There are so many places to visit in East Sussex, from historic battlefields to alternative seaside resorts. We've narrowed down the must-sees during your visit as well as the best places to eat & drink in the county.
1. Seven Sisters
Popular for walking, cycling, birdwatching and even canoeing, the Seven Sisters is part of the beautiful coastline of East Sussex. Situated in the South Downs National Park, you will become immersed in the 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. If you would prefer to soak up the surroundings and relax, there is a café near the visitor's centre. Depending on when you choose to visit, you can enjoy a walk to the beach along the easy access trail or venture upwards and marvel at the gorgeous scenery from the top of the Seven Sisters Cliffs and hillsides.
Prices:
Parking – Cars: Up to 2 hours £6.00, Full day £12.00.
Opening Times:
Both Seven Sisters car parks are locked overnight. The Visitor Centre is open various times throughout the year – See HERE.
Address:
Exceat
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 4AD
Contact:
03456 080193
countrysidemanagement@eastsussex.gov.uk
http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/index.html
2. Newhaven Fort
Newhaven Fort is the last of a long series of defences built on the cliffs overlooking Seaford Bay, dating back to the Iron Age. Discover the mysteries and secrets that await when you become part of the historic story. Each visit offers something new and exciting for all the family to enjoy including plenty of exhibitions like ‘A Country at War’, ‘Look out!’ and ‘Life of a Fort’ to name but a few. Take your four-legged friends along with you whilst you explore, but the only place they won’t be able to join you, is for a cuppa in the Fort Tea Room – Other than that they can join in the fun too! You film & TV buffs may even recognise a few spots of the Fort from various TV programmes, documentaries, adverts & films it has been used for!
Prices:
See HERE.
Opening Times:
Newhaven Fort has closed for Winter, however, we will update come the new year.
Address:
Fort Road
Newhaven
BN9 9DS
Contact:
01273 517622
https://www.newhavenfort.org.uk/
3. De La War Pavilion
Known for being a pioneering centre for the arts, De La Warr Pavilion has made contemporary exhibitions, events and entertainment accessible to all in an iconic, Modernist building. Open since 1935, it continues to be home to an ever-changing programme of established and emerging artists. Exhibitions and events range from music, comedy, cinema and film and workshops. There are also talks and tours relating to the building itself and the history that lives there. You can also stop in at the Café Bar & Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and if you’re catching a show they also offer ‘Eat before the show’ which is a nice way to complete your experience.
Prices:
Experience dependent.
Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Café Bar & Kitchen: Monday – Sunday 10am – 4.30pm
Address:
De La Warr Pavilion
Maria
Bexhill
East Sussex
TN40 1DP
Contact:
01424 229111
4. Drusillas Park
Enjoy a fun, family day out at one of the top tourist attractions in East Sussex! Regarded as the best small zoo in the country, this is a great little escape to the wild side for you and the children. Drusillas Zoo has a great range of exotic animals with a big emphasis on education so you will find plenty of interactive displays to educate the children but also keep them entertained at the same time. Aside from the animals, you will also find the ‘Hello Kitty Secret Garden’, ‘Get Wet Splash Pad’ and brilliant play areas…Your little ones will be spoilt for things to do! When everyone is ready for a pit stop, there are several cafés available serving both hot and cold food and beverages. Check out the ‘What’s On’ section before you visit for any special events you can catch.
Prices:
Dependant on visit day. See HERE.
Opening Times:
See full times HERE.
Address:
Drusillas Park
Alfriston
East Sussex
BN26 5QS
Contact:
01323 874100
5. Hastings Castle and The 1066 Story & St Clement’s Caves
Hastings Castle plays a huge part in England’s history, holding the title of being the first Norman motte and bailey castle to be built here. When William the Conqueror landed in England in 1066, he ordered Hastings Castle to be built, in that same year he went on to defeat King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. Although now it is an incredibly popular tourist attraction, the castle itself has had a turbulent past, all of which can be explored during your visit. Located in the same area you can also explore St Clement’s Caves which were formed around 14,000BC during the last Ice Age. Ever since the Caves have been a question of mystery and played a fascinating role in the history of the area. Today, the Caves provide the perfect backdrop for a vivid recreation of the dark and often bloody story of smuggling along the Sussed Coast during its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Prices:
Hastings Castle & The 1066 Story
Adult £4.75, Child £3.95, Concession £4.25, Family of 4 £15.40, Family of 5 £19.35, Disabled/Carer £4.25
Smugglers Adventure
Online price – Adult £7.20, Child £5.00, Concession £6.00, Family of 4 £24.40, Disabled/Carer £7.00
Opening Times:
Hastings Castle & Smugglers Adventure are closed for winter 2017 – Re-opens on February 10th 2018
See HERE for the 2018 opening times which vary.
Address:
St Clement’s Caves
West Hill
TN34 4HY
Contact:
01424 422964
https://www.smugglersadventure.co.uk/
Places to eat & drink in East Sussex
1. Ridgeview Wine Estate
If you’re a wine lover why not treat yourself to a detailed tour of the vineyard and winery followed by a tutored tasting at Ridgeview. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, this is an absolute must in East Sussex. During your visit, you can sit back and relax in the picturesque vineyard which is perfect to enjoy the stunning view of the captivating ridge, from which they get their name. Tours are held throughout the week, year round so check the calendar for what is available during your visit. Of course, the Wines, Rose & Champagne made at Ridgeview are also available to purchase.
Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday 11am – 4pm
Address:
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Fragbarrow Lane
Ditchling Common
Sussex
BN6 8TP
Contact:
01444 242040
Enquiry form available HERE.
2. The Jolly Sportsman
A lovely country pub/restaurant located in The South Downs National Park – Great for a stop in when you’ve had a busy day at The Seven Sisters. They often have offers on including fixed price lunches and 2 for 1. The menu is Al a carte and changes regularly with a team of enthusiastic cooks producing fantastic, season food for you.
Contact:
East Chiltington
East Sussex
BN7 3BA
01273 890400
https://sussexfood.wordpress.com/
3. The Wild Mushroom
Fine dining in chic surroundings in a converted farmhouse, which opened in 1998. You will enjoy a secluded and intimate dining experience with delicious, seasonal food. The Wild Mushroom also offers Gourmet Food and Wine Evenings but be sure to book these as they do tend to get pretty full!
Contact:
Woodgate House
Westfield Lane
Westfield
TN35 4SB
01424 751137
4. Griffin Inn
500 years old, and not showing its age at all… The Griffin has its own market garden just outside Fletching for all its produce – Buys local cheeses and fish and still gets its meat from the old-fashioned butcher across the road. The Sunday spit roast is famed far and wide and with an affordable menu, this is a great place to visit with the whole family.
Contact:
High St. Fletching
TN22 3SS
01825 722890
5. The Pilgrim’s Restaurant
Toby Peter’s, the proprietor of Pilgrim’s, specialises in local, fresh produce. The menu is ever-changing and full of dishes inspired by local specialities like ‘Golden Cross Goat’s Cheese’. Delectable treats from baked whole seabass, a saddle of venison and chocolate tart are just a few of the mouth-watering goodies to have graced the menu.
Contact:
1 High St
Battle
TN33 0AE
01424 77231