THE BEST OF EAST SUSSEX

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.

u 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 Site Of 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.