Places to Visit
Do you enjoy coastal walks, beautiful gardens, or historical towns? Or even a quick trip into London? Either way, you will love returning to the peace and tranquility of Beestons Cottages. You can relax in the enclosed garden, light a BBQ, or cosy up in front of the log burner. Here’s our pick of the top attractions to enhance your stay.
Castles and Gardens
You will find plenty of castles and gardens to visit within a short drive of Beestons Cottages.
Batemans is the family home of Rudyard Kipling. It is a National Trust property with gardens, a mill and tearooms (20 minute drive).
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle. It features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis. The ruined interior is perfect for exploring. Its a 30 minutes journey by car.
Battle and Battle Abbey Battle is a charming market town named after the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. Battle Abbey is English Heritage.
Herstmonceaux Castle has woodland, meadows and gardens. Access to the interior of this brick built castle is limited. There is a Castle Cafe and Terrace. It’s located a mere 9 minute drive away.
Sheffield Park Gardens consists of acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes. It is surrounded by historic parkland and woodland, just 35 minutes away. It belongs to the National Trust.
Or if you want to explore further afield:
Hever Castle was home to Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII and has stunning award winning gardens.
Leeds Castle is large and a full day out for all the family.
Borde Hill Garden is one for the true garden lovers. It has an informal country garden with woodland and parkland areas. The formal garden areas are arranged as a series of distinct garden rooms. There are also enjoyable lakeside and woodland walks.
Beaches and Coast
The East Sussex coastline has something for everyone. Enjoy stunning views at Seven Sisters Country Park. Visit Camber Sands and the children can play all day in the sand.
Follow the link below for the best beaches in East Sussex and find your favourite:
With the Kids
Drusillas is a family friendly zoo and adventure park. Fun for all the family and only a 20 minute drive.
Knock Hatch is a great day out with younger children. It features rides, animals, and splash pads. There are also exciting indoor and outdoor play areas.
Brighton Sea Life Centre is perfect for a rainy day. It’s situated right on Brighton Seafront and is the oldest aquarium in the world. It is 50 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train from Polegate Station.
Art and Culture
Brighton pavilion is one of the most iconic architectural and historical landmarks in the UK. It is open every day.
Charleston House was the country retreat of the influential literary and artistic Bloomsbury Group.
Farleys House is the home of the Surrealists.
Glyndebourne is located near Lewes approx. 25 minutes away by car. It has been the site of an opera house since 1934 holding regular classical music performances. It is also the venue for the annual Glyndebourne Opera Festival held between May and August.
Local walks
There are many great walks in East Sussex with some great suggestions for circular routes if you follow the link below:
https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisure-tourism/circular
Cowbeech, Rushlake Green, Arlington, Chiddingly and Hellingly are all easily accessed within a short drive.
City of London
If you fancy a quick trip to our capital city, taking the train is the best way to do this. Stonegate station is 25 minutes away by car with trains taking 1 hour 10 minutes into central London. Alternatively Polegate station is 20 minutes by car, providing more regular services. Polegate is also a great way to get to Brighton, Hastings and Ashford for the Eurostar. There is also a station at Buxted with trains to the capital.
Just before your arrival at Beestons Cottages we will provide you with a link to our Guest Information page. This has more suggestions to make your break at our peaceful countryside location one to remember.
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