East Sussex Off The Beaten Path

  Arundel Castle
by balhannah
  • Arundel Castle
      Arundel Castle
    by balhannah
  • Sheffield park garden
      Sheffield park garden
    by balhannah
  • Robertsbridge
      Robertsbridge
    by balhannah
  • Robertsbridge
      Robertsbridge
    by balhannah
  • Robertsbridge
      Robertsbridge
    by balhannah

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Arlington Reservoir and Nature Reserve

by zadunajska8

The Arlington reservoir near Polegate in East Sussex is one of the reservoirs owned by South East Water which supplies Eastbourne and the surrounding area with a constant supply of water. It also acts as a nature reserve for many species from large birds such as herons to micro-organisms. It's popular with local anglers due to it's trout population. However, I think it's just a nice place to go for a walk on a warm summer day. The views across the water from the dam wall path are splendid. There is a well signposted circular walk around the reservoir and through the wooded area of the nature reserve called the Osprey walk. It should only take about an hour for a person walking at average speed and is a nice easy-going walk, so nothing very strenuous. East Sussex County Council have a suggested walk starting at Berwick train station with options for a longer walk around the surrounding...

Arlington Reservoir
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Alpacas near Alfriston

by Mariajoy

Yes, you are not mistaken... this is a tip about East Sussex...not Peru. Hidden deep in the the depths of the Sussex countryside near Alfriston are these little alpacas bred for their beautiful wool. I was so surprised to see them on the drive along the A22 from Lewes to Eastbourne but it seems them are becoming a more commonplace sight in the southern counties these days.

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Alexandra Park, Hastings

by toonsarah

This is a particularly lovely town park, in my view. It is long (2.8 km) and fairly narrow, filling a valley between two attractive residential streets (one, St Helen’s Road, the main route into the town; the other, Lower Park Road, much quieter). Alexandra Park is a classic of Victorian park design and recognised as such through its grade 2 designation in the “Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest”. It was originally laid out by Robert Marnock, a renowned landscape gardener, in 1878, and formally opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales on 26th June 1882. Indeed the park is named after this princess, Princess Alexandra.So far we have only had a chance to explore its lower end, where features include an attractive duck pond and a boating lake. There is more water higher up, and at the northern end the park narrows to form Old Roar Gill & Coronation Wood, a Local...

By the duck pond in Alexandra Park
Church of St George, Brede

by toonsarah

The small village of Brede lies about five miles (eight km) north west of Hastings. We stopped here for a drink at the village pub, and sitting outside our eyes were drawn to the attractive old church on the other side of the road, so when we had finished our drinks we crossed over for a closer look. It was the Church of St George, originally Norman but with considerable additions over the centuries. It sits in a picturesque churchyard with wonderful views on one side over the Brede River Valley (see photo 4). We spent some time strolling around looking at the old gravestones and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. I found lots of details that appealed to the photographer in me – see photos 2 and 3 for examples.Inside the church retains some of its Norman features, including a window (at the west end of the north aisle) and the pillars of the south arcade. It is worth a quick look, but for...

Church of St George, Brede
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More Seaside Spring Flora

by Mariajoy

One the most abundant little plants growing at this time of year (Apr-May) on this stretch of the chalky Downs is the pretty little (20-30cm) purple Thrift. It grows in clumps and seems to be distasteful to the multitude of rabbits that live in the honeycombe of warrens under your feet ( Is it any wonder the cliffs are falling into the sea really??).

Thrift
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Seaford Head to Cuckmere Haven

by Mariajoy

This walk is a section of the South Downs Way which takes in the magnificent views of the Seven Sisters (seven chalk cliffs). Looking west you can see the neighbouring port of Newhaven. The footpath runs adjacent to a busy golf course, so when you are spending hours over a photo of a sea view, there might just be a golfer waiting to take his next shot right next to you! This isn't a difficult section of the South Downs Way, and it will take you down to Cuckmere Haven. From there, you can get refreshments at The Golden Galleon Pub or the Tea Rooms at Exceat.

The Seven Sisters from Seaford Head
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Yellow Horned Poppy

by Mariajoy

The Yellow Horned Poppy grows in the shingle all along the Sussex coast line and flowers during early August. Please don't pick them as it is an offence to gather or collect any wildflowers growing in their natural habitat.

Yellow Horned poppies
Long Man

by Helga67

The "Long Man" is a giant carving on the north side of Windover Hill near Wilmington. He is 226 foot high. The origin of this giant remains a mystery. Another hill figure in East Sussex is the White Horse at Litlington (see intro pic).The Long Man is signposted from the A27 and lies south of Wilmington (connecting street between A27 and A259). Also the White Horse can be found in the same street.

Long Man
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The Sussex Downs - Approaching Lewes on a train

by Mariajoy

The Sussex Downs, is a beautiful area for hiking and there are dozens of routes, footpaths etc for the novice and the more experienced walkers and those just wanting to enjoy a day out in the country side.

Summer Shandy

by Mariajoy

Enjoy a nice cold drink in a lovely Sussex country pub on a hot July day... there's nothing nicer! This is in the cottage garden of the 18th Century Harvey's Pub - The Cricketer's Arms, set at the foot of the South Downs in Berwick. Half a pint of shandy will cost you 1.50 GBP. There's a great food and wine list here as well as cask ales - it gets very busy in the summer as it is sooo popular so it might be an idea to book before you turn up!

Top 3 Hotels in East Sussex

Premier Inn Brighton  Brighton

 4 Reviews and 736 Opinions  The Premier Inn was comfortable and welcoming, and it's right in the middle of town, so it was a... 

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The Grand Hotel  Eastbourne

 1 Review and 503 Opinions  This is in the if-you-have-to-ask-the-price-you-can't-afford-it category but lives up to... 

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The George in Rye  Rye

 1 Review and 441 Opinions  A beautiful place to stay. Quiet and very clean. Parking is somewhat limited but there is parking by... 

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East Sussex Off The Beaten Path

Reviews and photos of East Sussex off the beaten path posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for East Sussex sightseeing.
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