Visit Sussex over spring, where else can you combine coast and countryside, experience dramatic white cliffs, secluded rocky bays, shingle beaches, swathes of golden sand, with just a short drive from the lively cities and towns which pepper this 100 mile stretch of coast you’ll find unspoilt landscapes aplenty. Right across Sussex you’ll find interesting flea markets, antique shops, tea rooms, farmers’ markets, plus some fantastic festivals and events to keep the whole family entertained.
To the east is 1066 Country, where you’ll find the site of the Battle of Hastings, on the coast, the old Cinque Port of Rye, bohemian Hastings, nearby Bexhill, and pretty countryside inland. Travel further along the coast to Eastbourne, a seaside resort with award-winning beaches and a grand promenade. For drama, head for the iconic white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters, but one thing that keeps all of these diverse towns tied together is the lovely scenic walks along the coast and picturesque villages, with great views over the English Channel.
For those who are animal fanatics, visit the Dunreyth Alpacas, they are not quite sheep not quite a camel but somewhere in between. They are curious creatures, brimming with personalities. Dunreyth Alpacas started in 2006 with just 2 pregnant females, the herd has now grown to over 40 Alpacas! Last summer, 13 babies were born increasing the numbers again.
The farm is in a beautiful setting on 13 acres of the South Downs – a perfect backdrop for a walk with your chosen fluffy friend. These placid, docile animals originate from South America and the foothills of the Andes. They derive from the same family as the camel, yet their similarity to sheep means they look at home in their countryside surroundings. Alpaca fibre is used to make garments and clothing, much like wool. Some of the Alpacas at Dunreyth are used for their fibre, which is sent off to make jumpers. The Alpacas at Dunreyth are fully trained, so they are delighted to take walks with visitors to the farm. These walks last an hour, or longer if you want to stop at the local pub, The Barley Mow, with your Alpaca in tow – they make a unique drinking partner!
Travel further to the Sussex Coastline to Brighton from the 29th – 30th March to attend the Chocolate Festival! Brighton Dome will be hosting two days (10am – 6pm) of chocolate-fuelled festivities with an array of superb chocolate creations, perfect to temp any sweet tooth visitor! Back by popular demand, from 2014 The Chocolate Festivals are moving into spectacular indoor venues. This means much more is on offer to visitors. More chocolate, more tastings, more seating lounges, a chocolate café, even a Cocoa Spa! The idea of creating an event dedicated to chocolate started back in 2009, with the help of dedicated chocoholics, the event has grown to become Britain’s biggest chocolate event with festivals now taking place twice a year in London, as well as in Bristol, Brighton and Oxford. So whether you visit with friends, family or your partner, you’ll find all the ingredients for a fabulously chocolaty day out: taste, shop, relax and indulge in the most delicious chocolate bars. Truffles, chocolate fudge, brownies, chocolate cupcakes, hot chocolate and chocolate cocktails!
If you are a bit of a culture vulture then Eastbourne is your next stop over. As from the 19th of April until the 11th of May this wonderful seaside town opens its doors once again to the popular Arts Festival, which takes place annually for three weeks from Easter Saturday each year. Now in its sixth year, it has become recognised as an annual showcase for local professional and amateur talent. It is now attracting participation and interest at regional, national, international level. The Eastbourne Festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase talent both to the local community, visitors, and to bring all the diverse communities of Eastbourne together. It enables artists, to showcase their work with others including local, regional, national and international professionals, to network with other associations from within the town, outside of it and to further expertise by participating in workshops run by others.
Great food is an important part of any holiday, so rest assured you will eat well while visiting Sussex. From the simple pleasure of fresh fish and chips on the beach to local produce menus in classic country pubs, there are places to eat in Sussex reflecting all manner of taste and specialities. Look out for The Countrymann – a Les Routiers listed establishment, a charming, delightful, yet cosy inn full of traditional features tucked away down a country lane in Shipley, West Sussex. The Vaughan family have run the pub for 20 years and have maintained its old-fashioned charm – the impressive inglenook fireplace remains a centrepiece – while ensuring that their menus have moved with the times. You can eat informally in the comfortably seated bars or in the main restaurant area. This too, has a log fire, beams, plus lovely views over the gardens. The Countryman boasts wonderful views across down-land, with many footpaths through the Knepp Castle estate that are excellent for gentle or brisk walks!
With Sussex only being just an hour and a half from London, there’s really no better place for a great day out, even more so if you already happen to live in Sussex or close to West Sussex or East Sussex! From beautiful beaches to ancient castles, stunning national parks or fabulous historic country houses, Sussex offers an unrivalled choice of days out, it never fails to disappoint.