Out and About in East Sussex
Hastings is positioned on the coast in the centre of 1066 country, surrounded by history. With fragmentary remains of Norman castle, built on Hastings’ West Hill, after William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings. With good views across Hastings and the sea, there are Dungeons and the 1066 Story, audiovisual presentation is situated alongside in a siege tent. Shearbarn is situated in the middle of Hastings Country Park, Surrounded with over 660 acres of beautiful countryside and wildlife.
Town at Winchelsea
Winchelsea has a fascinating history museum, 13th century church or follow one of the recommended walks. If you are feeling hungry there are two pubs, serving lunch time and evening food and tea room serving lunch and tea every day except Tuesday. There are only a few shops in Winchelsea, however there are some delightful views and walks to be explored.
Town at Rye
Rye is a beautiful town in Sussex, when you want to escape to the countryside you can visit Rye. Rye is situated on a hill overlooking the river Rother and Romney marsh.
Cobbled streets can be found here as well as preserved historic houses and a medieval church. St Mary’s Church and Ypres tower (a castle) dates way back from the 13th century however in the 14th and 15th century they suffered as a great deal was destroyed by the French. You can visit the Ypres Tower (the castle) and even have a ghost tour if you’re feeling brave. If you want to explore the countryside there are numerous walks full of special wildlife for you to explore. New businesses have moved into the buildings leaving the ancient port still to be present.
Pevensey
From Pevensey Castle there are some pretty views. The Martello Towers which were built along the coastline in the early 1800’s can be seen to the South of the Castle, to the West you can see the beautiful South Downs and Eastbourne. There is a museum in Pevensey if you would like to find out more about the history. If you feel hungry there are some public houses and restaurants.
Beachy Head & South Downs at Beachy Head & the South Downs
The Downs around Eastbourne are recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The dramatic 530 feet high cliffs of Beachy Head give stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel. Walk from the foot of Beach Head or climb to the top for dramatic view of the famous red an white-stripped lighthouse. Wheelchair users can also enjoy the area by using the accessible Peace Path on Beachy Head. Why not walk or cycle the South Down’s way. The route stretches for 90 miles between Eastbourne and Winchester, taking in picturesque villages and stunning scenery. It is suitable for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikes.
A Selection Of Great Days Out
1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield
Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of the great abbey that William the Conqueror built in atonement for the bloodshed and take a stroll across the now peaceful battlefield.
A Smugglers Adventure at St Clements Caves
www.discoverhastings.co.uk
Email: smugglers@discoverhastings.co.uk
A Smugglers Adventure is an extensive exhibition about the 18th century smuggling and incorporates a museum and video theatre. The highlights of the adventure walk, in which visitors travel the length and breadth of the caves, with dramatic scenes, numerous push-button effects and also a few surprises.
Shipwreck Heritage Centre
Tel: +44(0)1424 437452
Fax: +44(0)1424 437452
A unique collection of historic treasures recovered from local shipwrecks, including the warship ‘Anne’ (1690), The Dutch treasure ship Amsterdam’ (1974), the ‘Thomas Lawrence’ and ‘Primrose’ and the last Rye barge. See the one tonne cannon from the ‘Amsterdam’ in the replica gun deck. Visit the audiovisual show ’A Shipwreck Adventure’ – an exciting voyage in time through 500 years, together with videos, RADAR and live satellite weather pictures. Special exhibition, ‘The Derbyshire’, the biggest British merchant ship to have been lost when she sank in the South China Sea.
Fishermen’s Museum
Tel: +44(0)1424 461446
Fax: +44(0)1424 461446
A former fisherman’s church by old net shops, now a museum on local fishing with ship models, nets, old photographs and the Lugger ‘Enterprise’, built in 1912. There is also a model of ‘Henri Grace A Dieu’, built for the Royal Tournament in 1922. An adjacent net shop may also be viewed, together with 4 more fishing boats which are displayed outside.
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
www.hmag.org.uk
Email: museum@hastings.gov.uk
A museum containing displays of dinosaurs, local wildlife, Native Americans and Grey Owl, Paintings, Ceramics and features on John Logie Baird and Robert Tressell. The adjoining Durbar Hall was built as part of an Indian palace for the Indian and Colonial exhibition of 1886 and contains material from India, The Far East and Australasia collected by the Brassey family in the 1870s and 1880’s. There are two temporary exhibition galleries showing a changing programme of visual art.
Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park
Award-Winning railway adventure in Eastbourne, Ride for nearly a mile, behind scale coal-fired miniature steam locomotives, around a 5-acre lake. Fun or relaxation all day. Adventure playground, indoor model railways, garden railway, steam or diesel train journeys, lineside walk, picnic areas, maze, Thomas the Tank Engine souvenir/gift shop, cafe and prize-winning tea gardens.
Yesterday’s World
Discover a magical time travel adventure, from the reign of Queen Victoria to the 1960’s. Over 100,000 genuine artefacts, set in a charming 15th Century medieval hall house with vividly recreated scenes and shop settings, commentaries and evocative sounds and smells. Children’s bygone play village and garden. A newly extended gift and traditional sweet shop with delicious fudge handmade on the premises.
Pevensey Castle
Discover 2,000 years of history at this impressive castle. Take the inclusive audio tour and find out about its roman origins, its turbulent history in the dark ages, its famous visitor in 1066 and its role in World War II. Explore the battlements, towers, and dungeons of the medieval castle ruins.
Barley Lane, Hastings, East Sussex
TN35 5DX • 01424 423583