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
Places to Eat - Brighton
There are literally hundreds of places to eat in Brighton but here are a few of our favourite places:
+ Gingerman - An intimate Modern European restaurant with seasonal menus
+ Dishoom Permit Room - Seriously good Bombay inspired bar snacks, moreish curries, plates for sharing. Crackingly good cocktails and they serve a fab breakfast too
+ Petit Pois - A French intimate eatery with a warm ambiance located in the heart of the Brighton Lanes
+ Embers - wood fired cooking & cocktails in the heart of Brighton's lanes
+ Bankers - An award winning family run Fish and chip shop
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 Shops & Markets
There is the excellently stocked Park Farm shop in Falmer, 1.5 miles up the road (towards Brighton).
An amazing weekly Lewes Food Market is held every Friday from 9:00 until 12.30 at the Market Tower in Lewes. All produce is sourced locally within a 30 mile radius of the town.
There is also a Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi in Lewes, 4 miles away.
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 Eight Bells in Jevington that also serves seriously 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
Places to Eat - Lewes
We have heaps of fab places to dine locally. Our favourites in Lewes are:
+ Erawan - Authentic Thai (BYO)
+ Dill - Simple yet admirably inventive bistro serving stunningly delicious small plates
+ Squisito - A charming family-run restaurant set in the beautiful Old Needle Makers. Offering unfussy and seriously tasty Italian food
+ Rustico - Our family favourite authentic pizzeria in Lewes
+ No. 34 - A low-intervention wine bar with a menu focused on simple, seasonal dishes
+ Flint Owl Bakery - bakery and cafe serving homemade organic bread, cakes, and yummy breakfasts/lunches along with amazing coffee
Our favourite fish and chip shop is the South Street Fish Bar, Lewes.
CWCW Gym
We have an amazing new wellbeing studio located literally opposite The Hovel path at Housedean Farm.
Linford, the owner of Chopwood Carrywater Studio, offers personal training, small group training and open gym sessions in his stunning gym space with views of the fields behind.
If you would like to do a session or two during your stay at The Hovel, please tick the Chopwood Gym enquiry box during the booking process and we will send you all the info you need.