East Sussex

What makes the perfect holiday? For some, it's walking in peaceful countryside, for others it's visiting historic houses or museums, or serious shopping. Whatever your choice, East Sussex has a unique mix of unspoilt countryside, narrow cobbled town streets, medieval cottages and fairytale castles, glorious gardens and picturesque old villages. Over a thousand years of history have formed the county of East Sussex and you can visit the site of the Battle of Hastings where, some say, English history began in 1066. Other castles and houses to visit include Bodiam Castle, Herstmonceux Castle, Firle Place, Glynde Place, and Alfriston Clergy House, the first National Trust property. East Sussex has been home to many famous writers and artists over the years. Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, lived at Bateman's in Burwash and Charleston Farmhouse at Firle was the Bloomsbury Group's country meeting place where murals, furniture and textiles painted by the artists can still be seen. There are glorious gardens to delight and inspire: Sheffield Park, a traditionally landscaped garden with five lakes; Great Dixter, the life's work and passion of writer Christopher Lloyd who died in January 2006, and Pashley Manor with its intimate, romantic spring garden. There are festivals galore and country fairs from spring through to autumn. Something for all the family.