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Dog Friendly Rooms
With so many things to do in East Sussex, those visiting this part of England are spoiled for choice when it comes to a getaway full of activities, history and natural delights.
History & Heritage
Sussex is steeped in history and heritage and is home to where the most famous battle in England took place – The Battle of Hastings in 1066. The invading Romans and Normans of the past left their palaces and castles, including Fishbourne Palace, Lewes, Hastings and Arundel Castles.
When visiting Sussex you can also discover Iron Age forts at Chanctonbury Ring , Cissbury Ring the relics of warring Celtic tribes. Or discover medieval cottages, Tudor houses and Georgian inns in towns like Midhurst and Steyning. Brighton is a quirky and exciting town on the coast of Sussex and in the 1780s the Prince of Wales built the magnificent and architecturally stunning Royal Pavilion.
Museums & Galleries
Sussex showcases many exhibitions throughout the year and is home to many museums and galleries, including the De La Warr Pavilion and Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress.
Art lovers and enthusiasts visiting Sussex will not be disappointed as there are both major galleries and collections as well as independent galleries showcasing local artists. At the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester visitors can see a collection of the Old Masters and also has one of the best collections of 20th century art in the country with work from Sir Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, David Hockney, Man Ray, Dali, Freud and Henry Moore.
The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-sea, was the UK’s first public building built in the Modernist style, and is now a gallery showcasing contemporary art from local and international artists and creatives.
The village of Ditchling at the start of the 20th century became an artists’ colony, and was home to the type designer Eric Gill amongst many others. Ditchling Museum has a interesting and expansive collection of art, crafts and applied arts and the village.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery’s exhibitions showcase fashion and decorative arts from 20th century designers such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco furniture.
Activities
Sussex is a brilliant county to explore on foot as it is one of the sunniest counties in England. With the sea and stunning countryside there is just so much to discover! Like many counties, Sussex has plenty of walking trails on offer ranging from long distance to short distance walks. Most of the trails on offer are easily accessible and safe for all ages.
The South Downs Way, is a 160-km long National Trail for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The trails goes from Eastbourne to Winchester, and flows across the river valleys and ridges of the South Downs. There’s so much to see on the trials, with Iron Age hillforts, windmills, picturesque villages all available to see. Or if the South Downs Way is a bit too long, The Downs Link, is a 59km footpath and bridleway that takes you on the route of disused railway lines and connects the North Downs Way in Surrey with the South Downs Way.
Cycling
Sussex is a perfect county for cyclists and like with walking has plenty trails with quiet country line and routes such as the South Downs Way. Further information about cycling please visit the Rural Ways website. Rural Ways also features a whole host of information to help you and your family enjoy the South East’s rich rural landscape.
