East Sussex Highlights
The great bare whaleback of the South Downs is England’s doorstep, dropping sheer to the seas at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters in cliffs as white as anything Dover can present. In other places the South Downs stand back, leaving room along the coast for a series of towns, each with a distinctive personality and a separate tale to tell. They include Brighton, elegant and theatrical; Eastbourne wholesome and respectable: Hastings, one of the Cinque Ports that once guarded England’s shore: and Pevensey that the Romans knew and that later witnessed the arrival of William the Conqueror.
William’s legacy remain with castles raised at Hastings, Lewes and Pevensey, followed by a later generation of fortresses at Bodiam, Rye and Herstmonceux. Newer attractions include theme parks and open air museums – Drusillas near Alfriston and the famous Bluebell Railway. Few writers have expressed their love for their chosen county more clearly than Rudyard Kipling.
West Sussex Highlights
A rich plain sweeping down to the sea and divided by rivers made western Sussex a natural point for invaders. During the Roman occupation, one of the most sumptuous palaces in northern Europe was built at Fishbourne, and the land was farmed around villas such as Bignor. The Romans founded a walled city on their line of march into the interior; known today as Chichester, it is the natural county town, with a cathedral in which old and new combine gracefully combine, and a guildhall which was once the chancel of a priory church. Equally impressive is Arundel Castle, built by the Normans to guard the gap where the River Arun curves through the South Downs. The castle walls tower over a town of elegant Georgian and Edwardian streets.
Inland, the broad, smooth ridge of the South Downs provides excellent walks and superb views. In their shelter thrive famous gardens such as Leonardslee and Nymans, lovingly tended over the generations. Stately homes such as Goodwood and Petworth are stored with treasures, while humbler buildings are guaranteed survival at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
About Us
Based in Cornwall, one of Southern England’s most popular travel destinations, we use our unrivalled local knowledge and network of suppliers to include one-off experiences, private visits, behind the scenes tours, unique destinations and exclusive speakers.
We specialise in creating unique and personalised special interest tours for groups in Sussex and throughout Southern England. Our clients include private goups, tour operators, travel agents, educational bodies, church and religious groups from around the world and across the UK too.
For more information or a no obligation quote please contact us
