|
There are a number of attractions, castles, gardens, scenic spots and villages that are easily visited from Brighton which can be combined to make for an interesting day trip.
Alfriston
Alfriston lies in the Cuckmere valley, a scenic valley that runs back from the coast at Seaford. Alfriston is a very old village with traditional church, pub and small shops and tea shops.
Amberley Working Museum
An active museum that brings to life traditional craftsmanship, has rides on vintages buses and trains, and a number of informative exhibitions on electricity, roads making, printing, telecommunications and more. (01798 831370)
Anne of Cleeves House
Anne of Cleeves was granted the Manor of Southover and her house can be visited on Southover High Street in Lewes. The oldest part of th house is 15 th Century and displays of furniture over the years are contained in the house. (01273 474610).
Arundel Castle
A magnificent castle located in Arundel about one hour west of Brighton in the village of Arundel . The castle is still a family home for the Duke of Norfolk and is open during the summer months. Arundel Castle has a fine collection of paintings and 40 acres of gardens. (01903 883136)
Ashdown Forest
An expanse of 6000 acres of lowland heath with wooded valleys and stunning views. The famous “ Poohsticks Bridge ” is found in Hartfield which AA Milne wrote in the Winnie-the Pooh Stories. There are many access points to the forest and lots of marked walks.
Bluebell Railway
This all steam railway runs from Sheffield Park to Kingscote and offers scenic views and a chance to travel in vintage trains and carriages. The main station is at Sheffield Park which is situated on the A275 ( East Grinstead – Lewes Road ) about two miles north of the junction with the A272. (01825 720800)
Borde Hill Garden Park and Woodland
A heritage garden created over 100 years ago and set in 200 acres of parkland. Gardens are planned for each part of the year and set around a number of woodland and Lakeland walks. There is an adventure playground for the kids. Located just outside Haywards Heath (01444 450326).
Drusillas Park
Drusillas park started out 80 years as a zoo and continually adds new attractions and displays. The zoo is combined with a number of activities for children to enjoy and has a well established Children's adventure park. Drusillas is reached by driving along the A27 towards Eastbourne and located in the scenic Cuckmere Valley near Alfriston. A return journey can be made along the Cuckmere valley visiting Alfriston and then back along the coast road (A259) to Brighton. (01323 874100)
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is about an hour East of Brighton having a pier, beach and seaside attractions. Close to Eastbourne are the high cliffs of Beachy Head with fine views along the coast.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
A collection of Roman mosaics that was first discovered in 1960. The original Roma garden has been replanted to represent the original. Located in the village of Fishbourne near Chichester (01243 785859)
Jack and Jill Windmills
The Jack and Jill windmills are up on the South Downs at the village of Clayton. Jack was built in 1866 and not open to the public and Jill built in 1821 has been restored and open to the public on Sunday afternoons in the summer months. (01273 843263)
Kent & East Sussex Railway
A 10 mile vintage train ride from Teneterden to Bodiam with its famous castle Bodiam Castle. To find train times call the talking timetable on 01580 762943.
Leeds Castle
Leeds castle is considered one of the most romantic and awe-inspiring castles of the country and about 90 minutes hour by car from Brighton . The fastest way is to drive up the M23 and then the M25 and onto the M20. Leeds castle is 7 miles of east of Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20/A20. A picturesque cross country drive can be taken on the return journey through some of the Sussex villages, across the Ashdown forest and over the Sussex Downs.
Leeds castle has a moat, a good collection of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and other treasures. Leeds castle has been a Normal stronghold, a royal residence for six of the medieval Queens of England and was the palace for Henry V111. Surrounding Leeds Castle are a number of gardens laid out in differing styles. (0870 600 8880)
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
The gardens are set in a 240 acre valley with walks around seven lakes. Very beautiful in May with the rhododendrons and azaleas. Located in Lower Beeding between Handcross and Cowfield (01403 891212).
Lewes Castle
The castle built soon after 1066 stands out above the town of Lewes and offers some spectacular views from the top of the castle. Opposite the castle entrance is the Museum of Sussex Archaeology with good Saxon displays and a sound light show that illustrates the story of Lewes. The castle is accessed from the centre of Lewes (01273 486290).
Littlehampton
Littlehampton is about one west of Brighton and a good place to swim in the sea with its clean beaches and water. Just behind the beach is the Harbour Park and all weather adventure village. The town has an old world charm with a variety of shops and restaurants and a scenic riverside walk. The parks and gardens feature some fine floral displays.
Michelham Priory
Michelham Priory is a Tudor mansion in the Cuckmere valley close to Alfriston. It is set on a moated island surrounded by seven acress of gardens and has the longest mediaeval water filled moat in England . Apart from the house there is a forge and a museum that traces the history of the local rope industry.
Newhaven Fort
Displays show life in a Victorian Fortress and life in the two world wars. Located on top of the cliff provides good views along the coats. Located in Newhaven.
Parham House and Gardens
Parham is an Elizabethan House located at Pulborough with 11 acres of gardens. (01903 744888).
Petworth House and Park
A 17 th Century Stately Mansion set in large grounds and deer park . Located at Petworth (01798 342207).
Sheffield Park Garden
A 120 acre garden with four large lakes, woodland creating a number of walks. Sheffield Park is close to the Bluebell Railway and is a good combination. (01825 790231).
Wakehurst Place
Wakehurst Place is operated by the Royal Botanic gardens in Kew and has over 500 acres to explore. There are ornamental gardens, cottage gardens, wild areas, woodlands all well organised and labeled. Wakehurst Place houses the millennium Seed bank which aims to safeguard the world's most endangered plant species. Wakehurst Place is close to Haywards Hearth ( which is the nearest station connected by bus) and found on the B2028 close to the village of Ardingly. (01444 894066).
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
A collection of historic buildings and display of traditional rural life of the last 500 years. Located in the village of Singleton, near Chichester and (01243 811348).
Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
An area of 60 acres that attracts hundreds of swans, geese, and ducks in a very scenic setting. Located very close to the village of Arundel (01903 883355).
|
