Sussex Travel Tips
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Alfriston
Stayed at The Star, had a great stay. The new owners were lovely, and very accomodating. Our second night, we decided to eat at The The Tudor House, and just had to mention, what a fantastice meal we had - Steven
Arundel
Offham near Arundel -
A really pretty view although can get busy in summer is the black Rabbit Pub, outside the view of the river and the castle is delightful, boat trips can be taken from here in the summer - Sharon
Ford (near Arundel) - An absolutely huge market is held here every Sunday, or if you want car Boot then they are held on the old Airfield on Thursdays and Saturdays, if driving take the exit on A27 saying Ford and Climping carry on the road until you see the aeroplane on a pole…… there are loads of things to choose from. and it‘s well worth the visit. - Elias
To walk into the vast Drawing Room that overlooks the River Arun, at Arundel Castle, is quite an experience, as this was originally Henry the Second's Great Hall. The beautiful church-like Dining Room, next to this, was his Chapel. The impressive Medieval [9ft thick] curtain wall practically surrounds the entire Castle, and is a special survival - not to mention its wonderful Medieval earthworks, Keep of 1140, Gatehouse of 1070, Barbican of 1200, Regency Library [formed from the original Elizabethan Long Gallery, etc. Quite easily one of the finest castle's to be found anywhere.- Pete Butler
Bosham
Bosham is a small picturesque fishing and sailing village in West Sussex, home to over 2800 people. It's history is woven through the passages of time with intriguing links, Saxons left their legacy with the church of the Holy Trinity, which stands on the site of a Roman Basilica, the village appears on the Bayeaux Tapestry as King Harold kept his fleet here, and King Canute demanded that the Sea should go back from here. If shopping is yearned for, the vibrant Cathedral city of Chichester is nearby, or for something different Bosham Walk Craft Centre is home to many treasures. The Royal Military Police Museum has exhibits dating back to Tudor times. Or maybe Tangmere Military Museum will be top of the list, with scintillating exhibits of aircraft. Goodwood House will showcase Motor Racing with a difference at Goodwood Revival, or look skywards at the Festival of Speed. Take a tour around Goodwood House, or possibly Goodwood Races will be a firm favourite. Weald and Open Downland Museum has buildings dating back to the 13th Century, from a Medieval shop, and Victorian School. Or for all things Roman Fishbourne Roman Palace has treasures and mosaics, time it right and Legionnaires will be in their full regalia.
Brighton
After a trip to the theatre Royal, squeeze into the Colonade Bar next door, it’s where some of the ’Luvvies’ go after a performance although small the atmosphere is fabulous, you can even order interval drinks and they tell you when the performance is about to start - Sharon
For the very best views over a mammoth area take a trip up to the ‘Devils Dyke’ there are a few busses that make the journey from Brighton. Warm up by the log fires in the Pub , outside the views are stunning, you may get the chance to see the hang gliders launch themselves off the top or the many kite flyers, there are many lovely places to walk to around here.
Every Sunday at Brighton Station (well just behind) there is a huge boot sale and market, it’s best to get the train and walk across the platforms as you can gain access from the last one into the Market. It’s definitely best to get there early in order to get the bargains, but if you don’t find what your looking for there is always ‘Snoopers paradise’ in Kensington gardens not far from here, there are two floors of treasures to rummage through……Ian
Brighton Marina is brilliant with lots to do, from ten pin bowling, shopping eating and drinking Frankie & bennies is good fun as it’s all 50’s music, don’t let on if it’s your birthday…cos they’ll sing to you…Parking is easy and it’s free!
Palace Pier has lots of rides but the best thing of all is the hot donuts that they cook for you…and the views are terrific - Elias
Crawley
A Rather overlooked 'part' of Crawley, is the ancient village of Ifield. Sitting to the west of the Crawley town centre, it has a beautiful Medieavl church and quaint streets, at its historic heart. The Quakers House is reputed to be THE first Quaker meeting place in the world, and nestled beside it is a lovely little cemetery - Peter Butler
Ditchling
Climb to the top of Ditchling Beacon, or drive up and park in the car park, the views are breathtaking over the countryside - Sharon
Eastbourne
There are 7 nightclubs within walking distance of the town centre which gives this town quite a night life reputation, a uirprise when you consider its image - Andy
Eastbourne is a thriving town of 90,000 people situated in a great spot at the foot of the South Downs and looking out across the English Channel. There is a prosperous business community but it is best known as a holiday destination - short or long break - with something for just about everyone. Excellent shopping, great Theatres, Galleries and Museums, perfect parks and gardens and plenty to do for the little ones. It also benefits from a very safe and clean traditional British seafront and is well worth a visit, whatever the time of year - Seb
Firle
Take a walk through the narrow streets with flint cottages and you can walk up to Firle Beacon that’s got stunning views of the coast and the Weald - Sharon
Middle farm at Firle is a good place to visit as the children can see chickens, ducks, shire horses and even see cows being milked ,they sell plants, and there is a nice craft shop that’s very reasonable and free parking - Sharon
Rodmell Is a lovely village with pretty flint cottages and thatched roofs, after seeing Virginia Wolfe’s house take a stroll along the river bank it’s soothing - Elias
Goodwood
Best known for horseracing but also home to a fantastic old F1 circuit! Not generally open to the public but has track days for classics, the Festival of Speed & Goodwood Revival – the latter is amazing & in September. It’s just like stepping back into an old photo, as everything is 1950s, including the dress of most! The attention to detail is marvellous, as are the old cars! The whole weekend isn’t the cheapest but worth every penny! - Cathryn ….visitor in 2007
Hassocks
Clayton nr Hassocks. The Jack and Jill Windmills are impressive although ‘Jack’ is privately owned ‘Jill’ is still a working flour mill and the views of the South Downs are spectacular, although you can get a bit windswept Just along a track a short way and access is easily had onto the South Downs.
Hastings
Although largely in ruins, Hastings Castle is an historical gem, and not only for playing its own part in the Battle of Hastings fought further inland at Battle. Thomas Beckett (a' Beckett is a modern version of his name that bears nothing to its reality) was a head priest of the chapel here, prior to becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, and this cliff-top site is still very atmospheric - Pete
There are some summer days when it gets just too hot to move, even by the sea in Hastings. A good family tip for keeping cool on such a day is to visit the Smugglers Adventure. The dark caves and tunnels provide immediate respite from the heat - and the exhibition is thoroughly entertaining and educational. - Carol
Haywards Heath
The Orchards shopping Mall is not very large, but is really good for shopping or browsing and the streets nearby have some unusual shops, parking is quite easy as there are several car parks nearby - Sharon
Balcombe is a fabulous place for walks as it’s got woods, a mill pond and a reservoir and there are a lot of footpaths to explore - Elias
Borde Hill Gardens, Balcombe.
Set within 200 acres of spectacular parkland, and dating back to the early 1900s, the era of Great Plant Hunters, the garden is a series of 'rooms' - each with its own particular atmosphere, form and planting design. Glorious heritage and collectors' garden. - Carol
Horsham
Visit the Horsham Museum which is housed in a 16th century building in the old market town. The museum’s artefacts cover over 100 years of collecting history, visitors able to see dinosaur bones, bicycles and unravel domestic crafts, new exhibitions including 'Crime & Punishment' and a Kitchen & Garden Gallery. - Carol
Hove
Portslade, Hove - Foredown Water Tower now houses a camera obscura and is fascinating as the views are outstanding drive up Foredown Road and you will see it, a few minutes away is Mile Oak Farm the ducks, chickens, and noisy peacocks are kept company by the goats and Albert the Donkey, the farm shop has some nice plants and lovely veg - Sharon
Lancing
The beautiful building that dominates the skyline is a famous college, but if you want to visit you can, take a seat in the crypt on special days and you will be delighted as the students ‘play’ to the audience their chosen instrument, or sing… it’s lovely to hear them. - Sharon
Lewes
Middle farm at Firle is a good place to visit as the children can see chickens, ducks, shire horses and even see cows being milked ,they sell plants, and there is a nice craft shop that’s very reasonable and free parking - Sharon
Park your car in the Needle Makers car park and go inside for some interesting shopping, it’s a haven for specialists shops, climb the winding stairs to the lower level and rummage in the eclectic shops that have curios, collectables from old plates, vintage hand bags, jewellery and so much more. When you’ve finished and if you fancy more rummaging for antiques just around the corner is a vast emporium on two floors. - Sharon
Anne of Cleves House, a 16th century timber-framed Wealden Hall house, close to the town centre within walking distance, formed part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541, although she never actually lived there. The house contains wide - ranging collections of Sussex interest. Nearby to Lewes is Charleston, the home of the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (sister of Virgina Woolf). It became a meeting place for the Bloomsbury set, the London group of writers, artists and intellectuals, and is open to the public. - Carol
Petworth
For over 30 years the historic town of Petworth has held its own music festival in July, concerts including participation by world-class classical singers and pianists, chamber groups, jazz and Roots Around the World musicians. - Carol
Shoreham-by-Sea
If you do go to Shoreham Airport and you like cycling, take your bike, park the car and cycle over the Old Tollgate bridge, turn left and old Bramber Cycle Track will take you into Bramber where you can have a drink look round the castle and cycle back.
If you enjoy Art deco architecture and light aircraft buzzing very close, then pop over to Shoreham Airport for a coffee and watch the planes land and take off.
Steyning
For a lovely cream tea Wiston Tea Rooms is small, if it’s warm enough sit outside where ducks and chickens wander about, there is a tiny craft shop and an original ‘privy’. overlooked by ‘Chanctonbury Ring’ and lovely walks along the South Downs-Sharon
Uckfield
Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Gardens, are both terrific places, but as you drive into the entrance to Sheffield park gardens take the left hand fork and when you see directions for ‘Wine for sale’ park the car by the side of the road and look carefully, there is a wonderful little garden centre different from most that are usually found…….however, be warned there is a Guard Goose who can be quite grumpy!! - Sharon
Worthing
let us not forget, that Worthing also encompasses the neighbouring villages of Broadwater, Durrington, Salvington, High Salvington, Tarring, Goring and Findon Valley. There are historical delights to be found in each of these - High Salvington Windmill [c.1750, restored and beautifully maintained by Peter Casebow & friends]; Broadwater's exquisite Medieval church with famed Norman tower; Tarring's 14th Century 'Parsonage Row' & Archbishop's Palace [c.1230]; Salvingon's quaint streets and, Goring's ancient Tudor coaching inn 'The Bull', and famous Ilex Walk - Pete
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