Travel Tips

Originally a roman fort, the City of Chichester as we know it today, started out as the capital of the South Saxon tribes.From which the county of Sussex derived its name.
Not far from Chichester lies the small town of Fishbourne the original landing site for the Roman invasion.
Chichester is famous for its Cathedral which was originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt again, after a fire.
The cathedral has many links to the past - interned in the cathedral are the ashes of the composer Holst (the planets). Every Tues. at 1.10pm a free concert is held in the cathedral
Also in Chichester is the Festival Theatre opened in 1962 by Sir Lawrence Olivier.
Within the city limits one can also find four carefully preserved 15th century cottages.
Chichester is approx one hour's train ride west of Brighton. The railway station is within walking distance of the Town centre.

Lewes, originally a Saxon town, fell to the Normans shortly after William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066.
William de Warrenne, a Norman, then proceeded to build Lewes castle. The castle is situated at 169 High street and is open to visitors in the summer months.

Anne of Cleves house is situated close by on Southover High street.
Henry VIII met Anne in 1539 at Blackheath, in 1540 they were married and in 1541 they were divorced - six months later.
As part of the settlement Anne was awarded the house which bears her name today. She never actually lived in the house.
Anne also kept her head - when all about her !

Originally surrounded by water, Rye was once a fortified hilltop town dating back to medieval times.
Part of the original cinqe ports, Rye helped defend the English coast.
The fort and parts of the Town wall can still be seen.
Today one can wander the cobblestone streets looking at the shops or dine in one of the many upscale restaurants or pubs.
A visit to the Mermaid Inn is a must.
Rye is situated on the coast between Hastings and Folkestone.

Situated on the East/West Sussex border at Sheffield Park is the home of the Bluebell Railway line.
Steam trains and coaches from a bygone age, have been lovingly restored and put into service for the locomotive enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Sheffield Park can be reached by taking the train to East Grinstead and then a no. 473 bus to Sheffield Park. The railway line is privately run by volunteers and the like.
For information go to: www.bluebell-line.co.uk

Tucked away on many a country lane is the proverbial English pub.
Throughout the UK there are many such pubs dating back hundreds of years.They are somewhat of a social institution.
There is nothing like them, but alas they are dwindling in numbers, Unable to keep up with the trends of today, they are struggling to stay afloat.
Heavy fines and possible jail term await anyone attempting to drink and drive.

In 1606 a natural spring was discovered in Tunbridge Wells which straddles the Kent/Sussex border. Tunbridge Wells is approx. 25 miles NE of Brighton (40 kms). In 1909 King Edward VII gave it Royal licence hence the name Royal Tunbridge Wells which, at the time rivalled Brighton as a Spa.