Sussex Exclusive Magazine. Issue 7

Saturday afternoon
After lunch, head inland toward Battle,
and the site of the famous Battle of
Hasting in 1066 when William the
Conqueror defeated King Harold as
part of the Norman invasion. The main
place to visit here is Battle Abbey and
the battlefield. This will take a couple
of hours and then there is just time to
explore some of the shops up the High
Street. There is a tap room, an antique
emporium and antique jewellery shop as
well as a deli and wine shop selling lots of
local produce.
Saturday night
For Saturday night, check availability at
Oastbook Vineyard near Robertsbridge.
They host a Summer Party in June and
fine wine and dining evenings. You can
also stay there if you don’t want to drive.
Or stick around in Battle for Tapas at
Thorpe’s Wine Bar & Gin Emporium.
Sunday morning
You have a decision to make now. You
can head to the coast for some culture at
the Art Deco style De La Warr Pavilion
in Bexhill, where they have an ongoing
programme of exhibitions, concerts and
events. If you do, make time for a walk
along the Colonnade and then have lunch
at the Sackville Bistro. If you go inside the
building here, there’s lots of information
about Bexhill’s motor racing past!
Alternatively, from Battle head to
Bodiam Castle, a 14 th century, moated
National Trust castle that stands in ruins
but is well worth exploring. In summer,
you can also take a boat ride back to Rye
from Bodiam Boating Station. Or simply
head to one of the local vineyards like
Carr Taylor or Oxney Organic Estate
for a vineyard tour and tasting, and of
course, to stock up with some vintage
souvenirs to take home.
Top: Ypres Tower
Bodium castle
Right: Bexhill
Colonnade
In summer,
you can also
take a boat
ride back
to Rye from
Bodiam
Boating
Station. Or
simply head
to one of
the local
vineyards...
Places to stay in Rye
There are quite a few fabulously quirky
places you might want to stay in Rye.
There is Rye Windmill on the outskirts
of the town, or of course, the famous
Mermaid Inn. Alternatively, try Jeake’s
House – a 17th century hotel also in
Mermaid Street.
10 miles from Rye, you’ll find Railway
Retreats at Northiam where you can stay
in a customised train carriage.
Places to stay in Battle
You could stay right on the edge of the
battlefield and within walking distance
of the Abbey at South Lodge – a twobedroom
holiday cottage.
Or try Powdermills Country House
Hotel. It’s about a mile from Battle
centre and has acres of gardens, park
and woodland.
Top: Chichester
Right: Market Cross
48 Hours In Chichester
Pack light and get ready for a
weekend of theatre, Romans,
quaint harbours, grand works of
art, festivals and vineyards
The Chichester District of West Sussex
includes the cathedral city of Chichester,
idyllic Chichester Harbour and Thorney
Island as well the historic towns of
Petworth and Midhurst, a section of the
South Downs and a number of awardwinning
vineyards.
Friday afternoon arrival
Spend Friday afternoon and evening
exploring Chichester. You can walk
around the city via the Roman perimeter
wall and then start exploring the city
centre from Market Cross which marks
the crossroads of the four main streets.
You’ll see the cathedral and the sculpture
of St Richard outside (the patron saint
of Sussex) and if you have time, visit the
Novium Museum which documents the
area’s Roman history or Pallant House, a
contemporary art gallery.
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