www.enjoysussex.info
2011
Stroll around stunning GARDENS • Step back and marvel at Breathtaking Scenery Re-live the past in evocative Historic Homes & Castles • Pamper and delight with Fine Dining Taste delicious Local Produce • Be inspired by local Festivals & Celebrations
WELCOME to the official ‘Where to Stay’ and ‘What to Do’ guide for Enjoy Sussex. From countryside to coast, this exceptional destination is home to the new South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters coastline, the Ashdown Forest and the 100-mile South Downs Way. Enjoy Sussex offers ideal locations for walking and cycling, not forgetting award-winning visitor attractions and a year-round calendar of exciting events. Take the time to discover magnificent historic houses and experience the tranquil beauty of charming gardens and picturesque villages. Explore our traditional market towns with their independent shops, antique markets, contemporary art galleries and local museums.
The Farmers’ Markets, country pubs, local breweries, world class vineyards and awardwinning restaurants are an absolute must for food lovers. From five star country hotels and cosy bed & breakfasts to top quality self catering accommodation, Enjoy Sussex offers options to suit both your requirements and your budget. Visit our website www.enjoysussex.info for details of room availability and special offers. Just a short journey from London, Enjoy Sussex offers a world of unspoilt charm and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you are looking for a relaxing short break or an action-packed holiday... come, Enjoy Sussex.
Cover: Seven Sisters & The South Downs at Wilmington Inside front cover: Seven Sisters from Hope Gap
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Walk Enjoy dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views easily accessible by foot.
Foody Delight your tastebuds with award-winning gastronomic fayre.
Arty
Celebrate your visit in style with an abundance of first class facilities and produce.
Indulge Active
Stimulate your imagination with year-round events and world class entertainment.
From sailing to cycling, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your visit.
Shop Treat yourself to something special as a memento of your stay.
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Coast & Country
Approaching Birling Gap
Enjoy Sussex invites you to take a fresh look at one of England’s oldest counties to find that something… extraordinary.
Inspiring landscapes Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hideaway, an active family holiday or a romantic break, there is no better place to explore than Sussex’s quintessentially English landscape. From the Low Weald’s ancient woodlands and the wild heaths of the Ashdown Forest, to the undulating cliff tops and rolling hills of the South Downs – recently designated the U.K.’s newest National Park – the coast and countryside offers a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
A breath of fresh air Walkers, cyclists and keen explorers are very welcome in Enjoy Sussex. You don’t have to venture far on
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the extensive network of bridleways and paths – including the South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way – before appreciating an immediate sense of freedom and well-being.
The great outdoors During your stay, visit the unspoilt Seven Sisters Country Park, one of Britain’s finest coastlines comprising the world-famous Seven Sisters white cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. Take a picnic to the magical Ashdown Forest and enjoy the enchanting views that inspired AA Milne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Wonder at the mystery of the Long Man of Wilmington – the mysterious guardian of the South Downs – who has baffled archaeologists and
Balcombe Viaduct
The South Downs at Wilmington
historians for hundreds of years. Treat yourself to an ice cream at Devil’s Dyke – the largest dry valley in Britain – and take a moment to appreciate that your view is the same as that of someone who stood here hundreds of years before.
A day out with a difference Get close to nature at awardwinning adventure parks and visitor attractions, where a day out can include anything from feeding the lambs to sea canoeing, and from llama trekking to building woodland shelters.
Parham House and Gardens
Charming character Imagine, all of this with a backdrop of flint-walled and thatched cottages, magnificent churches and ancient Sussex twittens, combined with a fantastic selection of great value, quality accommodation and excellent transport links to and from London; what are you waiting for?... come, Enjoy Sussex.
Enjoy magnificent floral displays at the botanically rich gardens of Borde Hill, High Beeches, Nymans and Wakehurst Place – all steeped in gardening history.
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Sheffield Park
Coastal Splendour
HIGHLIGHTS OF
Enjoy
Exquisite Shopping
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South Downs National Park A jewel in the Sussex landscape the South Downs National Park covers over 1600 square km of glorious landscapes and unspoilt coastline, with visitors coming from far and wide to enjoy the dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views. Whether you are looking for paragliding highs and mountain biking thrills or simply want to savour the sense of space and freedom, a visit to this new National Park is a must.
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The Market Towns of Enjoy Sussex are well known for their antique shops, auction houses, bookshops, art galleries and craft studios. Less well known are the independent fashion boutiques, designer gift shops selling all things curious and wonderful, brewery shops selling locally produced wines and ales, traditional toy shops and sumptuous patisseries. A mooch around any Enjoy Sussex town will provide therapy of the retail kind and inspiration for that ‘wish you were here’ take-home gift.
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A visit to Enjoy Sussex would be incomplete without seeing the worldfamous white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. The undulating landscape and dramatic cliff-tops offer breathtaking views, from the tranquil beauty of Cuckmere Haven and the meandering river valley of Birling Gap to the chalk grassland of the South Downs Way and spectacular views from Seaford Head. This dramatic coastline was voted one of ‘Britain’s Favourite Views’ and includes the Port of Newhaven, with cross-channel ferry connections to the continent.
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Getting Active From world class sporting events and extreme sports to gentle activities on our national trails and cycle paths, there is much to see and do in Enjoy Sussex. Being active is easy with a plethora of sports centres, golf courses, water sports and equestrian centres across the area. You may also like to try something a little different such as paragliding over Devil’s Dyke or even llama trekking across the Ashdown Forest.
Taste Sensations
Hidden Heritage
From local markets and food festivals to 3AA Rosette-awarded cuisine you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for a taste sensation. Enjoy a ‘Sussex Breakfast’ of delicious local produce before setting off to explore and sample awardwinning wines from Sussex vineyards, and exemplary beers such as the unique Espresso, voted the World’s Best Speciality Beer. Chocoholics should try Cocoa Loco, “The closest you can get to heaven on earth” – that’s how their Champagne Truffles were described when they won The Times Organic Food Hero.
Enjoy Sussex is a land of ancient beauty with heritage hidden around every corner. History lovers will enjoy the 11th Century church of St. Botolph at Hardham and discover the romance of Medieval Sussex with a visit to the magnificent timber-framed Anne of Cleves House and Museum in Lewes. The impressive Parham House offers a fine Elizabethan manor which was listed in the top 20 of “England’s Thousand Best Houses”.
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Open-air Events
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Internationally-enjoyed spectator sports include the world famous show jumping arena at Hickstead or horse racing at Plumpton Racecourse, as well as County Cricket at Horsham and the 16,000 acre estate at Cowdray Park, recognised as the Home of British Polo. From Bonfire Night celebrations and ghost walks, to openair theatre and jazz performances, Enjoy Sussex entertains, surprises and stimulates – outside and in.
Living History
Enjoy Sussex has inspired many people such as ‘Rights of Man’ author Tom Paine, and the famous Quaker William Penn, both of whom went on to make their mark in America. The 19th Century poet Percy Bysshe Shelley lived near Horsham, whilst Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, settled in Crowborough. One of the world’s best loved writers, AA Milne, was inspired by the Ashdown Forest – the setting for stories featuring Winnie the Pooh. So follow in their footsteps and see for yourself why Enjoy Sussex has inspired so many.
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Glorious Gardens
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Indulge your senses with a visit to one of our many spectacular gardens such as the National Trust-owned Nymans with 27 acres of magnificent woodland and the water gardens of High Beeches. For great views visit Borde Hill, described as ‘One of the country’s truly great gardens’ by Country Life Magazine. Wakehurst Place is a garden of international significance and is known as ‘Kew in the countryside’ for its plant conservation and research.
Cultural Jewels
A wealth of culture awaits you in Enjoy Sussex, whether you enjoy live music, literature, performing arts or traditional festivals and events. World class opera from Glyndebourne attracts international visitors, whilst those seeking the unusual may wish to partake in the annual World Pea Throwing championships! The Capitol in Horsham, and Chequer Mead in East Grinstead offer theatrical highlights whilst visual arts are showcased at festivals including Lewes Artwave and Horsham Open Studios.
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Pure Indulgence
Treat yourself to some precious ‘me-time’ during your visit to Enjoy Sussex – a delightful place to relax, unwind and enjoy!
Culinary delights Savour the luxury of a lazy start to the day before sampling the many high quality culinary delights on offer throughout your stay starting with a delicious ‘Sussex Breakfast’. Sample freshly baked breads and cheeses at a Farmers’ Market or explore chocolate box style villages to find a quaint tea room for a naughty – but ever so nice – slice of cake and a refreshing pot of tea. Plan a tour of an award-winning vineyard, brewery or Food and Drink Festival before soaking up the ambience and enjoying a delicious meal in a charming restaurant or a traditional country pub.
Independent shopping If shopping is your passion you’ll be
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spoilt for choice. Enjoy Sussex boasts a tempting array of independent shops, boutiques, and markets in scenic settings. Spend an unhurried day in gentle pursuit of some retail therapy, and seek out that special memento of your visit from one of the many antique markets and bookshops, designer gift shops or inspirational art galleries.
Get active If sport is on your R&R agenda, choose from a leisurely round of golf at one of our championship golf courses, an invigorating swim at one of our many leisure centres, enjoy a day at Plumpton Racecourse, see a County Cricket match in Horsham, or even indulge in a spot of Sussex Polo.
Celebrate in style
Relax and unwind
Maybe you have a special occasion to celebrate? Why not consider a champagne balloon flight over the spectacular Sussex countryside, or enjoy the elegant surroundings of dinner onboard the Golden Arrow Pullman train? Perhaps picnic in style in preparation for a top-class performance at the worldrenowned Glyndebourne Opera House. We also have a wealth of evening entertainment from fine wining and dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, dancing at an open-air concert, or a night of comedy and laughter at one of our several theatre venues.
For pure relaxation, what better way to wind down after a busy day of adventure than pampering yourself at one of our luxurious country hotels and award-winning spas, taking advantage of a selection of treatments to ensure the perfect end to a perfect day.
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Birling Gap Sunset
Bluebell Railway
Ditchling Church
Enjoy
Tourist Information Centres
Travel Contacts
Lewes 01273 483448 lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk
National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk 0845 748 49 50
Seaford 01323 897426 seaford.tic@lewes.gov.uk
Traveline Bus Service www.traveline.org.uk 0871 200 22 33
Horsham 01403 211661 visitor.information@horsham.gov.uk
National Express Coaches www.nationalexpress.com 0870 580 80 80
Burgess Hill 01444 238202 touristinformation@burgesshill.gov.uk
Transmanche Ferries www.transmancheferries.com 0800 917 12 01 Ebbsfleet - Eurostar
East Grinstead 01342 410121 tourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk
This information can be made available in a different format if required. Please contact our Tourist Information Centres.
Wealden 01892 602884/6/7 tourism@wealden.gov.uk
www.eurostar.com 0870 518 61 86
For further information including events visit our website www.enjoysussex.info
www.enjoysussex.info
2011
A guide to Where to Stay and What to Do Horsham • Lewes • Seaford • Ashdown Forest • High Weald • South Downs
Parham House and Gardens
Enjoy Sussex invites you to take a fresh look at one of England’s oldest counties to find that something... extraordinary. Explore the South Downs National Park, iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and Winnie the Pooh’s Ashdown Forest. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hideaway, an active family holiday or a romantic break for two, there is no better place to explore than in Sussex’s quintessentially English landscape.
Come, Enjoy Sussex.
Photographs by: Michael Burgess, gardenz@hotmail.com; Eddie Beaumont Beth Embley; Peter Suddaby, petersuddaby@btinternet.com Gemma Lovegrove, info@loveyourcat.co.uk Charles Hobley, hobleych@aol.com Julian Temblett-Wood, temblettwood@gmail.com Dave Brooker, dave@mappingideas.co.uk Bill Carter; Bob Battersby, bob@bdi-images.com VisitBritain and Lewes, Wealden, Horsham & Mid Sussex District Councils’ photo libraries. Enjoy Sussex photography competition winner 2011: Michael Burgess with his image ‘Hope Gap’, inside front cover. Brochure designed by Fruit Design 01273 711555 www.fruit-design.co.uk
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