Out & About
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a spectacular National Trail that runs from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the East. The Hovel is located directly on the trail, about 20 miles from Eastbourne. The trail provides brilliant walking in its own right, but also access to endless other footpaths that explore the Sussex countryside. If you like walking, there is no better place to spend a weekend.
Walking or cycling in either direction along the South Downs Way from The Hovel quickly leads to spectacular views from the top of the escarpment, out over the weald or to the coast. On a clear day, you can see for miles, sometimes even getting a peek of the Isle of Wight!
Brighton
Brighton needs no introduction and it has all the attractions that you’d expect of a major city, and far too many to mention here! However, the highlights for us would definitely include; popping down to the seafront for an ice cream on the Brighton pier, visiting the stunning historic Royal Pavilion and then finishing it off with a lovely amble through the North laines where there are hundreds of small independent shops, cafes and market stalls.
For a guide to what’s on in Brighton visit www.visitbrighton.com
South Downs National Park
The Hovel is located in the Eastern half of the National Park and within easy reach are some of the most popular attractions in the area.
These include:
+ The Seven Sisters Country Park – the famous white cliffs
+ Ditchling Beacon – one of the highest points on the South Downs
+ Devils Dyke – a dramatic glacial valley
+ Middle Farm – café, farm shop and lots of farm animals
+ Drusillas Park – a great day out for the family
+ Miles of coastline
+ And numerous quintessentially English villages like Firle (with an excellent pub serving Harveys Ale) and Glynde.
The South Downs is rich with wildlife and footpaths and very accessible too.
Local Pubs
There are numerous excellent pubs in Lewes just a short bus ride away. Some of our favourites are The Swan which does delicious food at great prices, The Lewes Arms for a friendly atmosphere and The Rights of Man for its large selection of Harvey’s local ale.
We also highly recommend The Bull in Ditchling for a country pub with a beer garden and lovely food or The Half Moon in Plumpton that also serves delicious food and drink. Sussex is packed full of quaint country pubs so you really do have plenty to choose from!
If you are looking for something more lively, there is of course Brighton only 7 miles away with its huge array of pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Lewes
Lewes is a unique place, with a strong sense of identity (it even has its own currency!), a buzzing art scene and a slightly alternative feel.
The town has a great selection of independent shops, antique markets to browse, a fab local food market at the market tower every Friday and a bustling farmers market on the first and third Saturday of each month.
There are also loads of small coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, with plentiful supplies of the locally brewed Harveys Ale. The original Bill’s café (they have now opened nationally) is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and serves excellent food with a vibrant atmosphere.
There are also several historic buildings to look around, including Lewes Castle, Anne of Cleves House and The Old Priory.
For a guide to what’s on in Lewes, visit www.vivalewes.co.uk
Local Shops
There is the excellently stocked Park Farm shop in Falmer, 1.5 miles up the road (towards Brighton).
There are supermarkets – Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi – in Lewes, 4 miles away.