several restaurants along the block leading to the promenade, including the Greek café and deli .gr/eat, which serves traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist, created with the best local produce in town.

Further down the seafront, near Eastbourne Pier and Towner Eastbourne, is Bistrot Pierre. It’s a relaxing place to enjoy stunning panoramic sea views and affordable French-style dishes, including a special fish menu.

If Italian is your thing, La Locanda Del Duca is well worth a visit. It opened in 2001, and offers a wide selection of authentic Italian cuisine, from pasta and meat to fish and gnocchi. Also, try its sister restaurant, Pomodoro e Mozzarella, located a couple of doors down. Popular >> p41

©MARA ZEMGALIETE/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; PHIL BOORMAN/BISTROT PIERRE

ABOVE ADMIRE VIEWS OF THE EASTBOURNE COAST FROM BISTROT PIERRE

with locals, it serves pasta and pizza, as well as classic dishes such as saltimbocca alla Romana.

Quirky atmosphere and top-notch food combine at the Thai Café at Boulevard Books. It’s both a higgledy-piggledy second-hand bookshop and a BYO Thai restaurant, open for lunch and dinner.

If you’re hungry for something a little different, Mamma Putt’s is a must. This contemporary restaurant cooks up African and Caribbean cuisine at reasonable prices – you can tuck into the likes of fish pepper soup, jollof rice and grilled whole tilapia. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of options too.

For Italian eats, head to Caccia & Tails, where pasta dishes and New York Italian classics are freshly made on site every day. If you’d rather cook at home, grab some of their fresh homemade pasta and sauces to take away. You can order their food at the nearby Lansdown Arms.

Pestle & Mortar has some seriously satisfying noodle soups. The latter is also an Asian grocery, so you can take home some ingredients and have a go at creating something spicy yourself. Chaula’s Indian Restaurant offers delicious Gujarati dishes, alongside all-time favourites from all over India.

Opened in summer 2022, Zorba Meze Grill has brought fabulously fresh Turkish flavours to Lewes. The delicious hot and cold starters are so good you’ll have to order several to share. But make sure you leave room for their tantalising tender marinated kebabs and slow-cooked aromatic stews.

“CHAULA’S INDIAN RESTAURANT OFFERS DELICIOUS GUJARATI DISHES, ALONGSIDE ALL-TIME FAVOURITES FROM ALL OVER INDIA”

Rustico serves Neapolitan street food from recipes handed down through generations. Tucked away in historic Fisher Street, it’s part of a successful Sussex chain, with other restaurants in Eastbourne, Hastings, Brighton, Hove, Battle, Bexhill and Hailsham.

Erawan serves incredible, authentic Thai food that perfectly combines sweet, spicy, salty and sour tastes, while

Uckfield has two great Asian restaurants. Authentic Thai can be had at Thai Terre, but make sure you book, as tables here are in high demand. They also have a restaurant in the picturesque South Downs village of East Dean, which is three miles from Eastbourne.

For the ultimate Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, check out Amira’s Kitchen, a real favourite with local foodies.

Whether it’s international eats or the best home-grown produce, East Sussex has it all. Sample the goods at a hip restaurant in Hastings, hunker down in a cosy Lewes pub, or taste wonderfully fresh seafood right by the ocean. Wherever you’re staying in East Sussex, you’re guaranteed great food and a warm welcome, so dig in!

LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND

ONLY HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE SHORT BREAK TO EAST SUSSEX

OPPOSITE PAGE SOUTH DOWNS WAY; THIS PAGE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ACRYLIC ON CARD

CUTOUT AT HASTINGS

CONTEMPORARY; THE GREEN ROOM AT LAMB

HOUSE; DE LA WARR PAVILION, BEXHILL

DAY 1 u

What better way to start the weekend than with some leisurely shopping in Lewes? This pretty, historic town has an eclectic mix of independent boutiques selling stylish clothing and homewares, quirky bookshops and antique markets. Once you’ve shopped you can drop in one of their many great cafés for lunch. Bill’s is a local’s favourite – but make sure you book a table.

From Lewes it’s a 50-minute train journey to Hastings, where you can visit the award-winning Hastings Contemporary, which features a diverse range of contemporary British art.

Hastings is also worth exploring, having transformed itself from a dated seaside resort into a hipster haven.

If you only visit one shop make sure it’s AG Hendy, which is owned by food journalist and photographer Alastair Hendy. He painstakingly restored the building back to its original Georgian glory and its full of fabulous homewares.

For dinner you should try the Thai Café at Boulevard Books. Yes, it’s a bookshop, but the maze of narrow corridors also double as a dining room with a difference. The ingredients are shipped in from Thailand, to create an authentic menu.

From here there are around 100 pubs, bars and gig venues where you can grab a craft ale or cocktail. Try not to stay out too late though, as we’ve got a packed agenda the next day.

DAY 2 u

From Hastings you can take a 10-minute train journey to Bexhill-on-Sea, to visit the De La Warr Pavilion. It’s an amazing Grade 1-listed 1930s modernist building on the seafront, with changing exhibitions. It’s also a great

“VISIT THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY, WHERE THE SPECTACULAR COASTLINE TAKES IN FAMOUS SPOTS SUCH AS BEACHY HEAD AND THE SEVEN SISTERS COUNTRY PARK”

spot for lunch, as the café has outside balconies and glorious sea views.

Alternatively, why not rent a bike, pack up a picnic (Penbuckles Deli sells an array of mouth-watering goodies) and enjoy the coastal cycle route, which runs from Hastings to Bexhill?

If you’ve got time you can easily lose a few hours in Rye. Check out Lamb House where Henry James once live or wander around the numerous antique stalls. There’s a lovely circular walk from Rye Harbour, through the bird sanctuary down to Winchelsea Beach and back, which you can follow up with grilled mackerel or a juicy burger at William the Conqueror.

For something a bit more energetic, what better way to spend the afternoon than a bracing walk along the South Coast? From Eastbourne you can pick up the South Downs Way, where the spectacular coastline takes in famous spots such as Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Country Park.

What better way to end your trip than with Sunday roast? The Beachy Head pub in Eastbourne oozes rural charm and rustic character, and has great views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and a fantastic menu.

DISCOVER A HIVE OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

CULTURE VULTURES ASSEMBLE! THIS COUNTY OFFERS THE PERFECT MIX OF GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS

East Sussex has a veritable feast of cultural activities to get your teeth into. This coastal county has inspired artists and writers for years, and there’s a plethora of art galleries and museums to visit, plus a busy calendar of festivals and events throughout the year. So get out there and be inspired!

East Sussex attracts some of Britain’s finest painters, who are drawn to the distinctive light and nearby South Downs. From cutting-edge contemporary galleries to local history museums and heritage homes, it’s easy to get your art and culture fix in East Sussex.

Towner Eastbourne opened in April 2009, and is the largest gallery space in the South East. It was named the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2020, and the gallery presents a programme of major exhibitions alongside displays from the internationally renowned, 4,000-strong Towner Collection. This collection is

best known for its modern British art, which includes the largest and most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious.

The Beachy Head Story is Eastbourne’s newest exhibition and allows visitors to discover the beautiful landscape of Beachy Head and the South Downs. The exhibition artwork was created by local artist Ellie Fryer, and evokes the exhibition’s key themes of heritage, environment and folklore. It’s a family-friendly exhibition, with trails suitable for children.

Another creative and cultural hub in Eastbourne is the Devonshire Collective, which is the umbrella organisation for three creative sites: Volt Gallery & Project Space, Makerspace and DC Learn. It’s a wonderful ‘art crawl’ that supports emerging and established artists in both the visual and performing arts, as well as running creative courses and workshops.

The award-winning Hastings Contemporary sits next to the fishing beach in Hastings’ historic Old Town. The gallery hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions which feature British art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Previous artists have included Sir Quentin Blake, Rose Wylie, Gary Hume, Gillian Ayres, Jeffery Camp, Basil Beattie, Ansel Krut, Barbara Walker, Chantal Joffe, and Ibrahim el Salahi – to name a few!

INNOVATIVE EXHIBITIONS

If you’d prefer to browse some smaller, independent galleries, Hastings will sort you out. Rebel Gallery is home to artists Jon and Suzanne Wilhelm, whose paintings, sketches and photographs are heavily influenced by Hastings and its surroundings.

Electro Studios Project Space, meanwhile, is an independent new space for curated projects in St Leonards-on-Sea.

Hastings Pier also puts on innovative exhibitions. It’s worth going just for the pier, which won the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architecture) Stirling Prize in 2017.

Hastings Arts Forum supports local artists and provides exhibition space at its gallery. Previous exhibitions have included a collaborative from Brighton Photo Fringe and Photohastings, and surreal landscapes by local artist Katherine Reekie.

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is a family-friendly museum and gallery in Hastings with a diverse collection of local history, fine and decorative arts and natural sciences.

Over in Bexhill-on-Sea, the De La Warr Pavilion is a Grade 1-listed, 1930s modernist building, which has put on

exhibitions by artists Jeremy Deller, Antony Gormley, Richard Wilson and Andy Warhol. Once you’re done soaking up the art, you can enjoy music, comedy and film in the auditorium or grab a drink in the café/bar, which has outside balconies and magnificent sea views.

The arty discoveries keep on coming in Rye, which has a wealth of independent galleries and studios. Pick up an original piece of art at Rye Art Gallery, or check out the work of sculptors, ceramicists and jewellery designers at Red Door.

McCully & Crane art gallery sells a range of art, from 18th-century Indian prints to mid-century European paintings, as well as contemporary artists from Rye and further afield.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

At Avocet Gallery, you browse art by more than 50 local contemporary artists and craftspeople. Based in Rye Harbour, the gallery is run by award-winning photographer Peter Greenhalf and former journalist Morgan Greenhalf.

Wander down the pretty streets of historic Lewes and you’ll be treated to a host of quirky galleries and museums. Try Chalk Gallery, which shows beautiful art at affordable prices; Star Brewery Gallery, which hosts exhibitions by local, regional, national and international artists; and Meiklejohn Gallery, which hosts exhibitions of contemporary craft, print, sculpture and paintings from emerging and established artists.

If you’re in the area in September, hit the Artwave Festival, an annual art trail that takes in 140 artists’ studios, homes, galleries and workshops across Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford.

OPPOSITE PAGE HEAD TO TOWNER EASTBOURNE FOR WORLD-CLASS EXHIBITIONS; TOP LEFT TO RIGHT SOUTHOVER GRANGE, LEWES; THE CONTEMPORARY GALLERY AT HASTINGS

©IGOR EMMERICH/HASTINGS CONTEMPORARY; JIM STEPHENSON/ TOWNER EASTBOURNE; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; LEWES/PIXABAY

FOUR MAIN GALLERIES:

• Sargent Gallery – Natural history, fossils, dinosaur footprints from the beach. Hear the story of the shipwreck that sparked a war and see objects raised from the wreck site.

• Costume Gallery and social history.

• Discover why Bexhill is the birthplace of British motor racing.

• Winter Wartime Model Railway – Eddie Izzard’s tribute to his father.

Contact information:

Bexhill Museum, Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 3HL

Tel: 01424 222058.

Email: info@bexhillmuseum.org.uk | www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

Registered Charity number 1102638

Speaking of Seaford, the coastal town is home to the Crypt Gallery, a beautiful building, which has an atmospheric medieval croft and contemporary flint gallery, where national, international and local artists and makers are on display all year round.

Not only do Towner Eastbourne, Hastings Contemporary and Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion display fantastic contemporary art – they’re all connected by 18 miles of coastline known as the Coastal Culture Trail. You can travel the trail by train, but cycling is a great way to see the coastline, and you can hire bikes from Bell’s Bicycles in Hastings or Let’s Bike in Eastbourne. The trail is also great for families, with a range of activities for kids of all ages, from creative workshops to exciting play parks.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Lewes area has a rich cultural heritage. Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s former home, Monk’s House, is in nearby Rodmell, while Charleston, the home of Virginia Woolf’s sister Vanessa Bell, is just down the road, near Firle.

Charleston became a meeting place for the writers and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Set, and the house and its beautiful gardens are open to the public. You can still see the interior designs on the doors and furniture created by Vanessa and her partner, Duncan Grant, as well as a range of art exhibitions.

From live music and theatre to a thriving year-round festival scene, East Sussex delivers all the cultural goods. So get out there and enjoy some live performance – it’s good for the soul!

You’ll find Victorian elegance aplenty at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre, designed by English theatrical architect and designer Frank Matcham. Dubbed ‘The Playhouse in the Park’, it puts on major touring productions and one-night shows, as well as regular performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nearby, The Winter Garden was built by the seventh Duke of Devonshire in 1875, is used for a variety of events, including comedy clubs, tea dances, exhibitions and live music, though it’s currently closed for refurbishment. The town’s Congress Theatre is the biggest theatre on the south coast. Come in here to take in a comedy show or touring West End production.

If you prefer your culture on screen, Kino Rye is a fabulous cinema set in a super stylish building. So much so that it’s picked up several design nods, including a prestigious RIBA regional award. There are two screens with comfy seats, and a great café.

There’s lots going on in Rye to keep the whole family entertained, all year round. Annual events include Rye Bay Scallops Week at the end of February, the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival in June, the Rye Society of Artists Summer Exhibition, and Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival in August.

Rye is also home to the biggest and most successful multi-arts festival to be found in East Sussex. For 50 years, Rye Arts Festival has been bringing high-quality music, drama, walks, art and many other events to the town throughout September.

Close by Lewes is Glyndebourne Opera House, which was founded in 1934 by John Christie and his opera-singer

wife, Audrey Mildmay. Glyndebourne Festival runs from May to August, with a programme of six operas in a 1,200-seat indoor opera house.

If jazz, funk and soul is more your scene, Glynde also hosts Love Supreme, an annual three-day jazz festival held on the first weekend of July at the foot of the South Downs. Over in Lewes you can attend talks by authors and poets at the Speakers Festival at the town’s All Saints Centre, over several days in January.

Hastings declared itself a ‘Music City’ back in 2017, and it’s no wonder, given the town’s thriving festival and events scene. The Jack in the Green Festival is a four-day event that celebrates British May Day.

SOCIAL EVENTS

It includes social events, family fun and music of all genres from some of the best local bands. The weekend is topped off by the main event on May Bank Holiday Monday, with a wild costumed parade.

Hastings Old Town Carnival Week is a week of exciting events including open houses and gardens, the famous Pram Race and a series of free beach concerts, all ending with a spectacular carnival procession. Coastal Currents, in September, showcases a wide range of art exhibitions, live performances and events right across 1066 Country.

For year-round live music, comedy and more, head to the White Rock Theatre. Derren Brown, Russell Brand and Billy Bragg are just a few of the big names to have performed here. Whether you’re into art, live music or summer festivals, East Sussex has it all, so open your mind, get out there and enjoy!

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WELCOME TO THE NIGHT

THE NIGHTLIFE IN THIS COUNTY IS THRIVING, PACKED WITH CLUBS, PUBS, BARS AND LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Whether you fancy a pint of local ale in a cosy pub, cocktails in a chic bar, or dancing until dawn, East Sussex’s nightlife has it all. That’s without even mentioning the theatres, music venues and festivals that liven things up all year round. The hardest part is deciding where to start and finish your night!

Looking for a historic boozer down a cobbled country lane? Done. A picture-perfect country inn? Absolutely. A hip taproom serving its own craft beer? You betcha.

TRADITIONAL PUBS

Eastbourne has its fair share of traditional pubs. The Dolphin’s open fires and leather sofas add plenty of charm, and the excellent food and well-kept ales make it even better. A favourite with locals is The Marine Pub, which is renowned for its impressive selection of wine and spirits, as well as its delicious home-cooked meals.

If you want some history along with your beer, The Lamb Inn has you sorted. It dates to the 12th century and is the oldest pub in Eastbourne. You can also soak up the history at The Farm at Friday Street, a converted medieval

farmhouse with original oak beams and ornate fireplaces. It features in the Good Pub Guide and serves a daily changing menu, using fresh, local ingredients. There’s also live music every Friday.

The Rainbow in the centre of the Old Town makes the most of its three spacious areas: the Great Hall, the Snug and the Main Hall. It retains its old character, including original hearths and repurposed pews from the local church.

For some art and culture to go with your food, The Crown in Hastings has an ever-changing exhibition of art, sculpture and photographs on its walls. Enjoy high-quality seasonal food, alongside a selection of local ales and craft beers, as you take it all in.

More traditional pubs in Hastings include The First In Last Out, which has been serving beer since around 1896, in a building from the 1500s. The Stag Inn also has real history, dating back to the 16th century. It has a lively front bar, which hosts various live bands, and a quieter dining room out the back. Ye Olde Pumphouse is another fantastic 16th-century pub that’s full of character, with timber frames and low ceilings.

“EASTBOURNE HAS ITS FAIR SHARE OF TRADITIONAL PUBS.

THE DOLPHIN’S OPEN FIRES AND LEATHER SOFAS ADD PLENTY OF CHARM, AND THE EXCELLENT FOOD AND WELL-KEPT ALES MAKE IT EVEN BETTER”

It’s all about the atmosphere at The Marina Fountain, where you can listen to local bands while sampling their extensive selection of rum and gin. The St Leonard Pub is a real favourite with locals thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, excellent range of ales and beer from local breweries, together with a well-selected wine list. It also serves wood-fired pizza if you get peckish.

The Lewes Arms delivers some serious entertainment, including the World Pea-Throwing Championship, dwyle flunking (Google it!), pantomimes and spaniel racing (all breeds are welcome!). It was featured in The Telegraph’s list of Britain’s best pubs and is a proper old-school pub that is steeped in character and tradition.

The Pelham Arms has its own brewery, as well as a smokehouse for curing meats for its delicious menu. Every week, they showcase two ABYSS Brewing beers, so you might be lucky and get to try a new one first.

Over in Rye, you’ll find plenty of medieval charm and perhaps the odd ghost at The Mermaid Inn, said to be one of the most haunted inns in Britain. Built in 1420, it’s home to the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, which features a huge open fireplace (the clue is in the name), and offers a wide selection of beers, wines and whiskies.

LOCAL ALES

The 16th-century Ship Inn is set among the old warehouses alongside the river estuary, serving top-notch grub alongside the booze; and there’s more character to be had at The Old Bell, a 15th-century pub named after a French raid on the town, when the church bells were stolen.

The history keeps on coming at the Rye Waterworks Micropub, which occupies a former ancient water pump house and soup kitchen. The family-run business offers eight local ales, two keg beers and 12 local ciders, along with a selection of wines, gins and soft drinks, and features in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2022.

Just outside Rye, you will find The Globe Inn Marsh, a pretty clapperboard pub decorated with lots of quirky items on the walls, and an equally quirky vibe.

There are so many great pubs in East Sussex, we can’t possibly list them all here. A few others we can squeeze in include The Swan Inn, in Heathfield, which is an authentic country pub with real charm; Blackboys Inn, a beautiful 14th-century pub on the outskirts of Uckfield with multi-award-winning gardens; The Sussex Ox,

BOTTOM RIGHT THE CROWN IN HASTINGS OFFERS ALES, CRAFT BEERS AND MUCH MORE TO CHOOSE FROM

in Polegate, which has its own organic farm; The Griffin Inn, in Fletching, where you can enjoy incredible views from its enormous garden, crackling fires in winter, and fantastic food; and the Ram Inn, in the tiny but gorgeous village of Firle, serving incredible Sunday roasts.

Sophisticated cocktail bars and decadent drinking dens are commonplace in East Sussex, and if dancing’s your thing, there are plenty of places to kick off your heels and get your funk on. One thing’s for sure. A night out in East Sussex is never boring.

COCKTAIL CLUB

In Eastbourne, you could get things started with predinner drinks at The Grand Hotel, which serves cocktails with a real kick. The menu includes many classics, with histories as colourful as the hotel, as well as some exciting new blends invented by the creative cocktail bar team.

Not yet had your fill of colourful drinks? Eastbourne Cocktail Club has special drinks offers between 7pm and 11pm, as well as a nice line in cocktail masterclasses. Or you could try The Loft Lounge – a late-night cocktail lounge and bar spread over two floors, where awardwinning mixologists will create the perfect drink. Make sure you book a booth or table if you’re out with a crowd.

If it’s live music you’re after, check out The Crown and Anchor, a former Eastbourne Herald Pub of the Year.

“IF YOU LIKE LIVE EVENTS, YOU’LL LOVE HASTINGS, THANKS TO ITS LIVELY ALTERNATIVE VIBE AND SELF-DESIGNATED ‘MUSIC CITY’ STATUS”

Or make for Bar Blue, which has a down-to-earth vibe and puts on live gigs and comedy nights. Cameo Nightclub features DJs and live music, with party nights and private booths.

You can also see live music and theatre at Printers Playhouse – or, if you fancy having a go yourself, the open-stage night welcomes all musicians, poets, storytellers and comedians.

If participation is your thing, you will love Eastbourne’s adventure bar. Boom: Battle Bar has a range of bar games with a difference, including Bavarian axe throwing, augmented-reality darts, crazier golf, shuffleboard and hammerschlagen, which basically involves whacking things with a hammer. What’s not to like?

If you love live events, you’ll love Hastings, thanks to its lively alternative vibe and self-designated ‘Music City’ status. The Brass Monkey is open until late on Friday and Saturday evenings for live music and DJs, and puts on a silent disco at least once a month, while at Whistle Trago,

you can munch on pizza and paninis while listening to rocking local bands.

Tuesday is open-mic night if you want to get up and have a go yourself. There’s always something on at The Drift In Café Bar – a friendly, laid-back café and bar with great food, live music, vinyl nights and even sip and draw nights.

Cocktails are the speciality of Twisted Bunny, a quirky hideout in neighbouring St Leonards which has stupendous views of the beach. The cocktail game at nearby Cactus Hound is equally strong, and you can also work your way through their list of over 40 tequilas and mezcals. To down your drinks in arty surroundings make for Dragon Bar, which puts on regular exhibitions and live DJs alongside an amazing selection of beers, wines, spirits and unique cocktails.

If you want to eat while you drink (it really is the sensible option!), there are plenty of bars serving fantastic food, with a large portion of fun on the side. Seed, Hastings is a buzzy tapas restaurant with an exciting drinks list, while the Bat and Bee serves up charcuterie and cheese platters along with its creative cocktails.

Owl & Pussycat Lounge offers regular DJ nights alongside its eclectic menus, which include gourmet burgers and pizza. The bar stays open until 3am, which gives you plenty of cocktail sampling time.

Lewes is another East Sussex town with a long list of great places to grab a drink. While you won’t find banging

clubs or the hottest DJs, it’s a town that certainly knows how to let its hair down.

DJ nights and a vinyl-only policy make The Swan Inn, on the outskirts of Lewes, a likely contender. It’s a real favourite with locals thanks to its kept beer garden, roaring log fire in winter, welcoming atmosphere and great food.

For live music, try Lewes Con Club, one of the best music and entertainment venues in the area. It has a wide range of acts, several times a week, often with free entry.

Cocktails are top dog at Fuego Lounge, but you’ll also find a small but perfectly formed wine list, alongside draught and bottled beer and cider. This funky café serves a fantastic range of food, including kids’, gluten-free and vegan menus.

NIGHT OF CULTURE

For a night of culture, head to Depot, which was voted by Guardian readers as one of the top 10 independent cinemas in the UK. It shows an interesting range of art-house films, as well as live arts, cinema and live music.

For something a bit special, you should try The Grapevine, an intimate champagne and jazz bar that offers elegance alongside top tunes and special events, with music seven nights a week.

There’s no time to get bored after dark in East Sussex. This cool county will keep you going all night with live music, theatre, cinema and a whole host of excellent bars, pubs and clubs.

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READY TO EXPLORE A LITTLE FURTHER?

You will never run out of things to do or see in East Sussex, but if you feel like venturing further afield, there is plenty more to explore. London is less than an hour away by train from Brighton, and many visitors to East Sussex combine it with a day out in the capital city.

A trip to the theatre is always a treat for the entire family and London’s stages host some of the world’s leading plays and musicals. The West End is where you’ll find most of the biggest and well-known shows but there is a host of smaller, independently run theatres throughout the city that are well worth seeking out.

There are around 17,000 restaurants in London serving menus from more than 50 major national cuisines and over 60 of them are rated with a Michelin star, so you can enjoy some of the most diverse culinary experiences in the world.

As well as its museums and galleries, London is also home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Palace and Royal Botanic Gardens, a – each of these sites make a great day out for all the family.

BEAUTIFUL TOWNS

For something of a slower pace, hop across the border into West Sussex, which has some fascinating and beautiful towns to visit. The picturesque market town of Arundel is famous for two stunning landmarks: Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. The town is also home to some great independent boutiques, antique markets and art galleries.

ALTHOUGH EAST SUSSEX HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU BUSY, A JOURNEY FURTHER AFIELD CAN MAKE FOR AN EXCITING NEW ADVENTURE OPPOSITE

Chichester is the only city in West Sussex and one of the most charming and stylish cities on the South Coast. Its Georgian buildings and stunning medieval cathedral make it a great place to lose a few hours.

Nearby is the unspoilt sandy beach of West Wittering, which has wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond. It has been awarded a Blue Flag Award for cleanliness, and its great facilities, extensive grasslands and tidal pools make it a popular destination for families.

Another West Sussex delight is Wakehurst, a beautiful botanic garden on the High Weald, with more than 500 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve.

For some outdoor family fun, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Fishers Adventure Farm Park in

Wisborough Green. Fishers offers animal adventures and exhilarating indoor and outdoor play, with a huge selection of rides and attractions.

You can’t come to East Sussex without visiting the bustling, buzzy city of Brighton & Hove. Designated a city, despite its lack of a cathedral, the cosmopolitan centre of Brighton & Hove should not be missed as it is one of the most popular seaside destinations to visit when the sun comes out.

There is so much to see and do there, from exploring the quirky, funky shops of North Laine, to losing yourself for a few hours in one of the many antique markets. Or you could just sit back, relax and watch the world go by at one of its incredible cafés.