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East Sussex

Exploring Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye

TELL SOMEONE THAT you are visiting East Sussex and they will most likely think that you are heading to one of the coastal towns: Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Hastings or Rye. But the county has a lot more to offer. Head down the M23 towards Brighton and you will see the gently undulating hills of the South Downs spreading out before you. Take the A22 towards Eastbourne or the A21 towards Hastings and you are travelling across the High Weald. The Downs and the Weald are dotted with lovely villages, fine old houses and exceptional gardens. The spaces between are filled with beautiful countryside, farmland and vineyards. There’s a lot to see and to do.

Towing There

If you are coming from the North it's difficult to avoid the M25. Just try not to hit it after 10am and between 4.30pm and 7pm. If you are on the A1 or M1 we would suggest going around the M25 anti-clockwise. That way you avoid going over the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which gets very windy and you have to pay tolls.

From the M25, the easiest route into East Sussex is via the M23 and A23 (junction 7), which take you straight into Brighton. If you are heading for Lewes, Eastbourne or Pevensey you can pick up the A27 just outside Brighton but you may encounter congestion as you approach Falmer. Work on a new football stadium is set to continue until May 2011.

Don’t be tempted to take the scenic route over Ditchling Beacon, the road is narrow, steep and infested with cyclists. A better route may be to go a bit further around the M25 to junction 6 and take the A22 down past East Grinstead to Uckfield and on to Eastbourne. Or, if you are heading for Sheffield Park or Lewes, turn off the A22 at Wych Cross and take the A275. It’s a lovely route through Ashdown Forest.

If you are staying on the east side, near Hastings or Rye, take junction 5 off the M25 and follow the A21 to Hastings, coming off at Flimwell for the A268 to Rye.

Getting around

The A27 is a useful road linking Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay. But if you’d rather not drive, use local transport to get across the county.

 

East Sussex highlights

Brighton and Hove

Grand Georgian architecture shares space with a seafront that buzzes with family fun in this seaside city. Stroll along the promenade for mini markets, shops, cafés and restaurants, carousels, bungee jumps and Volks Railway. Visit the Royal Pavilion, explore the Lanes and indulge in some retail therapy.
 

Eastbourne

This Victorian town boasts five miles of beautiful beaches, a Victorian pier, parks, gardens and a busy shopping centre. Nearby are castles and beauty spots, such as Cuckmere Haven, where the South Downs meet the sea.

Hastings

Hastings has enjoyed stardom in TV’s Foyle’s War. The town, which is steeped in medieval history, has its own castle and country park. It also boasts Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet.

Rye

Cobbled streets and buildings that date back to medieval times all give the feeling of a slower pace of life. It is definitely the place for afternoon tea.

Lewes

The county town and it’s a gem. The town is set on a hill so be prepared to climb the streets. If you love Bonfire Night this is the place to be. Local bonfire societies gather to parade through the town before burning effigies at bonfire sites around the town.

Things to do

Great Outdoors

 

Kent and East Sussex railway

Use this rural light railway to visit Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge and Great Dixter at Northiam.
http://kesr.org.uk

 

Bluebell Railway

This popular steam railway hosts events all through the year and is a great place to see steam power up close. Check website for details.

www.bluebell-railway.com

 

Devil’s Dyke

Near Brighton. The largest ‘dry’ valley in Britain was formed during the Ice Age.

 

Beachy Head and Seven Sisters, near Eastbourne.

Stunning white cliffs and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Cycling and walking routes

Contact Sussex Country Tourist Information Centre
Tel 01323 442 667

Download maps and routes from the following websites:
■ www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside
■ www.cycle-route.com/routes/East_Sussex-Routes-75.html
■ www.theaa.com Themed routes for cycling and walking
■ www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/south-east/sussex
■ www.visitsussex.org/site/ things-to-see-and-do/walking-and-cycling
■ www.go4awalk.com/eastsussexwalks.htm
■ www.winchelsea.org
■ www.cycle-n-sleep.co.uk
■ www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks
Walk 2227

 

History and Culture

Bateman’s (Rudyard Kipling’s home)
Bateman’s Lane, Burwash TN19 7DS  Tel 01435 882 302
Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Open Garden, shop and tearoom: 27 February-22 December, Monday-Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday.
House: 13 March-31 October, Monday-Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday and  4-19 December weekends only.

Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park TN22 3QX
Tel 01825 790 231
Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Open Park: all year. Garden: daily, 15 February-31 December. Weekends 1 January-14 February

Great Dixter
Northiam, Rye TN31 6PH UK
Tel 01797 252 878
Web www.greatdixter.co.uk
Open House and gardens: 1 April-31 October, Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Gardens: 11am- 5pm. House 2-5pm
 
Herstmonceux Castle Gardens
Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN  Tel 01323 833 816
Open Daily, 10am-6pm, 3 April-31 October

Bodiam Castle (above)
Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
Tel 01580 830 196
Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Open Daily, 13 February- 31 October. Wednesday-Sunday, 1 November-23 December

Pevensey Castle
Pevensey, East Sussex BN24 5LE
Web www.english-heritage.org.uk
Open Daily, 1 April-31 October. Weekends, 3 November-31 March

Camber Castle
Between Rye and Winchelsea TN31 7TD
Open Saturday-Sunday, 2pm−5pm, July-September (bank holiday weekends, pm, March-September).

Royal Pavilion
4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE  Tel 03000 290 900
Web www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk
Open Daily, October-March, 10am–5.15pm; April-September, 9.30am–5.45pm. 24-26 December, 10am-2.30pm

De le Warr Pavilion,
Marina, Bexhill-On-Sea TN40 1DA
Tel 01424 229 100
Web www.dlwp.com
See website for events

Glyndebourne
May-August
Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5UU
Tel 01273 812 321
Web www.glyndebourne.com

Brighton Festival
Throughout May
Artists’ Open Houses open over the weekends in May, 11am-5pm. A great chance to buy original art at reasonable prices.
Web www.brightonfestival.org

 

Bus
Use the following websites for information on local buses
East Sussex bus network
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/public/buses
Brighton and Hove network
www.buses.co.uk
■ www.countryliner-coaches.co.uk
■ www.showbus.com has all websites for local bus companies

Trains
Brighton and Hastings are linked by the East Coastway line, operated by Southern Railways.
Jump on the train at Brighton, Lewes or Eastbourne for a day at the races at Plumpton, or at the beach at Pevensey Bay, Normans Bay or Cooden Beach.

Caravan sites

Practical Caravan Top 100 Site

Fairfields Farm Caravan and Camping Park (above)
Eastbourne Road, Westham, Pevensey BN24 5NG
Tel 01323 763 165
Web www.fairfieldsfarm.com
Open 1 April-31 October
Pitch+2+hook-up £18.50-£20

 

Club Site

Sheepcote Valley Caravan Club Site
East Brighton Park,
Brighton BN2 5TS   Tel 01273 626 546
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open All year
Pitch+2+hook-up £15.10-£22.30
Non-member supplement £7

 

Pet friendly site

Horham Manor Touring Park

Horam, nr Heathfield TN21 0YD
Tel 01435 813 662
Web www.horam-manor.co.uk
Open March-October
Pitch+2+hook-up £19.50

Best family site

Camber Sands Holiday Park
New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye TN31 7RT  Tel 0844 050 2553
Web www.park-resorts.com
Open 26 March-1 November
Pitch+2+hook-up £15-£38

Adult only site

 

Old Mill Holiday Park 
Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, Hailsham BN27 3SS
Tel 01825 872 532
Open April-October
Pitch+2+hook-up £14-£15

Caravanning essentials

Caravan accessory shops

Caravan Tech Services
London Road, Hurst Green TN19 7PN  Tel 01580 860 260

Chichester Caravans
London Road, Uckfield TN22 2EA
Tel 01825 764 151

A&E hospitals
Eastbourne District General
Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD Tel 01323 417 400

Royal Sussex County Hospital
Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE
Tel 01273 696 955

Sussex Police
08456 070 999

Area info