FIRST LOOK
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WHICH
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Sussex offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t
Our top things to do when visiting this picturesque county. Shopping
Shopaholics will love it here for the eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.
This
wonderful region draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to East Sussex – and congratulations on your choice of destination!
It’s a county of picturesque surroundings and handsome vistas, but also a hub for shopping, arts and culture. And did we mention it’s got some of the best places to stay in the country?
East Sussex has something for everyone, from historic battlefields to hip and alternative seaside resorts – and many attractions are open all year round, so you’ll never be scratching around for something to do. 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 chocolatebox English countryside where there are wonderful estates and picturesque gardens to explore. Walkers will love the spectacular views along the South Downs Way – which
stretches for 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester – and the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters Country Park are well worth a visit in their own right.
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’ll find plenty here to please your palate.
This beautiful county has long inspired artists and writers, and these days it’s positively brimming over with culture. There’s a plethora of art galleries and museums to visit, plus a busy calendar of festivals and events throughout the year.
In fact, whether you’re here at the height of the summer season or in the depths of January, there’s no bad time to visit this wonderful coastal county, so just get out there and enjoy everything it has to offer. You’ll be plotting your next visit before this one’s even over… ■
The seaside town of Hastings
This county offers an abundance of things to do, with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
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.
Got the kids in tow? No problem, because East Sussex might as well have been tailormade for family adventures. Scream your heart out at local theme parks, go wild along nature trails and enjoy all the fun of the British seaside. Then head for a castle or country house, where the kids can live out their storybook fantasies and you can brush up on your English history.
East Sussex is home to hip towns, stunning seascapes and lush countryside
There’s fresh air and good clean 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 alike can go wild – in the best way possible. There are also green woodworking and forest school sessions, as well as a café serving hot drinks and cake.
Another great day out for all the family is Drusillas Park in Alfriston – one of the best small zoos in Britain. Alongside a huge range of animals from camels to capybaras, there are also animal-themed rides, plus several adventure play areas where children of all ages can climb, slide, jump and swing.
Wilderness Wood in Hadlow Down is 62 acres in extent
Middle Farm is the perfect place for kids to let off steam. The 625-acre working family farm has outdoor and indoor play areas, along with plenty of animals to meet – from the residents of the small animal barn to free-range pigs and llamas. For adults, there’s fantastic farm shopping, featuring everything from plants and gifts to home-baked goods and delicious locally-reared meat from the onsite butchery. There’s also a courtyard tearoom and their famous cider barn, where you can sample and purchase more than 100 different ciders and perries. Just make sure someone else is driving!
Thrills & spills
For some serious thrills, head to Source Park in Hastings – the largest underground BMX and skateboard park in the world. Set in a former Victorian Turkish Baths under Hastings promenade, it won Historic England’s 2017 award for the ‘Best rescue of a historic building’. The place attracts some of the best riders in the world as well as beginners of all ages. You can buy or hire equipment, and there’s also a courtyard area with bars and food outlets.
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. Open from the end of March each year, there’s also a five-acre lake, crazy golf, 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, a climbing wall and heaps more fun stuff for adventurous kids.
And fear not, if yours is a child-free trip, you’ll find plenty of more grownup-friendly activities in East Sussex. For starters, you could visit Charleston – once the country home of Vanessa Bell (sister of Virginia Woolf) and Duncan Grant. They were part of the influential crowd of intellectuals, artists and writers known as the Bloomsbury Group, and they used the house as a sort of 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, and a shop selling art, books and gifts.
Virginia Woolf’s own house is just a 20-minute drive away, in Rodmell. Monk’s House is a 17th-century weatherboarded cottage, where the writer lived with her l
You can find local seasonal produce all year round in the shop at Middle Farm
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husband, the political activist, journalist and editor Leonard Woolf. The National Trust now operates the building as a museum, and it’s open during the summer tourist season.
In fact, you’re spoiled for National Trust properties in East Sussex. Bateman’s in Burwash is the former residence of Rudyard Kipling, while Lamb House in Rye was once home to writer Henry James. 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.
Stunning woodland
Sheffield Park and Garden is where the heritage Bluebell Railway starts, before chugging its way to East Grinstead, via Horsted Keynes and Kingscote, through 11 miles of stunning woodland and countryside. Sheffield Park station also has a shop, model railway, museum and a fantastic collection of locomotives and carriages to explore.
And you can’t come to East Sussex without visiting the most famous battlefield in English history – that of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. The award-winning exhibition at Battle Abbey brings alive the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest and its significance in England’s tumultuous story. If you’re visiting
You can’t come to East Sussex without visiting the most famous battlefield in English history
in October, make sure you don’t miss the annual re-enactment of the iconic battle.
Just down the road in Hastings, you can visit the imposing ruins of Hastings Castle, which was the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror. Constructed 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.
You can go from Hastings’ highest views to the depths of the Earth with Smugglers Adventure – an interactive museum built into natural underground caverns. Make your l
Battle Abbey features an awardwinning exhibition
Step back in time at the 1000-year-old Lewes Castle
way through the dark corridors once used by smugglers, 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 Anglo-Saxon 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.
Hills & forests
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!
There are spectacular views along the famous South Downs Way, which stretches for 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. To get a flavour of this long-distance route in a single day, try 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
At the Barbican House Museum you can learn about the history of the area through interactive displays
visitor centre.
Just east of the last hill 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 sights in England. Several films have been shot there, including The Living Daylights, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, and Notes on a Scandal. You can even pretend to star in your own iconic movie by booking a stay in the beautifully restored Belle Tout lighthouse.
If you like your walks accompanied by a glass of the good stuff, 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 a million bottles of Sussex sparkling wine a year. You can take a l
guided walk through the vineyard and learn about winemaking, or enjoy fine dining in one of their restaurants.
If the weather’s good enough, while away a few hours at Pells Pool lido 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.
Watersports
One of the best ways to see the South Coast is from a kayak. Get down to Bourne to Kayak in Eastbourne, where you can hire single or double sit-on-top kayaks by the hour. Or why not try the increasingly popular sport of stand-up paddle boarding? It’s easier than it looks, and offers a great work-out.
If rolling 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
Camber Sands near Rye extends for 5 miles and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sussex
and wetlands. With such a massive range of ecosystems, this is a top spot for little nature enthusiasts to identify and record the creatures you encounter.
For something a bit different, why not treat the family to a ski or snowboard taster session at Knockhatch Ski Centre in Hailsham? Open since 2001, its dry slope is 360ft long, with a vertical drop of 100ft. There’s 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. ■
Camber Sands near Rye is at its busiest at the western end, by the mouth of the river Rother
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this stunning county
1
Incredible views I
Whether you’re gazing out from a seafront café on a sunny day, striding across the South Downs or enjoying the bracing sea breeze from the clifftops, East Sussex has more than its fair share of stunning views. The views from the Seven Sisters are incredible, and nothing beats a brisk hike across the iconic chalk cliffs towards Birling Gap and Beachy Head.
2
Fabulous art
East Sussex’s glorious countryside and coastline have inspired countless artists over the years, and there’s no shortage of art galleries where you can view their work. The most famous are the awardwinning Towner Eastbourne, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and the Hastings Contemporary, but there are plenty more small galleries showcasing local talent.
3
Camber Sands
With almost five miles of fine golden sand, 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 – but if you’re feeling more adventurous how about having a go at some water sports? The Kitesurf Centre offers kitesurfing tuition, while Rye Watersports offers kit rental and lessons in sailing and windsurfing, as well as newer sports like wingfoiling.
4
Antiques & bric a brac
It’s easy to while away a few hours – or even a few days – exploring the numerous antique shops and markets of East Sussex. Rye, Hastings and Lewes are heaven for vintage-lovers, with an eclectic mix of antiques, furniture, collectables, vintage clothes and more. One of the biggest treasure troves is Hastings Antiques Warehouse, which boasts five floors heaving with fantastic finds.
5
Local wine I East Sussex has a warm, dry climate, south-facing coastal slopes and chalky soils – all of which are uncannily similar to the Champagne region of France. It’s a winning combo for producing quality still and sparkling wines, and you’ll find a number of award-winning vineyards. What a shame it would be to visit without sampling a sip or two, eh? Try Rathfinny Estate, Bluebell Vineyard or Carr Taylor Wines for starters.
6
Great food
The East Sussex food scene has never been better. There’s a real emphasis on local, seasonal produce, proudly and carefully prepared. So, whether you’re in the market for fine dining, pub grub, authentic Asian or a dirty burger, this county has it all. Highlights
include Cru in Eastbourne, the Mirabelle at Eastbourne’s Grand Hotel, and the best Sunday lunches in the business at the Pelham Arms in Lewes.
7
Stunning medieval villages
Thanks to its incredible history, East Sussex is home to some beautiful old villages with narrow cobbled streets, medieval cottages and fairytale castles. One of the most popular is Alfriston, which claims to be one of
the oldest villages in the UK. Founded in the Saxon period, it became a market town in the Middle Ages and has loads of historic buildings in a quaint village setting.
8
Glorious countryside l 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. It’s a simply stunning location for a day out in the fresh air.
the course of British history, and you can stand on the battlefield itself before exploring the abbey ruins. There’s also a visitor centre with a film telling the story of this momentous battle, as well as a gatehouse exhibition.
10
Historic pubs
You’ll find a number of award-winning vineyards here in East Sussex, including Rathfinny Estate
9
The Battle of Hastings
For a memorable family day out in East Sussex, visit Battle Abbey – the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It was a day that changed
East Sussex does an unbeatable line in fantastic old pubs and inns, some of them dating as far back as the 12th century. Two of our favourites are the Blackboys Inn – a beautiful 14th-century coaching inn on the outskirts of Uckfield – and the Mermaid Inn in Rye. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love East Sussex for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
Wherever you find yourself in East Sussex, there’s excellent retail therapy on offer. Even in the sleepiest small towns and villages, quirky, independent stores are everywhere – while the bigger towns have a broad enough range of boutiques to satisfy the most dedicated shopper. Bring your largest suitcase, or else you’ll never manage to get it shut for the journey home.
Eastbourne has a wide variety of shops on offer, from high street chains at the Beacon and indie boutiques at the Enterprise Shopping Centre to quaint Victorian
Even in the sleepiest towns, quirky, independent stores are everywhere
shopping streets and lively local markets.
Let’s start with Little Chelsea, which was once ranked the third coolest neighbourhood in the UK by the Sunday Times. It has heaps of independent retailers, offering the perfect opportunity to sample mouthwatering deli treats or discover one-of-a-kind antiques, quirky 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 up from humble beginnings to become one of the most highly regarded
silver businesses in East Sussex. Neil and his daughter Hannah take regular buying trips to countries like Mexico, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Poland, sourcing new and exciting jewellery collections to bring home to Eastbourne.
Used and rare vinyl is the USP of the Vinyl Frontier – the longest-established independent record shop in town. There’s also licensed café bar at the rear of the shop, where you can enjoy a drink and enjoy some of their regular live music gigs and DJ sets.
The Enterprise Shopping Centre is one of the most unusual places to shop and eat in East Sussex. Bursting with character, this former Victorian Railway building is bathed in sunlight from its original glass roof. With over 30 independent shops, eateries, and services, it celebrates all things indie— including Eastbourne’s iconic Yummy Noodle Bar, a favourite for over 25 years.
Every business is independently owned, offering a level of passion and personal service rarely found on the high street. Conveniently located by Eastbourne Railway Station, it’s the perfect destination to explore.
Arts & crafts
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 have a strong focus on works inspired by the local area.
Foodies rejoice! Barley Sugar is one of the best independent delis in Sussex. It champions local produce, but also sells topquality produce from all around the UK and Europe. You’ll find a vast cheese counter, a great choice of continental and British charcuterie and hams, and a daily delivery of fresh artisan sourdough breads. Unusually, they also sell antiques, with a fantastic range of unique vintage finds.
Just outside Eastbourne, in the beautiful village of East Dean, is a weekly village market, where you can sample the flavours of the countryside and mooch around more than 40 stalls selling everything from jams to hand-crafted jewellery. The market takes place every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.
If you love scouring the streets for one-off clothing items 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.
You’ll encounter a similarly stylish ethos at Butlers Emporium, set in a quaint former hardware shop on George Street. Their elegantly curated range of gifts and homewares feature natural materials, quality design and organic ingredients, and are 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 & Spencer, JD Sports and Primark.
Like so many of these funky seaside resorts, Hastings 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 jewellery and leather goods at 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.
Antiques & more
For locally sourced vintage furniture, make a beeline for Hastings Antique Warehouse –which has five floors positively heaving with one-off 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. They even have a restaurant serving fresh local seafood.
The Dyke & Dean homeware and interiors store in Hastings is set in a Grade 2-listed former printworks that once hosted a local newspaper. These days they’re a popular spot selling contemporary homewares and utilitarian items, carefully curated by product designers Oliver Dean and Eddie Lloyd-Dyke.
All that shopping is going to give you tired feet, so why not finish the day at Soak in l
Hastings Old Town has a cluster of quality boutiques, antique shops and vintage stores
DISCOVER THE BUZZ AT THE BEACON!
LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE DAY OUT? THE BEACON SHOPPING CENTRE HAS IT ALL! START YOUR ADVENTURE AT RITUALS, WHERE INDULGENT SCENTS AND LUXURIOUS SELF-CARE TREATS AWAIT. THEN, POP INTO MINISO FOR QUIRKY, BUDGET-FRIENDLY FINDS THAT SPARK JOY.
NEED TO GET THINGS DONE? FOUNDRY’S CO-WORKING SPACE OFFERS A STYLISH, PRODUCTIVE SPOT TO FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY. ONCE WORK IS OUT OF THE WAY, IT’S PLAYTIME! CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS AT BOOM BATTLE BAR AXE THROWING, CRAZY GOLF, AND EPIC COCKTAILS? YES, PLEASE!
MOVIE LOVERS CAN CATCH THE LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS AT CINEWORLD, AND WHEN HUNGER STRIKES, NANDO’S IS READY TO SERVE UP LEGENDARY PERI-PERI GOODNESS.
THE BEACON ISN’T JUST A SHOPPING CENTRE IT’S A FULL-ON EXPERIENCE! SO, GRAB YOUR MATES, MAKE A DAY OF IT, AND LET THE FUN BEGIN.
FOLLOW US ON; @THEBEACONEASTBOURNE @THE BEACON TEL: 01323 643431 THE BEACON, EASTBOURNE, EAST SUSSEX BN21 3NW THEBEACONEASTBOURNE.COM
For life’s special moments
At Brufords, we understand that your wedding is a momentous occasion - a day when every detail should reflect the uniqueness of your love story. That’s why we’re proud to offer the ultimate bridal experience.
Situated in The Beacon, Eastbourne, our bespoke, in-store, bridal boutique offers a serene and welcoming environment designed with your comfort in mind. Here you can enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, whilst you explore our carefully curated selection of engagement rings, wedding rings, and bridal jewellery.
ENGAGEMENT RINGS: A PROMISE OF FOREVER
Cherished emblems of love and commitment, marking the beginning of a shared journey through life, our engagement ring collection is designed to cater to an array of tastes,
preferences, and budgets. Comprising of classic solitaire designs, intricate halo settings, and contemporary styles, our rings are designed to capture the essence of enduring love.
WEDDING RINGS: A SYMBOL OF UNITY
Exchanged as a promise of eternal love, our selection of wedding rings encompasses a variety of designs, from timeless plain bands and modern patterned styles, to those adorned with diamonds. Crafted with care and precision, each ring is designed to be a lasting symbol of your unity.
BRIDAL JEWELLERY: ENHANCING YOUR RADIANCE
Beyond rings, bridal jewellery can add even more magic to your special day. Our collection including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, is designed to complement your bridal attire.
PERSONALISED SERVICE & EXPERTISE
Here at Brufords, we appreciate that choosing jewellery for life’s special moments and beyond is a unique & personal journey. Committed to making your experience with us memorable and enjoyable, our friendly and knowledgeable team of jewellery experts will provide support and guidance, whilst you choose pieces that resonate with your love story.
For more information, or to book an appointment, contact us by telephone on 01323 725452 or by email to jewellery@brufords.com. Open 7 days a week, our team are available Monday
Hastings, 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 in Lewes – a striking period building with weathered 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, clothing and more.
For more great shops in beautiful surroundings, try Riverside Lewes on Cliffe Bridge, home to upmarket butchers and fishmongers, plus a haberdashers and the sweet-toothed emporium that is Poppy’s Chocolates (which also sells delicious Salcombe ice cream).
Independent shops
You’ll also find some fabulous independent shops out on Lewes High Street. A favourite with the locals is Wickle – a sort of teeny tiny department store which stocks 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 inhouse by owners Helene and Adele; Closet & Botts, which celebrates new, vintage and hand-made products that proprietors Chloe and Harriet have uncovered on their travels to Europe; and From Victoria, which specialises in houseplants, bohemian homewares and women’s clothing. By now you’re probably getting the idea of just what an indie shopping mecca Lewes really is.
If you want something to read on the journey home, be sure to pop in to Bow Windows Bookshop – an antique wonderland of fine books and maps, including a selection of beautiful old illustrated children’s books.
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, a glorious treasure trove of bric-a-brac and rare finds housed 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 showroom, Diana Kelly Interiors. Diana has a real eye for gorgeous textiles and antiques, 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’ around here. Like Lewes, the antiques and collectables scene is incredible. There are too many shops to mention individually, but you could spend all afternoon fossicking through the furniture and antiques at the Rye Emporium’s sprawling warehouse near the train station. And with 30 years in the antiques game, Wishbarn Antiques is another place to have a rummage. Now on the High Street, it’s chock-full of furniture, decorative items and lighting from the 17th century to the 21st.
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, meanwhile, needs some sort of award for longevity, since it’s been on the scene since the late 1700s. Renowned for its beautiful hand-made ceramics, some of its pieces are on show at leading museums including London’s V&A.
From clothes to art and jewellery to home furnishings, there’s not much you won’t find 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 find gifts for those back home.
If you’re looking for something a bit special, then W.E. Clark & Son jewellers is worth a visit. The multi-award-winning business was established in 1819, and is now run by the fourth generation of the Clark family. They also have a branch in Lewes.
All of which means you’re going to need some seriously comfy shoes for a shopping excursion in East Sussex. Chock-full of quirky independent boutiques, shopping centres, artisan food producers and an unrivalled antiques scene, you could easily spend all day hunting for one-off treasures – and the only limiting factor may be how much you can carry… ■
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
When it comes to eating out, East Sussex delivers a diverse range of eateries to tempt your tastebuds. If you want fine diningcrown, you’ll find it here – alongside cool cafés, fish and chip shops and country pubs showcasing the best seasonal Sussex produce. Want to go global with your gastronomy? You can tuck into everything from Turkish and Thai to Italian and West African.
Locally sourced 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 views. And on the subject of fish and chips, the Dolphin Fish Bar is a long-standing local favourite.
Started back in 2014, Nelson Coffee’s Roastery café 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 you could always opt for one of their vitamin-loaded fruit smoothies if
Bistro Pierre, Eastbourne
you’re keeping things healthy.
For great pub grub, head to the Rainbow, which has a gorgeous garden complete with heated booths and giant tipis. The menu features locally sourced fish and meat, oldschool doorstep sandwiches and delicious Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.
Just off the seafront, Cru is a stylish wine bar and eatery serving a regularly changing menu of small plates. They’re perfect for sharing and feature plenty of regional produce – think Sussex brown crab salad or diver-caught scallops with plum wasabi. Large plates include 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 globe artichoke lasagne or Dingley Dell pork belly with Mangalitza black pudding. Want to keep things plant-based? The Good Grub vegan restaurant will sort you out with falafel, curries and satay bowls, 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.
Set in a 200-year-old fishermen’s shed, Rock a Nore Kitchen is just a stone’s throw from the beach and features regularly in the Good Food Guide. It serves fish pulled more or less 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 pastries. It’s the perfect place to grab some goodies for a picnic lunch. And when you’ve got your savouries sorted, you can satisfy
your sweet tooth at Italian-run ice cream parlour, Di Pola’s. The gelato here is 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, Pimm’s 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 what many consider the best fish and chips in the South East, with the lightest of batter and double-fried chips. It’ll make your mouth water just thinking about it afterwards…
Fast food
With branches in both St Leonards and Hastings, Half Man! Half Burger! has locals and visitors alike queuing up for its patties, which are made from 100 per cent grassfed 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 something from the desserts board.
The food at St Clement’s Restaurant is also well worth getting your chops around, 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 inside HEIST indoor street food market – the Boatyard, which has an everchanging à la carte and small plates menu. Though you may struggle not to get sidetracked by some of HEIST’s many other lip-smacking food offerings, including Thai dishes
and Detroit-style rectangular pizza.
If you like 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 at Friars Walk, with smallscale Sussex businesses selling all kinds of seasonal food that you can prepare at home or eat on the street.
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 hearty mains and desserts – sound-tracked by a vinyl-only music policy.
The Pelham Arms is another great local boozer that does fingerlicking-good food – with an enticing menu of burgers, posh fish finger sandwiches, sharing boards and award-winning Sunday roasts. The menu is 50% plant-based, and the pub landlord also runs his own brewery on the other side of town, so there are always freshly brewed beers on offer.
The Flint Owl Bakery takes the business of bread very seriously, even running its own no-dig market garden for ingredients. It supplies a long list of local restaurants, cafés and pubs, but you can also purchase their wares at their bakery and café in the centre of Lewes. 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. There are other branches in East Grinstead and Brighton too.
You might be familiar with the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere at the Bill’s chain of restaurants – but Lewes is where their story began back in 2001, and the home branch still serves those 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 responsibly sourced and grown, including Sussex cheeses, fish from local boats and fruit and veg from local nurseries. An ever-changing l
roster of dishes will wow your tastebuds, featuring such delicacies as lobster risotto with samphire and herb-crusted pork chop with brandy and pink peppercorn sauce.
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 Tudorbeamed restaurant was once home to Jacobean playwright John Fletcher.
For more pub-grub-style eats, you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at the 16th-century Ship Inn, which is a family and dog-friendly establishment. It has a laid-back, old-school feel inside, which matches its simple but sensational menus.
Haydens is a small guest house with a café attached, set in an 18thcentury building in the heart of Rye. They’re predominantly a coffee shop, but also serve great breakfasts and light lunches, made using locally sourced ingredients, which are organic wherever possible.
Half Man! Half Burger! have branches in St Leonards and Hastings
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 with saffron potatoes. If you’d rather cook your own meal, sign up for Webbe’s Cookery School upstairs. A full day of tuition from chef Paul Webbe costs £140, 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 twice made Opentable’s 100 top restaurants in the UK, which is based on customer reviews rather than industry judges.
If you’re visiting the historic and beautiful town of Battle, grab a bite to eat at the Royal Oak, which dates back 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 was formerly known for its Mediterranean fusion food, but more recently chef Ali has returned to his roots with a shift to classic Turkish cuisine. 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 Harvey’s beer-battered fish and chips. Their pudding board is also incredibly tempting, so make sure to 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. Serving lunches and afternoon teas, the neo-Gothic mansion has a fascinating history and architecture, and it makes for 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 grownups, 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.
Terminus Road is fast becoming Eastbourne’s foodie street. It has several restaurants along the block leading to the promenade, including Xin Chao Vietnamese and 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
The Boatyard, St Leonards
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 with locals, it serves pasta and pizza, as well as classic dishes such as saltimbocca alla Romana.
Quirky atmosphere and topnotch food combine at the Thai Café at Boulevard Books in Hastings. It’s both a higgledy-piggledy secondhand bookshop and a BYO Thai restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. Also serving up something a little different is Mamma Putt’s in St Leonards. This contemporary restaurant cooks up African and Caribbean cuisine at wallet-friendly prices – you can tuck into the likes of West African egusi soup, spicy goat curry or grilled whole tilapia, served with sides of fried plantain or jollof rice. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of options too.
For Italian eats, head to Caccia & Tails in Lewes, where pasta dishes and New York Italian classics are freshly made on site every day. A speciality is their loaded focaccia, made in a Genovese style that you eat upside down so the salt hits your tongue. Elsewhere in Lewes, 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 ten branches including restaurants in Eastbourne, Hastings and Battle.
Lewes is well served with global eateries. Erawan serves incredible, authentic Thai food that perfectly combines those complementary sweet and spicy southeast Asian flavours, while 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.
A relative newcomer, Zorba Meze Grill only opened in 2022 – bringing 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 slowcooked aromatic stews.
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 stay in East Sussex, you’re guaranteed great food and a warm welcome, so dig in! ■
Middle Farm farm shop, Firle Beacon
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to East Sussex
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
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, along with quirky bookshops and antique markets. Once you’ve shopped, it’s time to drop – and fortunately there are loads of 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. Featuring a diverse range of contemporary British art, even the building itself is a work of art, and it’s won several architectural awards.
Hastings is also worth a good explore in its own right, 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 it’s full of fabulous homewares.
For dinner with a difference, try the Thai Café at Boulevard Books. Yes, it’s a bookshop, but the maze of narrow corridors also double as a dining room. The ingredients are shipped in from Thailand to create an authentic menu full of rich southeast Asian flavour.
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 lined up for tomorrow…
DAY TWO
From Hastings, you can take a 10-minute train journey to Bexhillon-Sea, to visit the De La Warr Pavilion. It’s an amazing Grade 1-listed 1930s modernist building on the seafront, with a fascinating programme of temporary exhibitions and events. It’s also a great 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 from Hastings to Bexhill?
If you’ve got time, you can easily lose a few hours in Rye. Have a rummage through the numerous antique shops or check out Lamb House – former home of the writer, Henry James. 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 the
The South Downs Way takes in Beachy Head & The Seven Sisters
William the Conqueror pub (this is 1066 country, after all).
For a longer walk, head to Eastbourne and pick up the coastal section of the South Downs Way. This spectacular ramble takes in famous spots such as Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters.
Finally, what better way to end your trip than with a Sunday roast? The Beachy Head pub in Eastbourne oozes rural charm and rustic character, combining great views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs with a fantastic menu. ■
The spectacular cliffs of Beachy Head
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
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!
Over the years, East Sussex has attracted some of Britain’s finest painters, who’ve been drawn to the distinctive light and the dramatic landscapes of the nearby South Downs. So it’ll come as no surprise that the county has an unusually
high number of art galleries, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary art.
Though originally established in 1920, Towner Eastbourne’s current building opened to great fanfare 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 hosted the Turner Prize in 2023. The gallery presents a programme of major exhibitions alongside displays from the internationally renowned Towner Collection. Featuring more than 5,000 works of modern British and
contemporary art, the collection is perhaps best known for having the largest and most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious (1903–1942), who had strong connections with Eastbourne School of Art.
Another organisation at the heart of creative and cultural life in Eastbourne is the Devonshire Collective. With a background in art education programmes, this community organisation also runs VOLT gallery in an old electronics store on Seaside Road. Each year they commission four nine-week solo exhibitions by up-and-coming
Hastings Contemporary gallery. Opposite page: Towner Eastbourne
artists, with shorter exhibitions in-between.
Over in Hastings, the awardwinning Hastings Contemporary sits next to the fishing beach in Hastings’ historic Old Town. It hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions which feature British art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Previous artists have included Rose Wylie, Gary Hume, Gillian Ayres, Jeffery Camp, Basil Beattie, Ansel Krut, Barbara Walker, Chantal Joffe, and Ibrahim el Salahi – to name a few! The gallery’s artist patron is legendary illustrator, Quentin Blake, who has exhibited there on a number of occasions and even donated a substantial number of works for the gallery to sell in order to stay afloat during Covid.
If you’d prefer to browse some smaller independent galleries, Hastings will sort you out. Rebel Gallery is home to artists Jon ‘Huldrick’ Wilhelm and Suzanne Wilhellm. Originally a commercial artist working on ad campaigns and in the automotive industry, these day’s Huldrick’s 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 itself, which won the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architecture) Stirling Prize in 2017. Hastings Arts Forum supports local artists and hosts a wide-ranging programme of fortnightly exhibitions at its gallery. You might find anything from traditional drawings and paintings to textile exhibitions and affordable art sales.
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is a family-friendly museum and gallery in Hastings with a broad collection of local history, fine and decorative arts and natural sciences. Permanent and temporary exhibitions explore the history and culture of the area, with a focus on diversity.
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. Rye Art Gallery has regular exhibitions of contemporary art to browse or buy, along with a permanent collection of around 700 artworks. Over on Cinque Ports Street, McCully & Crane art gallery sells works by a range of contemporary artists from Rye and further afield, plus furniture and other objects. Meanwhile, at Avocet Gallery, you can browse art by more than 50 local artists and craftspeople. Based in Rye Harbour, the gallery is run by award-winning photographer Peter Greenhalf and former journalist Morgan Greenhalf. l
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 showcases beautiful art at affordable prices with new exhibitions every eight weeks; 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 in which hundreds of creatives exhibit their work across studios, homes, galleries and workshops in Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford.
Speaking of Seaford, the coastal town is home to the Crypt Gallery, a beautiful building, which has an atmospheric medieval undercroft 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 Hastings Cycles or Cuckmere Cycle Company. The trail is also great for families, with a range of activities for kids of all ages, from creative workshops to exciting play parks.
The Lewes area has a rich cultural heritage. Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s former home, Monk’s House, is in nearby Rodmell (closed during the winter months), 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 lush 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 classical music performances.
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, and has recently undergone extensive 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. l
The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
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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 Scallop 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 more than 50 years, Rye Arts Festival has been bringing highquality music, drama, walks, art and many other events to the town throughout September.
Close by Lewes is Glyndebourne Opera House – one of the most famous classical music venues in the UK, and a highlight of the year for operagoers nationwide.
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. It’s the kind of event where everyone still turns up in black tie and enjoys a champagne picnic in the grounds before the show.
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, taking place over several days in January.
A self-declared ‘music city’, Hastings has a thriving arts scene, and its White Rock Theatre hosts everything from tribute acts and comedy shows to world music and the famous Hastings Music Festival.
In fact, festivals are very much part of life in Hastings. The Jack in the Green Festival is a four-day event that celebrates British May
Day. 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 art festival, in September, showcases a wide range of art exhibitions, live performances and events right across 1066 Country.
Finally, no run-down of festivals in East Sussex is complete without mentioning the incredible and anarchic Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes. One of the most famous traditional festivals anywhere in the UK, it’s the kind of thing that has to be seen to be believed.
Whether you’re into art, live music or summer festivals, East Sussex has it all, so open your mind, get out there and enjoy! ■
opening night audience at the Glyndbourne Festival
The night-time economy in the county is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
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 pictureperfect country inn? Absolutely. A hip taproom serving its own craft beer? You betcha.
Eastbourne has its fair share of traditional pubs. The Dolphin’s
open fires and warm wooden furnishings 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 wines, beers and spirits – including more than 20 different gins – as well as its delicious homecooked meals.
If you want a great big gulp of history along with your beer, the Lamb Inn has you sorted. It dates to the 12th century and is reputed to be the oldest pub in Eastbourne. You can also soak up the history
at The Farm @ Friday Street – a converted medieval farmhouse with original oak beams and ornate fireplaces. It serves a regularly changing menu using fresh, local ingredients, and there’s also live music every Friday. Meanwhile, 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
The Mermaid Inn, Rye; One of the oldest pubs in the country
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 (also known as the FILO), which has been serving beer since around 1896 in a building dating 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 Pump House is another fantastic 16th-century pub that’s full of character, with timber frames and low ceilings.
It’s all about the atmosphere at the Marina Fountain in St Leonards, where you can listen to local bands or watch big screen sport 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 wellselected wine list. It also serves great food – including tip-top sourdough pizzas – if you get peckish.
And now for something completely different, with the weird and wonderful events that take place annually at the Lewes Arms. Depending on when you turn up, you might find the World Pea-Throwing Championship, the ancient tradition of dwyle flunking (Google it) or spaniel racing (other breeds are also welcome).
Regularly branded ‘Britain’s most bonkers pub’, it’s a proper oldschool boozer that’s 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 –including new and experimental brews – so you might get to taste the next big thing.
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 spookiest inns in Britain, it’s featured on TV’s Most
The Mermaid Inn is said to be one of the most haunted pubs in England
Haunted, and is reputedly home to several ghosts including a pair of duellists and an old man wearing a nightshirt and Wee Willie Winkie cap. Built in 1420, it’s got the wonderful 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.
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 even more character to be had at the Old Bell – a 15thcentury 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 dinky little building that was a former water pump house for 300 years before becoming a soup kitchen in the 1890s. 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. Local CAMRA reviewers reckon it’s the bee’s knees.
Just outside Rye, you’ll find the Globe Inn Marsh, a pretty clapboard pub decorated with lots of quirky items on the walls, and an equally quirky vibe.
The thing is, 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; the Blackboys Inn, a beautiful 14th-century pub on the outskirts of Uckfield with multiaward-winning gardens; the Sussex Ox, in Polegate, which has its own organic farm; the Griffin Inn, in Fletching, where you can enjoy
incredible views across the ‘Sussex savannah’ 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 going to get boring.
In Eastbourne, you could get things started with pre-dinner 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 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 seriously talented mixologists will create your perfect potion. Make sure you book a booth or table if you’re out with a crowd.
If it’s live entertainment you’re after, check out the Crown and Anchor, which hosts everything from bands and karaoke to pub quizzes and board game clubs. Or make for Blue Bar, which has a down-to-earth vibe and puts on DJ sets and open mic nights. To take things later into the night, Cameo Nightclub features DJs and live music, with party nights and private booths.
You can also see live music and theatre at Printers Playhouse – and if you fancy having a go yourself, their open-stage night welcomes all musicians, poets, storytellers and comedians.
If you’re a more competitive sort, you’ll love Eastbourne’s adventure bar. Boom Battle Bar has a wide range of bar games with a difference, including Bavarian axe throwing, augmented-reality darts, crazier golf, shuffleboard and beer l
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pong. 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 famous/ notorious Brass Monkey is no more, alas, but pubs like the Pig, the Carlisle and the Jenny Lind play host to a massive roster of local and touring bands.
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 sip and sup in arty surroundings, make for Dragon Bar – sister bar to the famous Shoreditch venue – where you’ll find live DJs and seriously good food 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. At SEED in Hastings, tapas and cocktails meets Friday night DJ sets, while the Bat and Bee serves up charcuterie and cheese platters along with its creative cocktails. Featuring a full programme of entertainment including themed nights, late-night DJ sets and even craft fairs, it’s the kind of place where there’s always something going on.
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 an independent-spirited 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 for best night in town. It’s a real favourite with locals thanks to its pretty 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.
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 a chin-stroking range of art-house films, as well as live arts, cinema and live music.
For something a bit special, you could try the Grapevine in Rye – an intimate champagne and jazz bar that offers elegance alongside top tunes and special events, with music five nights a week. Squirreled away down a side street, it’s one of those ‘ifyou-know-you-know’ sorts of places.
As you can see, 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. ■
The King’s Head, one of many great places to enjoy a drink in Lewes
Although East Sussex has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
You’ll never run out of things to do or see in East Sussex, but if you feel like venturing further afield, there’s plenty more to explore. London is less than an hour away by train from Brighton, and many visitors to East Sussex opt for a day out in the capital.
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 wellknown shows, but there are loads of smaller, independently run theatres throughout the city that are well worth seeking out.
There are around 17,000 restaurants in London and over 60 of them are rated with a Michelin star. Serving cuisines from all over the globe, 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 the Royal Botanic Gardens – and each of them make a great day out for all the family.
For 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.
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’s 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 gorgeous botanic garden on the High Weald, with more than 500 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve.
You can’t come to East Sussex without visiting the bustling city of Brighton
For some outdoor family fun, you can’t go wrong with the awardwinning 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.
Lastly, you can’t come to East Sussex without visiting the bustling, city of Brighton and Hove. Full of arts, culture, nightlife and inimitable character, Brighton’s cosmopolitan centre is one of the best in the UK –and come summer, the beach quickly becomes ‘London-by-the-sea’.
There’s so much to see and do in Brighton and Hove, from exploring the quirky shops of North Laine, to losing yourself 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. ■
Brighton Beach at sunset
PHOTO-FINISH
