"East Sussex" East Sussex by leffe3

East Sussex Travel Guide: 1,443 reviews and 3,042 photos

Seven Sisters - as seen from Cuckmere Haven

To the south and south east of London is tyhe county of Sussex, divided into East and West Sussex. Millions of people arrive to the UK in East Sussex as, 40 miles or so from London is Gatwick airport - and they promptly jump on a train, only to return for their flight home.

Which is a shame, as east (and West) Sussex offer some of the very best that England can offer - and its so close to London.

Alfriston

Brighton is an obvious magnet, refered by many as London-on-Sea. But other coastal resorts include Hastings and Eastbourne (the latter having a reputation as something of a retirement home but is actually a perfect place to be based to explore the surrounds).

But its the countryside and coastal views to be found away from these places that are, to me, the highlight of East Sussex - the historic Lewes, the fantastic Seven Sisters, the ruined Abbey at Battle just outside Hastings and the many country villages, including my personal favourite of Alfriston, just a few miles from Lewes. Mansion houses, castles galore, abbeys, classic English pubs are just a few of the attractions of East Sussex.

The Chalk Man Wilmington

And the countryside also offers it's own rewards - the gentle undulating hills, the oh so green fields and pastures during season, narrow roads, high hedges, numerous gardens open to the public.

My sister lived for many years in various parts of East Sussex (she and her family took a huge step a few years back and moved ... to West Sussex!) and simple and short drives (Horsham was the last place they lived) gave a real taste of the classic English countryside. No specific destination in mind (other than a pub lunch somewhere), simply driving through those lanes gave a real sense of the outdoors.

Last visit to East Sussex: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Mar 10, 2007
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Reviews (9)

Bateman's Things to Do (7)

Bateman's was the home of Rudyard Kipling, and is open to the public and administered by the National Trust. It was... more travel advice

Birling Gap Things to Do (7)

The Seven Sisters form a dramatic part of the southern English coastline from Eastbourne to Cuckmere. The cliffs tower... more travel advice

Lewes Things to Do (7)

On the main train line between London and Hastings, Lewes is a lovely town with castle, historic Ann of Cleves Museum... more travel advice

Bodiam Castle Things to Do (7)

Bodiam is one of my favourite castles in England. Built in the 14th century as both a stronghold and a home, its... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Fish, fish and more fish (Alfriston)

Hotels (1)
Affordable 4 poster bed

Comments (4)

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lmkluque Nov 2, 2005 at 7:56 AM

Well done Keith! Enjoyed the tour!
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aussirose Jul 20, 2005 at 7:44 PM

Hi Keith. Just checking out Sussex pages to remind me of my late Auntie. It's so green over there hey :o) Love your pix!! That castle looks lovely! Cheers, Ann :o)
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mazzap Mar 18, 2005 at 2:55 PM

Lovely tips - thanks for sharing Marion
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londonlover Sep 4, 2003 at 10:04 PM

Alfriston looks adorable! I feel the same about Rye, another East Sussex town. Love the South Downs!