Elianne Reed
12 February 2018
Sussex is the perfect place to spend an invigorating couple of days away from London - filled to the brim with gorgeous castles, historical houses and miles of chalky cliff tops sheltering pretty fishing villages, there is so much to discover. As a relaxing weekend starts with a well organised schedule, we have put together the perfect 48 hour plan for you – just pack your bags and come on down!
Hastings seafront
If you want a quick break away from London and don’t want to spend more than a couple of hours in the car or on the train, Sussex is the county to head to. Just hop on a train at Charing Cross and sit back and relax as you wind your way past traditional Sussex villages and countryside down to the coastal town of Hastings. Alternatively, throw your bags in the car and come down via the M25 and A21, which will take you on the same journey and give you more flexibility to discover the county at your leisure.
FRIDAY EVENING - SETTLE IN AT A COUNTRY PUB
After a drive or train journey you’ll be desperate to unpack and settle into your holiday cottage. Give yourself a little time to get acquainted and then pop out to one of our lovely country pubs where you can sample the best food and drink the area has to offer. Discover freshly caught seafood from nearby shores, organic meats and dairy products as well as local Sussex ales and wines – most pubs have gardens with wonderful views or roaring log fires if the weather is inclement.
SATURDAY MORNING - STEAM RAILWAYS AND BODIAM CASTLE
Start the day by popping over the border to the pretty Cinque Ports town of Tenterden where you can hop on a fabulous vintage steam train at the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Wind your way through stunning Kent countryside to the romantic moated Bodiam Castle. You will have time to have a look around the magnificent castle and grounds and perhaps have a spot of lunch before heading back to base.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON - VINEYARDS AND WINDMILLS
A trip to Sussex would not be complete without a visit to one of our beautiful vineyards. Sedlescombe organic vineyard offers tours and tastings – just make sure that you buy some lovely apple juice to take home! If that is not your thing, visit the pretty town of Cranbrook with its working windmill and museum.
There are plenty of places to stop for a scrumptious cream tea and a browse amongst antique shops and vintage book stores too if you have time.
SATURDAY EVENING - BRIGHTON NIGHTLIFE
Head down to the bright lights of Brighton where you will find lots of pubs and clubs and a buzzy young crowd. There are lots of places to have dinner, such as the Gingerman or visit the famous Lanes, which is full of restaurants and cafes.
SUNDAY MORNING - HISTORY AND HASTINGS
A morning at a historic house is a lovely way to start the day. Visit the interesting rooms and gardens at Batemans, the former home of author Rudyard Kipling or for something grander, head to Battle Abbey where the 1066 Battle of Hastings took place.
If you fancy a spot of fresh air, head down to Hastings where you can get the amazing funicular railway up to the East and West Hill. Offering amazing views over the Channel towards France, it is the perfect spot for a picnic. Also visit the fascinating Smugglers Caves and the Shipwreck and Fishermen's Museums just behind the beach - the tall fishing huts are also the perfect opportunity for keen photographers to take some snaps.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON - DISCOVER RYE
Finish off the day by spending the afternoon in the historic Cinque Ports town of Rye. Cobbled streets bursting with little antique shops, churches and historic houses such as Lamb House are definitely worth discovering.
Stay for a late lunch here at one of the many eateries such as The Mermaid Inn or the Apothecary Coffee House. Then walk it off with a seaside stroll through the beautiful Rye Harbour nature reserve, just a ten-minute drive from Rye.
If you have been inspired to pack your bags and take a trip to Sussex, why not visit our selection of lovely Sussex cottages for somewhere to stay?
Looking for another quick getaway close to London? Try our 48 hours in Kent itinerary for more inspiration.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.