Sussex Summer Guide 2026 | Things To Do In Sussex, Walks, Food, Wine Trails & Hidden Gems

Summer,

Sussex Style

A season of hidden

places, vineyard trails &

unforgettable experiences

The Sussex Coastal

Wine Trail

Ancient villages, coastal

views & exceptional

vineyards

Issue 16 2026

The Sussex

Beachcomber

The quiet joy of finding

nothing

The Anti-Spa:

Forget spa days.

Discover Sussex

differently

Worthing:

The Insider’s

Guide

Unexpected culture,

local favourites & seaside

indulgence

Beyond Hastings

Discovering the Normandy

that shaped Sussex

93 pages of

stories, 98 pages places of &

beautiful beautiful Sussex Sussex

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A word

from the editor

Contributors

Geoff Stonebanks

Geoff writes monthly for several

websites and gardening media, is

a full member of the Gardening

Media Guild and has a weekly

gardening column in the Brighton

Argus. He is regularly heard on

the radio and his own garden,

Driftwood, has appeared on

BBC's Gardeners' World and won

multiple awards.

www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk.

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

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

Stephen Toward

Stephen Toward has worked

in Michelin-starred kitchens

throughout Europe before

taking on Head Chef roles at the

renowned Burgh Island Hotel and

Langshott Manor. His vision to

create a refined dining experience

outside of the traditional restaurant

setting led to the founding of

Stoves Dining in 2010.

www.stovesdining.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

Dee Blick

Dee Blick is a Fellow of The

Chartered Institute of Marketing

and an international bestselling

author of several marketing

books. Dee’s sixth book You’re

the Best! How to Build an

Authentic and Magnetic Personal

Brand was published in 2025.

You can message Dee at

Dee@themarketinggym.org or say

hello on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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

Front Cover

Littlehampton

Beach, near

Worthing

As I write this, summer in Sussex feels less like a

season and more like an invitation. An invitation

to slow down a little, linger longer and rediscover

familiar places differently.

In this edition, as always, our In the Diary pages

are packed with inspiration, from art and sculpture exhibitions

to wine events, festivals, summer runs, flowers and agricultural

shows. But beyond the dates and diary entries, this issue is really

about immersion. We've gathered together some of the best

Sussex summer experiences, from vineyard picnics and oyster

shucking to open-air theatre and adventures beneath wide summer

skies. We wander through Lewes and Worthing with insider

guides, uncovering local favourites, hidden corners and unusual

discoveries along the way.

Elsewhere, we explore modern art in ancient places, follow

a beautiful Bloomsbury trail through East Sussex, and delve

into summer traditions from sheep shearing to midsummer

celebrations. We spotlight Sussex wine and travel a coastal trail

through villages, marshland and historic towns. For those craving

a gentler pace, we embrace an anti-spa approach to wellbeing

with woodland immersion, slow food, creativity and unstructured

walks. There is even, in our new Sussex Soundbites section, an

invitation to do absolutely nothing.

Whether you're beachcombing and discovering the art of

finding nothing, following in William the Conqueror's footsteps

through Normandy, redesigning your home, growing your

garden or simply searching for a perfect Sussex morning, I hope

these pages encourage you to pause, explore and savour summer

a little differently.

Enjoy,

Lucy

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for daily

updates of things to do, places to eat and unique Sussex insights.

4 | sussexexclusive.com 5

Contents

12

8 In the Diary

Your essential guide to a Sussex summer

filled with festivals, flowers, art, wine and

unforgettable days out

12 Insider’s Guide: Worthing

Unexpected culture, seaside discoveries and

local favourites reveal a different side to

Worthing

42

39

39 The Flavour Hunter

Savour vineyard fizz, orchard-fresh

apple juice & seafront oysters, along

with a horsebox café stop, as we follow

a trail of delicious morsels from across

Sussex

42 Summer in a Glass

From strawberry and black pepper gin

smashes to a gooseberry and honey

shrub, the Sussex Kitchen captures the

flavours, colours and hedgerow bounty

of summer

22

15

15 The Sussex Beachcomber

Lucy Pitts explores the quiet art of finding

nothing and discovers that may be the point

18 Insider’s Guide: Lewes

Beyond the obvious, discover ruins,

creativity, hidden corners and where locals

really spend their time

22 Best Sussex Summer

Experiences

From oyster shucking and vineyard

picnics to open-air theatre and summer

skies, experience Sussex differently

24 Modern Art, Ancient City

Where centuries of history meet creativity,

discover Chichester through modern art,

architecture and fresh eyes

28 Walking with Bloomsbury

Cross some of East Sussex’s most beautiful

landscapes and follow an extraordinary trail

through the homes, stories and creative

worlds of the Bloomsbury Set

66

48

56

48 Sun Blush Apricot

Frangipane Tart

Chef Steve Toward shares his summer

food favourites before introducing one

of his seasonal go-to indulgences

50 The Sussex Wine Trail

Journey through vineyards, historic

villages and extraordinary landscapes on

a coastal route worth savouring

56 Summer Wellbeing, the

Sussex Way

Forget the spa. Think slow food,

woodland moments and rediscovering

the joy of simply slowing down

66 Homes & Gardens

Fresh ideas for indoors and out, from

colour inspiration and flourishing

gardens to a little Feng Shui

83 Exploring Normandy &

The 1066 Trail

34

34 Sussex Summer Traditions

From midsummer rituals to sheep shearing

and blessings of the sea, step into Sussex's

seasonal stories

83

From windswept coastlines and

medieval abbeys & castles, embark on

an unforgettable Normandy journey

through history, food and the places

that shaped the 1066 story


G&T on the Tye

In the

Diary

Fill the summer months with some of these fabulous hand-picked events

that are taking place across Sussex this summer

Expressions in Blue: Monumental

Porcelain by Felicity Ayliffe

23 May – 27 September | Petworth House & Park

Petworth House & Park hosts a striking exhibition

of monumental porcelain sculptures by acclaimed

ceramicist Felicity Ayliffe. Set against the Capability

Brown landscape and throughout the historic house,

the dramatic blue-and-white works include towering

obelisks, vast cobalt-glazed vessels and immersive

installations filled with movement, scale and artistry.

British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

30 May – 1 November | Pallant House Gallery,

Chichester

This landmark exhibition at Pallant House Gallery

explores how artists from the 18th to the 20th

century responded to the landscapes of the British

Isles. Bringing together works from more than 60

artists, the exhibition reveals landscape not simply

as scenery, but as a powerful expression of memory,

identity and emotion.

Chichester in Bloom

Festival of Flowers & Chichester in Bloom

3–6 June | Chichester

Chichester bursts into colour during the Festival of

Flowers and Chichester in Bloom, with spectacular

floral displays appearing across the city and inside

Chichester Cathedral. More than 15 installations

created in collaboration with local florists will

celebrate flowers, hedgerows and the beauty of the

Sussex landscape, transforming the city centre into a

vibrant summer showcase.

South of England Show

5–7 June | South of England Showground, Ardingly

Celebrating its 58th year, the South of England

Show remains one of the South East’s best-loved

agricultural events. Expect three packed days of

equestrian sport, livestock competitions, rural

pursuits, artisan crafts, food halls and countryside

entertainment, all showcasing the very best of

rural life.

Winchelsea Medieval Cellar Tours

7 June & 5 July | Winchelsea

Step beneath the streets of Winchelsea on this

fascinating guided tour of the town’s medieval

vaulted wine cellars. Lasting around 90 minutes,

the experience offers a rare glimpse into

Winchelsea’s historic past, with expert guides

bringing the stories of the ancient town to life.

South of England Show


Mountfield Winery Picnics

3–4 July & 24–25 July | Near

Robertsbridge

WineLands Sussex

8–13 June | Lewes & surrounding Sussex vineyards

WineLands is a week-long celebration of Sussex

wine, bringing together local producers, wine lovers

and industry experts for a vibrant programme of

tastings and events across Lewes and the surrounding

area. Highlights include a grand tasting of Sussex

still and sparkling wines, food pairings, vineyard

events, film screenings and special experiences

hosted by acclaimed producers including Rathfinny,

Ridgeview, Tinwood and Oxney.

Paint Club: Puffins at Tottington Manor

16 June | Tottington Manor, near Henfield

Get creative with an evening of relaxed painting at

Tottington Manor, where guests can enjoy step-bystep

guidance from a skilled artist while sipping their

favourite drink and enjoying a few delicious nibbles.

A wonderfully sociable and laid-back summer

evening in the Sussex countryside.

Fish & Chip Evening Specials – Kent &

East Sussex Railway

17 June, 1 July, 15 July & 29 July | Tenterden

Climb aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway for

a nostalgic summer evening through the beautiful

Rother Valley behind a traditional steam locomotive.

These popular Fish & Chip Evening Specials

combine a relaxing countryside journey with a

freshly served meal on board, including vegetarian

and gluten-free options, with drinks available to

purchase during the trip.

Robertsbridge

Robertsbridge Midsummer 10K & 5K

19 June | Robertsbridge

A much-loved fixture in the local summer calendar,

the Robertsbridge Midsummer 10K & 5K combines

community spirit with a friendly race atmosphere.

Suitable for all abilities, the event is known for its

fantastic volunteer support, lively barbecue and wellearned

post-race refreshments at the bar afterwards.

Horsham Friday Lates & Museum Lates

Fridays throughout June, July & August | Horsham

Summer evenings come alive in Horsham with

Friday Lates at the Carfax Bandstand, bringing

themed nights, live entertainment and a lively towncentre

atmosphere every Friday evening throughout

the season. Meanwhile, Horsham Museum & Art

Gallery hosts its popular Museum Lates on selected

dates, offering after-hours access to exhibitions

alongside live music and refreshments in the

beautiful museum garden.

Bexhill

Senlac St Leonards Classic Car Show

& Craft Fair

21 June | Rye

Held on Father’s Day, the Senlac St Leonards Classic

Car Show & Craft Fair brings more than 200

classic vehicles to Rye for a lively day of motoring

nostalgia and family entertainment. Organised by

the Rotary Club of Senlac St Leonards, the event

also features craft and charity stalls, children’s rides

and entertainment, with proceedings opened by the

Mayor of Rye and the Town Crier.

Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds

27 June – 4 July | Bexhill-on-Sea

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the

iconic De La Warr Pavilion for Bexhill’s Big Summer

Sounds, a vibrant festival of orchestral performances

by the sea. Expect unforgettable evenings of live

music, picnic boxes, sparkling summer atmosphere

and crowd-pleasing favourites including ABBA, soul

and disco reimagined with full orchestral flair.

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

3–5 July | Glynde Place, East Sussex

Love Supreme returns to Glynde Place for another

unforgettable weekend of world-class music, with

headline performances from Ezra Collective, Loyle

Carner and Dilla Soul. Alongside major names including

The Temptations & The Four Tops, Sister Sledge,

Gabrielle and Lemar, the festival also features wellness and

yoga sessions, late-night programming, family activities,

artist talks and a vibrant jazz lounge atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxed summer picnic

in the beautiful grounds of the

Mountfield Winery Estate,

complete with local cheeses,

cured meats and a bottle of

Mountfield sparkling wine.

Guests can also explore the

vineyard and winery on a selfguided

walk, making this a wonderfully laid-back

Sussex summer experience.

Kitchen Garden Week at Pashley Manor

Gardens

14–18 July | Near Ticehurst

Celebrate the beauty and productivity of the kitchen

garden during this special themed week at Pashley

Manor Gardens. Visitors can meet the gardeners,

pick up tips and advice, and discover how fresh

produce from the gardens is used in the café,

alongside local honey and homemade chutneys.

South Downs Summer Music Festival

14–19 July | Alfriston

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the South

Downs Summer Music Festival returns to Alfriston

with a vibrant programme of performances from

acclaimed international artists. Expect exceptional

music, a warm community atmosphere and a relaxed

festival feel, with celebrations beginning with a

special opening concert on the Tuesday evening.


11

INSPIRATION & DESTINATION


High Salvington Windmill

Beach House

Worthing beach with the Dome Cinema behind

An Insider’s Guide

to Worthing

From outdoor concerts to artists’ studios and the best G&Ts

Worthing is one of those places

that doesn’t reveal itself all

at once. At first glance, it’s

a classic seaside town, with

wide skies, a long promenade

and a handsome pier. But spend a little longer here

and you’ll find depth. Layers of history. A quietly

evolving creative and food scene. And, perhaps most

appealingly, a sense that Worthing is becoming

something interesting on its own terms.

For something a little different

An unusual cultural trail

Start on the fringes of the town where it meets the

South Downs. High Salvington Windmill dates

back to 1750, and they hold open days with tours,

tea and a chance to see the mill in action. And look

out for their open-air concert in June featuring the

48-piece Lancing and Sompting Concert orchestra.

Check their website and Facebook page for details.

The Sistine Chapel in Worthing

Then, for something entirely unexpected, step

inside the English Martyrs Church in Compton

Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, home to a remarkable

and precise reproduction of Michelangelo’s

Sistine Chapel ceiling. It’s one of Worthing’s

most surprising wow moments.

Finally, make your way to the parade of multicoloured

Victorian cottages alongside Perch on

the Parade at the east end of the town’s seafront.

From here, pause at Beach House, a Regency

villa built in 1820, once home to notable figures

including Sir Robert Loder (of High Beeches)

and later, Sir Edmund Loder of Leonardslee

Gardens. Even King Edward VII stayed here.

Behind it, Beach House Park holds quieter

stories, from the poignant Day Sussex Died

memorial, to the Warrior Birds tribute and the

symbolic Tree of Life.

A Slake Spirits Tour & Tasting

Head to Upper High Street and Slake Spirits at

The Chalkhouse, an independent artisan distillery.

Named in part after the local knucker legend (a

knucker is a water dragon), it offers tours, tastings

and cocktail masterclasses. It’s intimate, characterful

and steeped in the flavours and stories of Sussex, and

of course, they do a great G&T!

Midsummer on Highdown Hill

For something atmospheric, head up to Highdown

Hill at Midsummer, where the Sompting Morris

dance at sunset (21 June). It’s one of those quietly

magical Sussex moments with landscape, tradition

and light all coming together.




The Sussex

Royal Arcade

For a bit of shopping

East Beach Studios

East Beach Studios is a collection of artists’ studios

right by the sea. It’s small, creative, and full of

character. Or simply soak up the atmosphere of the

Royal Arcade, less about what you buy, more about

the feel of the place.

Beachcomber

South Lodge Invitation to do nothing

Lucy Pitts explores the quiet art of finding nothing

With the family

Head slightly west to Bluebird Cafe for a relaxed

lunch by the sea. There’s space to run, sand to dig,

and food that works for everyone, even the dog.

And if you’re looking to elevate things further, the

nearest Michelin-starred experience is Chalk at

Wiston Estate: a destination in its own right, set

among vineyards and rolling countryside.

Or, if you’re local (or want to feel like one), join

a community dog walk on the last Saturday of

the month at Highdown Hill with free coffee and

pastries thrown in.

Where to eat, drink and indulge

For seafood, CrabShack is the standout: fresh,

vibrant and perfectly positioned by the sea.

For coffee, Malt Café in Montague Street offers a

more refined, quietly excellent stop, the kind of

place you return to.

Evening: when Worthing comes alive

As the sun sets, Worthing starts to light up. Factory

Live describes itself as the home of live music in

Worthing, hosting live music, comedy, cabaret and a

whole lot more. It’s unpretentious and dynamic.

Why Worthing, why now

Worthing is not trying to be anything else and that’s

its strength. It’s a town of small discoveries, creativity

and of quiet seaside cool.

For more information: Visit Worthing

I didn’t set out to be a beachcomber

It was a fresh, clear March morning in Bexhill, and

I had set out to find the famous dinosaur footprints

in the clay rocks off the shore. Ill-prepared and

disappointed, as I climbed across the slippery

shore, I realised the tide was on the turn and was

already licking at the rocks which were my distant

destination, hiding any trace of iguanodon or

tyrannosaurs. So, as it was still early, and the beach

was virtually empty, I set my mind to seeing if I

could find any other treasure on the shore.

Sussex shores

Sussex marine life is remarkably diverse, with

recovering kelp forests, cuttlefish, sea urchins,

starfish, sea anemones, jellyfish, echinoids, and

bountiful fish life. On the beaches and shores,

which are mainly (but not exclusively) a mixture

of pebble, shingle, sand and rocks, you can expect

to find fossils, crabs, Mermaid’s Purses (shark or

ray egg cases), cuttlefish egg, driftwood, shells, sea

glass and all sorts of other curiosities washed up on

the tide.



The treasure hunter

So, with only the gentle sound of the sea, creeping

ever nearer and with trousers rolled up, I dipped

and dived through rock pools, peering into

crevices, lifting slippery stones and gently digging

empty shells out of their shallow but sandy beds.

Cool, salty water seeped into my shoes and crept

up my ankles, sand lingered on my fingers and

the fresh sea air nipped quietly at my cheeks and

ruffled my hair. A crab scuttled out of view. Mud

skippers vanished into sand. Barnacles scraped

the skin of my exposed ankles and the limpets

tightened their grip on the rocks as I scrambled

quietly towards the strandline.

The strandline is where the land meets the sea.

So, with only a handful of not very interesting

shells in my pockets to show, surely, I’d find my

beachcomber’s treasure here.

And I did, but it was not what I expected.

didn’t find much in fact: just a few interesting shells,

some seaweed, a bit of driftwood and some unusual

rocks. But I left, so much the richer and better for

my time spent beachcombing. I felt calmer, a sense

of satisfaction and a deeper connection both with

time and with nature. In short, I felt a great sense

of wellbeing for having found nothing. It was the

perfect start to my day.

The art of beachcombing

The best time to beachcomb is at low tide and

or after a storm. Spring tides are also good for

beachcombing as the tides are lower and expose

greater areas of the seafloor. Early mornings,

especially during winter months, are excellent for

capturing that magic combination of tranquillity,

reflection and interesting finds. And whilst it’s

wonderful if it’s a clear sunny day, it doesn’t have to

be, and wild, windy days bring equal measures of

mindfulness and moment.


The beachcomber’s perfect find

Following the line of the tide, and walking

towards the rising sun, I realised something I’d

been missing. The point of beachcombing is not

the find, it’s the search. Beachcombing is the

ultimate mindful and sensory experience. It’s

about the salty smell of the sea, the wind on your

skin and the sand between your toes. It’s about

the gentle lapping of the waves and the cry of a

seagull. It’s about the salt on your lips and the

smooth, cool curves of a pebble in the palm of

your hands.

You don’t need to find dinosaur footprints to

connect with the fact that they walked here

too, ahead of you, clearing the way. I didn’t

need to find driftwood in order to reflect on the

ships that have run aground near here, like The

Amsterdam, at Bulverhythe. Beachcombing is

the process of not knowing what you’re looking

for but looking anyway. It’s cathartic, calming

and cleansing. The ultimate in slowing down and

living in the moment. The ultimate in Sussex

seaside experience.

But don’t forget to choose your clothing wisely. It

can be surprisingly cold and bracing down on the

beach and think carefully about your footwear.

Beachcombing rules and etiquette

There are different laws in place to protect UK

beaches, and it is important to familiarise yourself

with what you can and cannot do:

It is unlawful to take any natural materials like

sand and pebbles from the beach, even in small

quantities.

You should never take any living creatures from

the beach, even if it’s just a small shellfish.

Make sure you do not disturb any wildlife. This

could be birds nesting, seals resting, or marine

life inhabiting driftwood or rock pools.

If you discover a fossil that is potentially

significant, you are encouraged to report it to

the relevant authority.

Leave only your footsteps behind and be kind

and respectful of other beach users.

I had arrived on the beach at Bexhill, frazzled

from my journey and a little frantic to find the

elusive dinosaur footprints. I didn’t find them. I

The best rule of thumb is, if your find is natural,

admire it, but leave it where it is. The real joy is in

the searching, not the keeping.



Insider’s Guide

to Lewes


Trompe l'oeil

Lewes Market

The Depot

Get under the hood of this gorgeous

Sussex town with local art, real

Sussex flavours and a few fleas

There are many reasons to visit Lewes.

At first blush it might seem like a town

proudly wearing the colours and scars of

its Medieval past, with cobbled streets,

ancient ruins and a Norman castle. And

it is. But it’s so much more than that, and you’ll

find radicals, martyrs, fallen soldiers, quiet heroes

and great artists in almost every twitten and turn

(a twitten being a narrow passage or path). Not

forgetting the abundance of local food and drink.

Only 1.5 hours from London by train, Lewes is

delightfully caught on the banks of the River Ouse in

a gap in the long ridge of the South Downs. Arrive

on a lazy Friday afternoon and fall out of the train

station and straight into the Depot.

Friday night at the Depot

In what was once an old warehouse, the Depot

is a cinema with a restaurant and bar. Run as a

charity and with a great outdoor terrace, they host

an interesting programme of films, workshops and

Lewes Priory Ruins

events. And Friday night is cocktail night in their

glamorous Robert’s Bar. As you sip on your favourite

sundowner, don’t forget to check out what’s on over

the weekend.

For something a bit different

Save your soul

For a gentle and evocative start to the day, head to the

ruins of Lewes Priory, a short walk from the station.

Founded by De Warenne (who fought alongside

William the Conqueror) and his wife in 1078, this

was once one of the largest monastic churches in

England and the sculpture of a Medieval helmet

commemorates the Battle of Lewes in 1264 which

was also fought here. If you want a little light exercise,

cross Convent Field and you can get out onto The

Brooks – a flat wetland area and Site of Special

Scientific Interest with footpaths to nearby villages

and the River Ouse.

Get crafty

If you’d rather stay within town, leave the priory and

detour briefly for a visit to Anne of Cleves House

in Southover High Street. It dates back to the 15 th

century and was part of Anne’s divorce settlement.

Then walk up to Southover Grange Gardens and

The Sussex Guild in the North Wing of the Grange.

This is a great place for high quality local crafts and

art and afterwards, you can grab a bite to eat at The

Hatch, a hole in the wall café known for its lunches

and great ice cream.

Take your lunch into the gardens and eat it next to

a 17th century mulberry tree or by the sculpture

by Jon Edgar. Then it’s a hop, skip and a jump

to Charleston in Lewes, a creative space which

celebrates the Bloomsbury Group. It has all sorts of

workshops and exhibitions going on throughout the

year, so plan ahead to book an experience.

Finally, turn tail and stroll up Friar’s Walk. Stop at

Symposium Wine Merchant and Wine Bar. Stock

up on local wine, or enjoy a quick glass and some

cheese and charcuterie. Then walk on looking out

for the trompe-l’oeil painted in an old doorway and

representing a gateway to a Franciscan Friary and the

old Turkish Baths (now the Unity Centre).

Before it’s time to turn in for the night, head up to

White Hill to the Elephant and Castle for a truly

memorable and Sussex experience of traditional and

contemporary folk music. Entry is usually £5 but

check first.

For a bit of shopping

There are lots of independent shops in Lewes but

nothing quite beats a rummage in a flea market

or a great Bric a Brac find. Pastorale Antiques (at

the far end of the High Street in Malling Street)

was once a coaching inn and is now home to nine

local antique dealers with interesting finds from the

16th century. They also have their own courtyard

café, Cafe Du Jardin with a cosy wine cellar. Or try

Needlemakers and Star Brewery Gallery for more

local talent, art and crafts and the giant flea market

in Market Street. You can lose yourself in there for

hours.

With the family

If you have family in tow, you really cannot miss

a visit to Lewes Castle. Built immediately after

the Norman conquest by William de Warenne,

you can climb the two mottes (or hilltop keeps),

for incredible views of the town and then visit

the small museum which has got some interesting

prehistoric finds. Or, if the family are really not

fans of history, then it's Pells Pool all the way. Pells

Pool is an outdoor swimming bath or lido built in

1860 and is the oldest freshwater outdoor public

swimming baths in the UK.

Where to eat, drink and indulge

For great local beer, live music and street food head

to Beak Brewery, a local taproom just a 10 minute

walk from Cliffe High Street and where they have

15 keg lines devoted to brewery-fresh beer.

Alternatively, for something that gets a mention

in the Michelin Guide, Dill in South Street offer

small plate dining with style.

For more information about Lewes: Visit Lewes



shop and a school. Sadly, the area was developed into residential

housing, but if you are in the area, look out for street names like

Sanctuary Lane and Vera’s Walk near Warren Hill.

Celebrate the little things

The tiny village of Litlington in East Sussex is easy to miss,

and it is only home to approximately 191 people. But

notwithstanding its size, it has a brewery, tea gardens, a

gemstone store and a pub.

It’s also home to a medieval church and is perhaps most notable

for the giant white horse carved into the nearby face of the

Downs. The horse was first carved in 1838 or 1860, but no

one seems to agree as to why. Some say that it was made to

commemorate Queen Victoria’s coronation, while others think

that it was carved by two boys who thought the hill looked

like a horse’s head. It was recut in 1924 by four men in a single

night during a full moon, and it stands at 93 feet long and 65

feet high.


Sussex Soundbites

Best way to spend a Sunday morning

Come the summer, surely one of the best ways to spend a

Sunday morning is down on the beach. Check the tide times

and head to the shore early when the tide is out, and in places

like Ferring and Goring in West Sussex, you’ll find miles of

sandy beach. With the wind in your hair and the feel of salt on

your skin and sea air in your lungs, head back to the Bluebird

Café for an al fresco coffee and breakfast before you head home.

Do days start any better than that?

Sussex sanctuary

The simple Sussex things that can bring the greatest pleasure

If you search online for a Sussex sanctuary, a couple of things

come up: a rather lovely-looking Shepherd’s Hut near Uckfield

and the University of Sussex Sanctuary (part of a national

network aimed at ensuring institutions are places of safety,

solidarity and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary).

But by far the most intriguing is the Storrington Sanctuary.

Now more widely known as Sleepy Hollow, the Sanctuary was

originally a utopian community. It was founded in 1923 by

Vera Pragnell, who bought land and then gave it to settlers.

At one point, there was quite a community, which included a

An invitation to do nothing

What better place to do nothing this summer than at the

gorgeous Saltdean Lido? In all its Art Deco glory, you can swim,

eat, head to the new library or just do absolutely nothing,

poolside, of course!

The view from my window

This year is all about Winnie the Pooh. After all, it’s 100 years

since he first explored Ashdown Forest and that feels like an

excellent reason to head that way for a walk. While you’re in

the area, perhaps make a visit to Ashdown Park Hotel and ask

to see their incredible church windows. There are eight stained

glass windows in total housed beneath a beautiful, vaulted

timber ceiling. Designed in 1925 by Harry Clarke of Dublin,

the windows are in the most magnificently vibrant colours

and include some 35 different shades of blue. Made in East

Grinstead, they also include powerful shades of red, which are

no longer possible to recreate due to the process used. There are

also a number of other windows, including some in Art Deco

style, which are worthy in their own right.

Let’s go to the pub

Curious to know the best pub in Sussex? Well, The George at

Burpham, near Arundel, was recently listed at number 35 in

The Good Food Guide’s first-ever 100 Best Pubs list, which

means it’s a good place to start looking.

Ashdown Park Hotel

The George



Best Sussex Summer

Experiences In 2026

Cultural Experiences

Opera at Glyndebourne

Few Sussex summer experiences feel more iconic

than an evening at Glyndebourne. Set within

rolling countryside near Lewes, the world-renowned

opera festival combines internationally acclaimed

productions with one of the most beautiful cultural

settings in the country.

festivals. World-class jazz, soul and funk artists

perform across multiple stages, but much of the joy

comes from the atmosphere itself: long afternoons

stretched out on the grass, spontaneous dancing,

incredible street food and sunset performances that

drift into warm summer evenings.

Gardens & Nature


There are summers where you simply

attend events, and then there are

summers where you fully immerse

yourself in a place. Sussex does the latter

exceptionally well. This is not simply a

county of festivals and diary dates; it has become a

county of experiences. Of vineyard sunsets and opera

picnics, woodland adventures and open-air theatre,

sea swims and sculpture trails, jazz beneath the stars

and garden afternoons that drift slowly into evening.

And here are some of the most immersive Sussex

experiences to discover this summer.

Food & Drink Experiences

Vineyard picnics and wine tastings across

the South Downs

Sussex has quietly become one of England’s great

wine destinations, and summer is when the vineyards

truly come alive. Across the South Downs, you can

book guided tastings, vineyard safaris, sunset picnics

and long-table suppers surrounded by vines.

What makes Sussex wine experiences feel so special

is the setting itself. You are rarely far from sweeping

countryside views, ancient villages or the coastline,

and many vineyards now combine wine with local

produce, music and wellness experiences. You can

also explore one of the county’s growing wine trails,

including the Rother Wine Triangle or the Wealden

Wine Trail, or simply create your own self-guided

vineyard adventure through the Sussex countryside.

Oyster shucking and Champagne

Along the coast, food experiences are becoming

increasingly hands-on too. Oyster shucking

workshops, seafood masterclasses and chef-led tasting

evenings allow you to connect with Sussex’s maritime

identity. Places such as Riddle & Finns transform

dining into an experience filled with storytelling,

atmosphere and exceptional local seafood.

This year’s programme includes Puccini’s Tosca,

Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, staged at Glyndebourne for the

first time, alongside Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos and

returning favourites.

But Glyndebourne is about far more than opera

itself. It is about dressing up, arriving early with a

picnic hamper, wandering through the gardens with

a glass of English sparkling wine and watching the

evening light slowly fall across the Downs before the

performance begins.

Open-air theatre and castle performances

Across Sussex, castles, gardens and stately homes

become stages during summer. This year, Arundel

Castle transforms its Earl’s Garden into an open-air

theatre for Shakespeare’s As You Like It, performed

against the backdrop of Arundel Cathedral.

Storytelling also takes centre stage, with awardwinning

storyteller Jason Buckle bringing the legends

of Robin Hood vividly to life at The Hop Sun in

Haywards Heath and Ropetackle Arts Centre in

Shoreham. Meanwhile, Brighton Open Air Theatre

hosts a bold adaptation of Jane Eyre, bringing a

darker and emotionally charged interpretation of the

classic to life beneath the open sky.

Music Experiences

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

Set against the South Downs, Love Supreme has

become one of the UK’s most atmospheric music

Sussex gardens are at their absolute peak during

summer, but increasingly the experiences go far

beyond formal displays. Across the county, gardens

and estates are combining nature with art, music and

wellbeing to create wonderfully immersive days out.

This year includes the spectacular Corpus Christi

Carpet of Flowers at Arundel Cathedral, where the

cathedral is transformed with intricate floral displays

and thousands of blooms. Meanwhile, Wakehurst

hosts Henry Moore and More, a major exhibition

placing monumental sculptures by Henry Moore

within the landscape alongside contemporary art

exploring the relationship between art and nature.

Outdoors & Active

With Sussex building towards the millennium

commemorations of the Norman era in 2027, this

summer is also the perfect time to explore 1066

Country properly. Rather than rushing between

landmarks, you can follow trails from Pevensey

Castle, where William the Conqueror landed,

across salt marshes and countryside towards Battle

and beyond.

And then there is the sea itself. From Brighton to

Eastbourne and the quieter stretches of coastline

in between, sea-based wellness and adventure

experiences continue to grow in popularity. Sunrise

paddleboarding, guided sea swims, kayaking beneath

the cliffs and coastal saunas all tap into that feeling

people increasingly crave from modern travel:

simplicity, connection to nature and a complete reset

from everyday life.




Modern Art in an

Ancient City

the lens of modern art and how it shapes

our county.

Stop one:

Pallant House Gallery:

The story of modern British art

The trail begins at Pallant House Gallery,

where the story of modern British

art unfolds within an 18th-century

townhouse.

Paul Nash © Pallant

House Gallery

Luther Gotz Pallant

House

November, one particular exhibition,

Landscape: A Sense of Place explores

how artists have interpreted the British

landscape, not simply as scenery, but as

something shaped by memory, identity

and imagination. Works by Barbara

Hepworth, Paul Nash, Eric Ravilious and

Thomas Gainsborough reveal a landscape

that is lived in as much as it is observed.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to see our

country through their eyes.

Piper Tapestry

Discover Chichester’s extraordinary relationship with some of the

great 20th-century artists in this one day cultural city tour

There is a moment, standing

inside Chichester Cathedral,

when your eye is drawn

forward, beyond the stone

and centuries, towards

something altogether unexpected.

A vast, luminous tapestry by John Piper

hangs behind the high altar. It feels

modern, bold and almost disruptive.

But more importantly, it represents a

symbolic central thread that weaves

together the complex but fascinating

modern art story of Sussex, Chichester

and Chichester Cathedral.

Chichester is a city shaped by history,

with Roman walls and Norman

foundations, but more often than not,

you’ll also find pockets of modern art

from across the county weave their way

back here. Luther Gotz, Nash, Ravilious,

the Bloomsbury Group – Chichester

seems to be the central hub.

A one-day modern art itinerary

This easy, one-day, three-stop art trail

offers a chance to see Chichester and its

ancient cathedral through a different lens,

The gallery’s origins lie in a remarkable

offer made by Walter Hussey (Dean of

Chichester Cathedral from 1955 until

1977), who gifted his impressive and

diverse private collection of modern

British art to the city on the condition

that it should be displayed.

When the resulting Pallant House Gallery

opened in 1982, it brought together

works by artists such as Ceri Richards,

John Piper and Graham Sutherland,

establishing a collection that would grow

into one of the most significant holdings

of modern British art in the country.

Today, the gallery traces the development

of British art from 1900 to the present day,

allowing visitors to move through shifting

styles, ideas and responses to the world.

This summer, from 30 May to 1

Stop two:

Chichester Cathedral:

Seen through a modern lens

Just a short walk from Pallant House,

Chichester Cathedral is perhaps a

surprising home for another thread in the

story of Sussex’s modern art.

When Walter Hussey offered his

collection to the city, he had already

transformed the cathedral itself. Arriving

in 1955, Hussey had found a cathedral

that felt subdued in the post-war years,

and so he slowly began to introduce

contemporary works, inviting leading

artists of the day to contribute to the life

of the building as well as to the process of

post-war healing.

Hussey was perhaps fortunate because




the foundations for his work had already

been laid by George Bell, Bishop of

Chichester from 1929 to 1958. Amongst

other things, Bell is known for his deep

commitment to the arts. It was Bell

who commissioned the Bloomsbury

artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and

her son Quentin Bell, to decorate the

interior of the small rural church of St

Michael & All Angels in Berwick in East

Sussex during WWII, and it was under

Bell’s guidance that the cathedral had

already begun to engage with modern art.

Works such as The Baptism of Christ

by Hans Feibusch, a refugee who

arrived in Britain in the 1930s, were

commissioned and installed by Bell, and

the striking similarity in style to work by

the Bloomsbury Group is unmistakable,

posed as it is behind the muted tones of

the baptismal font designed by sculptor

John Skelton in 1983.

Picking up the baton, Hussey accelerated

the relationship between history,

Christianity and modern art. Throughout

the cathedral, modern works are woven

into the fabric of the space. In the Chapel

of Mary Magdalene, Graham Sutherland’s

Noli Me Tangere captures a moment of

emotional tension, Mary reaching towards

Christ, only to be gently held back. It is

intimate, human and deeply expressive

with shifting light falling through the

stained-glass window above.

The Piper Tapestry

And then there is the tapestry. Designed

by John Piper and installed in 1966, it

hangs behind the high altar as a vast,

luminous focal point. At first glance,

it feels unmistakably modern, bold in

colour and form. But look more closely,

and its complexity is revealed: the Trinity

at its centre, the elements of earth, air,

fire and water, and the symbols of the

evangelists, all drawn together into a

single, complex vision.

Elsewhere in the cathedral, light itself

becomes part of the story too. A stainedglass

window by Marc Chagall fills one

corner of the cathedral with colour and

movement, its imagery drawn from

Psalm 150, a celebration of music, joy

and praise. A striking pulpit by Geoffrey

Clarke, cast in aluminium and cement,

brings a bold, sculptural presence, its

angular forms echoing the symbolism of

the Crucifixion.

You can explore the cathedral’s art

unguided, but a guided Art Tour brings a

depth of knowledge and understanding to

the different works and weaves them into

a much more comprehensive experience.

Hans Feibusch -

Chichester Cathedral –

Photo by Ash Mills

Graham Sutherland

Noli me Tangere,

(Touch me not)

Stop three:

Oxmarket Contemporary:

here the conversation continues

From the cathedral, the trail leads down

a narrow alley or twitten. Oxmarket

Contemporary is housed within a

former medieval church and there are

still traces of that earlier life in the stone

and structure.

Today, however, Oxmarket Contemporary

is a working exhibition space and creative

hub, a place for artists, craftspeople and

designers to show their work, experiment

with ideas, and connect with audiences.

It is, in many ways, the most immediate

expression of Chichester’s cultural life.

Where Pallant House Gallery traces the

story of modern British art, and Chichester

Cathedral reveals how that story was first

brought into a historic setting, Oxmarket

shows what happens next.

More than 48 exhibitions are hosted here

each year, spanning painting, ceramics,

glass, textiles and design, often side by

side. It is less about a single narrative, and

more about encounter: stepping in and

discovering what is there, in that moment.

As a volunteer-led charity, Oxmarket

remains committed to its community. In

2026, it celebrates its 50th anniversary,

with an ambition to raise £50,000 to

expand its support for artists and local

creative activity in the years ahead.

Window by

Marc Chagall

Oxmarket window

Entry to Oxmarket Contemporary

is free. They have an ever-changing

programme of exhibitions.

Entry to Chichester Cathedral is

free. The Glowing + Alive exhibition

uncovers the story behind the Piper

Tapestry’s creation, the people and

patrons who shaped the commission,

and the artwork’s lasting impact on the

Cathedral’s life. The exhibition runs

until 15 November 2026.

The Cathedral is hosting a new series

of Art and Textile Tours which focus

on how 20thcentury artworks converse

with and transform the ancient setting

of Chichester Cathedral. Booking is

required and costs £10. Check the

Chichester Cathedral website for tour

details, times and dates.

Entry to Pallant House Gallery costs

£17 per adult.

Both Chichester Cathedral and

Pallant House Gallery have café and

toilet facilities.


WALKS & HISTORY

Lewes

WALKS & HISTORY

Monk’s

House

Southease

Littledene

Firle

Charleston

Alciston

Berwick

Monk's House

In 1916 and in the middle of WWI, Vanessa

Bell moved to Charleston Farmhouse

in Sussex with her children, her partner

Duncan Grant and her partner’s lover David

Garnett. Meanwhile, Virginia Woolf and

her husband, Leonard, bought Monk’s House

in Rodmell near Lewes in 1919. As a result, the

Bloomsbury Set spent increasing amounts of time

in Sussex and their homes and hangouts form the

basis of this trail.

Practical information

The Sussex Exclusive

Bloomsbury

Group Trail ©

Enjoy stunning and diverse countryside as you follow in the footsteps

of the creative giants of the 20 th century

The route is approximately 24 km, which is best

split over two days. Day 1 is approximately 9 km

Berwick Church, pulpit

From Alfriston to Berwick

(plus 2 km to get to the start) from Berwick to Firle,

via Charleston. Day 2 is from Firle, via Rodmell, to

Lewes and is approximately 15 km but pretty flat.

There is one steep climb up the Downs after leaving

Firle and you need a reasonable level of fitness. If you

do not have time for a two day trail, try one of our

shorter Bloomsbury walks.

Bloomsbury Group Venues

1 Charleston in Firle (BN8 6LL) is open

Wednesday–Sunday (and Bank Holiday Monday)

10am–5pm.

1 Charleston in Lewes (Southover Road, BN7

1AB) is open Wednesday–Sunday (and Bank

Holiday Monday) 10am–5pm.

1 Monk’s House (Rodmell, BN7 3HF) opening

times vary. In the summer, it is usually open

Thursday, Friday and Saturday but it closes in

winter. Booking is recommended.

Berwick Church

1 Berwick Church (BN26 6SR) is open daily,

10am–5pm.

We recommend you check opening times and

admission prices before travel.

Day 1: Berwick to Firle

Catch the train to Berwick Station (trains from

London take 1 ½ hrs). From Berwick Station, take

the Vanguard Way footpath, west, and follow it all

the way to Berwick Church. It’s approximately 3 km.

Alternatively, start in Alfriston (catch the bus from

Seaford, Eastbourne or Lewes). From Market

Cross, head north west up West Street and follow

the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path signs. It’s just under

2 km to Berwick Church.

Berwick Church

Berwick Church dates back to the 12th century.

In 1941, during WWII, Bishop Bell of Chichester

commissioned Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and her


WALKS & HISTORY

WALKS & HISTORY

The Ram at Firle

views of Lewes Castle and the River Ouse as it winds

its way to the sea.

son Quentin Bell to decorate the interior of the church

in the hope that it would bring about a revival of the

commissioning of artists by churches. The Bishop’s

vision was “to reunite religion and ‘modern’ art and so

bring about a ‘spiritual awakening of our country’”.

The result at Berwick is quite remarkable and creates

a sense of hushed reverence, reflection and hope. As

your first stop, the church opens at 10 am and you

should allow at least 30 mins to an hour.

From Berwick, continue on the Pilgrim Path to

Alciston, and onwards. Shortly before you reach

Selmeston, you’ll come to a quiet lane. The Pilgrim

Path goes straight on but you go left and if you

follow this footpath, it will take you all the way to

Charleston. The total distance is approximately 4.3

km and should take about an hour.

Charleston Farmhouse

The home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant along

with frequent visitors and guests, Charleston is

a melting pot of their many creative ideas and

expressions. The various rooms, set as they would

have been in the later years, display murals, painted

furniture, ceramics, paintings and textiles whilst the

gardens sigh heavily in the summer with a mass of

weighty blooms and fruit, and the occasional statue,

mosaic and bench.

There’s also a coffee shop here, if you’re in need,

and although the length of your visit is your own to

determine, it’s a good idea to allow at least a couple

of hours to view the house.

Firle

Charleston Farmhouse

When ready, carry on west on the footpath that goes

past the main house and it will take you directly to

Firle. It’s a distance of approximately 2.7 km and a

particularly evocative part of the walk, that takes you

through the parkland at Firle Place.

Firle

Firle is ideal for a moment of sobriety and reflection.

In the churchyard, you’ll find the graves of Vanessa

Bell, Duncan Grant, their daughter Angelica Garnett

and Vanessa’s son Quentin Bell. This is also where

you’ll stay overnight.

Day 2: Firle to Lewes

From Firle, head south out of the village along the

track towards the South Downs and turn right

before you start to climb. Follow the footpath west,

crossing a quiet road and then turning left up a path

up the Downs to join the South Downs Way. It is a

steep climb but at the top you will be rewarded with

Follow the South Down Way west until it starts

to descend, all the time with amazing views of

Newhaven, the river and the sea. Eventually, the

path winds its way rather majestically down and you

cross over a bridge and road to a Youth Hostel at

Southease. There is a good café here. From the Youth

Hostel, head west, crossing the River Ouse and

arriving in the tiny hamlet of Southease.

From Southease, cross the busy main road and

follow the Sussex Ouse Valley Way north to

Rodmell. From Firle to Rodmell is approximately

7.9 km. If you missed the café at Southease,

there is a pub that serves food at Rodmell, The

Abergavenny Arms.

Monk’s House at Rodmell

Monk’s House is a 17th century cottage now run by

the National Trust. The connection to Charleston

is visible in the decorative arts but the house has a

very different atmosphere, with a serenity and sense

of calm which is reinforced by the magnificent views

from the garden.

This is where Virginia did a lot of her writing,

and you can see her desk and writing shed at the

end of the path, along with a number of evocative

photos and extracts from some of the group’s

correspondence.

Kingston and Lewes

Carry on from Monk’s House down the road

and then follow the Sussex Ouse Valley Way to

and then along the river banks back to Lewes. It’s

approximately 7.5 km, very flat and you will see

Lewes castle gradually getting nearer.

If you have time, visit the Charleston in Lewes

centre. Then head off for a quick walk around, and

tucked down Pipe Passage you’ll find the Round

Graveyard at Firle

House which the Woolfs bought in 1919. It didn’t

suit their needs however and so they sold up and

bought Monk’s House. It was once a windmill, and

was built in 1801.

The trail finishes in Lewes from where there are

regular trains back to London (journey times just

over an hour).

Places to eat

There are cafés or places to eat at Charleston, Firle,

Southease and Rodmell.

Places to stay

In advance of your walk, you may wish to stay

in Alfriston. There are a number of hotels there

including The Star and The Alfriston. The Ram Inn

at Firle has rooms and an excellent restaurant, and is a

good place to stay overnight at just under half way. The

White Hart in Lewes is a good place to finish.

Round House


WALKS & HISTORY

Three Accessible Walks

Three Short Walks

WALKS & HISTORY

From wildlife and wetlands to river walks and history trails

Teeming with local wildlife, you don’t have to walk far

to enjoy the wonders of Sussex nature

For those with limited mobility,

wheelchairs or pushchairs,

Sussex still has plenty to offer.

Pulborough Brooks,

West Sussex

Pulborough Brooks Nature

Reserve is managed by

the RSPB and is home to

spectacular wildlife and

two trails: the Wooded

Heathland Trail which is 2.5

km (not suitable for their

mobility scooters) and the

Wetland Nature Trail which is

approximately 3.2 km.

The Nature Reserve has an

accessibility guide which

you can download from their

website and which gives details

of the quality of the surface of

the trails and they also have

an accessible Visitor Centre,

which includes a café, shop and

toilets. There is a bus service

to Wiggonholt near the Nature

Reserve but it is just under half

a kilometre from the centre.

Battle Great Wood,

East Sussex

Battle Great Wood covers

an area of ancient woodland

through which runs the 1066

Country Walk, an historic trail

from Pevensey to Rye. It’s a

gorgeous stretch of woodland

with lots of birdsong and

towering trees. Although the

car park on Marley Lane does

not have designated accessible

parking spaces and is uneven,

once in the woods, there are a

number of wide and relatively

even paths.

You will have to head back

into Battle for refreshments

and toilets, but the town has

a Community Toilet Scheme.

Look for the sign in a business

window and you can access

their facilities. There is a bus

service that goes along Marley

Lane from Battle to Hastings

but the road is fast and the

entrance to the car park is

very uneven.

Rodmell Ouse Valley Walk,

East Sussex

Rodmell is just south of

Lewes and was once home

to Virginia Woolf, whose

house, Monk’s House, is now

a National Trust property.

Drive past Monk’s House and

you’ll come to a car park with

direct access to the Sussex

Ouse Valley Way. Although

the car park surface is

uneven, once on the trail, it is

reasonably well maintained

and smooth, and you can

follow it along towards the

river with views of the castle

and Lewes in the distance

across the Brooks. You may

even meet the occasional

pony.

There is a bus service that

runs between Newhaven and

Lewes. The bus stop is still

about one kilometre from the

car park down The Street,

but this has a relatively wellmaintained

surface.

Abbot’s Wood, Arlington

near Hailsham

This gorgeous area of

woodland once belonged to

Battle Abbey (hence its name)

and was nurtured by monks.

These days, it’s a haven for

local wildlife and a little pocket

of tranquillity.

Park at Abbot’s Wood car park

just outside the tiny village of

Arlington (What3Words///

thudded.cashew.sized) where

you’ll find an information

board that sets out two

waymarked routes:

The Abbot’s Amble is the

longer of the two at around 2.5

kilometres, with an estimated

time of about an hour. This is

the route that leads you down

to the lake, a natural focal

point and one of the most

atmospheric parts of the wood.

For something shorter, the Oak

Walk covers approximately

1.25 kilometres and takes

around 30 minutes. It’s a short

introduction to the woodland,

particularly if time is limited.

Ardingly Reservoir, near

Haywards Heath

The reservoir was built in

the early 1970s and is a

Local Nature Reserve. It is

surrounded by 80 hectares of

ancient woodland.

Park at the reservoir car park

(What3Words///blazing.

discussed.gentle) and walk

up the top of the dam wall.

From there, turn right and

follow the Kingfisher Trail

which is a seven-kilometre

scenic walk part-way around

the reservoir. As this is an out

and back trail, you can stop

at any point and retrace your

steps. Alternatively, take the

second footpath you pass to

your right (before you reach

the road) and then turn right

again at Townhouse Farm

and it will take you back to

the start in a circular route of

just over 2 km.

Arundel River Walk, Arundel

For a walk oozing with

atmosphere, head to

Arundel and park at the car

park next to the museum

(What3Words///trickles.

maybe.grouping). From there,

pick up the river path.

Look back often at the

castle. First built immediately

after the Norman Conquest,

the castle has been much

expanded and improved over

the centuries since. As you

walk, the surrounding wetlands

are also a haven for wildlife

and it’s hard not to imagine

yourself as a Knight of the

Realm galloping towards the

castle with urgent news.

Take the second footpath that

you come to on your left and

it will bring you back on to the

road by the Wetland Centre

and Swanbourne Lake. From

there, it’s a pleasant walk along

the tree lined road back to

the car, making a total walk of

about 3.3 km.


HERITAGE & SUSTAINABILITY

HERITAGE & SUSTAINABILITY


Sussex Summer

Traditions

Sea blessings, Horn Fairs and Midsummer magic

Summer in Sussex is not simply a season.

It is a feeling. It is warm evenings and

the scent of wildflowers drifting over the

Downs. It is corn swaying in the fields of

the Weald, the sound of flint underfoot,

church bells drifting across villages and the whack of

a cricket bat. It is seagulls hovering over the harbour

and the warmth of the sun in a pub garden.

But hidden amongst those familiar signs of summer

are older customs, agricultural rituals and curious

local traditions that have survived for centuries.

Some are spiritual. Others are gloriously eccentric.

Many blur the line between pagan folklore,

Christian ritual and rural celebration. Together, they

reveal a Sussex that remains connected to landscape,

harvest, sea and season.

Blessing the Sea in Hastings

One of Sussex’s most atmospheric summer traditions

takes place on the Harbour Arm in Hastings.

The Blessing of the Sea, held annually during the

summer as part of Hastings Old Town Carnival

Week, has taken place for well over a century and

remains one of the last surviving examples of what

was once a far more widespread coastal custom.

The service offers prayers and thanksgiving for

the fishing fleet, RNLI crews and all those whose

lives are tied to the sea. Sea-themed hymns drift

across the harbour accompanied by the Salvation

Army Band, while clergy, local residents and fishing

families gather together overlooking the water.

Usually now held in August, it concludes with the

laying of a shell wreath onto the sea in a poignant

moment of reflection and remembrance.

Sheep shearing on the South Downs

Long before Sussex became known for vineyards and

wine experiences, the county’s economy revolved

around sheep. The South Downs were shaped by

generations of shepherds and the famous Southdown

sheep breed, and summer shearing was once one of

the great communal moments of the rural year.

During the 19th century, large farms employed

travelling shearing gangs of up to 30 men who

moved from farm to farm throughout June. These

gangs had a “Captain”, recognised by his gold-laced

hat, alongside a “Lieutenant” in silver lace. One of

the most important members of the gang was the

“Tarboy”, often a younger worker carrying pots of

tar used to treat accidental cuts on the sheep.

But shearing was about far more than work.

Shepherding was often solitary, and the arrival of

the gangs brought music, storytelling, drinking

and celebration. The night before shearing began

was marked with the “White Ram” feast, while

the end of the season concluded with the famously

boisterous “Black Ram”.

Midsummer and solstice traditions

Few landscapes feel more suited to Midsummer

folklore than the Sussex Downs. Long horizons and

prehistoric sites naturally lend themselves to ritual,

and the summer solstice has been marked here in

different forms since ancient times.

Across Europe, Midsummer celebrations traditionally

centred on bonfires, fertility rites and the magical

belief that the boundary between worlds briefly

softened during the longest days of the year. In Sussex,

traces of those beliefs linger surprisingly strongly.

Even today, people gather at places such as

Chanctonbury Ring, Highdown Hill and Windover

Hill to watch the sunset or sunrise around the

solstice. Morris dancers still greet the dawn, while

beach bonfires flicker along sections of the coast.

Older Sussex folklore surrounding Midsummer was

wonderfully strange. At Lancing Ring, supernatural

horses were once said to appear on Midsummer

nights, while near Worthing, skeletons supposedly

danced around the Broadwater Tree. Young women

practised Midsummer divination rituals to discover

the names of future husbands, and St John’s Wort was

worn for protection against witches and evil spirits.

The curious Ebernoe Horn Fair

Perhaps the strangest surviving Sussex summer

tradition of all is the Ebernoe Horn Fair, held

annually in July near Petworth.

At first glance, it appears to revolve around a village

cricket match. But as the day unfolds, things become

considerably more eccentric. A horned sheep is

roasted throughout the day on the village green, and

at the end of the match, the horns are ceremonially

presented to the highest-scoring batsman.

The fair is thought to date back centuries and is

linked to ancient Horn Fair customs associated with

mischief, revelry and the symbolic wearing of horns

representing cuckoldry. In earlier centuries, horn fairs

across England were famously rowdy affairs where

normal social rules loosened for a day.

Lammas and the first harvest

By early August, the mood of summer subtly begins

to shift. Harvest approaches and the first signs of

autumn quietly appear.

Traditionally, August 1st marked Lammas, “Loaf Mass

Day”, one of the oldest harvest festivals in the Christian

calendar. The festival celebrated the first grain harvest

of the year, with loaves baked from newly harvested

wheat and brought to church for blessing.

Lammas was both a thanksgiving and a recognition

that summer abundance would not last forever.

Bonfires were lit, communities gathered for feasts

and corn dollies were woven from the first cut grain.

Farmers once believed harvesting before Lammas

brought bad luck, while the festival itself marked the

gradual turning of the year towards autumn.

35

Bloom,

Chalk &

Waves

From scudding skies

and lofty views, to

colourful wildlife, old steam

giants and bug houses,

here are some of our

Sussex Exclusive favourite

summer moments.


37

FOOD & DRINK

Sussex Foodie

Scene:

Ones to Watch

The Sussex

Flavour Hunter

Nothing tastes better than Sussex, and the wholesome but subtle flavours of food and drink

produced with love and care right here in the county. If you are looking to fill your larder and wine

cellar this summer, make room for these beautiful flavours.

FOOD & DRINK

New openings, fresh ideas and the foodie experiences

set to shape Sussex this season

Plumpton Estate’s Award-

Winning Sparkling Rosé

There is always something interesting going on in the

Sussex food and drink scene, so dust off your napkin,

sharpen your taste buds and look out for what’s on the

menu this summer.

The Town House in Arundel

In a stunning restored Georgian building and under

the watchful eye of Arundel Castle, The Town House

opened in May with a menu to delight even the most

sophisticated of palates.

Plumpton College is described as the

UK’s Centre of Excellence in Wine

Education, and it's right here in the

very heart of Sussex.

This summer, why not pop the cork

of a bottle of their award-winning

Plumpton Estate Brut Rosé NV? It pairs

perfectly with all those great summer

dishes like smoked salmon, fresh

seafood, roast chicken, or duck, as well

as light desserts featuring strawberries,

raspberries and dark chocolate.

With Matthew and Jennifer Price at the helm, we are

promised a “refined and purposeful experience pairing

creative fine dining with four elegant guest rooms”

and a celebration of “everything foraged, farmed and

fished, focusing on hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced

from the best local and national suppliers”.

Menu teasers include: Sussex Dayboat Mosaic: a

ballotine of seaweed-marinated cured dayboat

fish, with wasabi, buttermilk sorbet, BBQ mackerel

dashi, aloe vera and finger lime; and Creedy Carver

Duck: glazed with smoked hay honey, served with a

fermented rhubarb and cucumber condiment, black

pudding royale, shiso and spiced duck sauce.

All of which sounds like a great excuse for walking the

new Petworth Way and finishing with an overnight

stay in Arundel.

The Artisan Bakehouse

New at the Artisan Bakehouse, this summer, renowned

chef and winner of MasterChef 2018, Kenny Tutt

is hosting BBQ BEAST: a meat, fire and shellfish

masterclass. Not your average BBQ session, this is

about big flavours, fire, smoke and meat cooked the

way it was meant to be. Perfect for the red-blooded

BBQ fan who loves the smell of smoke in the air, a cold

beer in hand, and food that hits hard! Head over to the

Artisan Bakehouse to book.

Birchden Farm Apple Juice

and Honey

Birchden Vineyards and Farm are

becoming famous for a few things

(including their asparagus in late

spring and, of course, their range of

award-winning wines) and you might

want to add them to your “must

visit” list this summer. You will find

them down a wiggly lane in between

Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge,

and they have a lovely horse box

café which serves hot and cold food

and a farm shop with seasonal, local

produce as well as their wines.

It’s a gorgeous set up and a great spot

for lunch, and before you leave, you

also might want to fill your basket

with their home-grown apple juice,

pressed from a blend of their own

hand-picked crab apples and cooking

apples. And don’t leave without some

of their raw, unfiltered, unheated and

100% pure honey too, which is light

and fragrant, woody and earthy, with

a slight hint of salted caramel.

It’s a blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot

Noir and matured on lees in bottle for

a minimum of two years. It promises

“Notes of white peach, ripe strawberry

and subtle creamy brioche create a

perfectly balanced, crisp, and dry wine

with a persistent mousse and a long,

elegant finish”.

Oysters Galore at Riddle and Finns

Maybe you love oysters, maybe you are not sure. Either

way, book yourself a place at the Riddle and Finns Oyster

Masterclass on the seafront in Brighton. You will learn all

about different types of oysters, you’ll learn how to shuck,

you’ll taste test a number of different oysters and you’ll

try some cooked oysters including the Riddle and Finns

Porthilly (Korean

BBQ mayo, pickled

shallot) and their

Oysters Rockefeller

(a mix of spinach

& Pernod). All

washed down

with a first-rate

Bloody Mary and

accompanied by a

blind Champagne

v Sussex sparkling

wine tasting.


39

FOOD & DRINK

Advertorial

FOOD & DRINK

Savouring Summer

at Tottington Manor

A South Downs walk, a lazy lunch or a long Sussex weekend

at Tottington Manor

A

great meal often effortlessly becomes

the centrepiece of an experience.

And never more so than at TERRA

Restaurant at Tottington Manor.

Tucked quietly down a narrow lane

between Henfield, Upper Beeding and the northern

slopes of the South Downs, food and Sussex flavours

are an integral part of the experience here.

Arriving here changes the pace of a day almost

immediately. The silent, sweeping slopes of the

South Downs rise in front of the terrace and

Tottington Manor feels quietly hidden away from

everything else. It is one of those places that lends

itself to stretching out time and building an entire

day around life’s simple pleasures.

Views like no other

Opposite Tottington Manor, a footpath climbs

steadily towards Tottington Mount and a circular

walking route of around 6.5km. It is not a gentle

introduction; the first ascent is steep in places, but

what it gives back is extraordinary. Each pause

reveals another layer of Sussex countryside, distant

villages and broad skies.

Eventually, the route joins a section of the South

Downs Way itself, where lofty ridgeline views stretch

towards the horizon. In summer, skylarks provide a

soundtrack overhead while buzzards circle on rising

thermals and swallows skim low across the slopes.

Continue towards Edburton before dropping gently

back down at back to Tottington Manor through

quiet country lanes.

Ancient woodland

For those seeking something gentler, you’ll find a

different landscape behind the manor itself. Tracks

disappear into Longlands Wood and Tottington

Wood, a 13-acre Local Nature Reserve managed

by the Tottington Woodlanders. This semiancient

woodland dates back to around 1600

and is maintained through traditional coppicing

programmes designed to support wildlife habitats

and regeneration.

Search for the magnificent oak believed to be over

250 years old. Look out for deer moving quietly

through the trees. Listen for the woodpeckers

tapping overhead.

A taste of something special

Waiting back at Tottington Manor is a very different

sort of reward. Their beautiful new courtyard and

TERRA Restaurant have introduced a fresh, relaxed

way to eat this summer: the new Courtyard Menu

and sharing plates with Mediterranean-inspired

dishes designed for long lunches and lazy afternoons.

This is food intended to be passed around

tables rather than ordered formally and guarded

possessively. Guests can choose three small plates

for £25 or four for £32, creating an affordable,

sociable lunch that feels perfectly suited to summer

afternoons. Available every day and served within the

courtyard, with covered decking and firepit areas, it

is exactly the kind of menu that encourages another

drink, another story and perhaps another hour.

What makes it particularly appealing is that quality

remains at the heart of TERRA’s reputation. Under

Creative Head Chef Jordan Sarvaar and his team, the

award-winning restaurant holds a 1AA Rosette rating

while remaining committed to authentically prepared

dishes built around exceptional Sussex ingredients.

A food map reveals where ingredients have been

sourced, connecting dishes back to nearby producers

and reminding diners that what arrives on the plate

has often travelled very little distance at all. Hyperlocal

is a phrase often overused, but here it feels

genuine. Food and landscape are linked and having

walked through Sussex, then you taste and savour it.

Of course, one of the quiet luxuries of Tottington

Manor is that the day does not have to end there.

Rather than checking the time and beginning the

drive home, there is the temptation simply to stay. The

bedrooms continue that same sense of calm and escape,

allowing the afternoon to drift naturally into evening.

The morning after

Mornings here are rather lovely. Breakfast on the

terrace overlooks the northern slopes of the South

Downs itself. On cooler mornings, there are warming

blankets waiting; on warmer ones, simply sunlight and

birdsong. What a way to wake up and start the day.

In the very heart of Sussex, Tottington Manor and its

TERRA Restaurant are one of life’s hidden delights.

A chance to slow down and indulge without breaking

the bank. A chance to enjoy the very best of what’s on

offer in the county.

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Edburton Road, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9LJ

Telephone: 01273 957 777

For more information or to book:

reservations@tottingtonmanor.co.uk

tottingtonmanor.co.uk


FOOD & DRINK

The Liquid Harvest

Sarah Thompson of the Sussex Kitchen pours a glass of Sussex summer

with two brilliantly drinkable recipes

There is a fleeting, glorious moment when

summer truly takes hold in Sussex. The

heavy, comforting cast-iron pots of

winter are finally banished to the back

of the cupboard, the kitchen doors are

flung wide open to catch the coastal breeze, and my

worktops surrender to a chaotic, beautiful obstacle

course of mismatched glass jars.

In my previous life as a gin distiller, my summers

were dictated by the relentless heat of massive copper

stills and hauling enough foraged fruit to sink a

small yacht. People assumed being Sussex’s first

female distiller was a terribly glamorous affair. The

reality? It mostly involved sticky boots, the social

isolation of permanently purple-stained hands, and

smelling faintly of a gin-soaked botanist.

These days, I’ve happily traded the industrial vats

and copper stills for my own quiet kitchen sanctuary.

Yet old habits and a knack for turning hedgerow

weeds into something wildly delicious, die hard! You

can take the woman out of the distillery, but she is

always going to rummage through your garden and

hedgerows looking for a garnish. And honestly, for

someone who can effortlessly kill a houseplant, I

can extract mouth-watering magic out of just about

anything: crushed leaves, sun-warmed fruit, sticky

honey, or even tree sap.

When you spend years extracting botanicals for

a living, it alters how you view the world. Where

others see a tangled bramble, I see a luscious, jammy

syrup waiting to happen. The joy of being a “kitchen

alchemist” is that you don’t need permission, fancy

equipment, or a pristine space. You just need the

heavy, sagging summer glut, a little patience, and a

healthy disrespect for the rules.

No proof required

Some of the most thrilling alchemy happening in my

kitchen right now involves absolutely zero alcohol.

The true test isn’t hiding behind a heavy pour of

gin; it’s building deep, savoury, mouth-watering

complexity from scratch.

Forget the dusty, cloying cordials of your

childhood. Instead, lean into the lip-smacking

magic of botanical drinking vinegars, or “shrubs”.

By macerating heavy, overripe raspberries or

sharp, green gooseberries with raw apple cider

vinegar and local Sussex honey, you draw out an

incredibly bright, tart syrup. Poured over ice and

crowned with sparkling water, it delivers a deeply

thirst-quenching, grown-up bite – without the

morning-after regrets.

By capturing the natural, wild yeasts present on

early summer elderflowers, you can also create

a “Botanical Spritz”, a zero-proof drink with a

gentle, wild fizz that dances on the tongue. It’s

raw, alive, and tastes exactly like a breezy Sussex

shoreline in June.

A coastal smash

Of course, for those long, golden evenings spent

watching the sun dip over the Sussex coastal

wine trail, a little spirited alchemy is entirely

justified. While our coastlines offer plenty of

sea greens, those salty herbs are best left for the

dinner plate rather than the cocktail shaker.

Instead, my current obsession is the sweet jewel

of the early summer garden: the strawberry.

True wild strawberries are a rare, prized find

if you happen across them in a shady Sussex

clearing, but the small, sun-warmed varieties

from a garden patch work just as beautifully.

Infused into a dry gin and kicked up with the

sharp, resinous crackle of black pepper, they

create an unctuous, jammy spirit. When married

with bruised, fragrant basil and a generous splash

of local fizz, it becomes the most refreshing drink

you can pour over ice this season.

FOOD & DRINK

A note on the hedgerow

Before you head out with your basket, remember the golden rules of the conscious forager: never pick more than

you need, and never eat anything unless you are 100% certain of what it is. Leave plenty behind for the

wildlife, give everything a thoroughly good wash when you get back to the kitchen, and if in doubt, leave it be.

Mother Nature runs a spectacular free bar, but can leave a sour taste.


43

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

Recipe: Strawberry & Black Pepper Smash

Forget sickly-sweet summer punches. This is sharp, herbaceous, and dangerously drinkable. The maceration

process draws out a sumptuous syrup from the strawberries, while the cracked black pepper acts as a botanical

amplifier, cutting through the sweetness with a warm spice that makes your mouth water. Topping it with a

Sussex sparkling wine brings a crisp, elegant finish.

Recipe: Green Gooseberry & Honey Shrub

A shrub is a brilliant, old-fashioned way to capture the fleeting Sussex summer in a bottle, creating a lipsmacking

base for alcohol-free drinks. Gooseberries provide a mouth-puckering, green tartness that mimics

the acidity of citrus, while the raw apple cider vinegar gives the drink a complex, savoury “bite” that demands

to be sipped slowly.

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 48 hours to infuse)

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS:

For the strawberry gin infusion:

300 g garden or wild Sussex strawberries, hulled

and halved

1 tsp whole black peppercorns, lightly crushed

500 ml good-quality, dry gin

For the smash (per drink):

50 ml of your homemade Strawberry & Black

Pepper Gin

A small handful of fresh basil leaves

15 ml fresh lemon juice

Sussex sparkling wine (such as Wiston or Artelium),

to top

Plenty of cubed ice (see Sarah’s tip)

METHOD:

1. To make the infusion: Tumble the strawberries

and crushed peppercorns into a large, sterilised

glass jar. Pour the gin over the fruit, seal tightly,

and give it a vigorous shake. Leave it on your

kitchen counter for 48 hours, shaking once a day.

Strain the glorious, ruby-red liquid through a fine

sieve or muslin cloth into a clean bottle.

2. To build the smash: In a sturdy glass or cocktail

shaker, gently bruise the fresh basil leaves with the

lemon juice to release their heady, fragrant oils.

3. Add 50 ml of your infused gin and fill the glass

right to the brim with ice.

4. Top with a generous splash of Sussex sparkling

wine. Give it a gentle stir to lift the herbs through

the drink.

Sarah’s tip: Don’t dare throw away those unctuous,

gin-soaked strawberries! Store them in the fridge and

spoon them over a bowl of melting artisan vanilla

gelato for a sticky, decadent dessert.

The Alchemist’s touch: For a visually stunning

drink, gather a few safe, edible wild or garden

flowers, such as borage blossoms, pansies, or

elderflower florets. Place a single blossom into each

compartment of an ice tray, fill with water, and

freeze. They add a gorgeous, poetic pop of summer

colour as they slowly melt into your glass.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 48 hours resting)

Makes: Approx. 500 ml

INGREDIENTS:

400 g green Sussex gooseberries, topped and tailed

200 g local Sussex honey

250 ml raw apple cider vinegar

Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

METHOD:

1. To macerate: Roughly crush the gooseberries in a

bowl to release their sharp juices. Stir in the sticky

honey, cover, and leave in the fridge for 24 hours

to draw out the natural syrups.

2. To infuse: Pour the raw apple cider vinegar (and

thyme, if using) over the fruit mixture. Stir well,

cover, and return to the dark of the fridge for

another 24 hours.

3. To strain: Pass the mixture through a fine sieve,

pressing down hard on the fruit with the back of

a spoon to extract every last drop of that vibrant

liquid. Discard the solids and pour your clear

shrub into a sterilised bottle.

4. To serve: Pour 35 ml of the shrub over a glass full

of ice (wildflower ice cubes work beautifully here

too), top with sparkling water, and garnish with

a sprig of fresh thyme. Store the remaining shrub

in the fridge for up to a month.

Sarah Thompson is a food and travel photographer,

writer and stylist. You can find her at

www.sussexkitchen.co.uk


FOOD & DRINK

Advertorial

FOOD & DRINK

Lazy Afternoons

Done Properly at

The Chequers

at Rowhook

The roads around Rowhook

have a habit of changing the

pace of a day. Hedgerows

and cow parsley crowd the

lanes, rolling countryside

warms up the grapes on the local vines,

and, before long, you find yourself in one

of those pockets of Sussex where busy

plans seem to loosen their grip a little.

And tucked into this quiet corner of the

county is a place that seems made for

long summer afternoons.

Make time to linger

The Chequers is not simply somewhere

to arrive, eat and leave. Nearby walks

weave through the woods and along the

Sussex Border Path, so you can arrive after

a morning outdoors before settling into the

rhythm of the day. In summer, the gardens

and attractive sunken terrace become part

of the experience itself. People linger over

drinks, conversations stretch a little longer

and olives, fresh, warm bread and local

draft beer or a chilled glass of wine warm

up your taste buds.

Step inside, and The Chequers retains

all the character you hope for from an

old country pub. There is a cosy charm

to the bar and dining spaces, with the

sort of atmosphere that invites you to

settle in rather than rush. And whether

you choose a table indoors or outside

beneath summer skies, there is a sense that

comfort and familiarity matter here.

Fine dining, local flavour and

French influence

Food, naturally, sits at the heart of

things. But perhaps what makes The

Chequers interesting is the feeling that

the seasons quietly shape what happens

in the kitchen. Spend time browsing

the menu, and you begin to notice

recurring themes: heritage tomatoes in

high summer, gooseberries, fresh fish,

figs, hearty dishes and ingredients chosen

because they happen to be at their best

right now.

Behind it all sits an enthusiasm for

flavour and ingredients that extends

beyond the kitchen itself. There is a

fascination with exceptional produce,

from foraged wild mushrooms to prized

truffles, alongside a clear appreciation for

seasonal British ingredients. The result

feels neither fussy nor overly formal;

more a thoughtful meeting of comforting

English cooking and French influence.

There are lovely details too. Local

Firebird Brewing Co. beers on draft,

homemade touches including black

pudding, and occasional live events that

make summer visits feel a little different

each time.

Perhaps that is why places like The

Chequers endure. Not because they

chase trends, but because they offer

something increasingly rare: somewhere

to slow down, settle in and allow a Sussex

summer afternoon to take its own course.

For more information or to book a table, visit:

www.thechequersrowhook.com

Food Service

Wed - Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm / 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Sun: 12pm - 3:30pm

Opening Hours

Wed - Sat: 11:30am - 4pm / 6pm - 11pm

Sun: 12pm - 5pm


FOOD & DRINK

summer fruit develops a richness and colour all of its

own. Peaches deepen, figs become sweeter, but one of

our absolute favourites has to be the apricot.

I use them in several dishes during their all-too-short

season and even pickle them for winter pairings with

Christmas hams. But perhaps our favourite way

to celebrate them is with something a little more

indulgent.

A rich, buttery apricot frangipane tart has become

one of our summer staples and a dish that simply

deserves celebrating.

Sun Blush Apricot Frangipane Tart with Sour Cream

FOOD & DRINK

Keep It Cool & Crisp

This Summer

Chef Steve Toward shares his summer food favourites as well as one of his

seasonal go-to indulgences: Sun Blush Apricot Frangipane Tart.

Summer has always been our favourite

season here at Stoves Dining HQ. There

is something special about long, warm

evenings, relaxed alfresco dining and

gathering around our Chef’s garden table as

Sussex settles into its most colourful and abundant

time of year.

And this year, the warm weather has brought out

the very best in Sussex produce. From vibrant fruit

and vegetables to the wealth of seafood arriving on

our shores, summer feels like a celebration of colour,

flavour and freshness.

What’s in season?

Food always tastes better when it is in season, and

what a season we are having. Cherries are at their

best, rainbow radishes bring crunch and colour, and

tender salad leaves are packed with summer character.

We’ve recently been dressing leaves with the fantastic

new apple cider vinegar from Big Nose & Beardy,

well worth seeking out a bottle or two. Pair fresh

radishes with a homemade cannellini bean purée,

add plenty of garlic and thyme, and serve while

still warm. Simple dishes often make the very best

summer food.

Beyond the seafront

Summer seafood has also taken centre stage in our

kitchen. We’ve been grilling line-caught mackerel

from local day boats on the barbecue, served with

a generous dollop of hot English mustard to cut

through the richness. It’s a brilliant alternative to

burgers.

Local brown crab is another seasonal favourite: sweet,

tender and perfect folded through salads or simply

enjoyed with crusty bread and salted butter.

For something a little more special, red mullet comes

into its own during summer. Ask your fishmonger

to butterfly it, then grill simply and serve with

homemade ratatouille. Bright, colourful and ideal for

summer entertaining.

And finally, there is gurnard, often overlooked,

but in my opinion, one of the best fish for fish and

chips. With cod and haddock prices rising, it is a

fantastic alternative: firm, slightly flaky and with a

wonderfully meaty texture that stands up beautifully

to frying.

Sun blush

With the sun at its strongest this time of year,

INGREDIENTS

Sweet pastry

250 g plain flour

125 g cold butter

125 g icing sugar

1 egg

Zest of one lemon

A punnet of sun blush apricots, about 15 in number

Almond frangipane

50 g of unsalted butter

150 g of caster sugar

3 eggs

25 g plain flour

115 g of ground almonds

METHOD

Place the flour, icing sugar and butter in a large bowl

and rub between finger and thumb until you have a

fine breadcrumb texture. Add the egg and bring the

dough together, then wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, return

to the chill and switch your oven on to 160°C.

De-stone your apricots and set them to one side until

needed.

For the filling, cream together the butter, sugar and

lemon zest in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Beat in one egg at a time, sprinkling in a little of

the ground almonds with each egg to help stop the

mixture from curdling. Add the flour, as this helps to

stabilise the recipe.

Line your tartlet mould with greaseproof paper, cover

with baking beans, cook until set and slightly brown.

Then remove the beans and egg wash the tart base,

return to the oven until golden brown and crispy.

This will give a shortbread, crunchy feel to the tart.

Once golden brown, add the frangipane mix to the

tart and arrange the apricots around the tart, return

to the oven and cook until set. Remove from the

oven and glaze with apricot jam while still warm.

Leave to set for around 10 minutes and eat while

warm with a good spoonful of sour cream.

Stephen Toward is the chef and founder of Stoves

Dining, a private dining and catering company

bringing restaurant-quality cuisine directly into

homes and businesses across London and the

Southeast. After training and gaining experience in

Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe, Stephen

went on to hold Head Chef roles at the renowned

Burgh Island Hotel and Langshott Manor.

You can find out more at: Stoves Dining


FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

Rathfinny

Discover 3 Sussex Wines

on The Sussex

Coastal Wine Trail

From tidal creeks to chalk slopes

The Sussex coast does not present its vineyards

in a neat, linear procession. Instead, they sit

just beyond the shoreline, tucked into folds of

Downland valleys and shaped by maritime winds

and shifting coastlines.

This is a coastal wine trail, but not in the obvious

sense. It’s a trail where the sea is sometimes visible,

sometimes distant, but always present in the story of

the land and, therefore, in the glass. Beginning in the

east and working westward, this route can be done by

train, with short transfers by foot, taxi or bus.

Winchelsea & Charles Palmer

Vineyards

Salt air, medieval streets and elegant wines

Arriving at Winchelsea by train feels like stepping

slightly off the map. The station sits quietly below

the town, and the short but steep climb upwards

brings you into a unique and atmospheric medieval

settlement. Small enough to feel like a village but

officially a town, it is laid out on a grid basis.

Once a thriving Cinque Port, this is actually new

Winchelsea, built in 1288. Old Winchelsea was

destroyed by the sea and a storm in 1287. You can

still see the sea in the distance from the town’s “new”

and lofty heights.

Wine spotlight

Charles Palmer Vineyard is about 2 miles from

the train station. Set within the historic Wickham

Manor estate, the manor itself dates back centuries

and, more recently, was used as a filming location for

Mr Holmes. The vineyard is particularly known for

its still wines, which are notable in a county often

dominated by sparkling.

Wine focus

Signature style

Still and sparkling wines with a marked freshness and

precision, shaped by close proximity to the sea.

Standout wines

Chardonnay – clean and mineral, with citrus

tension and a lightly saline edge

Pinot Noir – delicate red fruit, fine structure,

more about nuance than weight

Traditional method sparkling – elegant,

balanced, with fine mousse and subtle brioche

notes

In the glass

These are wines with clarity, structure and everything

in balance. The wines tend towards the restrained

rather than the exuberant, with a thread of coastal

freshness running through them.

Why it works here

The vineyard sits just a mile from the sea, with some

vines close to sea level. The maritime influence,

cooling breezes, salt-laced air and long ripening

period help preserve acidity and shape wines that feel

precise, lifted and quietly complex.


FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

Standout wines

Alfriston & Rathfinny Wine Estate

Chalk, scale and ambitious sparkles

From Winchelsea, the train west takes you to

Berwick Station via Hastings or Polegate, followed

by a short journey down into Alfriston, another

hopelessly pretty village steeped in tales of smugglers

and sitting within the Cuckmere Valley. If you want

to walk, it’s approximately 4 km from Berwick

Station to Alfriston but 6.5 km to Rathfinny.

Here, chalk dominates, with the same geography and

chalk seam that runs beneath Champagne, and it is

this that defines Rathfinny Wine Estate. Rathfinny

feels slightly majestic with a long, sweeping drive up

and over the South Downs and rows of vines stretch

across the slopes. You can smell the sea in the air and

see it in the distance.

Wine focus

Signature style

Vintage-only, traditional method sparkling

wines with precision, depth and a strong sense of

terroir, built on estate-grown fruit and minimal

intervention.

Standout wines

Classic Cuvée (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,

Meunier) – structured and balanced, with citrus,

orchard fruit and fine autolytic depth

Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay) – linear and

chalk-driven, with biscuity notes and impressive

length

Blanc de Noirs – broader and more textured,

with depth from the black grape varietals

Rosé Brut – elegant and supple, with red berry

fruit and a lifted freshness

In the glass

These are wines of composure and confidence. There

are the subtle notes of brioche alongside bright

acidity, creating wines that feel precise. The low

dosage allows the fruit to be clearly heard.

Why it works here

The south-facing slope maximises sunlight in a cool

climate, while the chalk soils provide drainage and

impart a distinctive mineral backbone. All fruit is

estate-grown, hand-harvested and whole-bunch

pressed, with fermentation in stainless steel and

extended lees ageing (typically 24–36 months).

Hailsham (via the Pevensey

Levels) & Off The Line Vineyard

Where the sea once was

From Alfriston, the trail turns inland but not away

from the coast. There is a bus service from Berwick to

Hailsham, or for the bold and intrepid, it is possible

to walk cross-country from Berwick station to Off The

Line vineyard in Hellingly, just north of Hailsham.

You are not far from the Pevensey Levels here, a vast,

flat expanse that was once a tidal bay. In medieval

times, the sea reached far further inland, and even

now, the landscape feels transitional.

Off The Line Vineyard, just to the side of the old

railway line now known as the Cuckoo Trail, is a

smaller, more independent operation, offering a

contrast to the scale of Rathfinny.

Wine Focus

Signature style

Small-batch, characterful wines with a focus on

expressive rosés: bright, fruit-led, and often with a

playful edge.

100% Pinot Noir Rosé (2018 vintage) – pale

salmon in colour, with raspberry, cherry blossom

and grapefruit; vibrant acidity balanced by soft

red fruit and a subtle white pepper finish

Dancing Dog Rosé – deeper in colour and more

exuberant; packed with ripe strawberry and

cherry, a touch of sweetness, and a zesty lift to

keep it fresh

Hip Rosé – more structured and savoury;

cranberry, pink grapefruit, rose petal and

a mineral, slightly saline edge with a dry,

persistent finish

In the glass

These are wines with personality. Bright and bold,

across the range, you move from light and delicate to

generous and textural.

Why it works here

Although close to the Pevensey Levels, Off The Line

Vineyard sits on a south-facing site on the lower

slopes of The Weald. These heavier, Weald soils tend

to produce wines with a little more generosity and

fruit expression, rather than the linear precision you

find on the Downs.

The south-facing aspect ensures good ripening,

while the surrounding landscape still benefits from a

moderating maritime influence.


HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

TREAT YOURSELF

Handcrafted Pottery by

Pots & Pans Potteries

Beautifully tactile and full of character, the wheelthrown

pottery created by Pots & Pans Potteries

brings a little piece of the South Downs into your

home. From elegant jugs and timeless mugs to

serving pieces designed for long summer lunches,

each handcrafted item celebrates craftsmanship,

texture and slow Sussex living. Perfect for lazy

breakfasts, garden dining and relaxed summer

entertaining. You can find Pots and Pansies on

Facebook or at various West Sussex markets

(check Facebook for details).

Bespoke Deck Chairs by Simply Rye

Nothing says British summer quite like a

traditional striped deck chair. Simply Rye’s

bespoke deck chairs combine classic seaside

nostalgia with bold colour and beautiful

craftsmanship, making them perfect for

gardens, terraces, beach days and vineyard

afternoons. Stylish, practical and wonderfully

photogenic, they are the kind of summer

buy that instantly makes you want to slow

down and sit in the sunshine a little longer.

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find Simply Rye in Rye.

Best Sussex

Summer Buys

Whether you are exploring the South Downs,

enjoying a picnic on the beach or just grabbing

a little you time, why not treat yourself to our

handpicked summer treats

Natural Shower Bars by Wideye

Created in Rye Harbour by skin therapists and

outdoor enthusiasts, Wideye’s natural shower

bars are designed for people who love life

outside. Their beautifully packaged discovery

set includes 10 bestselling bars, each with

different fragrances and skin benefits, from

calming citrus blends to tropical mango butter

and nourishing rosehip and orange. Made with

cocoa and shea butter, they are designed to

gently cleanse and revive sun, sea-tired skin.

Wideye sells online via its website.

OUT & ABOUT

A Sussex hamper

Nothing says summer quite like

a picnic. The Sussex Hamper

Company is a family-run business

near Ashdown Forest, so why not

treat yourself to their bespoke

hamper?

Hampers can include a variety

of items, including a selection

of award-winning wines from

Sussex wineries, ready-made

cocktails, savoury chutneys,

condiments, preserves, curds and

local honey, savoury and sweet

biscuits and a choice of locally

produced chocolates. They

also offer a range of beautifully

scented soaps, body wash and

body lotions or gifts for the

home, such as tea towels, room

fragrances and candles. You can

order online via their website.

Etched Lobster Chopping

Boards by Simply Rye

Bring a touch of coastal Sussex style

to summer dining with beautifully

etched lobster chopping boards,

perfect for relaxed seafood lunches,

garden entertaining and vineyard

picnics. Combining rustic charm with

elegant craftsmanship, they work

equally well as serving boards or

kitchen statement pieces and make

a wonderfully distinctive addition to

any summer table.

Bexhill Heritage Tote Bags

Bexhill Heritage is a charity which

has just produced tote bags.

All profits will go towards the

restoration of one of the Bexhill

seafront shelters that volunteers

have just started working on.

To order, contact

info@bexhillheritage.com.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE


HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

The Anti-Spa

Summer Wellbeing,

the Sussex Way

Salt air, green space and small but significant rituals

In Sussex, wellness doesn’t have to look like your

average spa day, far from it. In fact, the ultimate

sense of wellbeing often comes from immersing

yourself in experiences that are free, profoundly

personal and effortlessly Sussex. Perhaps you

love listening to birdsong or the sound of the sea. Or

maybe it is art, sculpture, flowers or quiet heritage

that really restores your sense of calm.

This summer, why not choose one or two immersive

experiences that genuinely speak to you and

consciously build them into your week? Perhaps that

means watching the sunrise from the Downs before

work once a week, taking an unstructured evening

walk along the coast, lingering in a sculpture garden

on a Sunday afternoon or slowing down enough to

browse a farm shop and eat seasonally.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

The beauty of Sussex is that wellbeing here does not

have to be expensive, complicated or performative.

Often it is simply about reconnecting with landscape,

creativity, history, movement and stillness in ways

that feel natural to you. Mix and match your own

favourite experiences throughout the summer and let

Sussex do what it does best: gently slow you down.

Woodland & light immersion

Start your day with the magic of an ancient forest,

the energy of trees and the first rays of light. There

are few better ways to start a day and capture a sense

of perspective than by watching the sunrise over the

county. Because the sun rises so early in summer, it

is best to choose a place on the Downs where there

is car parking up top: Ditchling and Devil’s Dyke,

Harting Down, Kithurst Hill and Beachey Head are

all good options.

Listen for the sound of the skylarks as dawn breaks

against the silence and wait for that moment when

the sun breaks free from the earth’s rim and slides

gently into the sky.

There are a number of specialist forest bathing

guides in Sussex, but you can also try this alone.

Just immerse yourself somewhere safe and arboreal.

Touch the trees, hug the trees, sit quietly with the

trees (whatever feels comfortable for you).

St Ann’s Hill in Midhurst has a mystical feel as

does Chanctonbury Ring on the Downs and, of

course, Ashdown Forest. And perhaps once a month,

combine the two, by watching the sunrise on

Ashdown Forest from one of the famous clumps of

trees, like Friends Clump.

Wildflower & sculpture immersion

From sunflowers on the South Downs to lavender

fields at Lordington Lavender, wildflower meadows

at Wakehurst and the vivid purple phacelia now

carpeting many Sussex fields, walking amongst

flowers brings with it an almost instant sense of

serenity. Listen for the bees, slow your pace and

enjoy the simple abundance of nature in summer.

Look too for sensory details often missed in daily

life: the scent of wild mint at Kingley Vale, grasses

swaying in the wind on the slopes of the Downs or

butterflies drifting across chalk paths.


57

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

If you like to add a little creativity, structure and

form to your wildflowers, Sussex also has beautiful

sculpture gardens, including Leonardslee Lakes and

Gardens, Philip Jackson’s Garden (by appointment)

near Chichester, summer sculpture at Standen

House and Pashley Manor Gardens.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Slow food & foraging mindset

Forget formal dining reservations and multi-course

tasting menus for a moment. Some of the most

grounding food experiences in Sussex come from

the simplest things: tiny wild strawberries still warm

from the sun, bread from a village bakery, asparagus

picked that morning or a wedge of local cheese

bought from a farm shop and washed down with a

local wine.

So rather than planning a destination lunch, build a

picnic from whatever you happen to discover along

the way. Stop at roadside stalls, farm shops and little

village stores, choosing ingredients that reflect the

season and the landscape around you. The joy comes

not just from eating, but from reconnecting with

where food actually comes from and taking time to

savour it properly.

Even foraging can become part of the experience,

whether that means wild garlic in spring woodland,

learning to cook nettle soup, creating a nasturtium

salad, the first blackberries along a hedgerow in late

summer or simply learning to notice what naturally

grows around you. This is about using food as a

connection: to season and place.

Creative & heritage immersion

Wellness is not always found in silence or stillness.

Sometimes it comes through observation, context

and understanding as a way to connect us with both

the past and the present.

A Sussex afternoon lends itself perfectly to slow

creative immersion. Bring a notebook and sit

beneath a tree. Photograph wildflowers without

worrying whether the images are good enough to

post online. Sketch a church doorway, scribble

down overheard conversations in a café garden or

simply pause long enough to properly notice the way

light moves across old stone walls. The point is not

productivity. It is presence.

There is also something deeply restorative about

heritage when experienced gently and without

agenda. Sit quietly inside an ancient church and

listen to the creak of wood or enjoy the sound of

your footsteps on old flagstone floors. Wander

slowly through old villages and imagine the stories

of the people who once lived here and worked in

the fields. Follow pathways that people have walked

for generations.

In Sussex, the landscape and its history are so deeply

intertwined that one naturally enriches the other.

Sometimes wellbeing comes simply from feeling

part of something older, slower and more enduring

than yourself.

The unstructured walk

Resist the temptation to plan too much. This is the

moment for the unstructured walk: the walk where

you stop trying to arrive anywhere.

Choose a footpath without overthinking it. Follow a

track simply because the light looks beautiful across

the fields or because something around the next

bend catches your curiosity. Let yourself wander

more slowly than usual, stopping often, changing

direction if you feel like it and allowing the day to

taper naturally.

Perhaps you end up on the South Downs watching

the sky soften into pastel shades. Perhaps you drift

towards the coast and hear the sea pulling against

the shore. Or perhaps you simply find yourself on a

quiet lane with swallows overhead and the scent of

wildflowers still lingering in the evening air.

There is a particular kind of wellness that comes

from letting go of purpose for a little while. In

a world so often focused on productivity, the

unstructured walk offers something different:

permission to simply be exactly where you are.

Other small acts of summer immersion

Z Stand in a wildflower meadow and do nothing

Z Rest your hand against the bark of an old tree

Z Listen for birds before you look for them

Z Eat something grown within a few miles

Z Follow a path without checking where it leads

Z Sit somewhere historic and stay longer than feels

necessary

Z Watch the light change, and wait for it to

change again


HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

In The

Library

Depth without overwhelm

What stands out immediately is the level of research

and how well this book has been written and

distilled. Each place is given just a single page, yet it

never feels lacking. Instead, it lands in that elusive

middle ground: enough substance to inform and

intrigue, without overwhelming the reader.

and a Funeral and Poirot. And, perhaps most

unexpectedly, the remains of John Breads, an 18thcentury

murderer whose skull still sits in a bodyshaped

cage in Rye Town Hall.

It is this mix, the creative, the historical, the slightly

macabre, that makes the book so engaging.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

111 Places in Hastings and Rye

That You Shouldn’t Miss

By Norman Miller

Published by Emons

RRP: £13.99

The reality is that if you want to go exploring and

discover a place at anything other than surface level,

the research required takes time. Piecing together

recommendations, filtering out the noise, and

working out what is genuinely worth seeing. But

here, that work has already been done.

Beauty and grit

Price and overall impression

At £13.99, this book is excellent value. Spanning

Battle, Bexhill, Bodiam, Dungeness, Hastings,

Herstmonceux, Pevensey, Rye and Winchelsea,

this is a book that consistently delivers. And in

every location, there were at least two or three

places that made me stop and think, I didn’t know

that was there.

First impressions: Size, quality and design

At A5 in size, this is a book designed to be taken out

with you. It sits comfortably in the hand, slips easily

into a bag, and feels robust enough to accompany a

day of exploring.

Visually, it follows the familiar livery of the 111

Places series, here presented in a rich teal blue that

feels entirely in keeping with the coastal character

of Hastings and Rye. The cover is tactile and quietly

refined, featuring an embossed illustration of the

famous fishermen’s huts in Hastings, with a collage

of locations on the reverse.

It’s also the sort of book that would make a

thoughtful gift or sit neatly alongside others in the

series as part of a curated collection. In short, it’s a

nice thing to own.

Series, publisher and audience

111 Places in Hastings and Rye That You Shouldn’t

Miss forms part of the “111 Places” series, aimed at

both locals and experienced travellers who want to

go beyond the obvious and uncover lesser-known

stories, corners and curiosities. The book promises to

inspire and has some beautiful descriptions from as

early as the front inside cover, where it invites you to

“dive in”.

Structure, layout and usability

The format is simple, and it works.

Each entry is presented across a double-page spread:

a page of text on the left, paired with a colour photo

on the right, almost all of which were taken by the

author, Norman Miller. Alongside the photograph

sits a compact fact box with essential details: address,

directions, opening hours, and a useful tip.

It’s a layout that strikes a careful balance between

inspiration and usability. You can dip in briefly for

a moment of curiosity or use it as a practical guide

when planning a visit or while out and about.

At the back, a series of maps adds another layer

of functionality. A broader map of 1066 Country

situates the towns within their wider context, while

more focused maps of St Leonards, Hastings and

Rye make it easy to orient yourself on the ground. If

you haven’t got a more detailed map to hand, those

contained in the book are sufficient to help you find

what you’re looking for.

Hastings, in particular, poses an interesting

challenge. It is not uniformly picturesque. While

Hastings Old Town is undeniably charming, there

is also a grittiness to the newer part of the town.

What’s refreshing is that the book does not shy away

from this. Instead, it embraces the full character of

the place, presenting it in all its complexity.

Take the America Ground, for example: a bohemian

enclave where a vinyl shop sits alongside an art

studio and a café selling tote bags for Gaza. Its name

traces back to a brief declaration of independence

from British rule, when an eight-and-a-half-acre

“free state” emerged on a stretch of shingle shoreline.

And it adds depth to the real narrative of Hastings

beyond the postcard view and makes you want to

visit and explore both sides of the town.

Favourite finds

My first favourite is the Unzipped Sewing Café,

tucked beneath Marine Court in St Leonards; a

quietly creative, community-focused space that you

could easily walk past without noticing.

The second is the Edith and Harold statue, also in St

Leonards. A subtle, moving tribute that reframes the

story of 1066 through a more personal lens, and one

I am now determined to seek out.

There are others, too. Cliff End and Pett Level,

places you might initially overlook, but which the

book gently persuades you are worth the detour. A

Rye milliner with connections to Four Weddings

This is not just a book to read. It is a book to act on.

But alternatively, if you’re an academic who would

prefer to stay at home, there is plenty to learn from

this book and plenty to keep you engaged.

About the Author

Norman Miller is an award-winning journalist

for the BBC, The Times and The Guardian, writing

across travel, food, history, art and culture. He is also

a creative writer of theatre, poetry and short fiction,

bringing narrative flair to the book.


HOUSE & HOMES

I

love colour because it gives me total freedom

to create identity, mood, harmony and fun

regardless of budget. It’s also a powerful design

tool available to everyone, in any room and

in any surroundings, ranging from modest

homes to the most luxurious interiors. Colour is

the foundation of every room’s atmosphere, and by

choosing the right colours for your home, you can

transform it without major investment.

Finding your colour inspiration

We’re all subconsciously drawn to certain colours

and a great way to work out which colours instantly

make you feel warm, safe, happy or inspired is to

scan your rooms, look at your artwork and the

accessories you already own and find the colours that

Colour

Carole Coleman explores the interior design tool that suits every budget

resonate with you. This is the start of your new story.

A beautiful, deep crimson in a painting can find

an echo in a wonderful linen cushion placed

on an armchair across the room, in the detailed

trim of a lampshade or a beloved artefact. These

subtle repetitions instigate a conversation between

objects and suddenly the room becomes balanced,

thoughtful and complete.

Curiosity and confidence

Curiosity and confidence are the two most

important ingredients when working with colour

on a budget. To begin, imagine your room is a huge

blank canvas and you are the painter – mix, match,

layer and experiment, just let yourself go and see

what happens.

Coloured textiles are the quiet heroes of budget

design and architectural features, such as skirting

boards, radiators and alcoves, can also be highlighted

with a contrasting colour to elevate a room’s

character at low cost. I love arranging my client’s

books by colour to turn their bookshelves into an

art installation, filling a wall with colour, texture and

personality at no expense.

Personal storytelling through colour

Use colour intentionally to express your personality

and tell your personal story. Choose colours that you

love. It might start with your favourite coffee table

book, a stunning artwork picked up on holiday or

a beautiful crochet throw handed down from a dear

relative. Those fragments of memories carry their

own palette and when echoed subtly across the room

through textiles, paint and accessories, create a space

truly individual and layered.

Choosing your home’s paint colours

Choosing paint colours for your home is always

exciting, but before you make any decisions, it’s

important to know which direction your home, and

all your individual rooms face. Because light is the

quiet collaboration between a light source (natural or

electric) and a paint’s pigment that reveals a colour’s

depths and changes a room’s mood throughout the

day. Never choose a paint colour based on how it

looks online or in a showroom, as it will always look

and feel totally different.

North-facing rooms

In north-facing rooms, warmer tones work best

and in my experience, this type of room naturally

lends itself to darker shades as the low light allows

the colours to feel exquisitely rich rather than

overwhelming. Using darker shades across your

woodwork, walls and/or ceiling is also a quick and

easy way to give your room an intimate, cosy feel.

I love paint made by COAT Paints as it’s a climatefriendly

company that takes a thoughtful and

simplified approach to choosing colour, focusing not

just on style, but on how natural light shapes the

room throughout the day. It also has super easy-touse,

peel-and-stick, paint samples, so you can move

your samples around your room to get a proper feel

for how they will look on each wall.

South-facing rooms

South-facing rooms are my delight, as it’s so easy to

decorate them. They get strong and warm natural

light all day, which makes colours look brighter.

This gives you ‘carte blanche’ as the space within

southern-facing rooms always feels kissed by the sun,

glowing from morning to evening. So, it’s not so

much about deciding on a colour, it’s about choosing

the atmosphere your heart wants to come home to.

If you want to create a calm environment, go for

greens and blues, for cosy, choose warm earthy

tones, for neutral, pick a variation of white and for a

bold experience, go with deep and rich colours.

East and west-facing rooms

Light doesn’t just enter east and west-facing rooms,

it ebbs and flows to help the space tell a story that

changes each hour. So, the secret to choosing the

right colour for this type of room is to take the

time to observe and understand that rhythm. If you

want your rooms to always have that fresh, restful

new morning feel, even in the afternoon, indulge

in the beautiful palettes of warm neutrals, blush

pinks, delicate peaches and gentle greens of Farrow

and Ball.

About Carole

Carole Coleman is a French, City and Guilds

qualified interior designer based in

West Sussex. Through Carole

Coleman Designs, she

combines budget-conscious

solutions with a strong sense

of style to help her clients

create homes that truly reflect

who they are.

HOUSE & HOMES


HOUSE & HOMES

Feng Shui

Your Life

Janine Lowe talks blooms, blossoms, and all things

positive with her garden Feng Shui

Did you know your garden can become

a living Feng Shui map of your life?

Every direction in your outdoor space

represents a different part of your

journey, from love and career to wealth

and creativity. By planting the right flowers in the

right places, you can encourage beautiful energy to

blossom all around you.

I have to be honest, I am not a gardener, so I had to

do a lot of research into which plants go where ...

So, pop the kettle on, grab your gardening gloves,

and let’s take a stroll around the garden…

North: Your career

The North is linked to your life path, work,

opportunities and career progress. Think flowing

water energy here.

Lovely choices include:

• Blue hydrangeas

• Delphiniums

• Iris

• Forget-me-nots

• White lilies

Blue and white flowers help keep energy moving,

bringing fresh opportunities your way.

Northeast: Knowledge & abundance

This area governs wisdom, learning, spiritual growth

and building abundance through wise choices.

Plant:

• Primroses

• Yellow pansies

• Marigolds

• Rudbeckia

• Cream roses

Warm yellows and earthy tones help create stability

and confidence.

East: Family

The East supports family harmony, health, roots, and

strong relationships with loved ones.

Choose:

• Camellia

• Tulips

• Peonies

• Bamboo

• Hydrangea

Lush green growth here symbolises a family

flourishing beautifully.

Southeast: Good fortune & wealth

One of everyone’s favourite areas! The Southeast is

connected to prosperity, money luck and fortunate

blessings.

Plant:

• Lavender

• Wisteria

• Lilac

• Roses

• Clematis

Fragrant, abundant flowers help wealth energy

feel welcome.

South: Fame & yourself

The South rules reputation, confidence, visibility and

how the world sees you.

Brighten it up with:

• Red geraniums

• Dahlias

• Crocosmia

• Poppies

• Begonias

Think bold, cheerful, and impossible to ignore!

Southwest: Relationships

This is the love corner: romance, friendships,

marriage and meaningful partnerships.

Plant:

• Pink roses

• Peonies

• Carnations

• Sweet peas

• Camellias

Pairs of plants or matching pots work

wonderfully here.

West: Creativity

The West supports joy, hobbies, children, inspiration

and new ideas.

Fill it with:

• White roses

• Daisies

• Chrysanthemums

• White petunias

• Gardenias

Soft whites and playful blooms keep creative

energy alive.

Northwest: Travel & helpful people

Need support, guidance or a holiday? This area attracts

helpful contacts, mentors, and travel opportunities.

Plant:

• White hydrangea

• Silver lavender

• Dusty miller

• White roses

• Jasmine

Silvery foliage and white flowers are perfect here.

Final garden tips

Remember, healthy plants create healthy Qi Energy.

Dead flowers, broken pots and neglected corners can

slow energy down, so keep everything loved and tidy.

Even a small garden, patio or balcony can become a

powerful Feng Shui sanctuary.

So, the next time you buy flowers, don’t just ask what

looks pretty. Ask, what part of my life would I like to

grow next?

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.

HOUSE & HOMES


HOUSE & HOMES

HOUSE & HOMES

Lavender

Dicentra Scandens and Hydrangea Annabelle

Summer garden

Flourish & Grow

Award winning gardener, Geoff Stonebanks shares advice on how to create a

garden for the senses and for wellbeing

After a spring of highs and lows, we

can now look forward to the coming

summer months, where we can,

hopefully, flourish and grow in the

warmer climes and recharge our

batteries. Where better place to do that than in the

garden?

To “flourish and grow” signifies thriving,

prospering, and developing in a healthy way, and

working in your garden can definitely achieve

that in my book! Just as plants require water and

nutrients, flourishing requires pruning negative

energies and providing mental and emotional

nourishment for yourself too!


The art of flourishing is about more than just

achieving success or happiness, it’s also about

growing and developing, and living a life that’s rich

with meaning and purpose. In my opinion, you

can create a life that’s truly fulfilling by creating

an outdoor space that will, in turn allow you to

prosper, bloom and blossom too.

A space that tantalizes

How about creating a space that tantalizes the

senses? Because there is a lot that you can do in a

garden, especially around the senses of sound, scent

and touch.

Euphorbia Mellifera

Coronilla Glauca

The question I have been asked most since 2009,

when I first opened my garden to the public is what

the smell is at the end of the central path. Almost

without exception, visitors think I’m growing

cannabis there. Cannabis apparently has a distinct

scent that can be a spicy, pleasant and rich aroma.

Some varieties also have a sweet or fruity aroma. But

I’ve never smelt it, let alone tried it, so I’m always

thrown by their comments. The nearest plants to the

area they highlight with a strong smell are euphorbia

mellifera which offer up a honey flavoured smell.

But I’m never quite sure if visitors believe me!

A garden for the senses

Fragrant plants can add a whole new dimension to

the enjoyment of your garden. They are ideal plants

for smaller gardens too, where the scent of their

flowers or foliage can permeate the whole plot.

For the last few years, I’ve had a large trough of

lavender growing alongside the large patio at the

top of the garden. There are 3 lavandula angustifolia

‘Munstead’ growing well. This is a popular, compact

evergreen shrub, to 45cm tall, with aromatic,

narrow, grey-green foliage and spikes of small,

highly-fragrant, blue-purple flowers in mid to late

summer. It’s a great feature and being planted in a

container means I can move it around the garden

too if needed. A great bonus is that the plant is very

drought tolerant as well.

Coronilla valentina glauca is a really pretty shrub

that I have grown in both the front and back

gardens. It will light up a sheltered position with

an abundance of lemon-yellow, pea-like blooms. It

flowers profusely from December through to mid

spring and the sweetly scented blooms make this a

useful shrub for bringing colour to those dull winter

days. The small blue-green foliage is evergreen,

providing a fine backdrop for its fragrant display and

if lucky, it will flower again in the summer.

This versatile shrub is perfectly hardy in most

UK locations, but performs particularly well in a

sheltered, sunny spot, even in difficult coastal areas

like my garden on the south coast. Its compact,

rounded habit makes it ideal for borders and patio

67

HOUSE & HOMES

containers too. It can also be trained as a wall shrub

for a spectacular upright display as well.

Hydrangea petiolaris is a great plant with pretty

white flowers. This climbing hydrangea thrives in

some of the most shady, inhospitable areas of the

garden. It can be very slow to establish, but will

eventually romp along a wall or fence, clinging by

aerial roots. It’s almost heart-shaped, dark green

leaves turn yellow in autumn, and masses of showy,

lacy, white flower heads appear in late spring and

early summer. These stunning blooms are not only

beautiful but also sweetly fragrant, making them a

delightful addition to the garden.

Listen carefully

Now, turning our thoughts to sounds in the garden,

there can be no better background noise than the

sound of tinkling water. Over time I have added

several water features to my plot. The original

garden had a large pond with 3 trickle ponds and

I installed a fountain, not long after we moved

in. This was replaced a couple of years ago by the

gorgeous corten steel feature, which I always turn on

when I’m working in the garden, even in the depths

of winter, providing there is no ice on it, as I love to

hear it running.

Of course, scent and sound are not the only senses

that can be appreciated in the garden, there are many

plants that are really tactile too. By far my favourite is

the stunning stipa tenuissima or pony tail grass. It is

the perfect grass to plant alongside a path so you can

stroke your hand across it as you pass.

A few showstoppers

By choosing plants that are good for the senses, you

can improve your mood and general wellbeing. The

sensory attributes of these plants allow people to

engage with the environment around them in a way

that is meaningful and beneficial to their mind and

body. But if you’re not that bothered with the senses

and just want some showstoppers in your garden,

why not consider a large pot of almost black Calla

lilies? These stunning, deep maroon-purple, nearblack

flowers create a dramatic, exotic focal point.

They thrive in sun to partial shade, from summer to

autumn, perfect for containers or borders.

Hydrangea Petiolaris

Corten Steel Pond and Fountain

You could try some nerium oleander too. They

have an exceptionally long flowering period plus

handsome, evergreen leaves. They bear 5-petalled,

tropical-looking, flowers that are borne in clusters

at the ends of branches. They form a tall, bushy

shrub with lance-shaped, leathery, grey-green

foliage providing evergreen structure throughout

the year. This half-hardy shrub is best grown in a

patio container, where it can be easily moved into a

sheltered position over winter. It can also be grown

in the open ground in sheltered city gardens, coastal

areas and mild parts of the UK. This vigorous,

fast-growing shrub brings a Mediterranean vibe to

the garden. Despite its showy looks it is a resilient

performer in a sheltered spot, tolerating drought and

salt spray.

Another hot favourite are the delicate blooms of

Dicentra scandens. This is an easy-to-grow perennial

from the Himalayas, where it normally would

scramble around in shrubberies. But it is actually a

climber with tendrils, although it needs something

to grow up such as a trellis or shrub. Foliage has a

bronzy hue when young but turns brownish green

when mature. Flowers are bright yellow and held in

bunches on the upper parts of the stem.

Geoff Stonebanks is a full member of the Gardening

Media Guild. He is regularly heard on the radio and

his own garden, Driftwood, has appeared on BBC’s

Gardeners’ World and won multiple awards. You can

find out more at: www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk

You can also book a visit to Geoff’s garden,

Driftwood at 4 Marine Drive, Seaford, BN25 2RS,

by arrangement only, from 1st June through until

the 2nd August again this summer:

E-mail visitdriftwood@gmail.com

Visits include home-made teas in the garden with a

choice of lemon Victoria sponge, coffee and walnut

cake or gluten free pineapple polenta cake.

Oleander

Calla Lily

HOUSE & HOMES

68 | sussexexclusive.com Pony Tail Grass

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HOUSE & HOMES

Advertorial

HOUSE & HOMES

Summer Kitchens

The kitchen has long been considered the

heart of the home, a place where meals

are shared, conversations unfold, and

everyday moments become cherished

memories. As summer approaches,

Holmewood Interiors is helping clients refresh their

interiors to create lighter, brighter living spaces,

with a strong focus on colour, light, texture, energy

efficiency and functionality.

This season’s kitchen trends are centred around

warmth, personality and effortless comfort. From

bold cabinetry and nature-inspired palettes to smart

technology and indoor-outdoor living, today’s kitchens

are designed to feel both stylish and welcoming.

Bringing the outdoors in

One of the biggest kitchen trends this summer

is about creating a stronger connection between

indoor and outdoor living. Natural light remains

one of the most sought-after design features, with

homeowners embracing larger windows, skylights

and glazed doors to flood interiors with sunshine

and open up their spaces.

Bright Ideas for the Heart of the Home

Bright, airy kitchens instantly feel more spacious

and uplifting, encouraging a relaxed and sociable

atmosphere. Organic materials such as oak, stone,

bamboo and reclaimed wood further enhance this

natural aesthetic, adding warmth, texture and character

whilst complementing fresh alfresco-inspired tones.

Bold kitchen colours take centre stage

Choosing a kitchen colour palette is about more than

appearance; it is about creating a mood that reflects

your lifestyle and personality. Designing a kitchen is

as much about atmosphere as it is about materials.

Holmewood Interiors’ skilled designers pride

themselves on transforming your ideas, whether

traditional, contemporary, understated or bold, into

beautifully functional spaces. And this year, there has

been a noticeable shift away from the timeless all-white

kitchen towards richer, more expressive colour choices.

Deeper tones create striking focal points and allow

greater personality to shine through. Indigo cabinetry

paired with soft grey walls delivers sophisticated

contrast, while muted greens combined with natural

wood accents create a calm, nature-inspired setting.

For those hesitant to fully commit to one

dramatic shade, a two-tone kitchen offers a stylish

compromise. Keeping perimeter cabinetry light

while introducing a darker island or pantry unit can

add depth and interest without overwhelming the

room. But remember, it is important to view colour

samples within the kitchen space itself before making

a final decision, as lighting can significantly alter how

colours appear throughout the day.

Open shelving and curated spaces

Many homeowners are opting for lighter, less

cluttered kitchen layouts, with open shelving

replacing some upper cabinets to create a more

spacious and relaxed feel.

Open shelving offers the opportunity to personalise

the room, allowing favourite ceramics, glassware,

cookbooks, decorative pieces or fresh garden herbs to

become part of the design. In addition, glass-fronted

cabinets can achieve a similar sense of openness and

provide more practical storage.

Designing with lifestyle in mind

At Holmewood Interiors, kitchens are designed to

support the way people truly live. Functionality is

just as important as aesthetics, particularly in busy

family homes and for those who love entertaining.

As a result, multipurpose kitchen islands often evolve

into the social hub of the home. Far more than

simple preparation spaces, islands can incorporate

seating, hidden storage, charging points and

integrated appliances.

With such a wide range of colours and finishes

available, practicality also plays an important role.

Our showroom features an extensive selection

of cabinet styles and colour samples, enabling

our designers to demonstrate the benefits and

considerations of each finish.

Super-matt and anti-fingerprint finishes are

becoming increasingly popular, particularly with

darker cabinetry where marks may be more visible.

Textured surfaces and mid-tone cabinetry are another

practical choice that help to disguise everyday wear

and tear.

As the natural light changes throughout the

day, so can the mood and colour of the kitchen.

Incorporating layered lighting that combines ambient

ceiling lights, task lighting beneath cabinets and

decorative accent lighting helps to adjust this as

needed, whilst maintaining the warmth and balance,

flexibility and atmosphere.

Smart kitchens for modern living

Technology continues to transform kitchen design,

with smart features now considered essential in

many modern homes. App-controlled ovens,

energy-efficient refrigeration systems and instant

boiling, sparkling or chilled water taps are becoming

increasingly desirable.

As kitchens become more intuitive, convenient and

energy efficient, Energy Star-rated appliances are

also helping homeowners reduce running costs while

supporting more sustainable living.

Ultimately, the best summer kitchens combine

beauty with practicality, creating spaces that feel

light, sociable and effortlessly comfortable. Whether

through bold colour choices, sustainable materials

or subtle seasonal updates such as refreshed soft

furnishings, even the smallest kitchen update can

make a significant impact.

If you would like 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.


ENTREPRENEURIAL SUSSEX

Sussex Roots

Author Nikki Butlin has been exploring her Sussex roots. Which two Sussex places

did she uncover family connections to and what was her family's occupation?

You have fascinating links to Sussex

As a young woman, I wanted to research my

family tree, long before today’s online resources. I

started with what I knew – my parents were born

in Kent. Dad grew up on a farm on the outskirts

of Canterbury, but as both his parents had died

before I was born, I had to research the rest for

myself. I set about finding the rest of my paternal

‘Hobden’ ancestors. Two generations back, and I

was in Sussex, all farmers: over four centuries of

landowners, all agricultural. Wow.

The time waiting for new census records to arrive

in the post was exhilarating. Who would I find

next in my wonderful family that I was getting

to know? But not satisfied with just theory, I set

off from my Norfolk home to visit this beautiful

county. As soon as I arrived, it felt like home.

There was one ancestor that stood out for me,

and that was Jesse Hobden, my great-greatgrandfather,

born in 1850 in Heathfield. On

the 1881 census, he was the owner of Carters

Corner Farm in Herstmonceux, employing three

farmhands. I’m not sure where it all went wrong

with the family inheritance because my dad’s

father was a farmhand. That makes me chuckle

to this day. But yes, Sussex holds a special place

in my heart.

Tell us what your book, Driven to

Achieve

My book is part life story, part business tool kit.

I accomplished 30 years of working last year and

as I’ve had such an eclectic career, I wanted to

document it for others to read. I’ve realised how

life runs parallel to business and how the highs

and lows shape our characters.

In your book, you come across as a

heart-led entrepreneur unafraid of

taking risks

I’ve always led from the heart, which on occasion

has been to my detriment. The emotional pull

can be greater than the logical one. All part of

life’s tapestry and I wouldn’t change a thing. Every

decision has led to where I am now and I’m happy

with that.

You really looked up to your dad when

starting out in business. Does he still

influence you?

Absolutely, we share the same DNA, which goes

back to our roots in Sussex. My dad and I may

have chosen different paths to farming, but he

shared a love of gardening and the outdoors,

which I do too. That must come from centuries of

farmers in the blood.

With every life or business decision I make now,

I can still hear what he would have said to me. I

know he would be thrilled for me with how things

have panned out since he passed away. I’ve always

followed my instincts and when I’ve dismissed

them, it’s usually been the wrong decision.

You have recently become the Managing

Director of Motivational Business

Networking. Share more about MBN

and what your role entails.

If I had to choose my ideal career path for the next

ten years, this is it! It encompasses everything I’m

about. Connecting people, doing business, and

having fun at the same time.

MBN is first and foremost a community of

business owners and professionals. Those who are

trustworthy, credible and do what they say they

will. We call them the 8%.

It’s been wonderful to see members joining us

each week, wowed by how we’re doing things.

It was time for something fresh on the business

networking scene. Many of the business

platforms and events have become stale and

formulaic. MBN is changing that for the better.

I can’t wait to see it grow internationally. It really

has that inherent potential.

Will there be a sequel to Driven to

Achieve or something altogether

different?

I’m back in the start-up phase again with MBN.

However, with my business partner, Brad

Burton, we have decades of experience between

us, so it’s coming together quickly because we

know the pitfalls to avoid. Book number two

may be another business chronicle, or it may be

a ‘how-to’ business guide, I haven’t decided yet.

That’s what I love about this creative art: I can

choose.

Biggest business lesson?

The times when you feel at rock bottom are the

biggest resilience builders, so use them positively

even though they feel terrible at the time.

Resilience is a trait we must cultivate. The more

resilient you are, the more successful you will

become.

Complete this sentence ‘When I’m not

working I …

…walk in the countryside with my partner.

It’s my happy place. Away from the phone, the

computer, smelling nature, listening to the birds,

and seeing the fields rolling out in front of me. A

throwback to my Sussex roots, again.




Breakfast with

Dee Blick

Cat Robson Scarborough, the co- founder of the Your Man With a Van

franchise, catches up with bestselling author, Dee Blick about shoestring

marketing, TEDx and surviving addiction

You’ve done a lot to help small businesses,

but you didn’t start out working with

SMEs - what changed?

I started my marketing career working for household

brands which was as exhilarating as it was daunting.

Fresh from university with a love of writing but

clueless about marketing, I had a real thirst to learn.

I gained a decade of invaluable experience that I was

determined to put to good use.

Having two small children gave me the impetus

to start my own business, working flexible hours,

including late in the evening. I realised I could take

all the big brand tips, tools, and expertise and apply

them to small businesses, using marketing on a

shoestring principles, where the investment is time

over money. Everything took off from there and

soon after launch I had a full book of clients. I never

looked back!

You’re a busy bee with a special event and

a publishing project bubbling away. Tell

us more.

Marketing and writing are in my DNA so when I’m

part of a project that draws on these two loves, it

does not feel like work. Partnering with Lucy Pitts,

the founder of Sussex Exclusive, we’re launching a 96

page print magazine at the end of July. I love print,

the feel of it, the impact it has on readers, and the

enormous potential for advertisers, so this really is a

passion project.

We’re both positive disrupters looking to shake

up the arena of magazine advertising. With this

magazine, only one business per sector is included;

we’ve halved the rates and we’re adding many lovely

touches for the businesses supporting us. I also have

an imminent TEDx at The Hawth in Crawley.

You were recently appointed an

ambassador for Motivational Business

Networking.

MBN was founded by Brad Burton who as you

know founded 4N networking. MBN his new

venture, combines the best of networking worlds

– a strong online presence where we can share,

connect and learn, and face to face networking

with MBN pop up roadshows, conferences, and

exhibitions. As an ambassador for the brand, I can

share my knowledge and expertise and fly the flag

for a business that’s based on genuine collaboration,

learning and fun!

Last year you published your first fiction

book - The Boutique. Had you always

wanted to write a fiction book?

Storytelling is my first love and as a little girl,

creative writing and reading got me out of a dark

hole. When you have anxiety because of what’s

going on around you, escapism is essential. I found

mine through writing short stories. Then last year, I

decided to fulfil a long-held ambition of publishing

a fiction book. The Boutique is nine short stories

with each character connected through their love

of fashion. It’s gritty and relatable rather than roses

around the cottage door. I spent ages developing

the characters, living with them every day in my

imagination where I could develop them into flawed

and fabulous people my readers would root for and

identify with. The reviews have been fantastic, and

I sell it in the main through talking at WI meetings

followed by a signing.

You recently found your journal from when

you were battling addiction. How did it

make you feel reading it and looking back?

It made me realise how far I’ve come. From being

mired in alcohol addiction to living a happy and

productive life, where I’ve realised my dreams as a

fun and slightly ditsy mum, wife, and grandma that

everyone can trust and enjoy being with. And I have

had the most amazing career as a marketer, author,

and mentor. Getting sober and staying sober has

been the making of me.

Your journey from addiction is the focus of

your upcoming TEDx talk…

It is! The organiser, Wendy Bell approached

me and invited me to speak about my journey,

from addict to author. It was a touch surreal! My

husband will be in the audience, bless and it is on

my wedding anniversary. It was important that on

this occasion, I talk about real life stuff and not

business. Sometimes, hearing a person’s back story

can really inspire you to shift up a gear or tear up the

script and face your gremlins and fears. I’m looking

forward to it not least because I’m talking first so

I can then relax and enjoy the rest of the speakers

knowing I have done my job!

What’s next for you?

Collaboration with talented people that share my

vision and my values, is the name of my game. So,

with Lucy, we’re hosting a networking event in

September and next year will see our first conference

which will be held at Roffey Park, which is the most

gorgeous venue. As a marketer working with small

businesses, my focus is always on delivering value

and offering events that do not come at a high price

tag, with brilliant speakers and breakout sessions to

keep every attendee engaged. My mission continues,

best summed up as Purpose and Passion over Profit.

If you focus on this, you’ll not go far wrong. And

having this as your abiding philosophy makes for an

enjoyable not to mention, fulfilling life. More in the

pipeline that I will reveal in the coming months.




Confidence isn’t some special personality

trait handed out to a lucky few. It’s a byproduct,

a slightly scruffy mate that turns

up after you’ve had a go.

Act first and then see what

is possible


Because when you act before you feel

totally ready, two things happen. Firstly,

your brain realises you survived; you

didn’t die (always a bonus). Secondly,

you start to open your eyes to what you

believe is possible. That shift matters.

Because once you see what’s possible, it’s

much harder to stay where you are. And

that’s how brave starts to grow.

So, here are my top tips for getting you

off the starting blocks towards those

brave goals.

Coach’s Corner

The Confidence Myth

Our columnist, Laura Osman, shares her wisdom on creating confidence and

taking that leap of faith

Let’s start with a slightly

uncomfortable truth:

confidence doesn’t come before

you do the thing. It comes

because you did the thing. I

know. Bit annoying, that.

As a coach, I hear people say, “I’ll speak

up when I feel more confident. I’ll wear

that dress, go for promotion when I feel

more confident.” And… they don’t. They

stay stuck. Because somewhere along the

way, many of us picked up the idea that

confident people feel ready and certain

before they act. Like they wake up

thinking, “Today’s the day I absolutely

smash this presentation / conversation /

insert scary big thing.”

But they don’t.

People who grow confident embrace

“practice over perfection”. To be able

to say, “I’ll have a go, even if I feel a

bit wobbly.” And then give it a go and

accept that first time it probably won’t be

brilliant, but that’s okay.

1. Act before you feel ready

We very rarely feel ‘ready’. Don’t wait

for confidence like it’s going to tap

you on the shoulder. Take action.

2. Ditch the perfectionism

Perfectionism is the enemy of

growth and a killer of creativity. Stop

expecting yourself to be accomplished

before you’ve even started! The first go

won’t be the best, but accept that right

now, it’s your best and that’s okay.

You’re learning!

3. Shrink the leap

What’s the smallest doable version

of the thing you’re avoiding? Start

there. What actions could you take as

manageable stepping stones?

4. Collect your evidence

At the end of each day, ask: What

did I do today that my old self

might have avoided? Write it

down. Get good at celebrating your

wins… we’re not great at doing

this, but reminding ourselves of

the progress we are making along

the way is key to keeping ourselves

moving and motivated.

Confidence

isn’t some

special

personality

trait handed

out to a

lucky few.

It’s a byproduct,

a slightly

scruffy mate

that turns

up after

you’ve had

a go.

Confidence isn’t something you find. It’s

something you build, by taking one brave

step at a time. So… go on… what’s your

first step?

Laura Osman is an EMCC Senior

Practitioner in Executive and Team

Coaching, an EMCC Accredited Team

Coach, and an Associate Lecturer at the

University of East London, as well as

Director of Beam.

Through her coaching programmes,

Laura supports women to find their

voice, step into their power, and take

bold, meaningful steps towards their

goals. As a team coach, she partners with

organisations to strengthen collaboration,

improve communication, and build the

psychological safety needed for people to

do their best work.

You can find out more about her work at

www.discoverbeam.co.uk



Business

Property

Relief

Changes

Why Valuations Now Matter More Than Ever

Business Property Relief (BPR) has long

been one of the most valuable tools in

inheritance tax (IHT) planning. For

many business owners, it has provided

a route to pass trading businesses to the

next generation with little or no IHT exposure,

often removing the need for detailed tax valuations

at the point of transfer.

qualify for 100% relief, will instead attract 50%

relief.

For many business owners, this will introduce an

IHT exposure for the first time. A business valued at

£10 million, for example, could give rise to an IHT

liability of £1.8 million on death, where previously

no tax would have been due.


That position is changing

From 6 April 2026, reforms to BPR will

significantly alter the landscape. Assets that

currently benefit from 100% relief may no longer

do so in full, meaning that IHT liabilities could

arise where previously none existed. As a result,

understanding and crucially, being able to justify

the value of a business is becoming central to

effective succession planning.

This is not simply a technical adjustment. It

represents a fundamental shift in how business

wealth is taxed and managed.

Transferring unused allowances from a

spouse or civil partner

If the person who died had a spouse or civil partner

who died before them, you can transfer any unused

allowances from their estate, even if the first death

occurred prior to 6 April 2026. This could make the

allowance worth up to £5 million.

The claim for the transferred allowance must be

made by the later of:

• 4 years after the death of the second person

• 6 months after the executor or administrator

started their role

How BPR is changing

Under the previous rules, qualifying business assets

could attract either 50% or 100% relief from IHT.

In many cases, particularly for shares in unquoted

trading companies, this results in complete

exemption.

However, from April 2026, two key changes will

apply:

• A £2.5 million cap: 100% BPR will apply only

to the first £2.5 million of qualifying business

and agricultural assets combined.

• Reduced relief beyond the cap: Assets

exceeding this threshold will generally receive

50% relief, resulting in an effective IHT charge

of 20% on that excess value.

• AIM shares: Shares listed on the Alternative

Investment Market (AIM), which currently

Why valuations are now critical

Historically, where 100% BPR applied, valuations

were often approached with less urgency. If no

tax was payable, the precise figure attached to

the business was less likely to be challenged or

scrutinised.

That will no longer be the case. From 2026 onwards,

valuations will directly determine:

• Whether the £2.5 million threshold has been

exceeded

• The amount of IHT payable

• The allocation of relief across different assets

Valuations will therefore be required in a wider range

of scenarios, including:

• Lifetime transfers, such as gifting shares or

settling them into a trust


79


trusts created by the same settlor were typically

valued independently, with minority discounts

applied to each holding.

However, from 6 April 2026 there is the

introduction of a ‘related property’ rule, under

which holdings across connected trusts will be

aggregated if this results in a higher valuation. This

could significantly increase the value attributed to

trust-held shares for IHT purposes, reducing the

benefit of minority discounts and increasing tax

exposure.

Trustees should therefore review existing structures

carefully and consider how these potential changes

may interact with the new BPR regime.

Managing the impact

as a trade sale, private equity investment or an AIM

listing should be considered in the context of both

tax and commercial objectives.

Employee ownership trusts (EOTs)

Selling to an EOT has been an attractive option in

many cases, offering a potential CGT exemption

on disposal. However, as of 25 November 2025

only 50% of the gain will be exempt from CGT

meaning an effective 12% CGT rate. The remaining

50% will be subject to normal CGT rules. This

may impact the attractiveness of this structure for

business owners.

The resulting cash proceeds will form part of the

estate for IHT purposes, requiring further planning.


• Ten-year anniversary and exit charges within

trusts

• Death estates, including failed potentially exempt

transfers

In short, valuation is moving from a compliance

exercise to a key driver of tax exposure.

Extension of the option to pay IHT in

annual instalments

Up to 5 April 2026, there has been an option to pay

IHT on things that might take time to sell, such as

real property, in equal annual instalments over ten

years. Interest is payable on the instalments.

From 6 April 2026, the option to pay IHT by up

to ten equal annual instalments, interest-free, will

apply to all property eligible for APR/BPR. Any late

payments will attract an interest charge.

These rules will not apply to any assets you were

already paying instalments on before 6 April 2026.

Increased HMRC scrutiny

Where tax is at stake, scrutiny follows. HMRC can

be expected to take a much closer interest in how

business assets are valued for IHT purposes. This

is particularly relevant where valuations impact

the application of the £2.5 million threshold or

materially affect the tax payable.

Key areas of focus are likely to include:

• The company’s trading performance and future

prospects

• The selection of appropriate valuation

methodologies

• The use of comparable market data and earnings

multiples

• Discounts applied for minority shareholdings

• The treatment of goodwill and intangible assets

Even for AIM-listed shares, the position is not

always straightforward. Where shares are thinly

traded, HMRC may challenge whether the quoted

price accurately reflects market value for tax

purposes.

For private companies, the absence of a readily

observable market adds further complexity.

Valuations must be robust, defensible and aligned

with established tax case law principles.

Trust structures and potential changes

Alongside the BPR reforms, further changes may

affect how assets held in trust are valued.

Up to 5 April 2026, shares held across multiple

For business owners, trustees and advisers, the key

question is not simply what has changed, but how to

respond.

A starting point is to quantify the potential IHT

exposure under the new rules. This requires a

realistic valuation of the business and a review of

how relief will apply across the estate.

From there, a range of planning options may be

considered:

Gifting and trust planning

Lifetime gifting remains an effective strategy,

particularly where the donor is likely to survive

seven years. Trusts may also be used, although care is

needed given the interaction with the new rules and

potential charges.

Business restructuring

Reviewing share ownership and capital structure can

help maximise the use of available reliefs, including

ensuring that both spouses utilise the £2.5 million

threshold where appropriate.

Business sale or exit planning

For some owners, a sale may provide liquidity and

greater flexibility for IHT planning. Options such

Funding future liabilities

Where an IHT liability is unavoidable, planning

how it will be funded is essential. Options may

include life insurance or structured share buybacks,

although both require careful tax analysis.

The bigger picture

These changes represent more than a technical

adjustment to BPR. They mark a shift in policy

towards bringing more business wealth within the

scope of inheritance tax.

For many family-owned businesses, this introduces

a new layer of complexity. Decisions that were once

straightforward — such as retaining shares until

death — may no longer deliver the most efficient

outcome.

At the same time, the increased importance of

valuations places greater emphasis on early planning,

robust documentation and professional advice.

As always, these articles provide an overview of

the various measures available, and no action

should be taken without seeking professional

advice. At Ritchie Phillips, we pride ourselves

on providing clear, pragmatic advice to help

businesses, individuals and families. If you’d like

to discuss any of the above, please get in touch.

www.ritchiephillips.co.uk


TRAVEL

Summer Quiz

How closely have you been reading this issue?

Test your Sussex knowledge with our 10-question summer quiz.

1. What is the name of the famous tapestry

that hangs behind the High Altar in

Chichester Cathedral?

A) The Chichester Cloth

B) The Holy Trinity Tapestry

C) The Piper Tapestry

D) The Sussex Tapestry

2. What is Lammas and when is it celebrated?

A) A midsummer sea blessing held in June

B) A harvest festival celebrating the first

grain harvest, celebrated on 1 August

C) A South Downs sheep-shearing festival

in July

D) A winter solstice celebration held in

December

3. Which film was partly filmed at Charles

Palmer Vineyard?

A) The Holiday

B) Mr Holmes

C) Downton Abbey

D) The Dig

4. Which THREE of these are places where you

can discover Sussex sculpture gardens?

A) Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

B) Philip Jackson’s Garden (by

appointment)

C) Pashley Manor Gardens

D) Devil’s Dyke

5. Who founded Lewes Priory?

A) Harold Godwinson

B) William de Warenne

C) Thomas Becket

D) Simon de Montfort


Answers on page 91.

6. Who is celebrating a special centenary this

year, and where might you find him?

A) Rupert Bear in Arundel

B) Paddington in Brighton

C) Winnie the Pooh on Ashdown Forest

D) Peter Rabbit in Petworth

7. Which church was decorated by members of

the Bloomsbury Group after being invited by

Bishop Bell?

A) Firle Church

B) Berwick Church

C) St Michael’s Church, Lewes

D) Alfriston Church

8. Which famous French region is closely

associated with William the Conqueror?

A) Burgundy

B) Provence

C) Normandy

D) Brittany

9. Which famous writer lived in Rodmell near

Lewes, and what was the name of her house?

A) Jane Austen and Chawton House

B) Virginia Woolf and Monk’s House

C) Agatha Christie and Greenway

D) Beatrix Potter and Hill Top

10. Author Vicky Butler has been exploring her

Sussex roots. Which two Sussex places did

she uncover family connections to and what

was her family occupation?

A) Rye and Battle, blacksmiths

B) Heathfield and Herstmonceux, farmhands

C) Lewes and Alfriston, millers

D) Chichester and Petworth, fishermen

4 Days in

Normandy

Explore over a thousand years

of Norman history and indulge

in the rich flavours of this

stunning coastal region

William the Conqueror

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Abbaye aux Hommes

Abbaye aux Dames

particularly oysters and scallops, celebrated each

year during the city’s scallop festival. On Fridays, the

bustling Saint-Sauveur market is ideal for browsing

local produce.

Caen Castle

Rising travel costs create the perfect

excuse to explore what’s on offer closer

to home. And in terms of both distance

and heritage, places don’t get much

closer or more enticing than Normandy

in northern France.

Bordering the Channel, Normandy is a region of

rolling wooded landscape, rich history and fabulous

food. From WWII landing sites and memorials,

to Richard the Lionheart, William the Conqueror

and Rollo the Viking, you’ll find historic abbeys,

towns and cities, stunning architecture, unique local

dishes and just the right measure of indulgence and

adventure.

This three-centre short break takes you right into the

heart of the best of Normandy and celebrates the

2027 Millennium Year of the Normans, a thousand

years after the birth of William the Conqueror.

Allow a day each in Caen and Rouen and allow two

days to work your way up the coast. Or, if you’d like,

you can extend your break.

Caen. Following William the Conqueror

If ever there was a city that feels woven into the

story of England, it is Caen. Before the invasion

of 1066, the centres of Norman power had largely

revolved around Rouen and Fécamp, but William

increasingly favoured Caen, transforming it into one

of the great centres of Normandy.

At the heart of the city stands the vast Château de

Caen, first built by William around 1060 and rebuilt

William the Conqueror's tomb, Caen

and developed many times since. Beneath the castle’s

gaze are elegant streets, churches and the surviving

half-timbered houses of the atmospheric Vaugueux

district.

During the Battle of Normandy in 1944, Caen

became the focus of fierce fighting and suffered

devastating destruction. Today, alongside its

medieval legacy, the city also offers an opportunity

to remember at the Mémorial de Caen, devoted to

the Second World War, the D-Day landings and the

Cold War.

Things to eat in Caen

Sitting in the heart of Calvados country, the city is

the perfect place to sample its famous apple brandy,

crisp Normandy cider and the region’s famously

rich cheeses, including Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque

and Livarot. Seafood also plays a starring role,

Things to do in and around Caen

Château de Caen

Free to visit and explore, the castle feels more like

a citadel and is one of the largest medieval fortified

enclosures in Europe. You can walk part of the

ramparts, look down on the ruins of Henry I’s

(William’s son) castle within a castle and visit the

great reception hall (probably built for William’s

other son, William II). In 1182, Henry II of

England celebrated Christmas here with his sons,

the future kings Richard I of England and John of

England.

The castle now also houses both the Musée de

Normandie and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen,

making it easy to spend several hours here before

emerging back into the lively city below.

Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux

Dames

No visit to Caen would be complete without seeing

the two great abbeys founded by William and his

wife, Matilda of Flanders. The beautiful Abbaye aux

Hommes contains William’s tomb, while the elegant

Abbaye aux Dames is the resting place of Matilda.

The two are easily walkable from one another and

together form the spiritual and architectural heart of

Norman Caen.

Falaise Castle

A short drive from Caen, the vast Château de Falaise

rises dramatically above the surrounding countryside

and is one of the most important Norman sites in

Falaise Castle

Ornavik Historical Park

France. Its immense stone keep and defensive towers

reflect centuries of construction by the Dukes of

Normandy and later the Kings of France. Crucially,

this is where William the Conqueror was born

around 1027/8 and spent his early childhood.

www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-etmusees/chateau-guillaume-le-conquerant/

Ornavik Historical Park

Nearby, Ornavik Historical Park offers a fascinating

insight into the transition from Carolingian

peasant society through Viking settlement and

the emergence of the Norman culture that would

eventually reshape England forever.

www.ornavik.fr/en/


TRAVEL

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Rouen

Cité Immersive Viking inside

Rouen

Rouen Cathedral door

Rouen

Rouen. Gothic spires, Viking whispers

and half-timbered houses

If Caen feels like the soul of Norman power, then

Rouen is its beating political heart. Atmospheric,

intricate and endlessly walkable, the historic capital

of Normandy is a city of Gothic spires, half-timbered

houses, medieval marketplaces and cathedral bells

echoing across the Seine.

Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires”, Rouen

began life as a Gallo-Roman settlement but was

ravaged by Viking raids in 841. It later emerged as

the capital of the Duchy of Normandy and a city of

river trade and craftsmanship.

What and where to eat

The city’s most famous culinary experience is

undoubtedly Canard à la Rouennaise, pressed duck,

and there is no more atmospheric place to try it than

La Couronne, regarded as one of the oldest inns in

France, dating back to 1345.

Rich, theatrical and steeped in tradition, the dish sees

roast duck transformed tableside using a silver duck

press, and dining at La Couronne feels less like a

meal and more like stepping into centuries of French

culinary history.

www.lacouronne-rouen.co.uk/

Things to do in and around Rouen

Vieux Rouen

Exploring the old quarter, Vieux Rouen, is one

of the great pleasures of any visit. Around 2,500

half-timbered houses survive here, many brightly

painted, whilst around almost every corner, you

catch glimpses of Gothic towers.

One of the city’s great landmarks is the extraordinary

Gros-Horloge, the magnificent astronomical clock

that spans the street beneath an ornate Renaissance

arch. The clock mechanism dates back to the 14th

century, and you can sit almost beneath it at one

of the bars and soak up the sights and the nearby

umbrella-covered avenue.

Rouen

Place du Vieux-Marché, the old marketplace, is

where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431 during the

Hundred Years’ War. Today, the square is dominated

by the striking modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc.

Vast, dramatic and unlike any traditional church, its

sweeping roofline is said to evoke both flames and an

overturned Viking ship.

Rouen Cathedral

No visit is complete without stepping inside Rouen

Cathedral. Towering over the old town, its intricate

façade was famously captured by Claude Monet.

Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive, filled

with soaring arches and tombs of historic giants like

Richard the Lionheart (King Richard I of England)

and the Viking leader Rollo, the first Duke of

Normandy. Nearby, the immense Abbey of Saint-

Ouen is another Gothic treasure, often quieter than

the cathedral but every bit as awe-inspiring.

Historial Jeanne d'Arc

Cité Immersive Viking

Historial Jeanne d’Arc

Using multimedia displays, the Historial Jeanne

d’Arc brings to life the fascinating story of Joan of

Arc in an immersive museum located beside the

Archbishop’s Palace.

www.historial-jeannedarc.fr/en/

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

Art lovers should also allow time for the excellent

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, which houses

works by masters including Monet and Renoir.

Cité Immersive Viking

For a deeper understanding of how Viking raiders

evolved into the Normans who would eventually

conquer England, head across the Seine to the city’s

immersive Viking experience. Spread across six

themed rooms and lasting around 90 minutes, the

experience combines sound, projections, storytelling

and sensory effects to transport visitors through

more than a thousand years of Norman history.

viking.cites-immersives.fr/en/

Jumièges Abbey

Half an hour from Rouen, beside a bend in the

River Seine, lies the hauntingly beautiful Jumièges


87

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TRAVEL

Dives sur Mer

Jumieges Abbey

Abbey, described by Victor Hugo as “the most

beautiful ruin in France”.

Founded in 654, the abbey was repeatedly

damaged and rebuilt through Viking raids,

war, religious conflict and revolution, including

reconstruction under William Longsword. Its

great church was later consecrated in 1067

in William the Conqueror’s presence. Today,

the abbey’s soaring pale limestone twin towers

and vast roofless nave rise magnificently above

peaceful grounds, creating one of the most

atmospheric and memorable historic sites in

Normandy.

www.en.normandie-tourisme.fr/hidden-gems/

jumieges/

The Normandy coast. White cliffs,

sea and the spirit of 1066

Stretching from dramatic chalk cliffs to vast tidal

bays and elegant seaside resorts, the Normandy

coast is perhaps best known for its spectacular

Alabaster Coast and elegant Côte Fleurie with its

stylish resorts such as Deauville and Cabourg.

Of course, Normandy’s coast also carries immense

historical weight. The D-Day landing beaches

across Calvados and Manche remain places

of reflection and remembrance, while further

west, the extraordinary Mont-Saint-Michel rises

dramatically from the tidal sands. The picturesque

harbour town of Honfleur, meanwhile, is one of

the most beautiful ports in France.

Dives sur Mer

What to eat

Particularly known for its “four Cs”: cream,

Camembert, cider and Calvados, the coast is also

famous for its seafood, which includes Normandy

mussels, oysters and scallops.

Things to do

Dives-sur-Mer

Dives-sur-Mer is where William the Conqueror

gathered part of his invasion fleet before setting

sail for Saint Valery sur Somme and from there to

England and the Battle of Hastings.

But the town is worth a visit in its own right, with

its medieval market hall, operating since the 15th

century, its elegant Bois-Hibout manor house and

its 11th century church. Above the church porch are

engraved the names of William’s 475 companions

who crossed the Channel with him towards

Hastings.

Nearby, the Village d’Art Guillaume-le-

Conquérant occupies a former post house later

transformed into an inn, while Port Guillaume

Abbey Saint Ouen

William's signature,

Fecamp


TRAVEL

Fecamp

Palais Benedictine

Summer Quiz

The Answers

Fecamp beach

adds a more modern marina atmosphere and is

perfect for a walk by the river.

Palais Benedictine, Fecamp

and the Hastings area. Standing here, looking out

towards the Channel, the links between Sussex and

Normandy suddenly feel very close indeed.

1. C) The Piper Tapestry

2. B) A harvest festival celebrating

the first grain harvest,

celebrated on 1 August

3. B) Mr Holmes

4. A, B and C) Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens,

Philip Jackson’s Garden and

Pashley,Manor Gardens

Fécamp

5. B) William de Warenne

Further north along the coast lies Fécamp, one of

Normandy’s great historic seaside towns. Fécamp

was once one of the principal residences of the

Dukes of Normandy and an important political and

religious centre.

Places to stay

Hotel Campanile Prime Caen Centre Gare: Just south

of the river and not far from the Vaugueux District

www.caen-centre-gare.campanile.com/en-us/

6. C) Winnie the Pooh on

Ashdown Forest

7. B) Berwick Church

8. C) Normandy

Chichester Cathedral

The town sits dramatically between towering white

cliffs, but one of its most striking landmarks is the

extraordinary Palais Bénédictine, an extravagant

neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance palace dedicated

to the production of Benedictine liqueur. Part

distillery, part museum, you can do a distillery tour

and see a manuscript that was signed by William the

Conqueror himself.

www.benedictinedom.com/flamboyant-palais/

Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale: Ideally placed

right in the heart of the old town.

www.mercurerouencentrecathedrale.com-hotel.com/

Travel

Overnight DFDS ferry services run between Caen

(Ouistreham) and Portsmouth, while shorter

crossings run from Dieppe to Newhaven, just an hour

north of Fécamp.

9. B) Virginia Woolf and

Monk’s House

10. B) Heathfield and

Herstmonceux – farmhands

Score Guide

0–3: Occasional day-tripper

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

Back in the town, the Abbey Church of the Holy

Trinity offers another powerful reminder of the deep

connections between Normandy and England. Once

part of a major Benedictine abbey closely associated

with the Norman dukes, it held extensive lands in

Sussex, including links to Steyning, Rye, Winchelsea

Recommended travel route: Overnight ferry to Caen

and early evening ferry from Dieppe back to the UK.

www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries

For more information: en.normandie-tourisme.fr/

4–6: Sussex explorer

7–8: Local insider

9–10: Fully immersed Sussex Exclusive reader


91

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There are a couple of small, quiet

moments that keep returning to me

this summer. Not at a festival or grand

opening. Not at any major event.

But standing on the shingle shore

at Bosham. The echo of footsteps in a cathedral.

The strange sense of kneeling beside William the

Conqueror’s tomb in Caen. Leaning into a blistering

cold wind at the top of Dover Castle. Touching the

bark of an ancient tree.

This summer edition has celebrated experiences in

all their forms. Vineyard picnics, open-air theatre,

Sussex towns, old traditions, great and small walks

and historical anniversaries.

Much of my recent exploring has centred around

the growing 1066 theme that will build towards the

Millennium Year of the Normans in 2027 and this

year’s Battle of Hastings anniversary. That journey

has taken me across Sussex and into Normandy too,

following fragments of William the Conqueror’s

story from Pevensey and Battle to Caen, Falaise and

beyond. Those around me might say I became a little

obsessed with William. But I am glad that I did.

I tend to call my travels “dot joining”, and what I’ve

learnt is that when you start to view things through

a particular lens, when you start to join the dots,

you start to see Sussex differently. Not simply as a

destination filled with events and attractions, but

as somewhere that is filled with a million small but

personal stories that transcend the centuries of time

and a thousand special places of intense connection

and unexpected emotion.

And those are the moments that stay with you.

So perhaps this summer, the real invitation is simply

to explore more slowly. To wander. To take the long

route. To identify what intrigues you and go looking

for it. To take a long, deep dive into obsession.

To listen carefully to the whispers of our Sussex

ancestors and let them tell you their story. To find

your own puzzle and carefully join the dots.

Experience is routinely sought after these days, but

connection is both a much richer ambition and a

more personal reward.


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