SUSSEX MODERN / #1

SUSSEX MODERN

Cover photo: Will Hearle for Forest Studio

Opposite: Seb O’Callaghan, winemaker at Tillingham. Photo: Will Hearle

© Sussex Modern

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This project is part-funded by the UK government as part of the UK Community Renewal Fund

WELCOME TO SUSSEX MODERN

Over the centuries, Sussex has inspired artists, writers and makers captivated by its rich and varied landscapes. They recognised its potential as a place of freedom, tranquillity and escape, as well as a deep source of inspiration.

Across the county today, that ripple of creative energy runs like a rich line of flint through chalk. You’ll see it in the many modern galleries and cultural venues that stud our coast and country, and the wine producers painting their stripes across our hills and downs, and in the breweries turning hops into craft ales, and the makers forging their art from Sussex’s natural bounty.

Ours is an ancient, deeply-layered story of renewal and life. A liminal place where the rocks meet the waves and imagination soars, at the edge of the land and the edge of artistic expression. With a contemporary spirit and a discerning eye, Sussex Modern celebrates our county’s vast contribution to art and winemaking, and the timeless pull of the South Downs, which lie at the heart of it all.

LEWES: ALL IN THE MAKING

Two days in this creative region.

DOWN FROM DALSTON

Road trip through Sussex.

TALK OF THE TOWNER

The Turner Prize comes to Eastbourne.

THE SUSSEX YEAR

Our pick of dates for your diary.

EXPLORE SUSSEX

Sussex Modern hotspots.

WHERE TO STAY Hotels, B&Bs and vineyard accommodation.

CRAFT BEER HOTSPOTS

Craft breweries and taprooms.

BLOOMSBURY HEARTLAND

Explore bohemian Sussex.

WINE PEOPLE Meet Adderley Pelly of Stopham Vineyard.

LEWES: ALL IN THE MAKING

The lively county town of Lewes (pronounced as two syllables: Lew-es) is the ideal centre for exploring this green part of Sussex. It’s where countryside meets creativity, and where makers of everything from wine and beer to textiles and jewellery build on a tradition of craft and a spirit of independence.

Words: Jim Northover

Apattern of making has persisted here ever since the earliest settlers first carved their tools from local flint, and throughout history home-grown radicals and insurgents have asserted the town’s independence. These days that craft heritage and independent spirit are championed by artisans and artists in and around Lewes, whose orbit reaches over the South Downs National Park to the village of Ditchling, along the Ouse Valley and across towards Brighton. Here’s how to dip into the region’s robust creative spirit in two days.

Day one: Crafts and craft beers

The historic town with its cobbled side streets is a good place for strolling around, window shopping and generally watching the world go by. Among the independent specialist shops, The Needlemakers has a variety of different

offerings and a café, all under one roof. Drop by The Makers Gallery for jewellery, Closet & Botts for vintage inspired homeware, and Freight for individually crafted goods and accessories.

Independent breweries are thriving in Lewes, with recent artisan Beak Brewery and Abyss Brewing giving long-established Harvey’s a run for its money. You can catch the distinctive scent of barley malt in the centre of town when shopping.

Local producers are well represented at the busy Farmers Market (here on alternate Saturdays) and there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink (try Flint Owl Bakery for your morning pastries, or Fork or Caccia & Tails for fresh food and relaxed dining).

For evening entertainment head to Depot (next to Lewes station), a refreshingly new take on cinema entertainment with restaurant and bar attached — ideal for a relaxing finish to the day.

Lewes’s craft heritage and independent spirit are championed by local artisans and artists

Photo: Sam Harris

A new generation of winemakers is learning the trade on Sussex soil

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft: a perfect gem of a gallery

Photo: Daniel Alford

Photo: Daniel Alford

Day two: Ditchling, Downs and Sussex wine

The creative spirit is also palpably present a few miles west in Ditchling, a village perched on the Downs and a healthy walk from Lewes. Made famous by a number of renowned artists who lived here, including Eric Gill and his guild of craftspeople, Ditchling now has its own Museum of Art + Craft, a perfect gem of a gallery showcasing the work of Gill and other local artists and craft makers of the last century. A changing programme of exhibitions and workshops focuses on traditional and contemporary craft skills, from calligraphy to printmaking.

From the village it’s an enjoyable uphill romp to Ditchling Beacon, a high point in the Downs with stunning views all round. Look out for butterflies and orchids in the summer months, including some rare species, and listen out for skylarks at any time of the year. After your walk, The Bull in the heart of the village offers a warm welcome, or a short distance north of Ditchling you can delve into Sussex’s winelands at Ridgeview Estate, a sustainably-minded, familyrun pioneer vineyard specialising in sparkling wine and offering tastings, events and tours. A pleasant 40-minute stroll away from Ridgeview, the young, boutique wine estate Artelium is another popular stop-off with local walkers.

WHERE TO STAY

The Grain Store Lewes

Luxury self-catering with a door to the South Downs. thegrainstorelewes.com

The Bull, Ditchling

Charming village inn with six hideaway bedrooms. thebullditchling.com

Blackberry Wood

Quirky glamping in treehouses, converted vehicles and cabins. blackberrywood.com

Photo: James Ratchford

Photo: Daniel Alford

The historic town of Lewes with its cobbled side streets is a good place for strolling around, watching the world go by

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

Dedicated to conserving the unique landscape of the South Downs, its culture and wildlife, the Park welcomes visitors who come to enjoy the fresh air, dramatic views and spectacular rolling countryside — from cliffs and river valleys to marshes. Near Lewes is Malling Down, which is ideal for a brisk walk over chalk downland, offering distant panoramas over Lewes and towards the Channel, and close-ups of the natural habitat for rare butterflies and orchids.

MAKERS DIRECTORY

MADE IN LEWES

Lewes’s craft heritage and independent spirit are championed by local artisans and artists.

LISA JONES

Ceramic artist, using matte colour and texture to create playful, predominantly hand-built forms. lisajonesceramics.com

FELICITY STUART, MENTEATH

Award-winning, handmade small batch, smoke-infused neuro-skincare and fragrance. menteath.com

TEN TABLES

Handmade furniture which can be customised with your choice of material, size and finish. tentables.co.uk

Natural dyed textile and paper artist whose work crosses over between art, design and craft. deborahmanson.co.uk

ANNIE SLACK

Designer and spoon carver exploring the everyday rituals and objects in our hands. annieslack.net

BULB

Artisan bouquets and design-led floristry for events, styling and everlasting installations. bulbfloristry.co.uk

COTTON AVOCADO

Eco-friendly artisan clothes made from locally sourced eco dyes and textiles. cottonavocado.com

LIV & DOM

Ceramicists and illustrators with eponymous homeware brand including ceramics and prints. livanddom.com

Find these and more Lewes makers at themakersdirectory.co.uk

DEBORAH MANSON

DOWN FROM DALSTON

Hannah Crosbie, wine writer and founder of Dalston Wine Club, takes a road trip through Sussex’s winelands to find out why English wine is having its day in the sun.

Words: Hannah Crosbie Photos: Will Hearle

Sussex isn’t just producing amazing wines — it also offers an easy-toescape-to getaway from busy London. A couple of friends and I bundled into a Nissan Figaro for a two-day excursion to sunny Sussex, where we’d visit the vineyards, meet the people and taste the wines putting this beautiful county on the map.

STOPHAM VINEYARD

The Figaro pulls into a quiet, unsuspecting barn, and we have arrived at Stopham Vineyard. We try to find the vines ourselves, but end up finding some terrifying goats instead. Winemaker Tom Bartlett greets us, and says he can see the vineyards from here. Towering above us as he does, we believe him. Then it’s down dusty roads, over a stile and into their idyllic vineyards. From here you can see for miles around, slopes planted with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and the silvery leaves of Pinot Noir. It’s possibly the most off-the-beaten-track spot we’ll visit. There are a few wines to taste, and we buy a bottle of Pinot Blanc which we take to the beach and keep cool with wet rocks. stophamvineyard.co.uk

RATHFINNY

If Stopham is David, Rathfinny is most definitely Goliath. Five minutes of undulating vineyards pass by us before we reach its heart. Winemaker Tony greets us, and our move from the roasting sun to a walk amid the cool steel winery is a welcome one. The first winery dog, Mika, says hello as we exit towards their restaurant. A picnic of warm bread, watermelon salad and potatoes is punctuated by a glass of their Classic Cuvée. A Sussex sparkling wine dominated by Pinot Noir, it’s an effortless foodmatcher. Ice cold sips complement our meal as we watch the sun dip behind the vineyards. rathfinnyestate.com

A picnic of warm bread, watermelon salad and potatoes is punctuated by a glass of Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée.

SUNDAY

TILLINGHAM

Is it really a wine escape to Sussex without a stop-in at Tillingham? It’s become a bit of a hotspot, and for good reason. The black peaks of the utterly Instagrammable oast house dominate the landscape, with their qvevri snuggled beneath. It’s here that we meet Seb, who takes us to check out the nettles he’s drying for his biodynamic preparations. This vintage is shaping up to be a good one, he tells us, although 2021 yielded some fantastic ciders. We opt for the Qvevri Orange, which we share over the best sandwich we’ve ever had.

tillingham.com

OXNEY ORGANIC ESTATE

We round off our trip with a quick stop at Oxney. The vineyard dog, Frida, bounds over to meet us. We’re certainly not her first guests today, but she runs through the vines with excitement as if we’re the first to visit her home. And Oxney is certainly homely — the small cellar door seems to dwarf the winemaking operation tucked around the back. Don’t be fooled though, they’re the largest organic single-estate producer in England, and the wines that founder Kristin (pictured left) shows us are liquid proof. My favourite is their 2019 Sparkling Rosé — fresh notes of wild strawberry and cherry pair nicely with sweaty brows and the setting sun.

oxneyestate.com

Watch Hannah’s roadtrip diaries in full at sussexmodern.com/stories, and follow her on Instagram @hannahcrosb

Next year will see the Turner Prize presented at Towner Eastbourne as the centrepiece of the gallery’s centenary celebrations. Joe Hill, Director of Towner Eastbourne, tells us what to expect.

TALK OF THE TOWNER

Photo, right: Rachel Ferriman Below, top: Rosie Powell Below, bottom: Marc Atkins

It’s certainly an exciting time for Towner Eastbourne. In 2023 we’ll mark our 100th birthday and will present a programme that invites all our visitors and partner organisations to celebrate with us. In order to be ready for this important moment, we have completed some major refurbishment works to transform the gallery experience for our visitors.

Earlier in the summer we were able to share the exciting news that our 100th year will see us host the world’s leading contemporary art award: The Turner Prize.

It’s the first time that The Turner Prize has come to Sussex, so naturally we are delighted to have been selected as host — and we know that Towner is going to be a great match for one of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world.

The prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art, and as the largest gallery in the South East we are proud to be well-known for our collection of modern and contemporary British art and dynamic programme of commissions and acquisitions. We’ve recently hosted exhibitions by some of the most exciting and diverse artists working at all stages of their careers, like David Nash, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, John Akomfrah, Hannah Perry, Dineo Seshee Bopape, Eileen Mayo, John Nash, Melissa Gordon, Margaret Mellis, Carey Young and Jananne Al-Ani — as well as major commissions by Lothar Götz and Mariana Castillo Deball.

TOWNER 100

In 2023, our year-long centenary celebration of arts and culture — Towner 100 — will extend across Eastbourne, bringing some transformative cultural and social experiences for both visitors and residents. Plans include a number of public art commissions, a programme to engage children and young people, and wraparound activities and events to attract new visitors. We hope that Eastbourne’s residents will come together in a real moment of civic pride for the town.

Towner Eastbourne is also currently leading an ambitious culture-led Levelling Up project for Eastbourne that will further reinforce the area’s attraction as a major cultural destination internationally. Central to this is Black Robin Farm, a nineteenth-century dairy farm nestled in the South Downs National Park on the Western edge of Eastbourne. It’s set to become an inclusive and accessible centre for culture, helping Eastbourne communities and visitors to connect with

nature, the landscape and its cultural heritage and revitalising the visitor economy, bringing sustainable growth to the town and East Sussex.

Meanwhile, we have some brilliant events and exhibitions on the horizon, including a retrospective of works by Barbara Hepworth in summer 2023 and, before that, the first chance to see a range of our new acquisitions in a major show, spanning painting, sculpture, moving image and performance — including works by Helen Cammock, Michael Rakowitz, Clare Woods and Rachel Jones.

The exhibition of Turner Prize’s four shortlisted artists will be presented from 28 September 2023 to 14 January 2024 with the announcement of the winner on 5 December 2023. We are thrilled to host the first ever edition in our region, and look forward to welcoming you to experience this very special moment — as well as the other events in Towner 100 — with us.

See all the latest on the Turner prize and Towner 100 at townereastbourne.org.uk

TURNER TIMELINE

May 2023

Shortlist announced 28 September 2023 — 14 January 2024 Exhibition of Turner Prize’s four shortlisted artists at Towner Eastbourne

5 December 2023

Winner announced

WHY SUSSEX?

Alex Farquharson, Director, Tate Britain and Chair of the Turner Prize jury tells us why Towner was chosen to host the prize.

“This marks the first time the prize has been held in Sussex, an area that has generations of artists. Towner Eastbourne is one of Britain’s most exciting galleries, with a fantastically diverse exhibition programme and world-class collection of modern British and international contemporary art. Its rich history of collecting and exhibiting work by UK artists particularly resonates with Turner Prize’s aim to champion the latest developments in contemporary British art, and we look forward to seeing how next year’s shortlisted artists will transform Towner’s newly redeveloped galleries.”

Here, the River Cuckmere meanders towards the sea to be met by the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, which can be followed all the way to Eastbourne. Get there early in the morning to catch the sea mist as it creeps upriver, clinging to the valley floor.

Photo: Daniel Alford

SEVEN SISTERS

THE SUSSEX YEAR

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER Ripening

The grapes change colour as they ripen, known as veraison. The red varieties become red and purple while the white varieties go through various shades of green to a translucent yellow gold.

SEPTEMBER Hastings Natural Wine Week

The restaurants, bars and wine shops of buzzing Hastings and St Leonardson-Sea host a week-long celebration of natural and biodynamic wine with tastings, parties, and themed events.

SEPTEMBER

Coastal Currents Spanning 1066 Country, this arts festival encourages artists and performers to re-examine the locations around them and find new ways of using them, thereby asking audiences to look again.

There’s a good reason to visit Sussex in any season. From heady summer festivals to autumn exhibitions, beach days to bonfire nights, or those magical vineyard moments that punctuate the wine year, there’s always something to do, see or experience. Here’s our pick of dates for your diary.

SEPTEMBER Artwave

Bringing together more than 900 artists and makers in and around Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven, the festival is a chance to discover new work, meet artists and makers, and buy directly from them by following trails around artists’ homes and studios, galleries, gardens, workshops and some more unusual places.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Harvest

Harvest is the most exciting time of the year, as vineyards reap the rewards of the year’s labour.

SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER Autumn exhibitions

As the landscapes change from green to gold and the early sunsets paint the coastlines in pinkish tones, Sussex’s art galleries mark the start of the cultural season with their bold new autumn exhibitions. Head to the Sussex Modern website for details.

Photo: Will Hearle

Photo: Will Hearle

AUTUMN

WINTER

NOVEMBER Bonfire Night

Guy Fawkes season in Sussex is big news, as bonfire societies take to the streets with flaming torches, costumes and effigies. Swerve the crowds in Lewes and try Hastings, Battle or Robertsbridge instead (pictured right).

FEBRUARY South Downs Dark Skies Festival

Stargazers across Sussex turn their eyes upwards for this two-week celebration of all things celestial, while down on terra firma we find out which animals come out to play in the dark.

SPRING SUMMER

MAY TO AUGUST Glyndebourne Festival

Truly a feast for all the senses, the magical Glyndebourne Festival is the highlight of the opera year. The quality’s top notch, the location is magical, the restaurants serve great food and a picnic on the lawn here is hard to beat.

MAY Brighton Festival

Waves of music, theatre, art, dance, film, literature flow across Brighton in May, as each year a different director puts their own unique twist on an event that unfailingly seems to manage to find a way to make the cultural world sit up and take notice.

MAY Jack in the Green, Hastings

Every May Day weekend, the good folk of Hastings daub themselves with green paint, cover themselves in leaves and take to the streets to celebrate the coming of summer.

MAY Charleston Festival

Charleston’s pretty much unchanged since the days when it was a country retreat to the Bloomsbury Group in the early 1900s.

A century on, attending the Charleston Festival’s many events and talks, sitting and discussing the issues of the day and having a picnic among the trees, you can just feel their legacy.

JUNE English Wine Week

This annual event sees vineyards across the county welcoming visitors for tours, Q&A sessions and, of course, a chance to taste their prime vintages.

JULY Festival of the Garden

Our relationship with the land has been a growing concern for some time, and this is your chance to hear from the experts on the subject. Gardening writers, food growers, foragers, garden designers and cooks descend on the gardens at Charleston for a long weekend in July to talk about all aspects of the way we interact with nature.

JUNE Flowering

Vines, like all fruit, produce flowers and each tiny flower turns into a grape berry.

JUNE TO JULY Chichester Festival

Chichester’s month-long festival is the highlight of the city’s cultural calendarbursting at the seams with events ranging from international theatre, music and cinema to community events, local tours and inspiring talks.

Pruning

During winter the vines are dormant, so they’re pruned by hand to keep them in shape and regulate the yields.

AUGUST Brighton & Hove Pride

The UK’s most famous Pride event takes place in Brighton every August. Join visitors from across the globe in a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ community, culture and colour — topped off by one of the world’s biggest Pride parades.

Photo: Jonathan Somarib

Festival of the Garden. Photo: Lewis Ronald

Jack in the Green Photo: Steven Drew

EXPLORE SUSSEX

Chalkland butterflies

Nightingales

AIRPORT

Bumblebees

different species

in Sussex,

some of

They all

of

Hornbeams

the

recognised by

and

Sea Kale

This shingle-loving plant is a speciality of Sussex, often seen along the coast.

Grapes

as much part of our landscape as chalk and cliffs, vineyards are a recent, but important enhancement to the Sussex ecosystem.

WEALD AONB

WESTERN DOWNS

ASHLING PARK ESTATE 1 Chichester, PO18 9DJ

Ashling Park is a vineyard that has it all. The impressive 50-acre estate represents a new style of vineyard, with overnight stays, tours, tastings, restaurant and even a Gin School. Visitors can stay overnight in a luxury lodge created by Will Hardie of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces — with roll-top baths, wood burners, huge beds and beautiful decor to reflect the vineyard seasons.

ashlingpark.co.uk

One of Britain’s most distinctive modern art museums, Pallant House tells the story of British art from 1900 to now through original exhibitions and a world-class collection. In its 20 galleries, housed in an historic Queen Anne townhouse with a striking contemporary extension, you can see the work of Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, John Piper, Eduardo Paolozzi and many more.

pallant.org.uk

This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea. Explore this area of superb chalk grassland with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre.

sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

PALLANT HOUSE GALLERY 5 Chichester, PO19 1TJ

AMBERLEY WILDBROOKS 9 NATURE RESERVE Pulborough, RH20 2ES

KINGLEY VALE 2 Chichester, PO18 9BE

Explore the ancient yew trees and hidden landscape trail at this ancient forest, thought to have the oldest living trees in Britain. It also has some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in southern England, along with unique wildlife, including 11 types of orchids. nationaltrust.org.uk

WEST DEAN COLLEGE OF 3 ARTS AND CONSERVATION Chichester, PO18 0QZ

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was established by Surrealist patron and poet Edward James, in his former home in West Sussex. Today it welcomes students on 800+ short courses and degree programmes, and connects them with a rich heritage of creative possibility. westdean.org.uk

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL 4 THEATRE Chichester, PO19 6AP

CFT is one of the UK’s flagship theatres, renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions as well as its work with the community and young people.

The Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses, and its studio theatre, the Minerva, is known for premieres of new works and intimate revivals.

cft.org.uk

TINWOOD ESTATE 6 Chichester, PO18 0NE

Established in 2007 by winemaker Art Tucker, the focus at Tinwood is on producing delicious top-quality sparkling wine. From the beautiful modern tasting room visitors can tour the vineyards, taste the wines and stay in overnight luxury lodge accommodation every day of the week. tinwoodestate.com

NEWLANDS HOUSE 7 GALLERY Petworth, GU28 0DX

A new gallery inspired by the historic associations of Petworth and Sussex with great artists, writers, and designers from times past. Running in parallel with exhibitions dedicated to modern and contemporary art, photography and design, the gallery’s annual cultural programme builds on the heritage of Petworth and the town’s reputation for excellence in music, literature, and antiques. newlandshouse.gallery

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate’s vines enjoy sunny, south-facing slopes in a mediæval West Sussex hamlet. Specialists in crafting aromatic still white wines like Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and classic method sparkling wine, Stopham prides itself on its sustainable approach to winemaking. The vineyard, planted in 2007 by winemaker Simon Woodhead, boasts sandy, free-draining soil and the best views in the county.

stophamvineyard.co.uk

AMBRIEL WINE 10 Nutbourne, RH20 2HS

Overlooking the South Downs in West Sussex, Ambriel’s south-facing greens and hills nurture Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines. The winery, nestled in the centre of the vineyard, produces Ambriel’s awardwinning single estate, Traditional Method, English Sparkling Wines. Sip some in the tasting barn while drinking in the spectacular views. ambrielsparkling.com

DIGBY FINE ENGLISH 11 Arundel, BN18 9AJ

The first negociant or blending house in the United Kingdom, Digby seeks out a special balance of vineyards drawn from chalk, greensand and clay sites in the South East of England. Visit their shop and tasting room in the heart of Arundel to experience some of the best sparkling wine in the world, made from grapes harvested all over Sussex. digby-fine-english.com

STOPHAM ESTATE 8 Pulborough, RH20 1EE

TOWARDS BRIGHTON

WISTON ESTATE 12 Washington, RH20 4BB

Set amidst the rolling landscape of the South Downs, the beautiful Wiston Estate is in a world of its own. With its historic flint barns and buildings, elegant restaurant and continental–style courtyard, this pristine Sussex wine estate welcomes visitors for tours and tastings, fine dining, and restorative rambles through the surrounding countryside. wistonestate.com

RIDGEVIEW WINE ESTATE 16 Ditchling Common, BN6 8TP

Ridgeview are English sparkling wine pioneers in Sussex, crafting classic method sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier since 1995. Established near the picturesque South Downs village of Ditchling, this second-generation family vineyard invites visitors to drink-in the gorgeous view that gives Ridgeview its name, and lives out the family message which is found written in the neck foil of every bottle: ‘Life is for Celebrating’. ridgeview.co.uk

At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On the other hand, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. Travel up from Brighton on the Breezeup-to-the-Downs bus to explore this legendary area. nationaltrust.org.uk

DEVIL’S DYKE 20 Brighton, BN1 8YL

CISSBURY RING 13 Worthing, BN14 0HT

Cissbury Ring, in the South Downs National Park, is the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. It’s set high-up on a chalk promontory, so on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight. nationaltrust.org.uk/cissbury-ring

BOLNEY WINE ESTATE 14

Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB

Established for more than half a century, Bolney is a true pioneer of English wine. As one of the first vineyards to be planted in England, this family-run estate continues to lead the way from its beautiful site in the heart of Sussex. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings of Bolney’s award-winning wine, as well as an exciting calendar of events throughout the year. bolneywineestate.com

ALBOURNE ESTATE 15

Hassocks, BN6 9DX

No tour or trip to the area is complete without visiting the beautiful, familyowned and run, Albourne Estate. Enjoy a self-guided tour amongst the vines before dropping into the light-filled tasting room. With its large balcony, visitors can relax and enjoy a wine flight with accompanying Sussex cheese board or local charcuterie, all whilst soaking up the views towards the South Downs.

albourneestate.co.uk

DITCHLING COMMON 17 Hassocks, BN6 8SQ

The Common is a tranquil place where you can enjoy woodlands, open grassy areas, lakes, stunning bluebells in springtime, and splendid views towards the South Downs. The networks of paths are great for countryside walks and for spotting rare fauna and flora. Picnic tables are provided. eastsussex.gov.uk

DITCHLING MUSEUM 18 OF ART + CRAFT Ditchling, BN6 8SP

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is home to a permanent collection that showcases the work of artists and craftspeople living and working in Ditchling — a village which nurtured some of the 20th century’s most innovative and creative ideas in crafts and design. The museum presents two new exhibitions a year, along with a thriving learning programme with activities for all ages.

ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

ARTELIUM WINE 19 Streat, BN6 8SA

This young vineyard in the heart of Sussex offers a space to enjoy wine and art against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sussex countryside. With a focus on nurturing local artists alongside the vines, Artelium brings a special blend of hospitality to the heart of the South Downs. artelium.com

Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) is an interdisciplinary arts hub in a mid-century modern Grade II listed building, designed by Sir Basil Spence and located on the University of Sussex campus. It supports innovation through artistic programmes and residencies. The public programme includes dance, theatre, live art, music, film, discussion and debate.

attenboroughcentre.com

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Its diverse collections bring together arts and history to tell stories about the city and the world we live in. There is a lively and constantly changing programme of exhibitions, displays and events, with hands-on activities for all ages, gallery trails and much more.

brightonmuseums.org.uk

BRIGHTON MUSEUM 22 & GALLERY Brighton, BN1 1EE

ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE 21 FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS Brighton, BN1 9RA

SUSSEX CHALKLANDS

SEVEN SISTERS AND 23 FRISTON FOREST Seaford, BN25 4AD

The dramatic Seven Sisters Country Park, with its chalk sea cliffs, chalk grassland and the meandering Cuckmere estuary, is set within the South Downs National Park, along the Sussex Heritage Coast. It is popular for walking, birdwatching and cycling. Just behind is Friston Forest which has colour-coded walking and mountain biking trails and connects with the Cuckmere Valley.

sevensisters.org.uk

LONG MAN OF 26 WILMINGTON

Eastbourne, BN26 5SW

Britain’s tallest chalk hill figure. There is no firm evidence about who he is, or why he is there. The figure is cut into the steep slopes of Windover Hill, and is 235 feet high. The mysterious Long Man can be best viewed on a walking route through this quiet part of Sussex.

sussexpast.co.uk

Located in the heart of Lewes, Depot is a contemporary, independent three-screen cinema and stylish café-restaurant with gardens and terrace. It offers an innovative programme of mainstream, art house and independent films; world cinema, documentaries and classic films, along with special events, guest speakers and workshops. The restaurant has an ever-evolving seasonal menu, showcasing a variety of local ingredients — including a fantastic selection of local beers and ales.

lewesdepot.org

DEPOT 29 Lewes, BN7 2JS

TOWNER EASTBOURNE 24 Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ

Awarded Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2020 and chosen to host the Turner Prize in 2023, Towner Eastbourne is one of the UK’s leading centres of contemporary art. The gallery, cinema and public art collection presents a dynamic programme of exhibitions, film screenings, events and commissions by some of the most exciting and diverse artists working at all stages of their careers. townereastbourne.org.uk

RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE 25 Alfriston, BN26 5TU

Established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, Rathfinny has firmly put the Sussex Winelands on the map with their outstanding wine tourism experiences. The Estate offers a fine-dining restaurant, tours, tastings, summer picnics, takeaway drinks and light bites at The Hut, a vineyard walking trail and homely boutique accommodation at the Flint Barns. rathfinnyestate.com

Lewes, BN8 6LR

Firle Beacon, with fantastic views across the sea, sits high above the village of Firle in the South Downs National Park. The Beacon is home to a Neolithic tomb, and can be accessed using one of the many footpaths leading up from the village. sevensisters.org.uk

The modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston was a gathering point for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury Group. Today, Charleston presents a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and festivals. charleston.org.uk

World-class productions performed in an award-winning opera house, all wrapped in that exceptional Glyndebourne experience: picnicking, dressing-up and precious time with family and friends in the glorious gardens. Performances run throughout the summer and autumn. glyndebourne.com

MALLING DOWN NATURE 31 RESERVE Lewes, BN8 5RH

This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea. Explore this area of superb chalk grassland with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre. sussexpast.co.uk

CHARLESTON 28 Firle, BN8 6LL

GLYNDEBOURNE 30 Lewes, BN8 5UU

FIRLE BEACON 27

DEEP INLAND

SHEFFIELD PARKLAND 32 Uckfield, TN22 3QX

The historic Sheffield Parkland dates back several centuries and has had many uses, including as a deer park and a Second World War camp. It is now grazed with livestock and is a diverse haven for wildlife. Park at the National Trust car park to explore Sheffield Parkland as it gently slopes across grazed fields and leads you down to the riverside flood meadow. nationaltrust.org.uk

ASHDOWN FOREST 34 Hartfield, RH18 5JR

Known the world over as the ‘home’ of Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Farm was a deer hunting forest in Norman times, and is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East. It’s a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside, with a fantastic rights of way network to explore. ashdownforest.org

HIGH WEALD AREA OF 36 OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Flimwell, TN5 7PR

A medieval landscape of wooded, rolling hills studded with sandstone outcrops, small, irregular-shaped fields, scattered farmsteads and ancient routeways, the High Weald covers parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey at the heart of South East England. With its amazing network of footpaths and bridleways, it’s a wonderful place to explore on foot. highweald.org

BLUEBELL VINEYARD 33 ESTATES

Uckfield, TN22 3RU

Nestled on the edge of the Ashdown Forest near the historic Bluebell Steam Railway, Bluebell Vineyard Estates is home to the award-winning range of ‘Hindleap’ sparkling wines and ‘Ashdown’ still wines: hand-crafted, terroir-driven, vintage wines, bursting with fruit character.

bluebellvineyard.org

OUT IN THE WEALD: A LAND OF RENEWAL

Away from the coast and the broad reach of the downs, there’s another Sussex: an ancient High Weald landscape of woods, farms and villages steeped in history. It’s a place of making, crafting and growing — a place where an industrial and agricultural past is being remade in harmony with nature and contemporary life. Rooted in the local environment and its traditions are creatives and entrepreneurs who, with pride, care and passion are pursuing quality, exploring new techniques and reviving old ones.

Heathfield, TN21 0HG

Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Hidden Spring Vineyard is a boutique wine producer creating worldclass still and sparkling wines. Their wines are meticulously crafted from hand-picked grapes grown in the surrounding fields. You can visit the wine bar and shop or join the Tour & Tasting Experience which offers you the chance to see the journey from grape to glass entirely on site, culminating in an expertly-guided wine tasting led by the head winemaker. hiddenspring.co.uk

One example can be found at Flimwell Park, an original concept for living, working, relaxation and wellness, set in 50 acres of woodland. The stunning architecture, unashamedly modern and sustainable, coexists naturally with its woodland surroundings. It fits comfortably in its place. Here, surrounded by tall broadleaved trees, a new generation of entrepreneurs and makers operates from all-timber workspaces that rise on stilts, giving views directly into the tree canopy.

Read more: sussexmodern.org.uk/stories

HIDDEN SPRING VINEYARD 35

EDGING EAST

OXNEY ORGANIC ESTATE 37 Beckley, TN31 6TU

Oxney, near Rye, is the largest single estate organic vineyard in the UK. Producing award-winning still and sparkling wines, the vineyard, which is part of a 850-acre organic family farming estate, surrounds the beautiful winery and shop and hosts popular tastings, tours and lunches. The estate has beautiful converted barns and lovely cottages, should you wish to stay the night.

oxneyestate.com

OASTBROOK ESTATE 40 Flimwell, TN32 5XA

With the first vines planted by owner and winemaker America Brewer in 2018, Oastbrook Estate is an idyllic vineyard retreat near Robertsbridge, in the Sussex countryside. The critically acclaimed still and sparkling wines are made with passion, with sustainability key to the process. When visiting the Estate, you can take part in wine tours, and even a stay in a Hobbit House on site.

oastbrook.com

PEVENSEY BAY 43 Pevensey, BN24 6HD

Pevensey Bay is an old fishing village founded in the 1600s, and is famously known as William of Normandy’s landing place in 1066. It is now a popular seaside destination. The nearby Pevensey Levels are a natural haven for wild birds, flowers and animals.

visit1066country.com

Peasmarsh, TN31 6XD

Tillingham is set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, with farreaching views along the Tillingham River valley, across the fortified hilltop town of Rye to the Romney salt marshes and the distant sea. A mixed farm dating from the 13th century, Tillingham is home to vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock — and the recently renovated farmstead provides a place for visitors to stay and enjoy the produce of the farm and the local area. tillingham.com

RESERVE

Rye, TN31 7TX

A 465-hectare mosaic of coastal habitats — shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater ditches and gravel pits, and reedbeds. It is home to 4,500 species of plants and animals, of which more than 300 are nationally rare or endangered. Explore the site through a network of paths, with five birdwatching hides accessible to most wheelchairs. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Hastings, TN34 3DW

Hastings Contemporary champions modern and contemporary art. From its award-winning building set on the beach of Hastings Old Town, the gallery presents an ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions showcasing work by both internationally celebrated and emerging artists. hastingscontemporary.org

A lively centre for arts and entertainment by the sea in Bexhill, offering a year-round programme of exhibitions, live music, comedy and family activities. First opened in 1935, this icon of 20th-century modernist architecture quickly became known as the ‘People’s Palace’ and has been modern in spirit and aspiration ever since. As well as events, visitors can enjoy the great restaurant, record store and a rooftop with stunning sea views. dlwp.com

Experience the extraordinary atmosphere of the Sussex home of photographer Lee Miller and Surrealist artist Roland Penrose, whose guests included Picasso, Man Ray and Miró. There are two galleries and a sculpture garden to explore, with the galleries boasting an outstanding selection of temporary exhibitions shown alongside the works of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. Past exhibitions include the art of: Eileen Agar, Peter Blake, Desmond Morris and Dorothea Tanning. farleyshouseandgallery.co.uk

RYE HARBOUR NATURE 39

DE LA WARR PAVILION 42 Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1DP

HASTINGS 41 CONTEMPORARY

TILLINGHAM 38

FARLEYS HOUSE & GALLERY 44 Chiddingly, BN8 6HW

WHERE TO STAY

THE PIG IN THE SOUTH DOWNS

Contemporary country house hotel, kitchen garden and greenhouse restaurant with a variety of luxe accommodation. thepighotel.com/ in-the-south-downs

WESTERN DOWNS

THE CRAB & LOBSTER Cosy 16th-century coastal inn overlooking Pagham Harbour. crab-lobster.co.uk

COWDRAY ESTATE

Gorgeous self-catering hideaways for a range of group sizes, in this country estate with acclaimed farm shop. cowdray.co.uk/stay

TOWARDS BRIGHTON

TINWOOD ESTATE

Luxury self-catering lodges with barrel sauna and private terraces overlook the vineyard and setting sun. tinwoodestate.com

THE BULL, DITCHLING

Six beautiful rooms at the inn, in a 16th-century building in the heart of Ditchling. thebullditchling.com

THE GINGER PIG, HOVE

Steps from the beach, 11 stylish bedrooms sit above this highly-acclaimed restaurant. thegingerpigpub.com

ARTIST RESIDENCE BRIGHTON

Quirky seafront hotel with eclectic decor and lively social hub. artistresidence.co.uk

SUSSEX CHALKLANDS

BLACKBERRY WOOD GLAMPING

Get back to nature with a range of higgledypiggledy glamping options at the foot of the South Downs. blackberrywood.com

PORT HOTEL

Cool, calm and contemporary boutique hotel with restaurant and bar on Eastbourne’s seafront. porthotel.co.uk

THE STAR, ALFRISTON

Converted 15th-century inn with stylish rooms and buzzy restaurant in a mediaeval village centre. thepolizzicollection.com/ the-star

THE RAM INN, FIRLE

Cosy country pub with rooms and walled garden, in an historic Bloomsbury heartland village. raminn.co.uk

DEEP INLAND

THE BELL IN TICEHURST

Quirky rooms and rustic lodges await at this kooky 16th-century inn. thebellinticehurst.com

WOWO CAMPSITE

Get back to nature in wild and wonderful glamping pods. wowo.co.uk

SACKVILLE HOUSE

Sensitively restored Tudor townhouse with historic portland garden. Sleeps 8. landmarktrust.org.uk

EDGING EAST

RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE

Stay in one of 10 beautifully-appointed bedrooms at The Flint Barns B&B, located amongst the vineyards at the heart of the estate.

rathfinnyestate.com

BLUEBELL CAMP

Secluded woodland and meadow camping near Bluebell railway.

yampcamp.co.uk

OXNEY ORGANIC ESTATE

Snuggle down in a charming cottage, converted barns or cosy shepherd’s hut, surrounded by scenic vineyards and the rolling hills of the High Weald. oxneyestate.com

THE LAINDONS

Boutique B&B in a Georgian coach house in Hastings Old Town, with five luxurious rooms and views across the rooftops. laindons.com

TILLINGHAM

Choose from 11 delightful B&B rooms in a converted hop barn or — in summer — a luxury bell tent complete with king-size bed & cosy fire pit. tillingham.com

OASTBROOK

Stay overnight in a choice of luxurious vineyard accommodation which includes luxury bell tents, a lakeside lodge and even a one-of-a-kind hobbit house. oastbrook.com

THE GEORGE IN RYE

Individually designed rooms in this recently renovated boutique hotel at the cobbled heart of Rye.

thegeorgeinrye.com

SUSSEX ON TAP

From craft beer aficionados to thirsty walkers, to those just after a great pint in a unique location, Sussex has a drinking spot for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the county’s craft beer hotspots well worth a visit.

Words: Ellie King

Beak Brewery

Lewes’ Beak Brewery is nestled under the towering chalk cliffs that overlook the town and is well worth the short detour from the centre for some of the finest craft beer in the country. In their laid-back taproom, drinkers are shoulder to shoulder with the giant foudres and stainless steel tanks, whilst the yard out front has plenty of space to enjoy the sun, or there’s covered seating for shade seekers and less clement weather. Beak are currently basking in the glowing success of their first beer festival, These Hills, but regular events include live music, DJs and that finest of Sussex traditions: Toads tournaments.

beakbrewery.com

On the other side of town Abyss Brewing, who started life in the cellar of the Pelham Arms in Lewes, opened their brewery tap in a former Maltings building last October after a wildly successful Crowdfunder campaign. The aesthetically striking but thoughtful space allows drinkers to enjoy their beer at the heart of where it was made. The large yard with stretch canopy gets the afternoon sun and is the perfect spot to while away the hours. Grab a burrito from Mexican street food legends Carlito Burrito while you’re there as the perfect accompaniment to one of the many great beers served in the Abyss.

abyssbrewing.co.uk

360 Brewing

If you like your craft beer with a side of steam trains, then 360 Brewing taproom is the place for you. A stone's throw from the Bluebell Railway, 360 brew and serve a wide range of beer from Czech-style pilsners to a low-alcohol table beer, a cask best bitter and increasingly hoppy double IPAs. They also stock a variety of guest beers in can and bottle, as well as their own small pack to take away or enjoy on site.

360degreebrewing.com

Abyss Brewing

Little Monster

Speaking of which, Little Monster are known for their well-crafted, accessible range of beers from fruity sours to dank DIPAs. They moved into their own brewery in the heart of the National Park in May. Just north of Chichester and close to Goodwood Racecourse, the location couldn’t be better for a post Downland ramble beer. The taproom is currently open to the public two weekends a month.

littlemonsterbrew.com

Hand Brew Co & Cloak and Dagger

Worthing has developed a thriving craft beer scene with some excellent independent bottle shops and pubs. It is also home to independent craft breweries Hand Brew Co and Cloak and Dagger. Hand moved brewing production from Brighton’s Kemptown to Worthing in 2020 and were joined by other local beer legends Cloak and Dagger. The taproom serves beer from both breweries as well as an excellent range of natural wine and cider. It’s a welcoming and inclusive space and with so much excellent beer on tap, and only 10-minutes from West Worthing train station, you’ll definitely want to leave the car at home for this one.

handbrewco.com

Lakedown Brewing

A 20-minute drive north from Gun, near Burwash, is Lakedown Trout Fishery and brewery taproom. Tucked away next to the family-run fishing lake this humble but cosy and perfectly situated fishing lodge serves Lakedown’s own beers on cask and keg. Quite possibly one of the most tranquil spots to enjoy a beer, you’d be forgiven for dozing off in one of their deckchairs on a sunny day.

lakedownbrewing.com

Gun recently moved operations to a larger, bespoke brewery and taproom. Blending Scandinavian minimalism and Tuscan summers with its wood-panelled interiors and patio that overlooks a rolling valley, it’s a stunning spot. Serving their well-loved cask ale classics alongside kegged versions and small batch brews, there’s plenty of variety on tap.

gunbrewery.co.uk

The Brewhouse Project

Just outside the small but majestic town of Arundel you’ll find Arundel Brewery’s taproom, coffee house and all round social hub, The Brewhouse Project. This spacious former farm shop is surrounded by fields and for great coffee, food, beer and friendly staff it is unmatched. Cakes and pastries are locally sourced, Greek street food legends Happy Go Souvlaki are the current kitchen residents and Friday nights host local DJs Get it Together. The eight taps serve Arundel’s own beer, which is going from strength to strength right now, as well as guest beers and tap takeovers from some of the finest breweries in the country.

brewhouseproject.co.uk

Unless otherwise stated, all the taprooms have rotating food trucks so check out their social media for updates!

For more Sussex beer chat, follow Ellie King on Instagram

@hoppyraptor

Gun Brewery

BLOOMSBURY HEARTLAND: CHARLESTON, CHALK AND COAST

Just over one hundred years ago a group of artists, writers and intellectuals changed how we think of a special corner of Sussex — and a lot else besides. Here, beneath the South Downs and between the Ouse and Cuckmere valleys, is Bloomsbury’s country heartland.

Words: Jim Northover

Together with their friends and lovers, they challenged accepted norms in living, culture and art

The river meanders peacefully towards the sea, framed by the Seven Sisters cliffs and Friston Forest

Photo: Daniel Alford

The Bloomsbury group, as they became known for their London base, adopted this part of Sussex as their escape, to live their own lives in the way they wanted — independence, sexual freedom and a rural existence.

Centred on Charleston, the farmhouse home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the landscape around Firle has a unique story to tell. It became home-from-home for some of the greatest creative minds of the early twentieth century. Writer Virginia Woolf lived with her husband Leonard Woolf, just a few miles across the valley from her sister Vanessa at Charleston. Together with their friends and lovers the group became a Modernist movement of its own, challenging accepted norms in living, culture and art.

Today that spirit of creative independence lives on, especially at Charleston, which you can visit and experience the house and garden much as it was a century ago. Charleston now has festivals, exhibitions and events throughout most of the year that continue the debates and explore the ideas that surfaced back then and remain relevant today.

To further evoke a feeling of being in the presence of Bloomsbury, visit Monk’s House — Virginia Woolf’s former home in Rodmell, where the place feels as if the Woolfs had just stepped out. It is possible to walk from Rodmell via Southease across the River Ouse and up over Firle Beacon and then down towards Charleston. The views are sensational and your effort can be rewarded with a drink or meal at the Ram Inn in the tiny village of Firle — just steps away from

the final resting places of Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Vanessa’s son Quentin at the beautiful St Peter’s churchyard.

Stunning sunset views — and a glass of Sussex Sparkling — can be found at Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston, where the land has been transformed by miles of vines tumbling down towards the sea. The landscape of this area is truly diverse, but to bring home its full richness make sure you walk along the Cuckmere Valley, as the river meanders peacefully towards the sea, framed by the Seven Sisters cliffs and Friston Forest.

CHARLESTON FESTIVAL

Visit Charleston in May, when the gardens are coming into life and the annual internationallyacclaimed Charleston Festival attracts leaders in the fields of literature, art, music and social culture for 10 days of talks and ideas.

WHERE TO STAY

The Ram Inn, Firle Boutique rooms and quality meals in an historic village inn. raminn.co.uk

The Star, Alfriston Luxurious accommodation in a revamped 15th-century inn. thepolizzicollection.com/the-star

Photo: Lee Robbins

A LIFE AMONGST THE VINES

Ever wondered what it’s like to work on a vineyard? Adderley Pelly, Vineyard Manager at Stopham Estate, gives us a peek into her daily routines and the rhythms of the wine year.

What does a typical day as a Vineyard Manager at Stopham involve?

My day always starts off with a banging cup of coffee! I discuss the week ahead with colleagues. Generally, throughout the summer, I am jumping in the tractor for various tasks like mowing and trimming. Walking up and down the rows and getting really close in the canopy — checking for any anomalies like disease and damage — is a must as a manager, as it helps prevent any further risk to the vineyard.

Have you seen any changes in Sussex’s wine industry and Stopham’s visitors in the last few years?

Oh yes! English wine has boomed not only in size but also in taste! Especially the English Sparkling — I thoroughly enjoy it. Honestly, I am so glad it’s called English Sparkling because it is defining its own brand and receiving numerous accolades. That’s what we want as a homegrown industry.

We always have a fair mix of customers; our weekend vineyard tours are especially popular. There was an obvious lull in visitors during Covid 19, but since lockdown was lifted we have received a massive

influx, as people were keen to get out and see what was on their doorsteps.

What’s your proudest achievement in the wine world?

My biggest achievement is starting off as an apprentice in 2017 and ending up as the Vineyard Manger in less than four years. As a visual learner I have gained most of my knowledge on the job, and survived quite a few trials to get here! My boss has supported me throughout my development and given me the confidence I have today.

What characterises Sussex wine for you?

The distinct flavours you have in certain varieties. Like the Bacchus in particular, which has a lovely bouquet of elderflower — which does define England nicely for its lovely floral sense and herby notes.

What’s the best time of year to be in the vineyard? Definitely the summer for me! I love the heat from the sun and all that it brings with it. Like the early mornings, tractor driving til late in the afternoon, the heat spells when you are walking in between the rows, and the stress of trying

to get everything done in a short amount of time… you’re probably getting the hint that I like to work under pressure, or I’m just a little off balance!

I also enjoy working Saturdays doing vineyard tours, where I can actually dress nicely and look more presentable than when in my usual day-to-day attire covered in dirt and oil.

Other than Stopham Estate, what are some of your favourite Sussex places to hang out?

I live near Goodwood so I really enjoy watching the fast cars and horse racing. I love the spectacles and being in the moment of it all. Also, it’s a great reason to dress up! I have recently just inherited a sevenmonth-old Cocker Spaniel, which has increased my walking load to quite a bit! Stretching out through the South Downs, I particularly love exploring the woods and wild meadows.

Stopham Vineyard offers vineyard, winery and wine tasting tours with the winemaker on Saturdays at 11am or 2pm between April and September. Find out more at stophamvineyard.co.uk

Adderley Pelly Vineyard Manager at Stopham Vineyard

Photos: Ed Dalimore

Photo: Daniel Alford