SX Ex No 12 comp

Wildlife & Wine
Get off the beaten track with
self-guided safaris & then sip
on the best local wines
Castle to Coast
Explore ramparts & ruins,
chalky cliffs & cobbled streets
Issue 12 2025
6
Sussex Places to
Fall in Love with
this Summer
Your Guide to
Wild Camping
Get off grid &
reconnect with
nature
Paddle Power &
Wild Swimming
Take to the water for
a taste of adventure &
soupcon of wellbeing
Chillingly Good
Sussex Flavours
Savour Sussex flavours
& seasonal produce
Best Buys
Buy local, sustainable &
beautiful 98 pages homewares of &
jewellery beautiful Sussex
92 pages of
beautiful Sussex

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Pantone
5497C
Editor
Lucy Pitts
lucyp@sussexexclusive.com
Deputy Editor
Janine Marsh
Content Editor
Aifric Peachey
Design
Philippa French
Sales
sales@sussexexclusive.com
Sussex Exclusive Magazine
www.sussexexclusive.com
Black
Front Cover
View from
Lewes Castle
Summer is such a great time in Sussex with our Weald,
chalk and sea landscapes coming into their own.
Whether you live locally in the south east or further
afield, the combination of history, great local produce
and an eclectic arts scene make it the perfect place to
head for either a mini break or a longer stay.
With this in mind, in this issue of the Sussex Exclusive
Magazine, we have packed it with things to do in the great
outdoors this summer from paddleboarding and wild
swimming, to (almost) wild camping and walks.
We also have a stunning and historic Castle to Coast itinerary
by train, a gorgeous two-day walking itinerary, and a little
inspiration if you want to try your own self-guided nature
safaris whilst also getting to grips with local wine. Alternatively,
if all you want to do is fall in love, we have six lovely locations
where you can do just that.
If the arts are more your thing, we have a round up of some of
the must see plays and exhibitions of the summer, including
some outdoor theatre suggestions. And we caught up with Dan
Cox, Head Guide at Preston Manor to find out more about
their art collection and Edwardian life in Preston.
Of course, we have our usual foodie corner with some
mouthwatering ingredients and recipes for those that want to
get into the kitchen and kick up a Sussex storm, including some
Sussex ice creams to keep you cool. But if you don’t want to
cook, why not head to one of our recommended places to eat.
Finally, don’t miss our usual features including great advice
and inspiration for the garden from Geoff Stonebanks, some
cracking local reads and a little bit of travel.
Let’s hope the good weather of spring stays with us and let’s
make it a summer of Sussex love. Have a good one.
Lucy
Lucy Pitts
3

Contents
8 In the Diary
From wellness and wine tasting to
carnivals and jousting, live music and
crafts, there is so much to look forward to
this summer
38 6 Places to Fall in Love With
Fall in love with summer with fields of
lavender, winding, sleepy rivers, poetic
views and rugged and historic landscapes
12 Wildlife and Wine
Get off the beaten track and discover
unspoilt walks and landscapes, incredible
wildlife and wonderful local wines
38
49
49 In the Kitchen
Enjoy a Sussex Scandinavian fusion this
summer with 3 recipes from Becci Combes
of Hygge Style, our Danish Sussex cook
12
8
16 Castle to Coast
Step back in time with this 4-day itinerary
that takes you by train to Medieval castles,
chalky cliff tops and cobbled back streets
53 The Dish of the Day
Create your own authentically Sussex
menu with this fantastic selection of in
season local produce and wines
20 Almost Wild Camping
Escape into the wilds of Sussex and the great
outdoors with our guide to wild and not so
wild camping
56
56 The Inside Scoop
Sarah Thompson of Sussex Kitchen shares
the secrets of Sussex ice cream with best
buys and 4 chillingly good ice cream
recipes
22 Must See Arts
Enjoy a summer of outstanding
performances and the arts with these mustsee
exhibitions, museums and productions
62 Summer’s Best Buys
Add a touch of style to your summer with
these uniquely Sussex and sustainable
must haves for your home, your garden
and yourself
27
22
27 Preston Re-Visited
Dan Cox of the newly re-opened Preston
Manor talks of the impressive art collection
as well as Edwardian life in the village
32 Paddle Power and
Wild Swimming
Slip into the water at these gorgeous wild
swimming venues or paddleboard your way
down river into a relaxing summer
70 In the Library
Pull up a chair and enjoy a good read
from WWII intrigue to modern day
boutiques with our two featured Sussex
authors
74 Weird and Wonderful
Visit some of the country’s more unusual
destinations from an art gallery in a phone
box to a recording studio in a windmill
35 Summer Walks
Take your time with an epic 2-day walk
through iconic countryside, or enjoy
mesmerising views on a cliff top path
76
76 Get Creative in the Garden
Geoff Stonebanks shares tips and advice
on how to create stunning impact in your
garden with a little artistic licence
4 | sussexexclusive.com 5

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Contributors
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Private Client Tax Specialists
With a focus on the future, we will help you today by looking to tomorrow
Geoff Stonebanks
Geoff’s garden, Driftwood, has
appeared on BBC2’s Gardeners’
World, and has won multiple
awards. He writes monthly for
several websites and gardening
media and has a weekly gardening
column in the Brighton Argus and
is regularly heard on the radio.
www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk.
Janine Lowe
Janine Lowe is an author and
classically trained Feng Shui
consultant, trained in Chinese
astrology and in the arts of Bazi,
Flying Stars, Auspicious Dates, Qi
Men Dun Jia and I Ching. For the
last 19 years she has worked with
private and business clients to
enhance their wealth, relationships,
careers and everything in between.
www.janinelowe.co.uk
Stuart Ritchie
Expert Tax Advisor helping clients
manage their wealth, minimise
tax bills, and solve tax disputes
& financial problems. Stuart
specialises in private client taxation
and has considerable experience
and expertise with an emphasis
on agreeing complex taxation
issues, both onshore and offshore,
and helping clients achieve their
financial objectives.
www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
Our people are passionate about making a difference
When you are looking for an accountant, you will want people with a passion for and
understanding of what you need or what you do. Our unique combination of specialist skills
and experience means that we will always bring fresh ideas and added value to the table.
We are team players with a focus on helping you.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah moved to Sussex in 2008 to
start a new career in wine & spirits.
This quickly led to the creation
of Sussex's first gin and distillery
in over two centuries. Since then,
Sarah has also mentored food and
beverage SMEs developing brands
and recently, returned to the
world of TV and film working on
productions world-wide.
www.sussexkitchen.co.uk
Becci Coombes
Becci spent her childhood holidays
on the family farm in Denmark, and
grew up with a love for all things
Scandinavian. Originally she trained
as an archaeologist (Vikings, of
course!), before travelling the
world and becoming a successful
glass artist. She now runs
www.hyggestyle.co.uk, an online
boutique in Sussex specialising in
Danish and Scandinavian gifts. She
is the author of three craft books
focusing on upcycling.
Alice Chambers
Alice started writing children's
books nearly 50 years ago and
self-published her first book three
years ago. After her husband
died, she also started writing her
thoughts and musings as a way to
cope with grief.
The passion that we put into what we do, and the understanding that we have for our clients,
means that our team will go far beyond simply solving problems. As well as their expertise
and enthusiasm, all members of the team enjoy working in our specialisations, and are
encouraged to share this with our clients.
Ground Floor South Suite, Afon House, Worthing Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1TL
T: 020 3195 1300 E: mail@ritchiephillips.co.uk W : www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
6 | sussexexclusive.com 7

In the
either be free or at a special discounted
rate.
Diary
Enjoy balmy sunny days and long summer evenings with our
hand-picked selection of things to do this summer
The fortnight-long special timetable
will also include new experiences such
as a breath workshop, golf mind factor
teaching by the Club’s Head Golf Pro,
a Psychology of Pain talk by Contours
Sports Therapy Clinic based at the club
and a sound bath. For gym goers, there
will also be a special gym challenge aimed
at boosting endorphins and serotonin and
The Retreat Spa will be offering discounts
on selected 30-minute treatments.
floats, parades, performances and more.
It starts at Fisherman’s Green and ends at
the Wish Tower.
Roebuck’s Tours & Tastings
Petworth, most Fridays and Saturdays
from 2 May to 13 September
For those who want to understand more
about the landscape and its influence
on some of the UK’s leading sparkling
wines, Roebuck offers a tour of their
picturesque home vineyard, followed by a
tutored tasting of their delectable range.
Every wine tells a story, and Roebuck will
tell you the story behind their Classic
Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de
Noirs, while you sample a chilled glass
of each, gaining a greater understanding
of each vintage and the winemaking
techniques deployed to create such
perfection.
Mind, Body and Soul Sessions for
Mental Health Awareness Week
Slinfold Golf and Country Club,
10 - 23 May
Join a special series of talks, classes
and taster sessions such as an ice bath
experience and a seated laughter wellbeing
session, aimed to support your mind,
body, and soul. Available for members
and non-members of all abilities, the
sessions will be delivered by the club’s
own health, fitness and golf experts and
by specialist local businesses. Sessions will
Tobias and the Hustlers
Tottington Manor, Henfield, 10 May
Set at the foot of the South Downs,
enjoy an evening of soul, pop, Motown
and disco as the sun sets, and then
treat yourself to dinner at the TERRA
Restaurant.
Beer & Cider by the Sea
Eastbourne, 16 – 18 May
Back for another year on Western Lawns,
this is one of the south coast’s largest food
and drink festivals. Real ale and cider
lovers can sample real ales, craft beers,
ciders and perries along with some great
entertainment from live bands on the
festival stage throughout the weekend.
There are also CAMRA volunteers on
hand too to offer advice and tips for a
perfect beverage, plenty of seating and a
warm welcome is guaranteed!
Eastbourne Carnival
Eastbourne, 24 May
A colourful explosion flowing with
carnival spirit, this year’s Eastbourne
Carnival theme is ‘Celebrations of the
World’. Expect all the trappings of a
carnival with extravagant costumes,
Crafty Courses for Sussex
Craft Week
Across Sussex, 14 - 22 June
An exciting list of handcraft workshops
and demonstrations are on offer as part
of a diverse programme of exhibitions,
courses and events. Choose from the
likes of willow weaving, book binding
or collage at the stylish coaching
inn, The Bell in Ticehurst; medieval
ironwork, jewellery, woodcut printing,
glass engraving or natural dyeing at the
renowned West Dean College; sculpting
in a beautiful barn in Friston; stone
carving at the famous Skelton workshops
in Streat; or children’s clay and raku
workshops in Eastbourne.
Senlac St Leonards
Classic Car Show
Rye, 15 June
One for classic car lovers, this Rotary
Club car show and craft fayre, is one of
the best in the area. Featuring around
300 cars, trade and charity stalls.
Children’s rides will be on site. All profits
will be shared among local good causes
and charities including Rye Community
Transport, Warming up the Homeless
and Senlac Rotary’s own charity, The
Yellowmen.
Roebuck’s Tours &
Tastings
Eastbourne beer
© Vitus Sukoco.
8 | sussexexclusive.com 9

The Big Gig
Horsham Sports Club, 21 June
Horsham’s greatest family live music
event is back for its seventh year with
more awesome live musicians. Tribute
acts include a Taylor Swift tribute by
Hannah Jenkins, the Almost Elvis
Band, Tribute to Dua Lipa by Courtnay
Reddy, Blunter Bothers and Tony as
Robbie Williams. And as well as live
music, there will be oodles of festival
activities and stalls, children’s rides,
street food, a large variety of specialist
drinks tents and fully licensed bars.
Arundel Music Festival
Arundel, 11 – 13 July
Headlining tribute acts at this year’s
iconic festival include Coldplay,
Desperado - Heart of the Eagles and
Ultimate Bublé with his big band.
Friday night promises to launch this
year’s festival off in style with bands like
Brighton’s party band - Bang Up To
The Elephant, powerhouse party band
- Electric Feel, super funky Brighton
based funk & soul band - Gyratory
Allstars, and local band - The Daytonas
and DJ Eddie J.
Saturday promises to be another great
Top:
The Big Gig.
© Clare Turnbull
Photography
Right:
Into The Wild Festival
Kite sufing
Loxwood Joust
afternoon and evening of music with a
delightful journey through the heartland
of folk, Americana and country music.
Sunday afternoon is all about easy
listening and Swing. Whether you choose
to laze around or get up and get involved,
it’s Sunday so take it easy and have a
great time.
Camber Summer Kite Camp
Camber Sands, 19 – 23 July
Immerse yourself in the outdoor
pursuits scene with this five-day camp.
All equipment for your kite course is
provided. On the first day you may
also do kite buggying, so you can learn
about using the kite to travel in different
directions. You will camp on site at
Camber Kitesurfing Garden. There is a
jacuzzi, fire area, BBQ, outdoor shower
and toilet.
Loxwood Joust
Loxwood, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 August
A Medieval extravaganza like no other
with thundering jousting tournaments
and intense combat displays. Watch
majestic birds of prey soar overhead
while wandering through living history
exhibits. There will be a bustling
marketplace, traditional food and fare,
taverns, and enchanted woodland,
hidden workshops, mystical woodland
characters, live performances, witches,
eccentric entertainers, and a dash of
eerie delight.
You can also become part of the
story. Choose your role: a daring
hero, a noble royal, a wandering
woodland soul, or curious townsfolk.
Dress up, take on quests, and create
your own adventure.
Into The Wild Festival
Chiddinglye, 21 - 25 August
A soulful celebration of music, arts, and
conscious living, this five-day festival is
set amongst ancient forests and rolling
meadows and invites festival goers to
step into a transformative weekend
of introspection, self-discovery and
reconnection.
This year’s festival includes a diverse
array of spaces, each offering a unique
atmosphere and experience. There will
also be a kids’ area, an eclectic mix
of stalls and over 200 workshops and
activities from foraging and wild crafts
to sound journeys, live performances,
inspiring talks and immersive
experience zones.
10 | sussexexclusive.com
11

Wildlife
&
Wine
From the best places to spot incredible Sussex wildlife to the finest
local wines, it’s the ultimate nature and nurture experience
Why wildlife and wine?
A self-guided safari is a great way to
explore the well beaten and the less well
beaten tracks of Sussex and gain a closer
understanding of our Sussex habitat,
landscape and some of the wonderful
creatures that we share it with.
or you can just meander. Look out for the
lake once painted by Turner and if you
have the time, a visit to the National Trust
stately home here is a must.
For more information, visit:
Things to do in Petworth
Knepp Estate cattle
Roebuck Estate
Petworth Park
Sussex is famous for a few things:
the South Downs, its Norman
castles and its coast. But in
recent years, it’s also achieved
a stellar reputation for both its
wine and its wildlife.
The county has multiple nature reserves
and conservation areas including over 30
managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust and
six RSPB managed sites. It also has some
significant rewilding projects and is home
to deer parks and wild deer, badgers,
foxes, wallabies, beavers, hedgehogs, seals,
dolphins and even the occasional whale.
The landscape in Sussex has always
been diverse, and now with over 130
vineyards, in 2022, Sussex gained
Protected Designation of Origin status
for its wine. The county is predominantly
known for its sparkling wine made from
the magic combination of Pinot Noir,
Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes
but is now also producing a number of
first rate still white and red wines.
After time spent on the wild side, what
better way to complete a Sussex wildlife
tour than by sampling some of the true
flavours of Sussex; by tasting local wines
and learning more about how the notes
and flavours are influenced by the Sussex
countryside. Many Sussex vineyards
are now award winning and across the
county, you can enjoy an array of different
wine and vineyard experiences.
West Sussex
Petworth Park
Start your wildlife and wine safari in
Petworth. You’d be unlucky not to see deer
in this 700-acre deer park. It’s free to visit
and the fallow deer have called Petworth
Park home for over 500 years. There are
also some interesting and ancient trees
in the park, and you are also likely to see
geese, birds of prey and over 100 other
species of birds. There is a 5 km circular
trail (details on the National Trust website)
Wines amongst the vines
There are two vineyards just outside
Petworth, namely Upperton and Roebuck.
Roebuck produces vintage sparkling wines
from their vines which are found across
the county. You can sip in amongst the
vines with views of the South Downs.
Upperton grows a classic mixture of
Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot
Noir. You can enjoy an Upperton
sparkling wine served by the glass or
bottle or local beer in their terrace bar.
Knepp Estate
From Petworth, head north east to the
Knepp Estate just outside Horsham.
Famous for its Rewilding Project, there
are three walks of varying lengths you
can do across the estate. Wildlife you
can expect to see includes their famous
storks, wild deer, Tamworth pigs and
Exmoor ponies. You would be unlucky to
12 | sussexexclusive.com 13

East Sussex
Ashdown Forest
Pulborough Brooks
Nutbourne windmill
Nutbourne Vineyards
see nothing. They also offer a variety of
guided safaris which include everything
from insect life to bats.
For more information, visit:
Knepp Castle & Estate
Wine and dine
The Knepp Estate has its own Knepp
Wilding Kitchen open every day
(check opening times). Here you can
sample local produce like the Knepp
charcuterie. They have an extensive wine
menu although as their emphasis is on
sustainable wines, the Sussex wine is
limited to the local Wiston Estate wine.
That said, this is a fantastic wine and well
worth a try.
RSPB Pulborough and
Amberley Brooks
Just north of the South Downs, these two
nature reserves are not only a haven for
birdlife but are also home to wild deer,
dragonflies, crickets, bats and more. If
it’s birds you’re looking for, you may spot
nightingale, lapwings, nightjars, wigeon,
teal, and even the famous white-tailed
eagles. Head down to Houghton and
watch carefully for a couple of seals that
are often seen in the river Arun. There
are footpaths around and across both
Pulborough and Amberley Brooks and a
good place to start is the Visitor Centre
just outside Pulborough.
For more information visit:
Pulborough Walks
Windmills and wine
A little north of Pulborough is
Nutbourne Vineyards, a family run
vineyard. Here you’ll find wildflower
meadows, lakes, a windmill and stunning
views. They also have alpacas and a
vineyard trail. Their cellar door is open
throughout the year, with the option
of guided tours and tastings.
Ashdown Forest is a large area of ancient
heath and woodland. It is home to a
diverse range of wildlife from wild deer
and Highland cattle, to plentiful birdlife
and butterflies. If you are prepared to
sit and wait quietly, you might also be
lucky enough to see foxes, rabbits, stoats,
weasels, shrews, bats and badgers. You
might even see a small bear (named
Pooh). There are lots of footpaths across
the forest, with ten walks of 2-3 miles
and a 14-mile circular route which visits
the iconic Scots Pine clumps across
the Forest, details of which are on the
Ashdown Forest website.
For more information visit:
Explore Ashdown Forest
Wines in the vines
Bluebell Vineyard is a small vineyard
producing exceptional local wines on the
edge of Ashdown Forest. They offer a
variety of vineyard and winery tours and
tastings. You can also wander through
the vineyard and walk their woodland
trail or enjoy the spectacular views of the
vineyard and waters from the terraced
seating area.
Broadwater Warren
Set in the High Weald Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty near to
Royal Tunbridge Wells, this heathland
and native woodland area is managed
by the RSPB. As you’d expect, you
should find birdlife a plenty, including
threatened bird species like woodlark,
Dartford warblers, woodlark and lesser
spotted woodpeckers and nightjar along
with adders, bumblebees, dragonflies
and butterflies. If you are lucky, you may
also spot kingfisher and dormouse. You
can download a map of their walking
trail from their website.
Wine and dine
Birchden Vineyards is just outside
Groombridge, East Sussex. It’s a family-run,
23-acre working farm where they produce
wines, honey and apple juice. Apart from
the vines, there are lakes and wildflower
meadows as a well as a Tasting Den. With
covered outdoor seating you can tuck into
locally-sourced charcuterie boards filled
with local cheeses and meats from Weald
Smokery and homemade hummus.
Dallington Forest
This 40-acre forest is a biological Site of
Special Scientific Interest. Here you will
see a variety of plant life and look out for
horses, the occasional goat, sheep, fallow
deer and lots of birds. There are a number
of footpaths across the forest.
Wellbeing and wine
From Dallington head east a little either to
Mountfield Winery or Oastbrook Estate
Vineyards. At either of these, you can book
yourself a little retreat in their “away from it
all” accommodation. At Oastbrook, check
into their Avalon Waterside Lodge with
its balcony overlooking the water and at
Mountfield, check into their idyllic rural
cabin with views across the parkland.
At Mountfield they hold different events
throughout the summer months and have a
cellar door experience. At Oastbrook, they
host summer fine wine and dining events.
Wildlife by definition can be elusive, and
whilst there are some places where you are
more or less guaranteed of seeing wildlife,
other places may require more of a wait
and some patience.
Ashdown Forest
© Mountfield Winery
14 | sussexexclusive.com 15

Day 1.
Your four-day castle to coast itinerary
Catch the train to Arundel, a historic town caught
between the South Downs and the sea in West
Sussex. The train station is a short walk from the
town and you’ll see the castle ahead of you.
Trains from London Victoria to Arundel: There is
a direct service to Arundel and the journey time is
1.15 to 1.5 hrs. There are regular trains throughout
the day.
From Castle to Coast:
Sussex by Rail
Arundel town
Day 2.
Step back in time and explore the
ramparts and ruins of Medieval
castles, climb chalky cliffs for moments
of wow, and amble down cobbled
back streets and hidden twittens on
this Castle to Coast itinerary.
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle
A Medieval castle was first established here in the
11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of
Arundel. He was one of William the Conqueror’s
principal counsellors. The castle was significantly
restored and improved in the 18th and early
19th centuries.
These days, you can explore the Norman Keep, the
Medieval Gatehouse and the Barbican as well as
visit some of the sumptuous state rooms, chapel
and bedrooms.
For more about the castle: Arundel Castle
The castle is open from 1 April to 2 November 2025
and entry to castle, gardens and bedrooms is £30.00
per adult. This is the most expensive of the venues you
will visit.
Arundel town sits aside the river Arun while
to the north are the heady slopes of the South
Downs. There is plenty to see and do from trying
local produce at the Farmers Market (every third
Saturday of the month), to wine tasting at the
high street wine cellar and a visit to the local
wetlands. There is also a cathedral here as well as
antique shops, bookshops and artisans a plenty
if you just want a good potter. Finish your visit
with a walk in Arundel Park, visiting the unusual
Hiorne Tower and walking back to the town via
Swanbourne Lake.
Stay overnight at The Norfolk Arms and dine at
The Parsons Table.
Pevensey Castle
Hop back on the train, and journey on to Brighton.
You’ll need to change here to catch the train to
Pevensey. If you want to explore Brighton, add an
extra day to your itinerary and stay overnight before
catching the onward train. Alternatively, you can
travel to Three Bridges and change there for trains
to Pevensey.
Arundel to Pevensey and Westham: Journey times
are 2 to 2.45 hours. There are regular trains for
either route running throughout the day.
When you do arrive at Pevensey and Westham train
station, the castle is roughly a 15-minute walk and
you’ll soon see the gate and the castle ahead.
16 | sussexexclusive.com 17
Pevensey

Pevensey Castle
This castle was established as a fort during the
Roman period in about AD 290 and known as
Anderida. When William the Conqueror landed on
Sussex shores in 1066, this was his first point of call,
and he established what is now known as Pevensey
Castle as a fort and a place where his soldiers rested
before they marched onwards inland.
Hastings to Lewes: This service takes about an
hour. There is a direct service although some services
require a change at Hampden Park. Trains run
regularly throughout the day.
Day 4.
Lewes Castle
Although now in ruins, it’s still an impressive site
and you can walk around the outer walls and visit
the gatehouse and dungeon. Information boards help
you get a sense of how the landscape has changed and
what life was like here over the centuries.
For more about the castle: Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle is an English Heritage site which is free
to visit for members and £8 per adult for non-members.
It is open most days (apart from Christmas Day and
New Year’s Day).
Hastings Castle
Lewes Castle
Built by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey
following the Norman conquest and subsequently
expanded, Lewes Castle is unusual in that it is a
motte and bailey castle with two mottes. William de
Warenne fought at the Battle of Hastings and the
castle is another of the iconic castles of the county.
The castle and associated museums are owned by
Sussex Past (The Sussex Archaeological Society)
and you enter the castle via the museum. Once
inside the castle grounds, you can climb the
keep for incredible views across the town and the
South Downs.
Pevensey village
Pevensey is a small and pretty village and has a couple
of other points of interest. Pevensey Court House
and Goal dates back to Tudor times and you can visit
the Court Room, the Robing Room and the cells as
you learn more about the area. It is open from April
to October 2025 and from May, it opens Wednesday
to Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. The Mint House is on the
corner opposite the north east gate of the castle wall.
It has a long and rich history, and the oldest parts
were built between 1480 and 1580. They do open for
special events but check before travel.
If you want to walk down to the seafront, it’s about
2 km via the footpath along the river and across
the flats where there were once saltworks. If you
look carefully, there are three Martello towers in
Pevensey Bay and one more a little further south at
Sovereign Harbour.
When you’re ready, jump back on the train and
make your way to Hastings for your overnight stay.
It’s less than a1 km from the station to Hastings
Castle but that’s for tomorrow. Stay in the Old Town
which is about 1.5 km from the station.
Pevensey and Westham to Hastings: This direct
service takes between 20 and 25 minutes. There are
normally a couple of trains per hour.
Hastings beach with funicular railway
Day 3.
Hastings Castle
Standing proud, if in ruins, on the cliffs above
Hastings, this castle was built by William the
Conqueror in1067 as the first Norman castle in
Sussex. It has fabulous views and echoes of Sussex /
Norman history. You can walk there via the steep and
narrow back streets of the Old Town which wiggle
and wind their way up the cliff. Or you can catch
the Victorian West Cliff funicular. The ruins are very
charismatic, and you can see the east gate and east
wall, wander through the castle grounds, and explore
the dungeons and the remains of the chapel.
For more about the castle: Hastings Castle
Hastings Castle is open daily throughout the summer
from 10 am to 4 pm. A standard ticket is £6.90 or
you could opt for a Super Saver that also gives you
admission to the Smugglers’ Caves and the Aquarium
for £26.14.
Lewes High Street
Hastings town
There is lots to explore in Hastings, so much
so that you could spend a couple of days here.
If your time is limited, “must visits” include
the Smugglers’ Caves, close to the castle, and
then head back down into the Old Town. Stroll
along quirky George Street (looking out for
an octopus playing chess) and the High Street,
and then head to The Stade (an area on the
seafront and the old fishing quarter). There are
a number of museums and galleries here and
along Rock-a-Nore Road, including the Hastings
Contemporary, The Fishermen’s Museum and the
Shipwreck Museum.
Grab some fresh fish and chips and eat them on
the beach before heading back to the station and
catching the train to Lewes. It’s a really short walk
into Lewes town centre from the station. Stay at
the White Hart, a 16th century coaching inn in
the heart of the town.
For more about the castle: Lewes Castle
Tickets are £10. It is open from February to December
Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Lewes town
There is lots to explore in the historic town of
Lewes. A visit to the impressive Medieval priory
ruins is a must. It’s free and was founded by William
de Warenne and his wife Gundrada in about 1081.
Anne of Cleves’ house is a Tudor property given to
her as part of her divorce settlement and open to the
public. For lovers of beer, you might want to do a
Harvey’s Brewery Tour and do visit the Southover
Grange Gardens. Then perhaps have one last bite
to eat at The Rights of Man pub in the High Street
named in honour of the seminal work written by
Lewes resident Thomas Paine.
Then it’s time to catch the train back to London.
Lewes to London: The journey time back to
London Victoria is approximately 1.15 hours.
There are direct services running regularly
throughout the day.
*Check opening times and prices of all venues and destinations
before travel.
18 | sussexexclusive.com 19

Your Guide to
Wild Camping
So you want to get out in the wild this summer and fancy
the idea of wild camping?
If hotels don’t appeal and you fancy
reconnecting with nature, wild camping, or
almost wild camping, may be just what you’re
looking for.
What is wild camping?
Wild camping is camping in the open countryside
and not at a designated campsite. It means you will
not have access to any facilities, and you’ll be away
from other people and light pollution (if that’s what
you choose).
The joy of wild camping is that it is a genuinely
immersive experience in that it will just be you,
your sleeping bag and the elements (although you
can have a tent too if you want). It’s a great way to
experience nature at night, sleeping under the stars
and waking up to the sun rising over the landscape.
The legals
It is really important to note that you cannot wild
camp on private land without the landowner’s
permission and most land in Sussex is privately
owned. So check before you decide where to pitch
your tent.
You should also aim to leave no mark on where
you stay, and that means taking your waste and
rubbish with you when you leave and being
mindful not to damage the environment, for
example, with a campfire.
If you have got the landowner’s permission and
want to give it a go, make sure you are properly
equipped for a night out and have taken appropriate
safety precautions.
Almost wild camping
If you still like the sound of the call of the wild but
just want a little more in terms of facilities, there are
a number of places in Sussex that offer almost wild
camping experiences.
Dernwood Farm in East Sussex
These woodland pitches and camping meadow are
in the heart of 70 acres of ancient woodland in
the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty. It’s tents only (no vans/caravans) and there
is also an exclusive woodland camping experience
with three pitches surrounding a natural pond. It’s
off grid, with oodles of peace and quiet but the
good news is, there is a “tree bog loo” and a covered
washing up area, with other facilities such as a café
just a short distance away.
Hook Farm, Mid Sussex
This campsite is nestled on the south facing valley
of a farm with views of the Sussex Weald. The
site includes secluded meadows, and small copses of
woodland with no permanent buildings on the site
and no main roads.
The campsite is designed to have a minimal impact
on the landscape and environment although it has
some basic amenities, including a fresh source of water,
regularly maintained compost toilets and you are
allowed a fire to cook on, as long as you are careful.
Wild Combe Camping, West Sussex
Wild Combe Camping is surrounded by unspoilt
countryside and has two working reservoirs (for
campers to go wild swimming). On the camping
side, there is no electricity, but they do have four
bucket showers. They hire fire pits, but you need to
purchase firewood from them and they have got 4G
and a pub not too far away.
Top tips for your almost wild camping
• Rather than trying to cook, eat at a local pub that
serves local produce for a real taste of Sussex
• Put your phone away and leave the world behind.
Social media can wait
• Bring extra layers so you can sit outside well into
the night without getting cold
• Try not to worry about things that go bump in
the night, or things that scream. Wildlife can be
incredibly noisy
• Wake up early to watch the sun rise. There is
no better way to start the day. Then head to the
nearest facilities for a hot drink and breakfast
20 | sussexexclusive.com 21

Must See & Visit
A summer of exhibitions,
museums and theatre
Embrace your inner creative and
explore some of the extraordinary and
exceptional Sussex exhibitions being
held this summer.
Andy Warhol: My True Story curated by
Jean Wainwright
Newlands Gallery, Petworth, 7 June – 14
September 2025
A fresh perspective on Andy Warhol in an intimate
presentation of drawings, prints, photographs,
recordings, films, and archival paraphernalia.
The exhibition intertwines artworks, photographs,
objects and artefacts with reflective recordings of his
entourage, those closest to him, and his family. What
is revealed is an elusive and private man, hiding
behind a public party-going persona, with his wig
and dark glasses and provocative soundbites, creator
of his Factories and iconic artworks and producer of
the Velvet Underground.
Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour
Charleston in Lewes, running until
21 September 2025
Step into the world of Vanessa Bell, a groundbreaking
artist and key figure in 20th-century British art,
whose creativity spanned multiple disciplines. This
landmark exhibition - the biggest ever dedicated to
Bell - brings her practice into focus, affirming her as
a radical pioneer of modernism in her own right.
22 | sussexexclusive.com
Four girls © The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection
With over 100 pieces on display, explore the full
breadth of Bell’s artistic legacy: from her vibrant
paintings to her revolutionary textiles, furniture
designs, ceramics, and book covers.
The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style
1958-66
Brighton and Hove Museum, running until 4
January 2026
Quadrophenia fans eat your heart out. This
highly anticipated showcase, sponsored by
original Brighton Mod brand Ben Sherman, is
all about bringing to life the bold style, youthful
rebellion, and cultural impact that defined a
generation.
Kelechi Nwaneri, Mami wata, 2021 Undersea
The exhibition will feature over 35 dressed
mannequins showcasing rare and early Mod outfits
drawn from the renowned collection of Roger K.
Burton, an expert in vintage fashion.
Undersea
Hastings Contemporary, running until 14
September 2025
Dive into an underwater world and explore the myths,
mysteries, and marine life that lurk beneath the waves.
Undersea brings together paintings, prints, drawings,
and objects from across different cultures and artistic
movements, revealing the sea as a place of wonder,
turmoil, and transformation.
With works spanning four centuries and five
continents, Undersea celebrates cultural connections
and the pleasures of difference. Look out for coral,
crabs, lobsters, mermaids, and more, as seen through
artists’ eyes.
Lee Miller, Roland Penrose and The
Summer of 1937
Farleys House, near Hailsham, running until
2 July 2025
Showcasing photographs by Lee Miller and Roland
Penrose, this brand-new exhibition focuses on the
summer of ’37, the summer of love for Lee Miller and
Roland Penrose, who had recently met, and also for
their friends; Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, Picasso,
Dora Maar, Man Ray and Ady Fidelin. The images
exhibited, capture the essence of that idyllic summer
shared by Penrose, Miller and their circle, and as seen
in the recent film LEE. It visually expresses the precious
freedom and friendship enjoyed by these artists, just as
WWII loomed ominously on the horizon.
Sussex Modernism
Towner Eastbourne, 23 May 2025 to
28 September 2025
Spanning from the late nineteenth century to the
present, Sussex Modernism interweaves painting,
sculpture, film, textiles, literature and music, bringing
together artists not usually included within the story
of modernism. It encompasses those who opposed
it, those who came before and after it, and an array
of countercultural artists from the 1960s to 80s who
flouted established tastes in their attempts to embrace
the ‘new’ and ‘now’.
Embedded within the show is an original story about
the ways in which art, cultures, and places outside of
metropolitan centres have been seen. The focus will
be on those who made work in or had a connection
to Sussex.
Charleston Festival 2024 © Lee Robbins
Charleston Festival
Charleston Farm, Firle, 14 to 26 May 2025
The 36th Charleston Festival has an impressive and
star studied line up and more than 150 of the world’s
most exciting writers, thinkers, artists and performers
23

attending the former home to artists Vanessa Bell and
Duncan Grant and the iconic meeting place of the
Bloomsbury Group.
Expect curated talks, performances and new
commissions to share stories, spark ideas and address
the most pressing cultural and societal questions of
our times. Big names include Richard E. Grant, Nick
Clegg, Sarah Lucas, Led By Donkeys, Ruth Jones,
Abdulrazak Gurnah, Cherie Blair, Travis Alabanza,
Roxane Gay, Edmund de Waal, Mark Steel, Lady
Hale and Nigel Slater.
Theatre and Stage for
Summer 2025
Open Air Theatre this Summer at
Weald & Downland Living Museum
Pack a picnic and a deckchair or rug, and head to the
Weald & Downland Living Museum for a summer
of open-air evening theatre.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Museum’s mill
pond, as the sun sets, enjoy a magical and unique
evening of live theatre.
Shakespeare’s – A Midsummer
Night’s Dream
13 July, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Three-Inch Fools present Shakespeare’s most
iconic comedy. It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an
enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King
and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying
themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling
actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined
to impress.
The Wind in the Willows
31 July, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Timid Mole, gruff old Badger, and fun-loving
Rat enjoy life on the Riverbank until Toad’s latest
obsession—a gypsy caravan—spirals into chaos. Join
award-winning Illyria for a heartwarming adaptation
of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows—a
timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for
home and the lure of adventure.
Music-making © Wilson Smith
Brighton Open Air Theatre
BOAT is a 400-seat theatre nestled in Dyke Road
Park, Brighton. Their diverse summer programme
kicks off in May with everything from open air
poetry, comedy theatre, opera, drag and musicals.
• The Three Musketeers - 16 May
• Drag In The Park - 30 May
• I, Joan Wednesday - 4 to 7 June
• Family Friendly Comedy Show - 15 June
• Vanity Fair - 3 and 4 July
• The 39 Steps - 9 to 12 July
Chichester Festival
Theatre
Top Hat
14 July to 6 September
Described as the musical
equivalent of a finest vintage
champagne. Effervescent,
elegant and exhilarating, Top
Hat is a heady romantic cocktail
laced with sparklingly witty
dialogue, stunning choreography,
lavish sets and gorgeous
costumes. Irving Berlin’s
irresistible score includes
some of Hollywood’s greatest
songs, the immortal Cheek to
Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and
Dance, Top Hat White Tie and
Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry
Travers arrives in London to
open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale
Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted
by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers.
Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor
life to win her – but the path of true love never does
run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry
for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to
avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and
Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to
Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns…
Findon Place, West Sussex
Pride and Prejudice Open Air Theatre
Presented by Illyria
19 July
With her tongue firmly in her cheek, Jane Austen
tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a
single man in possession of a good fortune, must be
in want of a wife.”. Mrs Bennet certainly thinks so.
So when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome, and
with £5000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield
Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for
Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him
during rural Hertfordshire’s whirlwind of social balls.
But even Mrs Bennet draws the line at Mr Bingley’s
disdainful friend Mr Darcy despite his whopping
£10,000 a year. Thank heavens Lizzy, her second
daughter, finds him detestable too! Or does she...?
Can she see beyond his pride – and could he
overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible
future together? Following seven sell-out seasons
of this sparkling adaptation, award-winning Illyria
returns to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in
style. Bring a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant,
forthright, bitchy best!
24 | sussexexclusive.com 25

3Summer Sculpture
Gardens
Step away from the madness of life and take a moment to enjoy these three
sublime and serene gardens and their stunning sculpture displays
Pashley Manor Gardens,
Wadhurst, East Sussex
Pashley Manor Gardens include
11 acres of stunning beds and
displays and are famous for
their tulips, roses and kitchen
garden. Against the backdrop
of the wisteria clad manor, the
gardens are worth a visit in their
own right but in amongst the
borders and beds, look out for
a diverse selection of sculptures
on display by both well-known
and eminent sculptors and
local artists, including Philip
Jackson’s Dante (which you can
also see in Midhurst). Open 1st
April to 30th September 2025,
Tuesday to Saturday.
Philip Jackson Sculpture
Exhibition, Cocking,
West Sussex
Open from 20th May to 20th
August and by appointment
only, this stunning exhibition of
Jackson’s work is held in his home
garden and studio to the backdrop
of the South Downs. The gardens
alone are compelling, but the
addition of enigmatic figures create
the sense that you’ve been drawn
into the scene of an opera as you
move amongst the characters.
The Secret Garden,
Kemptown, East Sussex
Tucked away in a walled garden
as a welcome escape from the
bustle of the city, this volunteerrun
garden was first owned by the
younger brother of Prime Minister,
Robert Peel in 1830. It was bought
by the family of Antony Dale,
founder of the Regency Society, in
1950 and in due course turned into
a sculpture park within a beautifully
planted English garden. Open at
weekends in May and thereafter on
Sundays and Bank Holidays only
during the summer, each year they
exhibit exciting and interesting work.
This year, there is a new exhibition
of works by German-born, Sussexbased
sculptor Almuth Tebbenhoff.
For more sculpture gardens & trails,
visit: Sussex Sculpture Gardens
and Trails
Rediscovering
Preston Manor
Lucy Pitts talks to Head Guide for 10 years at Brighton & Hove Museums,
Dan Cox, about Preston Manor, the art collection and library there and
life in the village at the beginning of last century.
26 | sussexexclusive.com 27

I know there is lots to see at Preston
Manor with the new immersive
experience, but there is also an
impressive art collection, could you tell
us a bit more about that?
There is indeed a fabulous art collection
at Preston Manor. As well as paintings
there are all manner of objects on display
from a wonderful collection of ceramics to
curiosities like an inkwell in the shape of an
armadillo and even a guillotine carved from
animal bones by French prisoners of war!
Are there any particular paintings that
visitors should look out for and why?
In the Entrance Hall are pictures of the
Stanford family, who were the last private
individuals to own Preston Manor.
Among them is a wonderful portrait
of Diana MacDonald, who was Lady
Thomas-Stanford’s half-sister. It is a
perfect representation of a late Victorian/
early Edwardian lady. Elegant and frail, it
epitomises the ideal aesthetic of an upperclass
woman, who should not look like
she’s ever been out in the sun or done a
day’s work in her life!
Beyond that, look out for the interesting
pair of pictures depicting the moving of a
windmill over the Downs and an unusual
moonlight scene in the Drawing Room.
And what are your favourites? Or do
you have a favourite bit of furniture
or antique?
My favourite items in the Manor are the
night bolts on the doors of Ellen and
Charles’s bedrooms. As the Stanfords
entertained many guests, they locked their
bedroom doors at night to prevent anyone
accidentally wandering in while searching
for the loo. However, they didn’t want
to have to get out of bed to let the maid
in with their toast and marmalade the
following morning, so a length of green
cord suspended from the ceiling could be
pulled, allowing them to unlock the doors
from the comfort of their beds!
28 | sussexexclusive.com
Who was responsible for creating the
collection – was it Ellen?
An art collection already existed at Preston
Manor before Ellen’s time, but she
certainly added to it. Her most significant
contribution comes in the form of a large
collection of Chinese temple guardian
lions, also known as “Fu dogs”, because
they look a bit like Pekingese dogs. In fact,
the dogs were bred to look like the lions,
not the other way around! Ellen bought
hers from dealers in the Lanes of Brighton,
paying between £5 and £15 (about £500
and £1,500 in today’s money) for them.
She called them “kylins” and had a dog
called “Kylin”, but in fact a kylin is a quite
different kind of Chinese mythical beast.
Not only that, but she believed them to be
priceless Ming Dynasty items, when they are
actually rather less valuable Qing Dynasty!
You can see them in a grand display case
behind the counter in the tearoom, run by
Cafe Rust, which can be visited without
paying to get into the house. Perfect on a
sunny day, with tables and chairs laid out
by the old croquet lawn.
The library is also pretty special for
any book lovers or Sussex history fans.
Can you tell us a bit about that?
Was that Charles’s?
Charles considered himself quite a serious
academic and historian. He had a lot of
books on history, particularly relating
to Sussex. On display we have only a
small remnant of Charles’s extensive
library, most of which was donated to the
University of Wales on his death, as he
was of Welsh descent.
Are there any particular books worthy
of special note?
Charles wrote several books, from history
to travelogues and even a romance novel
set on the island of Madeira, where the
Stanfords had a holiday home. These can
be spotted in the bookcases in Charles’s
study. As well as these, he also kept several
large volumes labelled “Appreciations” in
which he cut out and kept every mention
of himself and his works in newspapers
and magazines!
Preston Manor is a great place to go
if you want to experience everyday
life in Edwardian England, but what
would Preston village have been like
back then?
Preston village in the time of Charles
and Ellen was a place experiencing great
change. Ellen’s father and grandfather both
kept the Stanford Estate as an agricultural
concern, making Preston essentially a
farming community. Ellen and her first
husband Vere Bennet-Stanford started
selling the land off to allow for building
projects and by the time she and her
second husband Charles made Preston
Manor their main residence in 1905,
Preston was becoming a contiguous suburb
of Brighton. By their deaths in 1932, it
had been wholly swallowed up and become
part of the town.
A whole way of life was coming to an
end. Brighton was one of the first towns
to install a municipal electricity supply,
which the residents of the Manor also
had installed quite early on. Telephones
were coming into use, as were motor cars.
Some people in the village would have
still lived quite simply, without electricity
and modern plumbing, while others
lived in quite grand houses with all the
modern amenities.
As well as this, the Stanfords employed a
large number of local people, in domestic
service, as labourers and also clerks and
agents to work in their estate office, which
was housed in the large, white building
next to the modern petrol station.
You can find out more about Preston
Manor and the new visitor experience
here: Visit Preston Manor
29

Feng Shui
& Artwork
How to use art to balance the eight areas of your life
Colours: Pinks, soft reds, and warm
earthy tones.
Creativity and children – west
Be creative with textures and mixed
media to evoke joy and being lighthearted.
Element: Metal
Best art themes: Artwork by children,
abstract pieces, pictures of elephants,
flowers and imaginative pieces that
inspire you.
Colours: White, pastels, purple, light
greys.
career you would like your path to lead to.
Colours: Black, deep blues, metallics.
Wealth and knowledge – northeast
Art in this area should ground and inspire
you. It’s the perfect place for pieces that
reflect stillness, study, and inner peace.
Element: Earth
Best art themes: Mountains, meditative
imagery, wise animals (owls, elephants),
books, quiet landscapes.
Colours: Earth tones, reds (burgundy)
yellow.
Helpful people and travel –
northwest
Use this space to display mentors,
guides or people in life that inspire you.
If you love to travel, bring in pieces that
give you the positive energy you feel
when travelling.
Element: Metal
Ancestry – east
A place to honour your roots with artwork
that represents your lineage, your family
and a connection to nature.
Element: Wood
Best art themes: Trees, family portraits,
heritage pieces, ancestral symbols.
Colours: Greens, browns and blues.
In Feng Shui, each area of your home
corresponds to a part of your life,
and the artwork you place in each
area allows the positive energy to
flow, reinforcing your intention/
manifesting and shifting any stuck
emotions.
Here’s how to choose art for each of the
eight key Bagua areas:
Fame and reputation - south
This area is all about how the world sees
you, your reputations, visibility and
integrity. Choose artwork that fills you
with your passion.
Element: Fire
Best art themes: Sunrises, fiery
landscapes, red abstract paintings, bold
shapes, phoenixes, spiritual symbols.
Colours: Red, orange, strong yellows.
Relationships and love –
southwest
Look for artwork that evokes connection,
harmony and love and always place in
pairs as this represents relationships.
Element: Earth
Best art themes: Pairs of objects (two
birds, two flowers), romantic scenes
with couples, a picture of you and your
partner, hearts, loving affirmations.
Best art themes: Spiritual teachers,
mentors, global landmarks, maps, black
and white photography, images of
supportive people. This is a masculine
area and very yang, so large plants that
expand.
Colours: White, blacks, greys and vivid
purple.
Career and life path - north
This area benefits from yin calm and
flowing imagery. Choose artwork that
reminds you of your life and where you
want it to go.
Element: Water
Best art themes: Water scenes (no
pirate ships or ships in storms), black
ink art, mirrors, images of flowing
movement or journeys. Pictures of the
Good fortune and abundance –
southeast
This area is all about growth, prosperity and
abundance. This area should make you feel
alive and thriving.
Element: Wood
Best art themes: Lucky bamboo, koi fish,
jade plants (money trees), abundant forests,
gratitude quotes.
Colours: Golds, greens, browns and blues.
Art is not just for decoration, it’s the daily
imagery that reminds us of the visual
affirmation of what you’re calling into
your life. When choosing your art, always
go with pieces that make you feel joyful,
confident, and inspired.
Janine Lowe
is a classically
trained Feng
Shui consultant
in the arts of
Bazi, Flying Stars,
Auspicious dates,
Qi Men Dun Jia
and I Ching.
You can find
out more at
Janine Lowe
30 | sussexexclusive.com 31

Sussex Paddle Power
& Wild Waters
From wild swimming in a private lake to
paddleboarding all the way to the sea
There is something about water,
isn’t there? Its hushed and
soothing rhythm. Its bracing
yet strangely calming caress.
Its never-ending ebb and flow.
It’s what makes sitting at the water’s edge
so compelling. The urge to dip your toe
in chilly waters. To wade against the
water’s strength and feel the sun warming
water on your face as you float weightless
looking up at clouds and sky.
The health benefits of wild swimming
are becoming well documented.
Improved immune system, health and
circulation. Reduced anxiety, stress and
depression and less muscle pain. The
release of endorphins and a sense of
connection with nature. Paddleboarding
is also now well known for its many
benefits providing, as it does, a full body
work out and giving you an opportunity
to slow down and enjoy being at one
with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or
wild swimmer or just thinking of stepping
out of your comfort zone and into the
water, Sussex is quite literally awash
with sublime and watery spots. From
meandering rivers, to private lakes and
seaside shenanigans, why not slip into the
water at one of these beautiful locations.
Bewl Water
Bewl Water on the East Sussex /Kent
border is the largest reservoir in the south
east and set in 800 acres of parkland. They
are open every day from 8am to 5pm. If
you’re looking for paddleboarding, they
offer annual memberships, day passes,
coaching and equipment hire. If you
fancy giving wild swimming a go, their
organised wild swimming sessions are a
super safe place to get started.
The water is clean and generally calm
and there are good facilities including
showers and a café. Check website for
terms and conditions.
Cuckmere Meanders
The health
benefits
of wild
swimming
are becoming
well
documented.
Improved
immune
system,
health and
circulation.
Barcombe Mills
Barcombe Mills just north of Lewes in
East Sussex sits on the banks of the river
Ouse and has a pretty, riverside pub. It’s
a great area for picnics and walking and
is a popular place for wild swimmers
and paddleboarders. The river is calm
and slow moving so it’s a good place for
paddleboard novices. If you fancy a swim,
be aware that it is unsupervised, so you
need to be reasonably confident. It can
get very busy in the summer so watch out
for other river traffic.
Cuckmere River and Meanders
If you didn’t know, a river “meander”
is when water flows in a curvy, bendy path,
like a snake and a wonderful example of
this is the ever-curvaceous river Cuckmere
just south of Exceat. You can kayak or
paddleboard all the way from Alfriston at
high tide to the sea but for beginners, the
meanders at Exceat are ideal.
There is also a canoe club at Exceat
which offers kayaking, sea-kayaking
and paddleboarding with experienced
coaches. For wild swimmers, it’s
relatively shallow in places and calm
with the sea in reach, but swimming
here is unsupervised.
32 | sussexexclusive.com 33

You can also learn to paddleboard and or
hire a paddleboard at Lancing Beach from
the Brighton Kitesurf & Sup Academy. If
you are not ready to take to the sea, you
can learn with them on the river Adur
instead. Head to Perch on the Beach for
something to eat afterwards!
South Lodge
Wild swimming
Pulborough and the River Arun
Pulborough Paddles are based on the
banks of the river Arun at Stopham
Bridge near Pulborough. You can hire
paddleboards and kayaks from them.
They are open all year but the service is
unmanned from mid-September to mid-
April. You can also go wild swimming in
the river Arun and at Pulborough Brooks
Nature Reserve. It is a tidal river.
South Lodge, Horsham
If you want wild swimming with a hint
of luxury head to South Lodge near
Horsham. In 2024, they opened The
Reeds, their luxurious, sustainable lodges.
Based waterside with a private balcony
(and bath) overhanging the lake, the
lodges are gorgeous.
Once you’ve taken a moment to unwind,
you can join a guided wild swimming
session and take a refreshing dip in the
lake. Suitable for both seasoned swimmers
and total novices, the lake is small, calm
and wonderfully secluded. Better still, you
can be guaranteed a lot of luxury when
you’re ready to dry off.
Lancing and Shoreham Beach
During the summer months (1st May
to 30th September) there are dedicated
swimming zones at Lancing Beach,
Shoreham Beach, Widewater Beach and
Southwick Beach.
Attention all paddleboarders and
wild swimmers
It is really important to take the proper
precautions before entering the water.
We recommend as a minimum safety
requirement:
• Undertake some training or supervised
wild swimming before you go so you
know what to expect and how to react,
and understand both the dangers and
your own abilities.
• Ensure you have the proper equipment
such as a wetsuit, float and goggles.
• Have warm, dry clothes nearby.
• Always swim with a partner or tell
someone where you are and what you
are doing.
• Be temperature savvy. Cold water can
affect you quicker than you may realise
including hypothermia.
• Always check for dangers first such as a
fast moving currents, under water reeds
or other dangers.
• Be aware that you enter the water at
your own risk.
Sussex Summer Walks:
The Long and
the Short of it
34 | sussexexclusive.com 35

Pack your bag and go long,
or go for a quick stroll with
one of these two idyllic
summer walks
The Petworth Way
The Petworth Way is, as yet, an unofficial
walk from Haslemere to Arundel and an
alternative to its better-known cousin
the Midhurst Way. It’s 40 km from
Haslemere to Arundel cross country and
you will need a map or map App and a
sense of adventure. There is no official
waymarking so you must more or less
chart your own course.
Top tip: Do this walk over two days
with an overnight stay in Petworth.
Better still, do it over four days and
allow two days for exploring Petworth
and Arundel.
sweeping views and the rolling hills that
you still have to conquer ahead. Arundel
remains just out of reach. You know it’s
not far, but you never seem to reach it.
Finally, you skirt round the edge of
Houghton Forest and cross the A29
for the last major ascent of the day.
It’s woodland now most of the way
to Arundel, and finally, when you’re
almost upon the town, you get your first
glimpse of the cathedral.
Travel: Trains from London go to both
Haslemere and Arundel and journeys are
about 1.5 hours.
Where to stay: Places to stay in Petworth
For more information: Petworth Way.
Thank you to the indomitable Gerald
Gresham Cooke of Petworth and to
Rural Strides for championing this walk.
Newhaven Coastal Path
Haslemere to Petworth
From Haslemere you head towards
Chase Wood and the Temple of the
Winds on Blackdown. Blackdown is the
highest point in both Sussex and the
South Downs National Park and you’ll
enjoy fabulous views, the famous Belted
Galloway cattle which graze here and
maybe a bit of poetry (by Tennyson).
From the Temple of the Winds you start
the descent to Lurgashall. More fabulous
views mark your walk as you pass close
to vineyards and the historic manor at
Weyborne. On the final stretch into
Lurgashall, you walk through an ancient
orchard with a variety of different apples.
Lurgashall is a very pretty place for lunch
with a pub and an excellent village store.
Lurgashall to Petworth Park
Deer Park
From Lurgashall, the walk has a different
feel as you head to Pheasant Copse
Page 35:
Petworth
Page 36:
Petworth Way
Page 37:
Newhaven
and then on to Petworth Park Deer
Park. Designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’
Brown, expect herds of deer, ancient
trees, and various temples and structures
like the Rotunda and the Doric Temple.
Petworth to Arundel
The walk onwards is south to south east,
and will take you over the South Downs.
The first half of the walk is via winding
footpaths and wooded trails. You pass three
Medieval churches and you’re conscious of
the South Downs slowly getting closer.
At Bignor, you start your ascent up the
Downs and slowly the trees give way to
This is a stunning walk along the
coastal path and you can make it as
long or as short as you wish. The start
point is Newhaven Fort (where there
is parking), and from there, just follow
the coastal path west, up to Castle Hill
Local Nature Reserve.
Then just walk the path along the cliff
top. It undulates. Turn back whenever
you are ready. Alternatively, it’s 3 km
to the start of Peacehaven and the
Undercliff Walk. From there, you can
either catch the bus back (or home) or
turn around and walk back again.
Whatever you decide to do, you will
be rewarded in spades with the views.
There was a Neolithic hill fort at Castle
Hill and important defensive spot
in WWII. The views of the fort are
impressive, and you might want to sit
and watch the ships come and go.
For more information visit: Newhaven
Coastal Path.
36 | sussexexclusive.com 37

From picnics, watching the sun set over the sea, to picture postcard villages,
why not fall in love with Sussex this summer?
With that magic
combination of
heady views from
the South Downs,
cobbled streets and
local markets, and a curvaceous coastline,
there is plenty to fall in love with in Sussex.
So, say hello to your inner romantic and
embrace these dreamy destinations.
Lordington Lavender
You don’t have to travel to Provence in
France to lose yourself in magnificently
sensory fields of lavender. Just head
to Lordington near Chichester, where
you’ll find 10 acres of beautiful rich blue
Provencal lavender buzzing with bees and
peppered with the sunny petals of selfseeded
orange poppies.
Take a stroll up and down the lavender
fields, breathe in the heady scent as you
snap some awesome photos and later, join
one of their “Evenings at Lordington” with
live music and a glass of bubbles as the sun
sets over the Downs.
6
Places to Fall in Love
with This Summer
Hastings County Park
Pretend to be smugglers making your
way inland with your contraband or just
explore remote coastal paths that dip and
rise through wooded glens along the edge
of the cliffs. With 850 acres, in Hastings
Country Park you’ll find secluded coves, a
hidden dripping well with a crystal-clear
pool, fabulous viewpoints hidden by the
yellow flowers of the gorse and maybe even
a hermit.
When you have finished exploring, head
back to East Cliff above Hastings Old
Town. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy an ice
cream from the van there and catch the
Victorian funicular back down into town.
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Failing which, just watch the sun set over
the coast and then walk down the steps
for fish and chips by the sea.
For more information visit:
Explore Hastings County Park
Alfriston
Regularly voted one of the prettiest
villages in England, Alfriston’s narrow
high street is lined with half-timbered
buildings from the 14th century onwards.
With tales of smugglers and intrigue,
and a 14th century church that is known
as the Cathedral of the South Downs,
it’s easy to while away a day browsing
Alfriston’s boutiques or enjoying coffee
and cake in the square.
Meander east a little from Market Cross
and follow the gentle curve of the river
Cuckmere as it winds its way through
water meadows and tickles the feet of the
South Downs. Finish the day at the lofty
Rathfinny Tasting Room on the crest of
the South Downs, with the vibrant greens
of the vines set in chalky soil and just a
hint of the sea.
For more information visit:
Exploring Alfriston
Chichester Harbour
Dangle your feet over the water in
Bosham, cycle the Shore Road with the
sea lapping at your feet or catch the tiny
ferry across the water to Itchenor and
walk a remote coastal path.
Chichester Harbour is a natural harbour
that covers over 9,000 acres, and here
you’ll find forgotten islands and inlets,
remote peninsulas, waterways and sandy
beaches. From the buzz of West Wittering
with its water sports and views across
the bay, to sleepy Chidham with its
Medieval church and Bosham, with its
tales of Saxons and Vikings. Whichever
part you fall in love with here, make sure
you watch the sun set over the water as
you tuck into a picnic filled with local
produce and wine.
For more information visit:
Exploring Chichester Harbour
Blackdown
Lose yourself in the poetry of Alfred, Lord
Tennyson in one of the most heady and
romantic spots in Sussex. Blackdown is
the highest point in the South Downs
National Park. Walk through heather
and woodlands, meet the local cattle and
catch teasing glimpses of the fantastic
views. See if you can find the sunken,
tree-tunnel lane that runs from Haslemere,
past Aldworth House where Tennyson
once lived and make sure you stop for a
moment at the Temple of the Winds.
Temple of the Winds has a curved stone
seat and one of the best views in the
county. On a good day, from where
you are on the northern most border
of Sussex, you can see right across the
rest of the county to the sea and it feels
wonderfully surreal.
For more information visit:
Walking at Blackdown
Lewes Castle
Right in the heart of Sussex, in the
Medieval market town of Lewes, you’ll
find a stronghold of our Norman
ancestors. Lewes Castle was built in the
11th and 12th century and is one of only
two castles in England with two mottes.
You can climb both and be rewarded with
the most magnificent view of the town
below and of the South Downs beyond.
There is history etched into every
flagstone here and when you’ve finished
exploring the castle, walk through the
castle gate, and explore cobbled streets,
hidden windmills (once owned by
Virginia Woolf) and see if you can find
Pipe Passage.
For more information visit:
Lewes Castle
Page 38:
Lordington Lavender
Page 39:
Hastings County Park
Page 40:
Alfriston
Bottom image
Chichester Harbour
Page 41
Lewes Castle
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The
Sussex Exclusive Quiz
How closely have you read
Issue 12 of the Sussex Exclusive
magazine and how well do you
know Sussex?
All the answers are within!
1. How many acres of parkland
surround Bewl Water?
2. Where will you find The Temple of
the Winds and the famous Belted
Galloway cattle grazing?
3. In which year did Sussex gain
Protected Designation of Origin
for its wine?
4. Where can you visit 10 acres of
beautiful rich blue Provencal
lavender?
5. According to our Feng Shui article,
which orientation / section of the
Bagua map is associated with
'Ancestry'?
6. Where can you peek into the Dog
and Bone Gallery?
7. The exhibition 'Andy Warhol: My True
Story' is on display where?
8. Tibbs Farm near Rye, Maynards Farm
at Ticehurst, Roundstone Farm at
Angmering and New House Farm at
Horsham are all places where you can
do what?
9. In which Sussex town will you find
Anne of Cleves house, Southover
Grange Gardens and Harvery's
brewery?
10. The name 'Thomas-Standford' is
associated with which building in
Brighton?
You’ll find all the answers on page 89.
Zari Restaurant
For authentic, award-winning Indian cuisine and a top
London restaurant experience based in Sussex
At Zari Restaurant in West
Sussex, the outstanding
Indian cuisine is not just
about the food. It is about
an Indian experience that
takes the best Sussex ingredients prepared
to traditional Indian recipes with a
contemporary touch. Zari Indian cuisine
is not like any Indian food you may have
tried before, adapted to wow the modern
palate, their menus dispel the myths
about typical Indian restaurant food and
create a unique experience.
Discover the flavours of India
Based on authentic recipes from different
regions of India, everything at Zari is
Watch their
international
chefs at work in
their kitchens
through the
glass walls of
their display
kitchen as they
prepare and
cook recipes
that once
graced the
tables of the
great Maharajas
of Rajasthan
Lukwani Biryani
made by hand in their kitchens. Watch
their international chefs at work in their
kitchens through the glass walls of their
display kitchen as they prepare and cook
recipes that once graced the tables of the
great Maharajas of Rajasthan and Jaipur
like the famous slow cooked red mutton
curry or Lal Maas. Or try their slowcooked
Dum Pukht Biryani (known as
the "Foods of Royalty") from the nawabs
of Lucknow and Hyderabad.
Surrounded by rich silks, cushions
and the vibrant colours of the vast
subcontinent of India, this family
business showcases the incredible
culinary history of palaces and princes
and of simple family recipes from Bengal
that date back many hundreds of years.
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43

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FOOD
Discover the flavours enjoyed by the
Moghul emperors and the aristocracy of
Hyderabad with their hints of coconut,
tamarind and sesame or try Panjabi
masalas, the coconut curries of the lush
green states of southern India and the
subtle yet fiery notes of Bengali cuisine.
Authentic Indian Cookery
Masterclass at Zari
A fusion of cultures
Embracing sustainability as well as using
the finest local produce, Zari have an
outstanding reputation, and you can
enjoy the best of two cultures with their
Lucknawi chargrilled Sussex Hill lamb
chops in fresh ginger and garlic, cumin
and lime juice, slow cooked fresh Sussex
Hill lamb shanks in Lucknawi spices or
their Rajasthani Jungle Vension Curry
made with locally sourced venison, slow
cooked in red chillies and whole spices.
And you can be confident that their
marinades, sauces and breads are all made
by hand at the restaurant with no artificial
flavourings or preservatives.
An Indian experience
Before your meal, relax with a drink in
their bar or enjoy traditional Indian street
foods, such as Kathi rolls, Masala peanuts
or a vegetable tempura basket. This isn’t
just Indian food, it’s a journey.
Every dish is prepared with passion
and respect for guests, and the warm
welcome you receive is second to none.
The team have travelled extensively
in the subcontinent and bring a deep
understanding of authentic Indian food
and culture to the Zari dining experience,
while the chefs have been handpicked for
their 5-star and international experience,
their versatility, skill and passion.
A fully vegan menu
There are few places you can visit where
you can enjoy a fully vegan curry menu.
At Zari, they understand vegan culture
and you can enjoy everything from vegan
nan bread made using coconut oil, to
bhaji and samosa, and a full choice of
curries, rotis and paratha.
A bottomless brunch
Celebrate Sunday Zari style. The Zari
bottomless brunch includes unlimited
drinks and authentic Indian street food
and classics from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Tease your taste buds with the vibrant
flavours of India and 90 minutes of
unlimited prosecco, cocktails, Cobra beer,
soft drinks, and Indian chai and choose
any two Street Plates or one Brunch Plate
from the specially curated menu.
At home with Zari
As the days get warmer, enjoy the unique
flavours of an Indian BBQ with succulent
chicken skewers and lamb Tikka sizzling on
your grill or BBQ, with marinated meats
prepared for you by the Zari chefs. Whether
you are hosting a get together in the garden
or planning a quiet evening BBQ, you can
enjoy a perfect blend of spices, flavours and
culinary mastery with each dish capturing
the essence of Indian cuisine while
embracing the smoky goodness of the grill.
Just order direct from the Zari website.
Discover India and enjoy authentic
Indian favours
To Order or to book, visit:
Zari Restaurant
212-214 Ifield Drive
West Sussex RH11 0DQ
Tel: 01293 562308
Fresh Sussex Hill
Lamb Shank
Lal Mas
Learn the secrets of Indian cooking and culture with a Zari cookery masterclass
Join a team of expert international chefs
at Zari Restaurant for an Indian cookery
masterclass that unlocks the secrets
behind creating an authentic Indian meal
from scratch and embraces the culture,
traditions and flavours that make Indian
cuisine so extraordinary.
Whether you’re a couple looking for a special
experience together, a novice cook eager to learn
the fundamentals or a seasoned home chef looking
to expand your culinary repertoire, you’ll join
the expert Zari chefs in their kitchen and learn
techniques that bring new flavours and tenderness to
your dishes.
Discover the cookery secrets of India
As the Zari international chefs take you on an
Indian culinary journey of discovery, you will learn
how to prepare your own aromatic Garam Masala
the Zari way, discover secret Indian marinating
techniques and learn the key to harnessing the
power of Indian spices to infuse your dishes with
bold and authentic flavours.
With everything you need provided on the day,
you’ll cook your meal from scratch with expert chefs
on-hand to take you through each dish step by step.
By the end of the class, you’ll be confident to cook
the dishes at home and you can eat the fruits of your
labours in the restaurant on the day or take them
home to share with friends and family.
Learn about the culture, cuisine and
secrets of India
Total cost is £100.00 per participant + £5 delivery,
for a 3-hour cookery class.
Book now at: Zari Cooking Masterclass
44 | sussexexclusive.com 45

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Sublime Dining
Starts at
TERRA Restaurant
Award winning South Downs restaurant with local produce
& sustainability at its heart
Few menus are so honest and open about
where they source their ingredients
or offer such an incredible choice of
local flavours. All these local flavours
are beautifully combined by head chef,
Chris Hilton, to create dishes that are
subtle, sophisticated and sublime. With
a comprehensive drinks menu, you can
also choose to pair your menu choices
with local beer or Sussex wines.
TERRA Restaurant combines an
elegantly inspired inside space, with the
perfect alfresco dining on the terrace,
complete with blankets to keep you
warm as the sun sets.
If you’re looking for somewhere
special to dine this summer and
also want to enjoy the true flavours
of Sussex, then head to TERRA
Restaurant at Tottington Manor just
outside Henfield, in West Sussex.
Recently awarded their first AA
Rosette, as well as being named as Most
Sustainable Restaurant and gaining
second place as Best Sussex Restaurant in
the BRAVO awards, TERRA Restaurant
is fast gaining a reputation for both
excellence, innovation and fantastic
menus made from hyper local produce.
Be inspired
TERRA Restaurant sits under the
benevolently watchful eye of the South
Downs, with inspiring summer walks
leading from the terrace. The menu is as
inspirational as the landscape and you
can savour Sussex Crab and Watermelon
Salad, Bolney Pork Chop, Sussex Coast
Turbot, Ditchling Chicken or their Best
of Sussex Grazing Platter.
Stay a little longer
With dining this good, why not stay a
little longer in one of the 12 beautiful
rooms at historic Tottington Manor?
With all the comforts and amenities
you want for a touch of away from
home luxury, from four poster beds to
sumptuous cotton sheets, you can wake
up to views of the South Downs and
enjoy breakfast on the terrace listening to
birdsong as the sun rises over the Down.
Escape from it all or embrace
local culture
Tucked down a sleepy country lane,
Tottington is in the perfect position if
you want to escape from it all and enjoy
lingering walks, stunning views and
tranquillity. But the team at Tottington
are always on hand to help you get the
most out of local culture. From hosting
live music events and wine pairings, just
ask a member of the team for what’s
coming up that you might enjoy. And as
always, don’t forget to book afternoon
tea on the terrace before you make your
way home.
HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Edburton Road, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9LJ
Telephone: 01903 815757
For more information or to book:
tottingtonmanor.co.uk
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47

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Fabulous Recipes
Create the perfect space with beautiful wooden
benches and bars, handmade in Sussex
Pizza Oven Table - Portable Bar - Workbench - Potting Table - Crafting Bench
Becci Combes of Hygge Style shares three naturally
wholesome and easy to make recipes
As the weather gets warmer, life starts to move
outside. Perhaps you’re planning a summer of
BBQs, love the idea of cooking fresh pizza al
fresco style or just want somewhere to serve
drinks and nibbles from.
Or perhaps you’re a keen gardener looking
for a potting table or somewhere to stand
your beautiful pots. Or a crafter in need of
somewhere to work.
Our high-quality benches, bars and tables are
stylish and sturdy. Handmade in a beautiful
corner of Sussex not far from Bodiam Castle,
with high quality responsibly sourced timber
and a craftsman’s attention to detail.
Choose from our range of affordable pizza
oven & BBQ tables, bars, potting tables and
work benches. In plain wood or painted to suit
your style with a choice of height and width
options, with shelving to maximise space. The
Pizza Oven table comes with dedicated oven
and prep spaces.
greenfieldswoodstore.co.uk
Tel: 01580 276463 email: info@greenfieldswoodstore.co.uk
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49

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Koldskål - buttermilk and
yoghurt and flavoured with
lemon and vanilla
How do I pronounce Koldskål? Er, best way I
can describe it is colt-skoll; it means cold bowl.
What is Koldskål, and why should I make it?
Koldskål is a refreshing (and addictive!)
traditional Danish summer dish, made
from buttermilk and yoghurt and flavoured
with lemon and vanilla; I used to have it for
breakfast or pudding as a little girl, but it
really comes into its own on those baking hot
summer evenings when you can’t really be
bothered to eat a proper meal.
Served chilled from the fridge with fresh
berries, it is traditionally accompanied by
Kammerjunker, twice-baked little cookies that
are crushed and sprinkled on top. They can be
bought from supermarkets in Denmark but
home-made are infinitely better; if it’s too hot
to put the oven on to make the biscuits, we
think gingernuts make an excellent alternative!
My version uses raw egg yolks which add a
lovely creaminess to the buttermilk but please
feel free to leave them out if you prefer; the
whites can be popped in the freezer for up to
two months and make a great meringue. Don’t
throw away the scraped vanilla pod either;
bury it in a jar full of sugar and put it away
for 3-4 weeks to make your own deliciously
fragranced vanilla sugar. You can also squirrel
away spent pods all year, then chop and add to
Epsom salts to make beautifully scented bath
salts to give as Christmas presents too!
Ingredients (makes 4 servings)
600 ml buttermilk
600 ml Greek yoghurt
3 eggs yolks
50 g caster sugar
1 lemon
½ vanilla pod (½ teaspoon of vanilla extract works
very well too and is infinitely cheaper!)
To serve
250 g fresh strawberries, to serve
Kammerjunker biscuits
Method
Slit the halved vanilla pod open, flatten it out and
scrape out the seeds using a sharp knife.
Either using a stand mixer or hand whisk, whisk the
egg yolks, sugar and vanilla seeds until pale, thick
and fluffy.
Stirring continuously, add the zest of the lemon juice
and the yoghurt, mixing until thoroughly combined.
Add the buttermilk and mix again, before squeezing
in the juice from half the lemon.
Pop in the fridge to chill, while you wash and
quarter the strawberries.
Serve the Koldskål with the berries sprinkled
over the top, along with a handful of crushed
Kammerjunker; sometimes I add a little chopped
mint too.
Sussex based Becci is winner of F:entrepreneur100, BT’s Best Home Business of the Year
and Remote Worker Awards and The Mumpreneur 100. You can find her at Hygge Style
50 | sussexexclusive.com
Kammerjunker – lemon and
cardamom biscuits
Kammerjunker are little Danish double-baked
lemon and cardamom biscuits that are traditionally
served scrunched over the top of buttermilk soup,
along with a handful of berries. Please don’t worry
too much about the uniformity of the biscuits
while you are rolling the dough; as they are going
to be crumbled over the top of the buttermilk it
doesn’t matter if they’re not perfect, it’s the taste
that matters!
The dough can be prepared up to 48 hours before
you plan to make the cookies, or you can make a
double batch and pop the raw dough in the freezer.
As ever, I’d like to point out that my stove is both
elderly and distinctly non-fan; if your oven runs hot,
please keep an eye on the biscuits and check them
a couple of minutes early! The spare juice from the
lemon can be frozen until you need it.
How do I pronounce Kammerjunker?
Tricky, but kammer-yuunger is my best suggestion!
Ingredients
250 g plain flour
100 g butter, softened (not normally a problem, as
one is usually making them in the height of summer)
75 g caster sugar
50 ml milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of 1 lemon
The seeds scraped from half a vanilla pod (or ½ a
teaspoon of vanilla extract)
½ teaspoon cardamom, freshly ground (the seeds from
about 4 or 5 pods I reckon, but please feel free to leave
the cardamom out if you don’t have any, the cookies
will still taste great)
Method
There is absolutely no finesse in the way I make these
biscuits. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl
and bring together to make a soft dough.
Chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour (or
overnight), while you line two baking sheets with
greaseproof paper and preheat the oven to 175 degrees.
Cut the dough in half and roll into two sausages, then
cut each sausage into 15 pieces. Roll the pieces into
little balls and lay out on the prepared baking sheets
(they shouldn’t spread too much at all).
Bake at 175 degrees for about 10 minutes until pale
golden and dry on top.
Turn the oven down to 150 degrees. Leave the cookies
to cool for a couple of minutes then slice each one
horizontally and place back on the sheet, cut side up
(I find a small, serrated tomato knife the best tool for
the job).
Bake again until dry, golden and crispy; this could
be anything between 8 and 15 minutes, so keep
checking!
Store in an airtight tin for up to a week. I would
add that this is merely an estimate, and has never
happened so far round our way; teenagers seem to
like to snaffle them from the tin and make tiny scones
with cream and jam.
Serve on top of a bowl of chilled Koldskål, along with
a handful of fresh strawberries.
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Swedish almond Mandelkaka cake
Crispy on the bottom with a squidgy centre and
meringue-like top, this easy recipe tastes as good
with a cup of morning coffee as it does with a dollop
of ice cream for a summer dinner-party pudding.
Quick to mix up and bake, it tastes absolutely
delicious warm from the tin; the perfect recipe if you
have a phone call from a dear friend who says they
are unexpectedly popping by!
This is a great way of using up stale breadcrumbs;
while they are not strictly necessary greasing and
lining a tin with breadcrumbs is a fabulous way of
stopping your precious cake sticking. And, if you are
a lover of Bakewell Tart, I had a burst of inspiration
the other day while eating a slice of Mandelkaka at
2 am; spread 3/4 of the batter into the tin then blob
on some teaspoons of good quality raspberry jam.
Cover up the blobs with the rest of the cake mixture
and then bake as normal.
Ingredients
250 g caster sugar
75 g unsalted butter
140 g plain flour
50 g dry breadcrumbs (I use often use rye bread
which gives a lovely crisp chewiness. 50 g is roughly
two thin slices or one doorstep)
2 eggs
½ teaspoon almond extract
A small handful of flaked almonds
Icing sugar, to serve
Method
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees and grease a 23 cm
springform cake tin. (If your breadcrumbs are fresh,
spread them over a baking sheet and gently dry them
while the oven is warming up, checking them every
few minutes or so until crispy).
Spread the breadcrumbs over the bottom of the tin.
Melt the butter slowly in a large saucepan.
Remove the melted butter from the heat, leave to
cool for a couple of minutes then stir in sugar, flour
and almond extract; once combined crack in the
eggs and give the mix a final good stir until it is a
rough batter (don’t overmix!).
Pour the batter into the cake tin over the
breadcrumbs, nudging the mix carefully towards the
edges using the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Bake in the centre
of the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden, then
leave to cool in the tin.
Unclip the springform, place a plate over the cake
and carefully invert it. Remove the tin base, put your
serving dish over the top and turn it the right way
up again to serve!
Dust over a little icing sugar for extra prettiness.
Foodie
Corner
Sussex Produce of
the Moment
There is so much fantastic local
produce in season at the moment, it’s
the perfect time to develop your Sussex
palate with our simple Sussex summer
serving suggestion.
To start
Sussex asparagus
Traditionally, asparagus season starts
around St. George’s Day (23rd April)
and finishes at summer solstice (21st
June). Head to South Brockwells Farm
near Uckfield for freshly cut Sussex
asparagus. Perhaps serve as a starter with
cured ham like the Weald Smokery Parma
or Serrano style ham with a Sussex Bacchus
from Nutbourne or Albourne vineyards.
For your main course
Spring lamb and beef
Spring lamb is still available in May and
June and it’s also the perfect time for beef.
The Sussex Lamb people in Horsham
deliver top quality lamb straight to your
door within a 15-mile radius of Horsham.
Alternatively, head to Garlic Wood Farm
in Steyning for a great choice of local
Sussex reared meat. Then make a dash to
your local farm shop or greengrocer (yes,
some do still exist) for fresh seasonal veg
like new potatoes and courgettes.
There are some interesting red wines
emerging from Sussex vineyards like
the Oxney Organic Pinot Noir 2020,
the Bolney Lychgate Red or the Wiston
Twenty Six Pinot Noir 2022 to top and
tail this Sussex dish.
For vegetarians, and vegans, it’s time to
head to the vegan market in Horsham
and for those that eat cheese, a visit to
The Cheese Hut in Hove is a must.
A sweet treat
PYO season is about to get under
way and Sussex has a number of first
rate PYO farms. Strawberries are, of
course, a go for June, and Tibbs Farm
near Rye, Maynards Farm at Ticehurst,
Roundstone Farm at Angmering and
New House Farm at Horsham are all
excellent places to grab a basket. Look
out for fresh raspberries, blackcurrants,
redcurrants, gooseberries and tayberries
too and serve with Sussex ice cream.
You really have to finish this course with
a bit of Sussex chocolate and a Sussex
sparkling Rosé like the Ridgeview’s
Fitzrovia Rosé or Rathfinny’s Sparkling
Rosé. Chop up some Montezuma’s dark
chocolate buttons and add them to your
strawberries and ice cream.
Bon Appetit
52 | sussexexclusive.com
53

FOOD
FOOD
Celebrate Summer
With a Superb Dining Experience in a Stunning Setting
The Chequers Inn at Rowhook
restaurant in a gorgeous country setting.
As a Master Chef of Great Britain,
Proprietor and Chef, Tim Neal loves
sourcing local, in-season fresh produce
and game, and can often be found
foraging for wild ingredients in the Sussex
countryside. His dishes are inspired by
English cuisine with a French twist and
he is well known for producing some of
the region’s best menus, all freshly made
in the country kitchen.
The 15th century Chequers sits just to
the side of the old Roman road from
Chichester to London and the friendly
team will make you feel welcome from
the moment you arrive.
A seasonally inspired menu
The menu at The Chequers changes with
the seasons. From warm, freshly baked
bread and tartlet of wild mushrooms with
sauté new potatoes, buttered spinach,
French beans and chive butter sauce to
wild mushroom and fresh white truffle
tagliatelle, pavlova of seasonal red berries
and red berry coulis with Chantilly cream
and a cheeseboard of British artisan
cheeses, this is dining to savour.
Watch the sun go
down as you enjoy
live music and a
glass of something
special on the lawns,
gather with friends on the vine-clad
terrace or enjoy elegant dining in the
stylish and contemporary restaurant. The
Chequers at Rowhook is an authentic
destination where modern cuisine meets
54 | sussexexclusive.com
traditional standards and life is all about
enjoying the best moments of summer.
A warm welcome and a
stylish setting
The Chequers Inn has featured in the
AA, Michelin and Master Chefs of Great
Britain guides and is a London quality
Carefully chosen wines and beers
As you’d expect, The Chequers has a
carefully chosen selection of wines and
beers, and the team is always happy
to recommend a pairing suggestion. If
you’ve been out for a walk, what better
place to stop for a refreshing drink and
a rest before you head home. Dogs are
welcome, there is plenty of free parking
and there are some fantastic local walks
that include historic woodland and the
Sussex Border Path.
All of which makes The Chequers one of the top Sussex foodie destinations for 2025.
Booking is recommended. Contact the team for details of live music events.
The Chequers Inn
Rowhook Road, Horsham RH12 3PY • thechequersrowhook.com • 01403 790480
55

FOOD
FOOD
The Inside Scoop:
Discover
Sussex’s Coolest
Summer Treats
Sarah Thompson of Sussex Kitchen
shares the secrets of Sussex ice cream
Latchetts Farm, Uckfield
A family farm where ice cream is made from their
own dairy herd’s milk. Don’t miss their 24/7 milk
vending machine, bring a bottle:
facebook.com/Latchettsfarm
East Sussex
Downsview Dairy, Ringmer
This working farm produces milk, cream, yoghurt,
butter, and seasonal ice cream for both trade and
public: sussexfoodanddrink.org
Churn it yourself:
seasonal Sussex-inspired recipes
Miall’s Ice Cream, Sussex-wide
French-style, all-natural ice cream and sorbet
from this Great Taste-recognised producer—
simple ingredients, maximum flavour:
mialls.co.uk
As the days stretch longer and the sun
climbs higher, there’s no better way
to cool down than with a scoop of
something sweet. Whether it’s rich,
creamy ice cream, smooth gelato, or
a zingy sorbet, Sussex is home to an extraordinary
collection of frozen delights, all lovingly made using
local, seasonal ingredients.
From the rolling hills of West Sussex to the
breezy coastlines of the east, a new wave of artisan
producers is redefining the summer treat. Whether
you’re searching for vegan options, dairy-free
alternatives, or indulgent classics, Sussex offers a
scoop to suit every taste.
This summer, we invite you to explore the region’s
most exciting frozen offerings, meet the makers
behind the magic, and try your hand at a few
seasonal recipes inspired by the Sussex countryside.
Why Sussex tastes better
Say goodbye to ultra-processed tubs with ingredients
you can’t pronounce. Sussex’s local producers focus
on fresh, flavour-packed treats, often made with just
a handful of wholesome ingredients. Many recipes
are surprisingly simple to recreate at home, even
without fancy equipment.
Meet the makers: from cow to cone
West Sussex
Sussex Ice Cream Company, Worthing
Chefs craft this award-winning ice cream
using local double cream, egg white and sugar.
Their Raspberry Sorbet, made with South
Downs mineral water, earned a prestigious
3-star Great Taste Award:
sussexicecreamcompany.co.uk
Gelato Gusto, Chichester
Known for its handmade gelato and bold flavours,
this artisan brand is a must-visit for adventurous
palates: sussexfoodanddrink.org
Caroline’s Dairy, Sidlesham
Produced on the family farm just outside
Chichester, Caroline’s award-winning ice cream is
known for its rich texture and farm-fresh taste:
carolinesdairy.co.uk
Mid Sussex
Mid-Sussex Super Cream
This 1970s-born brand offers eco-friendly electric
ice cream vans and inclusive options like vegan,
gluten-free, and nut-free treats:
mid-sussexsupercream.co.uk
Garden Mint & Sussex Cream Ice Cream
Ingredients:
300 ml double cream
300 ml whole milk
Large handful of fresh mint
100 g sugar
3 egg yolks
Method:
Infuse milk with mint. Strain, then make a custard
with yolks and sugar. Add cream, chill, then churn
or freeze.
Cucumber, Lime & Mint Sorbet
Ingredients:
1 large cucumber, peeled
Juice and zest of 2 limes
Small handful of mint
80 g sugar
100 ml water
Method:
Blend cucumber, mint, lime, water and sugar. Strain,
chill and freeze for a crisp zesty treat.
56 | sussexexclusive.com
57

FOOD
No-Churn Strawberry & Basil Ice Cream
Ingredients:
300 ml double cream
200 g strawberries (hulled)
100 ml condensed milk
A few fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
1 tsp vanilla extract
The
good FOOD
Festival
15% discount on tickets!
The highly anticipated
Good Food Festival is back at
Goodwood Racecourse in
West Sussex from
15 –17 August 2025,
promising another
three days of
culinary celebrations
for food lovers
and families.
Method:
Purée the strawberries and basil together. In a bowl,
whip the double cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold in the condensed milk, vanilla extract,
and strawberry-basil purée. Pour the mixture into a
freezer-safe container and freeze for at least six hours
or until firm.
Honey & Yoghurt Ice Cream
Ingredients:
400 g Greek yoghurt
100 ml double cream
100 ml wildflower honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sarah Thompson is a food and travel
photographer, writer and stylist. You can
find her at www.sussexkitchen.co.uk
Now in its fourth year, the festival is
the ultimate day out, offering an array
of family-friendly activities and food
experiences in abundance. 2025 boasts
a stellar lineup of chefs and creators,
cooking inspiration, entertainment, VIP
experiences, book signings, live music
and much more.
grab a selfie, and take home a
signed cookbook for the perfect
memento.
• Masterclasses will include botanical
cocktail making with food, wine and
drinks expert, Andy Clarke.
Method:
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Chill and freeze,
stirring periodically.
Boozy Elderflower & Lemon Sorbet
Ingredients:
150 ml elderflower cordial
150 ml water
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tbsp vodka (optional for texture)
75 g sugar
Tickets are now available with an
exclusive 15% discount with the code
PRESS if booked before 30th June.
Don’t miss this chance to secure an
unforgettable summer experience!
Highlights of returning favourites for
2025 include:
• Street Food Village featuring
globally inspired cuisines, including
dishes from AREPAS, Oshpaz,
Kokodoo, Bombayish, Crumpy’s
Smoke Shack, and many more.
• Good Food Market with handpicked
artisan food and drink
vendors offering the finest local and
international produce.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets are available online now.
Adult tickets cost just £12.50 with a
family ticket for £27.50 (2 adults and
2 children), £5.00 for young adults
(12-17 years), and children under 11
go free. There is a chance to book
afternoon tickets from just £6.50 per
adult and £2.50 for young adults.
Group tickets are also available.
Book by 30 th June 2025 with code
PRESS to enjoy 15% off. T&Cs apply*!
To find out more and book visit
www.goodfoodshow.com/goodwoodfestival
Method:
Mix all, chill and freeze. The alcohol keeps it
scoopable and gives it a grown-up twist.
• Live Music to set the mood as you
relax in Goodwood›s idyllic grounds.
• Book Signings with culinary stars.
Meet your favourite chefs in person,
* 15% off ticket offer valid on all three days. Valid
until 30 June 23:59pm 2025. Offer not valid on
2pm tickets, group tickets, VIP upgrade and
added extras. £3.95 transaction fee per e-ticket
order. Details correct at time of print.
58 | sussexexclusive.com 59

Dopamine
is the
chemical in
the brain
that makes
us feel
happy.
Happy Kitchens
with Dopamine
Décor Styling!
Making sure that your
home environment
is designed to be not
just relaxing, but a
happy space too, is a
trend that has taken off. In a world full
of negative news, everyday stresses and
trying times, dopamine décor styling
works to make you smile.
Dopamine is the chemical in the brain
that makes us feel happy. It’s stimulated
by the things we love, and the items that
make us smile - our feel-good triggers!
The ultimate result is very unique to
each individual creator. Blocks of solid
Holmewood Interiors
talk colour, patterns
and happiness
and often vivid colours are used with
favourite patterns, fabrics and furniture,
both new and vintage. Different textures
can combine with the best memories and
memorabilia on walls and shelving. The
creation is a powerful and comfortable,
mood boosting and joyful room.
Yes, it sounds a mish-mash! But, with
some simple pointers and our design
team’s expert knowledge, we help you, to
make it work for you.
Be brave!
Clean lines and bold colours are
dominant with this style, and choosing
your happy colour is key. Then, the first
step is to see how you can use it. Our
extensive range of units with sleek and
modern, through to more traditional
stylings, come in a vast range of colours.
In addition, we can paint some ranges any
colour to match a theme. So cupboard
doors and cabinetry can be matched to
fabrics, wall colours, favourite pictures, or
even a car paint colour!
Then there are brightly coloured and
creative splash backs. Plain colours, abstract
patterns, landscapes and photos, are all
possible. In addition, painted walls can be
colour drenched, or smaller sections painted
so as to not overwhelm. For a slightly
different approach, paint the ceiling instead.
Add your choice of lighting - a stunning
statement piece, or a more understated
mood setter – and you have a colour pop
which will not overpower.
Things that make you happy
But happiness cannot be achieved if your
kitchen eats time and energy to constantly
organise and keep clean. Dopamine styling
channels the need to be surrounded by
things that make you happy. So, include
shelves, glass fronted cabinets, or dresser
style space to display and organise what is
important to you.
Use appliances to boost your look too.
With a large array of retro style and ultramodern,
in natural and strong bright
colours; you can be creative, functional,
and energy savvy at the same time.
By adding the right worktop, you
enhance the feel of your space. So
choose your worktop to calm, brighten
or contrast … here your worktop could
take the lead! Mix bold, brightly coloured
worktops with a traditional dark cabinet
and black appliances to create a strong
colour statement. Conversely, black
natural granite worktops with light
catching sparkles add a rich element to
brightly coloured cabinetry. For lighter
toned styles, paler natural granite or
composite worktops give a light lift to
enrich natural colourways, along with
a perceived texture that can offset and
soften a more clinical look.
Think like a child
Mixing textures and prints for this style is
important. Eye catching tiling for splash
backs and floors is good, along with fun
modern and vintage upholstery prints.
So, think like a child. Bedrooms are
colourful, sometimes random and always
wonderful. Full of an eclectic mix of old
and new; these are not items that are
chosen to ‘go together’ but items that
the occupant loves and wants. This is the
principle and process you can use to create
your happy dopamine décor kitchen!
If you would like any further
information, or more tips on how to
create and personalise your room to
be proud of, please visit our website
www.holmewoodinteriors.co.uk,
call us on 01403 254090 or email
info@holmewoodinteriors.co.uk. We
will always do what we can to help.
60 | sussexexclusive.com 61

Best Summer Buys
Support local whilst adding a touch of Sussex style
to your home with our pick of the best Sussex buys
Outdoor BBQ Tables
If you love to entertain and spend time in the
garden, grab yourself a beautifully crafted
BBQ table. They come in a range of height and
width options to fit your space perfectly and
are handmade in East Sussex by small family
business, Greenfields Wood Store.
Made with responsibly sourced timber and
supplied in plain pine for you to finish in the
colours of your choice, these benches are sturdy,
secure and easy to put together. Greenfields
Wood Store recycle their packaging and provide
great customer service as well as donating wood
off cuts to a local charity.
Starting at £210.
Visit: greenfieldswoodstore.co.uk
Recycled Wooden Serving Boards
For serving some Sussex charcuterie or cheese,
we love these beautiful recycled wooden serving
boards from Ben Simpson Furniture.
Ben Simpson Furniture are a young and Sussex
based sustainable furniture company, who handmake
rustic solid wood furniture designs from
their purpose-built workshop in Sussex.
Proudly challenging the ‘fast furniture’ crisis
with a lifetime guarantee on all products, the
company are on a mission to help customers
shop more sustainably.
They have recently launched this selection of
recycled serving boards, which are the perfect
solution when entertaining in the garden.
Recycled serving boards – £30.99 for a set of
two. Visit: bensimpsonfurniture.com
Arcoroc Glass Bowl
This beautiful bowl is from French company
Arcoroc and dates back to the 1960s. A jewel
like green colour, the crystal cut style allows light
to pass through creating wonderful patterns
reminiscent of a stained-glass window. It is just
one of the vintage glass and ceramic pieces in
the Reclamation Living collection.
Reclamation Living is based in Steyning and
is a family business with a mission to be as
sustainable and responsible as possible. Having
launched their first business, Your Upcycled
Home, in 2022, the Reclamation Living brand
now includes a number of labels including Your
Vintage Home.
The bowl is £25, and it also comes in two other
smaller sizes selling for £20 and £6.
Visit: www.reclamationliving.com
Handmade Birch Jewellery
All made from sustainably sourced Finnish birch,
these delicate earrings are hand drawn, cut
and painted here in Sussex. Inspired by Sussex
wildlife and nature, they are lightweight to wear
and mounted on hypoallergenic stainless-steel
studs, with every piece presented in a reusable
aluminium keepsake tin along with FSC certified
card and recycled tissue paper, perfect for
popping on the compost heap.
Made by Hygge Style, who have also received
the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free
Champion Award for their efforts to reduce
landfill and pollution.
Prices start at just £9.95 for the earrings.
Visit: www.hyggestyle.co.uk
Glass Coasters
Vibrant glass coasters that add a pop of
colour and a distinctive style to your home,
designed and created by Two Faced Twins.
Two Faced Twin is a Worthing based brand
founded in 2017 by twin artists, which
creates striking artwork and homeware for
contemporary homes. Inspired by Sussex
street scenery and architecture, especially Art
Deco, their products are distinctively Sussex
and unique.
Coasters start at £8.
Visit: www.twofacedtwins.com
62 | sussexexclusive.com 63

Help With
School Fees
Christ’s Hospital offers families (day and boarding)
the potential of fee-assisted places.
whether a child will flourish and excel in our school
community with its strong academic ethos, wide
range of opportunities and extensive facilities.
Parents are advised to start the admissions process as
early as possible and ideally 18 months before their
child would be due to enter the school.
Places are academically selective and are based on
Christ’s Hospital’s own assessment process.
W/C Monday
10 November 2025
Thursday 8 &
Friday 9 January 2026
Initial assessment results
Residential assessment
W/C Monday
Residential assessment
16 February 2026 results
Monday 16 March 2026
Deadline for acceptance
A
bursary is means-assessed financial
assistance given to help support a
family who would not otherwise
be able to afford some or all the
school fees.
A scholarship rewards outstanding achievements
and talent in, for example, academic work, music,
sport, art or drama.
Scholarships may be offered to give a discount of
up to 20% of the assessed fee level. Scholarships
are awarded to students who are entering the
school at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 and to existing
students who are moving into Year 9 and Year 12.
Bursaries make places at Christ’s Hospital
affordable; scholarships are an additional bonus for
outstanding students.
Students may be awarded both a
bursary and a scholarship at the
same time.
Head’s Award
The Head Teacher has a discretionary award for allround
academic and broader curricular achievement
and/or significant potential. This is awarded at the
end of the assessment process, can be honorary or
financial and can be awarded to a boarding student as
well as to a day student.
Day Students
We welcome day students who are within a
commutable distance from the school.
As well as offering academic, art, drama, music and sport
scholarships, Christ’s Hospital is committed to widening
access by extending fee assistance to day students.
Entry Process
Our selection process is designed to determine
How Do I Apply for a Place?
The first step is to complete an online application form
via our website and pay the registration fee. We will
then take you through the application process, letting
you know what is required at the different stages.
When you first complete the application form,
kindly tick the box(es) asking about fee assistance:
bursary support and/or scholarship awards. We will
send you all the relevant information.
The bursary forms become increasingly detailed and
require proof (e.g. in the form of bank statements
etc.) as the applicant moves through our admissions
process.
September 2026 Entry
Year 7 and Year 9
Friday 12 September 2025 Deadline for 2026
scholarship and bursary
applications
Friday 26 September 2025 Initial assessment
invitations sent to
candidates
11 & 18 October 2025 Initial assessment dates
Year 12 (Sixth Form)
Monday 27 October 2025 Deadline for 2026
scholarship and bursary
applications
Saturday 15 November 2025 Initial assessment
W/C Monday
24 November 2025
Initial assessment results
Saturday 6 December 2025 Interviews for selected
candidates
Saturday 6 December 2025 Scholarship assessments
for selected candidates
W/C Monday
15 December 2025
End of January 2026
Friday 6 February 2026
Mid-August 2026
Offers made
Christ’s Hospital
Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ
01403 246555
hello@christs-hospital.org.uk
www.christs-hospital.org.uk
Confirmation of
scholarship awards
Deadline for acceptance
GCSE results to be
confirmed
64 | sussexexclusive.com 65

How Taxing is
Your Collection?
Stuart Ritchie FCA CTA explains
some of the tax implications of your
art or antiques collection
One of the benefits of wealth can be
the acquisition and holding of art
and antiques. Collections may be
acquired in your lifetime or inherited
within a family. They may range
from old masters through to contemporary art, but
you may be surprised to learn that you need an art
accountant, and that tax may be due on the disposal
or inheritance of such items.
Taxation of your collection
With each item, you need to be confident that
the ownership of your art and antiques is held
correctly either personally or through an asset
holding structure. You will also be concerned about
how to reduce your exposure to tax either on the
acquisition or disposal of your art and antiques, or
when passing down an item by way of inheritance
to your heirs or successors.
There are several factors that can affect the kind
and amount of tax you are obliged to pay including
the intention behind your ownership of them (i.e.
business, personal pleasure or to pass on as an
inheritance) and the value of the item. Taxes that
you may be liable for include VAT, Capital Gains
Tax and Inheritance Tax.
Minimising your Inheritance Tax liability
in respect of your collection
Lifetime giving
A gift of art and antiques made during your lifetime
can reduce the value of your estate and potentially
lower your Inheritance Tax liability. You can give
away your cash or assets as a potentially exempt
transfer without them being added to your estate's
value on death. However, if you die within seven
years of making the gift, the cash or assets will be
brought back into your estate for Inheritance Tax
purposes. Certain gifts, like those between spouses
or civil partners, and gifts on a marriage or civil
partnership (up to certain limits), may be exempt
from Inheritance Tax.
It is also important to note, that if the donor retains
possession of, for example, works of art after gifting
it, or enjoys the benefit of it (such as hanging a
painting in their home), it could be considered a Gift
with Reservation of Benefit (GROB) and if so, the
asset is still considered part of the donor’s estate for
Inheritance Tax purposes unless they can establish
that they have paid consideration for its enjoyment.
Acceptance in lieu
If you are facing an Inheritance Tax liability in
respect of an art collection, the Acceptance In Lieu
scheme may provide a solution. It allows you to
donate important cultural, scientific or historic
objects and archives to public ownership in the
form of museums, archives or libraries. The gift
is made on death and the object’s value is used to
meet some or all of the Inheritance Tax liability
on your estate. Under Acceptance In Lieu, an
additional “douceur” (a sweetener) is applied which
is an extra 25% of the IHT that would have been
payable. Acceptance In Lieu can also apply to land
and buildings where the IHT incentive is 10%.
Objects gifted have to meet a specified criteria,
namely they must be “pre-eminent” and of
particular historic, artistic, scientific or local
significance, and be in acceptable condition. They
also have to be approved by the Secretary of State
for Culture, Media and Sport.
Giving assets to charity
Gifts to charities are entirely exempt from
Inheritance Tax regardless of the value of the gift.
Furthermore, if the total of gifts to registered
charities is 10% or more of the taxable value of
your estate, or a component part of your estate,
the rate of Inheritance Tax payable is reduced from
40% to 36% on that part.
Other tax reliefs
There are other tax reliefs too. There is the
Cultural Gifts scheme which provides Income
Tax and Capital Gains Tax relief on the gift
of property to the nation. There are Heritage
Maintenance Funds which allow non-heritage
funds to be sheltered from Inheritance Tax if
used to maintain a heritage property. And finally,
there is Conditional Exemption which, as the
name suggests, defers the payment on Inheritance
Tax until an asset is sold if the conditions for
exemption are met, typically associated with
public access.
Successive claims for Conditional Exemption can
be made as art collections pass through generations
meaning no Inheritance Tax is due if there is
public access – think of real-life equivalents of
Downton Abbey although this tax relief can be
used for more modest items and collections.
If you are concerned about the taxation of art
or antiques in your possession and how or if to
keep, pass on or dispose of such assets, please
get in touch to speak to one of our accountants.
www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
66 | sussexexclusive.com 67

7
Sussex Hospices
Join National
Campaign
Hospice care. It’s about easing pain and
bringing comfort, as well as cherishing
memories and creating new ones. It’s
allowing anyone, anywhere, to embrace
the life that’s left.
Every year, UK hospices care for 300,000 people
and support 60,000 family members, carers and
friends, free of charge. However, with NHS and
government funding providing on average less than
a third of their costs and a national hospice funding
crisis, UK hospices are facing unprecedented
financial challenges.
That’s why seven local hospices – St Catherine’s
Hospice, St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne), St
Barnabas House, Chestnut Tree House, Martlets,
St Michael’s Hospice and St Wilfrid’s (Chichester)
have joined together for “This is Hospice Care” a
national collaboration between 143 hospices across
England, Scotland and Wales, brought together by
Hospice UK.
Six of the local hospices taking part provide care
for adults, but Chestnut Tree House is a children’s
hospice offering vital care and support to children
and young people facing life-limiting and lifethreatening
conditions. The hospice helps children
and their families to make the most of their time
together, ensuring they can live life to the full and
say goodbye in the way that is right for them.
The “This is Hospice Care” campaign aims to raise
awareness of adult and children’s hospice services,
shift public perceptions of hospice care and educate
people about the importance of gifts in Wills in
providing sustainable income for hospice charities.
Karen Clarke, CEO of St Michael’s Hospice in
Hastings said, “We’re thrilled to be a part of this
important campaign that highlights the critical work
hospices do and the lasting impact that gifts in Wills
can have.”
Gifts in Wills are crucial to the survival
and growth of hospices across England,
Wales and Scotland and on average, gifts
left to UK hospices in Wills pay for the
care of one in five patients.
Every gift in every Will, no matter how large or
small, makes a difference, helping local hospices to
reach more people. This is critical considering as
many as 90% of people who die in the UK would
benefit from palliative care.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply
personal way to support your local hospice
and show your commitment to protecting
hospice care for future generations.
Ian has left a gift in his Will to St Barnabas Hospice
in Worthing after they cared for his wife Susan. He
shared, “I think of it as my gift to the future. Making
a Will and including St Barnabas in it has brought
me real peace of mind. It’s wonderful to know that my
support will still be making a difference, even when I’m
not here to see it.”
George and his partner Paul have each included a
gift in their Will to St Catherine’s Hospice in Pease
Pottage. George said, “St Catherine’s therapy team has
been so helpful in getting me back on my feet – literally!
After the hospice’s help, it was a no brainer to leave
something in our Wills. It’s good to know by leaving a
gift we’re helping ensure other people can have the same
care and support I’ve had.”
When David’s Mum Valerie died, he discovered that
she had left a gift in her Will to St Wilfrid’s Hospice
in Eastbourne after they cared for her. “Mum
recognised how fortunate she was to fall under the
care of St Wilfrid’s, an opportunity that not everybody
receives,” explained David. “Although mum expressed
her appreciation to St Wilfrid’s at every opportunity,
she also wanted to make a financial gift, both to say
‘thank you’ and to make a small contribution that
will hopefully help others have the same opportunity
to receive high quality end of life care. I guess that was
mum. Always thinking of others.”
To leave a gift in your Will and help hospice care
live on for all, for now, forever search for your local
hospice at: thisishospicecare.org.uk
68 | sussexexclusive.com 69

In The
Library
Pull up a chair and settle down for a good read with these
two novels by Sussex authors
The Moonlit Piazza,
by Annabelle Thorpe
Italy in WWII. Hidden loves and dangerous
secrets, suspicion and lies swirl around trattoria
Casa Maria, as the Nazis tighten their grip on
power.
Family-run Casa Maria is the beating heart of
beautiful Amatino in Umbria. But now it is under
Nazi control, to the fury of matriarch Elena
Capaldi. Forced to give board to a hated young
German soldier, she reluctantly realises he shares
her passion for cooking and can be a real help. But
should an enemy soldier ever be trusted? Amatino
is seething with conspiracies and some would
happily bring down the Capaldis and all they
stand for. In war, there are always people ready to
do business with the enemy...
The author
Annabelle Thorpe has been a travel and features
journalist for over twenty years, spending six years
on The Times Travel desk, before becoming deputy
travel editor for Express Newspapers, and then
taking the same role at The Observer. She was
named one of the top 50 travel writers in the UK
and has visited almost sixty countries. Home is rural
Sussex, with her husband and cat.
Sussex Exclusive caught up with Annabelle to find
out more.
You’ve travelled all around the world, so why
Umbria and what inspired this place, these people
and this time?
Well, I like to put my characters in challenging
situations, because I think that's when you find out
the most about them. There are so many WWII
fiction books out there, but they're usually set in the
UK or France. When I started looking into Italy, I
was fascinated by what happened there. They were
fighting with the Germans, and then they went over
to the Allies. It's an incredibly interesting time and
I'm a real research nerd. Italy is also just an absolute
joy to write about. I mean, you can't not enjoy it.
The food is wonderful. The scenery is amazing.
This is a very different scene from travel writing,
so how do you capture that sense of time as well
as place?
I think it’s a very fortunate time to be writing,
because there is so much out there if you do your
research. You know, there’s so much historic footage
on YouTube. There are also oral histories by women
who were alive during that time.
I’m also a great believer in specifics, like pulling
out little details, like how the trees smell, what
food tastes like. It’s those little individual, specific
moments that you can often glean from research.
And you can knit your story around something that’s
actually happened. For example, there is a scene in
the book where there’s a train crash and that’s based
on a real and absolutely tragic event.
In both novels, there are strong female characters.
Is that an important theme for you?
That’s so lovely to hear, because I find writing about
women quite difficult, and it’s a common problem. I
think as women, we can be fearful about how much
of ourselves we put into a character and how that’s
going to be read. But yes, it’s really important for
me, because the more research I do into different
periods of history, the more I realize that women
have always had these strong roles. They’ve just not
been written about or remembered because they just
weren’t considered important.
But women had phenomenally important roles in
many different ways through the war whether it was
in the resistance, working in munitions factories or
telegraph exchanges or whatever. So I really wanted
to show that but show it in different ways as well. So
you’ve got Eleanor, who’s very old school, nobody
messes with her. And
then there is Sophia,
who’s a bit more
contemporary.
So are they
inspired by
anybody you
know?
I think a lot
of writing is
subconscious
and you don’t
realize what you’re putting into it,
and then sometimes someone will say, that’s just like
your mom, and you hadn’t even thought of that. I
think I draw on my friendships with women I know
who are strong and funny and feisty, but also can be
a bit annoying, as we all can. It’s really important to
create characters that are real and have got their flaws
because that’s what people are really like.
Ok, let’s talk Sussex. What are three things you
love about it?
I’m a Sussex girl. Born and bred. I grew up in
Rustington, in West Sussex. I now live in Ditchling,
and I adore it. It kept me sane through the pandemic
because the countryside is so beautiful, and it’s a
really vibrant village.
So three things I love, well, obviously, the sea. I grew
up with the sea at the end of my road. And when I
was a teenager, I used to go for long walks and stare
out at the sea, particularly at low tide. I loved it.
The second thing I love is the fact that there are still
footpaths and countryside around me where you can
walk and you won’t see anybody. It’s so beautiful and
it’s so peaceful.
I think the third thing is probably Sussex pubs.
There are so many lovely pubs. Old school pubs,
quirky pubs and pubs serving amazing food. A
cheeky Friday lunch in a Sussex pub is the best way
to spend a Friday afternoon.
The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe was
published by Head of Zeus. It’s available to buy
on Amazon.
70 | sussexexclusive.com 71

You’re well known for your non-fiction
marketing books. So why fiction and why now?
I have been writing creatively since I was eight and
I’ve always wanted to write fiction, but work got
in the way. Now I’m 62 and I’m aware, without
sounding dramatic, that there is less ahead of me
than behind me in terms of my active years. So
I want to make those years count. I also didn’t
particularly want my parents to be around to read
it, because I suspect they wouldn’t have liked the
stories, given that I feature in one of them.
So what was the inspiration and how did the
ideas behind these nine stories come about?
It started with me wanting to tell my story, albeit
as a fictional character, because I’ve lived a life
where I’ve had to handle certain things that I’ve
never discussed in a business environment. I
then branched out into other characters because
I wanted to write uplifting stories about women
(and one man) going through a struggle or a life
change and somehow coming through it. It might
not be the ending that they would have wanted, but
nevertheless, they come through it.
I didn’t want to write a chocolate box story book,
given that my story is not chocolate box. Creatively,
I like the idea of merging fact with fiction, and I
wanted to make my characters relatable, so readers
can empathise with them even if they haven’t been
through what the characters have been through.
And I wanted these women to be vulnerable, strong
and flawed, but able to get through some tough
stuff, and come out the other side.
through tough times rather than suffer in silence.
Let’s just get flipping talking about these things,
especially us women of a certain age who were
brought up to put up, shut up and get on with it.
You’ve been really open about the fact that one
of the characters is based on you? Was that
hard, laying yourself bare?
I wanted to be in the book, because I thought
nobody can tell my story like me. And as I’m
a storyteller, it would be ridiculous to not have
myself in there as this flawed character who
came out of it the other side. But it’s been really
challenging for me to talk about it, one because
I didn’t want people to think I was on some kind
of bandwagon. And I was worried about being
judged, because I’ve always had this image of
being super confident and then suddenly, I’m
talking about my inner demons.
And you mentioned you are donating the
royalites to charity?
This book is not about making money for me, so
yes, I’m giving all the royalties to two charities.
One is Ten Little Toes which is a Sussex based
charity, and they raise funds for disadvantaged
families that have got children but are struggling.
The other is a national charity, Rebuilding Futures
Alliance, all about giving people that have fallen
by the wayside a second chance. They are both
great charities doing such good work, and they
are both really important to me.
The Boutique,
by Dee Blick
The Boutique is a collection of nine short stories with
each character connecting through their appreciation
of a clothes shop. The storylines are gripping,
poignant and unpredictable, with the nine characters
relatable and inspiring.
The author
An avid, award-winning writer for 40 plus years,
Dee is also an international bestselling author of
four books.
Sussex Exclusive caught up with Dee to find out
more.
So is there a bigger overarching message?
Yes, absolutely, I think particularly with my
own story of addiction. I really want to show
in particular women that are struggling with
addiction, there’s a way out of it. I hope people
enjoy reading it because it’s a fictional book, but
it would be great if it helps someone or raises
awareness that sometimes we meet people who are
battling something much bigger than they appear
to be.
We also still need to lift the lid on the idea that
it’s good to talk about things when you’re going
You can buy The Boutique in paperback or
eBook format on Amazon or direct from Dee.
Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook or
Tik Tok. Or simply email
dee@themarketinggym.org.
72 | sussexexclusive.com 73

Weird & Wonderful
Sussex
Quirky, curious and sometimes just strange, Sussex has all sorts
of interesting nooks and crannies
Stansted Park Chapel
The Chapel of St Paul was built at
Stansted Park by the Reverend Lewis
Way in 1807 and is Grade I listed.
It was consecrated on 25th January
1819 (the Feast of Conversion of St
Paul) and John Keats attended the
consecration service. It contains a unique
painted window with Christian/Jewish
iconography and Hebrew Tablets of
the ten commandments. The striking
red, blue and gold was inspired by the
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and added in the
1920s, when the 9th Earl of Bessborough
commissioned architect Harry Goodhart-
Rendel to modernize the Chapel.
The dragon of St Leonard’s Forest
St Leonard’s Forest just east of Horsham
is famous for dragons. So much so, that
you’ll find a sculpture of a dragon in
the local museum and in the middle of
a maze in the park. You’ll also find The
Dragon pub at Colgate, not forgetting
the George and Dragon at nearby
Dragon’s Green. Legend has it that the
hermit St Leonard (a former French
nobleman) slayed a dragon in the forest
and to mark his achievement, there is
also a dragon bench on which weary
walkers can sit and rest.
Dog and Bone Gallery, Brighton
Brighton has a lot going on but if you
walk away from the main hustle and
bustle of the city centre, you might find
this small and unusual museum in Powis
Square in between the i360 and Seven
Dials. Housed in two phone boxes, it is
curated by artist Amber Elise, has its own
Instagram account and changes regularly.
The phone boxes are locked but you can
peep in and of course, it’s free!
Stansted Chapel
Brighton, Dog & Bone
Gallery
Salt Dean Lido
Hogg Hill Mill, Rye
Dragon sculpture,
Horsham
Inside Dog and Bone
Gallery
Tower of Arundel
Salt Dean Lido
The Salt Dean Lido has had a checkered
past and was nearly lost several times.
Built in the 1930s, in modernist /Art
Deco style, it was designed to showcase
the area and elevate it to a trendy new
holiday destination. But in 1940 it was
closed and requisitioned by the National
Fire Service. It remained closed after the
war until 1962 when it was bought by
the Council. It closed and then re-opened
in the 1990s and then it was threatened
with demolition! As a result, the Save
Saltdean Lido Campaign was set up in
March 2010 by residents. The resulting
renovation is stunning and in 2018 it was
named by English Heritage as one of the
Seven Wonders of The English Seaside.
Hogg Hill Mill, near Rye
Hogg Hill windmill is no ordinary
windmill. It was originally built in 1781
at nearby Pett and moved to its current
site later. It was a working windmill until
1920 and acquired by Sir Paul McCartney
of the Beatles in 1981. He turned it into
a recording studio, and he has recorded a
number of tracks there. It’s on the route
of the 1066 Country Walk.
The Tower of Arundel, France
This one is for the travellers and shows
that the influence of Sussex spreads far
and wide. Because you’ll find the Tower of
Arundel in Les Sables D’Olonne (which
is twinned with Worthing) in France. It
was built in 1622 at a time when that
part of France was ruled by the English.
Indeed, Richard the Lionheart was often
to be found at nearby Château Talmont.
The tower may have in fact been built
as a watch tower by Lord Arundel, then
English governor of Poitou.
74 | sussexexclusive.com 75

GARDENING
GARDENING
Lilies at Driftwood
Black Lily
Vielchenblau
The Art of Gardening
Geoff Stonebanks reflects on the 2 themes of the magazine this time,
summer and the arts.
Giverny © Geoff Stonebanks
Wooden carving Driftwood
Giverny © Geoff Stonebanks
With gardens being the
inspiration for many artists,
gardens and art often go
hand-in-hand. Perhaps the
most familiar painter when it
comes to gardens in art is Claude Monet. I vividly
remember my two visits to his beautiful garden in
Giverny, the first, back in the 1970s and the second,
a few years ago. What do gardens represent in
art? Well, they can represent the beginning of life,
symbolise love and passion and they can, perhaps
most fundamentally, relay a space of comfort,
reliance and hope.
A classic example of Monet’s garden paintings is
Le Déjeuner: Panneau Décoratif, painted in 1873
and hanging in Musée D’Orsay in Paris. Here
the painter has centred on a shady spot in the
garden, where a table has been laid out for a casual
lunch. Empty glasses and a hat hanging in the tree
branches adds to the hazy, relaxed summer scene.
You can almost hear the chatter of the women in the
background and the birds chirruping.
Who knows, maybe a modern-day Monet could
capture the same essence with an image of my table
and chairs behind my house, which might become a
masterpiece in 150 years!
All that said, I could never consider myself a painter
or an artist in the true sense of the word but I do
consider that a good gardener, including myself, can
use plants and shrubs to paint a beautiful canvas in
their own plot.
A Trip Advisor visitor in 2024 wrote of their
experience in visiting Driftwood, “Stunning! An
incredible landscape, bursting with colour and ideas -
sympathetic plantings with interesting eclectic textures,
ready mades and sculptures/glassworks. Truly worth
revisiting – inspiring!”
I’ve always considered that I paint my garden with
plants and frequently tell visitors that I never feel as
though I’m gardening, but actually dressing a film set.
So, what plants look good for painting your garden?
How about these four suggestions that work well for
me at Driftwood.
Four classic paints for your garden canvas
First up are these stunning lilies. I have several
containers of them grouped together on an upper
patio, including some pretty stunning, almost black
ones. The sheer vivacity of their colours never fail to
draw the eye and brighten any garden.
Another great addition would be the pretty climbing
rose, Vielchenblau. This heirloom climbing or
rambling rose produces large clusters of 1-1/2”
wide, fragrant, deep purple flowers, often with
white accents and deepening to blue-purple as they
age. The plant flowers in mid to late spring to early
summer. It is a vigorous, nearly thornless, rambling
multi-flora hybrid growing to about 10-12’ high
making it a good choice as a pillar rose or it can
be trained along a fence or other sturdy support.
76 | sussexexclusive.com 77

GARDENING
While Vielchenblau is tolerant of partial shade, a
full sun location with good air circulation and a
fertile, average moist soil with good drainage are
preferred for optimum growth, disease resistance,
and flowering.
and more cost-effective ways to dress your plot
might be to utilise some wall pot hangers like
the ghoulish one I have in my back garden. It’s
the perfect foil for the small Agave Americana
displayed beneath it.
GARDENING
My third recommendation would be the magnificent
Fuchsia Magellanica, a very hardy fuchsia with
pretty, red flowers with long, tapered sepals. When
other fuchsias fail to survive winter, this robust
South American species can be relied on to retain
a framework of branches. I have four fairly large
shrubs growing in my back garden. The purple and
red flowers are small but borne profusely throughout
summer and like all fuchsias, it thrives in fertile,
moist but well-drained soil, in a sheltered spot in
partial shade. Whilst all the experts say grow in a
sheltered spot away from cold winter winds that is
certainly not the case in my garden yet they still do
extremely well.
The fourth range of plants I’d suggest to create
drama in your garden are stunning aeoniums. I
have a collection of over 80 in various containers
that are brought out each summer to dress areas of
the garden along with small pieces of sculpture or
garden art. Aeoniums are fleshy, succulent plants
native to Madeira, the Canary Islands and North
Africa. They are members of the Crassulaceae family
and have rosettes of glossy, waxy leaves and range
in height from a few centimetres to up to a metre.
They are mostly grown for their distinctive, unusual
shapes and foliage that comes in shades of green or
purple-black or variegated in shades of white, yellow
and red. Aeoniums make excellent, low maintenance
house plants too, that need very little care as they
can thrive on neglect. If you allow the soil to dry
out in between watering it will make the colours
more vibrant and the plant stronger. They look great
grown with other succulents or cacti that thrive in
similar growing conditions. They can also be grown
outdoors in summer, in a pot with summer bedding
plants or in a sunny, well-drained border. Mine are
all stored in a heated greenhouse and brought out
into the garden throughout the summer months.
The main growing season for aeoniums is spring
and autumn, when the temperature and light levels
are perfect for their growth. The plant often goes
dormant in hot periods of the summer and you may
notice the rosettes becoming tighter, and the outer
Magellicana
Aeoniums
leaves drying and dropping off. This is perfectly
normal. They need less water at this time as they can
live off the water and nutrients stored in the leaves
and stems.
Your garden gallery
To pick up the second theme this issue, let’s
consider using your own plot as an outdoor art
gallery, whether that be with expensive pieces of
sculpture or simply inexpensive touches that can
work just as well.
I certainly appreciate my garden décor throughout
the year but we can tend to underestimate its impact
in the winter months. These garden accessories or
ornamentation are more clearly seen in the winter
when they are not partially hidden from view with
the abundant foliage in spring and summer. They
can fill in the bare parts of the plot and add interest.
By adding sculpture and art to your landscape it
can enhance the visual appeal of your plot. You can
create nodes of interest in the garden.
Sam Z Wilson's jellyfish
Fused glass fish on stem
One of the fabulous pieces in my own garden is a
stunning, carved semilla pod, by Sussex based artist
Si Uwins. I actually have two pieces of his work,
the second being a beautiful conical carving, set
amongst the flower bed, rising rather dramatically
and creating an eye-catching view.
The third, more expensive piece I have is a gorgeous
stainless steel fish sculpture entitled Busy Life (the
fish is juggling while riding a unicycle). This is an
innovative piece by a Welsh artist, Daren Greenhow
and is made from a mixture of parts in stainless steel
joined with stainless steel welds.
In addition to these more expensive pieces you
can acquire so many different pieces of art and
sculpture that are much more affordable. A few
ideas you might like to replicate from my own
collection are pictured.
This gorgeous orange fused glass fish is one of
four pieces I have in the garden and they are so
easy to locate in the planting, wherever you want
your eye to be drawn. These are by another Sussex
based artist, Karen Ongley-Snook. Other simple
A rusty pair of mice, along with a block of rusty
cheese look eye catching, sitting atop the old
railway sleepers amongst the ivy.
I have come to love rusty metal pieces, as I feel
they look so at home in a coastal garden. I have
three grand metal arches along the central path
at the back all by another Sussex based artist,
Alex Moore. On a much less grand scale, hanging
rusty metal spheres, brimming with succulents
looks great too. You could also create your own
personal piece of artwork, for example, I have a
green folly door you can just catch a glimpse of
hidden away behind an ivy arch. It creates a hint
that there is something beyond.
I have always tried to use my garden as an outdoor
room and display a variety of work along with the
plants to enhance the area. This summer, I will
have nine local Sussex artists displaying their work
for sale in the garden too. The danger is it all looks
so at home that I have to make sure it is all clearly
priced so visitors know they are for sale. Many of
the pieces I own began life being offered for sale
and I ended up buying them myself.
There will be two new artists on show this year,
one of which is Sam Z Wilson, whose interest
at the moment is exploring new technologies to
begin a project and then introducing traditional
blacksmithing and general smithing techniques
to manipulate the forms. She loves the accuracy
and slickness of freshly laser cut pieces, and then
slightly alter their perfectness with a flash of fire
and some considered hammer blows. The pieces
then take on a more organic, flowing form and
she can then introduce some some Art Nouveau
inspired fluid lines. Come and visit to check out
her work.
You can pre-book a visit to Geoff’s multi-award
winning garden from 1st June, right through until
the 3rd August by emailing visitdriftwood@
gmail.com and view more of his garden and the
artists displaying their work this summer at
www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk
78 | sussexexclusive.com 79

HEALTH
HEALTH
So you’re thinking of
going Vegetarian
or Vegan
Our Pure Bio health expert talks about the nutritional advantages and
disadvantages of becoming vegetarian or vegan, and what you can do to make
sure you stay in optimal health.
The “up” side
One of the most significant shifts in the modern
Western diet is a massive increase in how much
protein and starch we consume, which causes a
constant tendency towards tissue acidity. In contrast,
a balanced vegetarian diet has a much greater intake
of fruit and vegetables, fibre, complex carbohydrates
and good-quality fats, all of which have obvious
health benefits.
Vegetarians and vegans have a much lower risk of
developing heart disease. A vegetarian diet has been
shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels
and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Vegetarians also generally have lower blood pressure
and lower incidence of hypertension. Whilst dietary
levels of sodium do not significantly differ, the
vegetarian diet contains more potassium, complex
carbohydrate, fibre, calcium, magnesium and
vitamin C; all of which contribute to better heart
function and circulation. Plant-based diets are also
linked to better regulation of blood sugar levels. The
vegetarian diet is associated with lower incidence of
breast disease.
A vegetarian diet has been shown to be protective
against gallstone formation. This is most likely due
to the increased fibre content of the vegetarian diet.
Additionally, animal proteins have been shown to
increase the formation of gallstones; whilst vegetable
proteins, like soy, are preventive against gallstone
formation.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are also associated with
lower risk of osteoporosis. Although bone mass in
vegetarians does not differ greatly from meat eaters
in the third to fifth decades, there are significant
differences in later decades; indicating that the
decreased incidence of osteoporosis in vegetarians
is not due to increased initial bone mass, but rather
decreased bone loss in later life.
A vegan diet, excluding all meat, fish, eggs and
dairy products has been shown to have significant
benefits for asthma sufferers. This is probably due
to the absence of polyunsaturated fats found only
in animal fats which would otherwise lead to the
production of pro-inflammatory compounds called
leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are potent stimulators of
airway constriction.
The “down” side
The human body requires eight essential amino acids
(the building blocks of protein), from which all
other amino acids can be derived in the presence of
various micronutrients. These eight amino acids are
present in all meat, fish, eggs, poultry, dairy products
and soya. Plant foods, however, are low or devoid of
one or more essential amino acids, so must be eaten
in groups in order to complete the group of eight.
Furthermore, the amino acids in vegetables are less
stable and degrade more easily in the storage and
preparation of food; so that the freshness of the food
and method of cooking become more critical.
If vegetarians are too relaxed about using alternative
food sources for their amino acid intake, failing to
use beans, pulses, peas and lentils, it can become
quite easy for their protein metabolism to become
depleted, leading to low energy levels.
Another common cause of energy deficiency in
vegetarians is iron deficiency. Iron is found not
only in meat, fish and eggs, but is also abundant
in green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals and beans.
However, vegetable-source iron is much more
difficult to absorb than meat-source iron; so that
haemoglobin levels in vegetarians will always tend
to be slightly lower.
Vitamin B12 levels can also become low in
vegetarians since the vegetarian sources e.g.
seaweed, spirulina, and tempeh are not common
food sources in the Western diet. This is further
complicated by the fact that vitamin B12 deficiency
is masked by folic acid; and folic acid levels are
generally high in the vegetarian diet. A B12
supplement is almost certainly necessary in the
vegan diet.
Vitamin A is found only in animal foods but can
be made from beta-carotene (abundant in many
vegetables) in the presence of zinc. It is therefore
important as a vegetarian that you have adequate
intake of zinc but, given that this is now the most
common mineral deficiency in the Western World,
a cyclical supplementation of vitamin A (or zinc!)
may be considered.
Vitamin B3 and B5 are other common deficiencies
in the vegetarian diet as they tend to be in much
higher concentrations in meat and fish sources.
It can be quite difficult for vegetarians to get an
adequate source of omega 3 oils into their diet if
they do not eat fish. Nuts and seeds provide an
excellent source of oils and are essential in the
vegetarian and vegan diet.
Dietary recommendations
Having weighed up the nutritional advantages and
disadvantages of becoming vegetarian or vegan,
consider the following recommendations:
• Ensure a correct combination of protein and
carbohydrate sources to complete the range of
amino acids
• Recommend a regular intake of foods naturally
high in iron and vitamin B12
• Ensure a high intake of zinc as a food source or in
supplement form
• Ensure a daily intake of mixed seeds and nuts for
vitamin B3 intake
• Ensure a daily intake of untreated cereal e.g.
buckwheat or granary bread for vitamin B5
intake
• Add a dietary supplement of omega 3 oil e.g. flax
seed oil or algae-based EPA
80 | sussexexclusive.com 81

HEALTH
TRAVEL
• Ensure the fruit and vegetables eaten are
fresh. Prepare vegetables by breaking rather
than cutting wherever possible (which better
preserves the micronutrients and enzymes),
and steam in preference to any other mode of
cooking.
• Vegan sources of minerals are often high in
compounds that prevent absorption. These
“phytates” can be denatured by steaming or
boiling.
• Aim to “eat the colours of the rainbow” on a
daily basis as this covers the full spectrum of
nutrients the body needs for optimum health.
Focus more heavily on those that grow above
the ground.
Nutritional supplement options
• A combination of essential Amino Acid formula
• Iron in an absorbable form on a cyclical basis
• B12 on a cyclical basis
• Vitamin B3 if required
• Vitamin B5 if required
• Zinc
• Omega 3 oil
• Vitamin A as required
• Additionally for vegans: choline, biotin, vitamin
D and vitamin K
Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO, DIBAK,
L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd. Copyright © Pure
Bio Ltd 2025. All rights reserved. Pure Bio Ltd are
a leading UK supplier of the highest quality PURE
nutritional supplements, based in Horsham, West
Sussex. Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise
Awards, Best Nationwide Hypoallergenic Nutritional
Supplements Distributor 2022 and 2023.
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FOR READERS OF
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Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland
Alice Chambers holidays alone for the first time in 40 years.
OMEGA 3 OIL – £12.60
Viridikid’s Organic Omega 3 oil is from
plant-based sources and suitable for
vegans. Omega 3 fatty acids are key
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involved in the transmission of
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& the production of red blood cells.
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01403 730342 info@purebio.co.uk
www.purebio.co.uk
At 70 years old and as a
widower, this is the first
time in my life that I am
going on holiday alone
for an entire week. I’m off
to Lanzarote.
I decided to do this two weeks ago,
fed up with the damp, cold, grey days
and my poor health. From Go girl to
You are so brave and I’m so proud of you,
I’m left wondering if I’m any of those
things. My biggest fear is eating on
my own – something I’ll have to get
over. I’ll surround myself with my iPad,
mobile, sketchbook and pens and look
awfully busy!
Day two
I’ve arrived and I’m going to the
market in Teguise. The bus never
materialises so I share a taxi with a
lovely couple. The market is massive.
People milling, chatting, browsing.
All the buildings are white with
beautiful, brightly coloured doors and
I catch glimpses of sun on a cloudy
day. There’s a huge area of food stalls
and a sign for hot English tea and
cake. How can I resist? The English
owner lives here and makes all the
cakes. She recommends her lemon
drizzle cake that a WI judge once said
was the best she had eaten!
82 | sussexexclusive.com 83

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
It’s weird being on my own! I miss the
banter of deciding where to go, the predinner
drinks and giggles whilst getting
ready, discussing what to eat, where to go.
The everyday chit chat. My holiday is mostly
in silence. Just the odd chat with someone
about where to get a pool towel. But I came
to get some sun, so mission accomplished!
Day three
volcano. He used red, orange, yellow,
turquoise and white. It reminds me
of the swinging sixties, with red and
yellow settees and orange swing seats
against the green palms.
I’m doing ok. Gradually chatting to more
people but also more at peace on my own.
No one to niggle me. Do what I want. Go
where I please.
I am heading back to Teguise, sharing
a taxi with Jimmy and Carol from the
hotel. We go our separate ways when we
arrive, and I head down to the sea which
is beautiful. Clear blue / green water,
gentle waves and big black, volcanic
rocks. I stand at the top looking down
for ages. The sun sparkling and glistening
on the waves.
The hotel have given me a voucher for
their Italian restaurant this evening. I
dress up a bit and head over. I am
seated by the door and the first thing
the waitress does is remove the other
place setting. The restaurant soon fills
up as I enjoy beef carpaccio with rocket
and Parmesan on a beautiful, coloured
plate, followed by the mushroom pizza
and Torta Della Nonna – a lemon and
almond cake, sprinkled with icing sugar
lying on a bed of raspberry sauce.
The meal is over quite quickly being on my
own. I’m not sure I would go to a restaurant
on my own again. I see so many couples.
All with one thing they have in common,
they’re together. Sharing the experiences that
I’ve been sharing inwardly with myself!
There is an empty space next to me but I’m
here and I did it.
Day five
I’ve booked a trip round the northern
part of Lanzarote where the famous
artist Cesar Manrique was based. He had
enormous influence over Lanzarote and
because of him, no high-rise buildings are
The views
along the way
are incredible
and we stop
to look at the
most perfect
island with a
volcano in the
middle. I could
have stayed
there all day
gazing at the
view.
allowed and nothing can be built within
a certain distance of the coastline. All the
buildings are painted white, all electrics
are underground and the roundabouts
are embellished with palm trees, camels
or fun spinning things that Manrique
designed.
The views along the way are incredible
and we stop to look at the most perfect
island with a volcano in the middle. I
could have stayed there all day gazing
at the view. The next stop is a cactus
garden designed by Manrique which is
spectacular and grown on different levels.
At the top, is a windmill and a bit lower,
a café overlooking the whole area.
The highlight of the trip is Manrique’s
house which was built in a
Day six
Today I visit Playa Blanco. It’s in the
south of the island and it’s stunning! The
weather is perfect. I love sitting at the
front of the café overlooking the boats
and the harbour! Sparkling water with
blue warm sunny sky. I meet up with
Jimmy and Carol and they ask me to
join them for lunch at a lovely restaurant
overlooking the boats, reached by a
gentle walk over a long bridge.
Although my moods and feelings change like
the wind, today, right here is perfect! Voices
and chatter around but nothing to distract
from this perfect moment.
What I learnt being away alone?
I survived.
Although all my meals were alone, I
chatted to people. That got easier.
I’ve learned not to be so self-conscious
when I go out. I have every right to be
out alone. Although it’s done me in, it
has done me good. I feel stronger. More
confident. More energetic. More positive.
I’ve learnt it’s ok to enjoy myself. To
experience nice things.
Would I do it again? Maybe. Now I
know I can do it. I might even make it a
yearly event.
Alice Chambers is author of the
children’s book, Bob the Bear’s
Adventures and lives in Sussex.
84 | sussexexclusive.com 85

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Discover Genoa
Kevin Pilley explores backstreets, tries pesto and remembers Marco Polo
Genoa in north west Italy
is the city of Columbus,
palaces and pesto. It also
claims to have invented
fustian and Henry James
described it as “the most winding and
incoherent of cities.” It is also the capital
of Liguria.
In fact, the city has many parts, each
with its own soul, as well as a history
that dates back long before the arrival
of the Romans. It is a city that clings
to the rocky coast and is known for its
colourful buildings, vibrant port and
magnificent palaces.
Lifts (including an historic art nouveau
lift), two funiculars and a cogwheel train
connect lower and upper areas – including
the Spianatadi Castelletto viewpoint with
its 360-degree views across the picturesque
old town and harbour. The city centre is a
maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined
with ancient buildings, galleries, artisan
shops and museums.
AIL SP Tellaro Lerici
Fishing villages and the path
of love
The Ligurian area around Genoa Riviera
comprises of 21 miles of coastline with
villages like Bogliasco, Portofino, Lerici
and the Cinque Terre with its recently
re-opened Via Dell’Amore (Path of Love)
– a paved walk between Riomaggiore and
Manarola, and one of four sections of the
Azzurro Blue Path.
Although connected by regular trains, the
Five Lands fishing villages of Monterosso
al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola,
and Riomaggiore are best visited by
boat. Meanwhile, Nervi, a fishing village
7 km east of the centre, is famous for
its Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi clifftop
walkway, considered one of Italy’s “most
beautiful promenades”. A coastal service
from Levanto takes you down to La
Spezia, Portovenere, the Gulf of Poets
where Shelley drowned and the UNESCO
islands of Palmeria, Tino and Tinetto.
The great landmarks of Genoa
The city’s grandest landmark is perhaps
the Palazzi dei Rolli (The Palaces of the
Scrolls). This is an open-air museum
made up of a collection of buildings
mainly along the Strade Nuove built
between the 16th and 17th centuries.
They were once home to powerful
aristocratic families. Later, the palaces
were used by those on the Grand Tour
(a tradition from the 17th to the 19th
century of going on a great European tour
with Italy as a key destination).
The main street, Via XX Settembre, is
named after the day in 1870 when Rome
was re-captured from papal authorities.
Other landmarks include Albertis Castle,
the 16th century Lanterna Lighthouse,
San Lorenzo Cathedral, the monumental
fountain of Piazza de Ferrari and the
pastel-coloured houses of the ancient
seaside district.
The St George Cross flutters over the
Doge’s Palace. The city adopted the St
George’s Cross as its flag and St George as
its patron saint during the Crusades. The
palace is now a museum and a centre for
cultural events and arts exhibitions. The
Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on the
hill of Carignano is visible from almost
every part of the city.
AIL GE © Via XX
Settembre
Genoa
AIL GE © Palazzo
Reale
Columbus and Marco Polo
Columbus’s House, where he reputedly
lived as a child, is an 18th century
reconstruction of the original which was
destroyed by the French naval bombing
of 1684.
In the Porto Antico, the Palazzo di San
Georgio was once the headquarters of
the Bank of Saint George, founded in
1407 and closing in 1805. Having been
captured in the Genoa/Venice war in
the Battle of Curzola, Marco Polo was
imprisoned in the palace between 1298
and 1299. Whilst imprisoned, he wrote
his famous memoirs, The Travels of
Marco Polo.
The palace is now the home of the Port
System Authority. A mosaic of Marco
Polo is displayed in the Palazzo Doria-
Tursie on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi which
has been the city hall since 1848.
The flavours of Genoa
Both inside and outside the Barbarossa
city walls and all along the city’s
atmospheric alleyways (Vias San Luca, del
Campo and Al Ponte Reale) you can’t get
away from the smell of pesto and bunch
after bunch of freshly-picked basil leaves.
86 | sussexexclusive.com 87

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
A typical menu in Genoa would be
Frisceü, small vegetable fritters, pansoti
with nut sauce and Ravioli with tuccu
sauce. Along with Genoese focaccia
stockfish. But it’s pesto that is everpresent.
It is very nearly illegal not to have
pesto in Genoa.
Says Giovanni Astolfini, the Executive
Chef of the new five-star Capitolo
Riviera Hotel in Nervi whose specialities
also include anchovy pie and eel, “To
make pesto you must use olive oil from
one olive variety, the highly valued
Taggiasca. And basil which has been
granted Protected Designation of Origin
(PDO) by the EU. The best basil grows
facing the sea.”
Roberto Panizza owns Il Genovese
Restaurant on the city’s Via Galata. His
family first opened a candied almonds
shop in 1947. He is also the man
behind the city’s biennial World Pesto
Championships, held in the Salona del
Maggior Consiglio Palazzo Ducale. The
first was staged in 2006. The next will be
in March 2026.
The 2024 title was won by engineer,
Mattia Bassi from Acquasanta near
Genoa. He used his grandmother’s pestle
and mortar and the seven prescribed
ingredients to lift the coveted olive wood
and gold trophy.
“Pesto is the true taste of Liguria,” he told
me when we met over a lot of pesto at Il
Genovese. “Grandmother Rosetta’s secret
was to first crush the garlic and pine nuts
together, then set them aside. It’s all in the
sequence.” Ligurian Pigato wine is a good
accompaniment. As is Sciacchetra Cinque
Terre, a fortified wine made with Bosco,
Albarola and Verminto grapes.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Genoa’s 1897 Belle
Epoque Grand Savoie Hotel. Checking in
you are given an ice cream. An aperitivo
can be taken in a rooftop jacuzzi. You
88 | sussexexclusive.com
Roberto Panizza
Mattia Bassi
dine in the panoramic Saligas Restaurant
headed up by talented young chef,
Massimiliano Forno.
For more information:
Liguria Tourism www.lamialiguria.it
www.capitoloriviera.com
www.grandhotelsavoiagenova.it
www.ilgenovese.com
Easyjet.com flies to Pisa, Milan and Nice.
Genoa can be reached by bus and train
from each.
The
Sussex Exclusive Quiz
The Answers
So how did you do? Are you a Sussex expert with 10 out of 10?
Or is it back to Sussex school for you?
1. Bewl Water is set in 800 acres
of parkland.
2. Blackdown, the highest point
in both Sussex and the South
Downs National Park.
3. Sussex gained a PDO for its
wine in 2022.
4. Lordington Lavender, near
Chichester.
5. East.
6. The Dog and Bone Gallery
which is in a locked phone box
in Powis Square, Brighton.
7. You can see the exhibition
'Andy Warhol: My True
Story’ at Newlands Gallery in
Petworth, from 7th June to
14th September 2025.
8. These are all PYO (Pick Your
Own) farms.
9. Lewes.
10. Preston Manor, near Brighton.
89

The
Last Word
A fitting tribute to a much-loved Brighton man
as Preston Manor re-opens
93
years after the death of Sir Charles
and Lady Thomas-Stanford, former
owners of Preston Manor, the
following obituary provides an
interesting insight into the sort of
man Sir Charles was. He died on the 7 March 1932
aged 73. Lady Ellen died eight months later.
Sir Charles Thomas-Stanford
In April 2025, Preston Manor on the outskirts of
Brighton re-opened after a five-year closure. So
it was with a certain sense of serendipity, that the
April 1932 edition of the Sussex County Magazine
fell open at the following (abbreviated) obituary
as Sussex Exclusive was about to hit publish of our
latest magazine.
Sir Charles Thomas-Stanford
“Death has removed from familiar scenes Sir Charles
Thomas-Stanford, Bart., one of the best-known
figures in the life of the county. Sir Charles, who
was of Welsh extraction, played a prominent part in
many Sussex affairs especially during the time he was
Mayor of Brighton, and later, when he was one of
the representatives of the borough in Parliament. His
private pursuits were of an intellectual order: he was an
antiquarian, a bibliophile and an author … he was
for several years Chairman of the Council of the Sussex
Archaeological Society and, and later President of that
body. He was a collector of rare Sussex books, of which
he had an intimate knowledge…
The county at large is indebted to him for the purchase
and gift of Lewes Castle to the Sussex Archaeological
Trust; and during his lifetime he made it known that
the Corporation of Brighton, will, in due time, succeed
to his fine house and grounds at Preston.
From the Manor gardens
Among the wealth of flowers sent by personal friends
and by representative bodies, it was a touching fact
that when the casket containing the earthly remains
of this eminent man was carried into the church of
St Peter’s, Brighton the only blooms that rested upon
it were simple spring flowers – crocus, primroses and
a few daffodils – gathered by loving hands from the
Manor gardens.
A picture recalled
The flowers from the Manor gardens recalled the picture
which his friends will always cherish of Sir Charles
as host in his stately home where he supported Lady
Thomas-Stanford with such charm and courtesy in her
hospitalities. His kindness and attention to his guests
were always the same, and to those who expressed
an interest he would
point out the historical
associations of the manor
house and the ancient
church. His gifts as a
conversationalist will be
happily remembered by
all who knew him.
He and Lady Thomas-
Stanford will always be
associated in an intimate
and exceptional way with
Sussex to which county
Lady Thomas-Stanford
has always belonged.”
90 | sussexexclusive.com 91

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