Three days in Sussex: What to see and what to do
It’s a tough task narrowing down what you should do with a three-day stay at The Grain Store. We made a pot of tea, unwrapped a carrot cake loaf from the Flint Owl Bakery, sat down at the table and got ready for an affable debate.
In our years since The Grain Store opened its doors to guests for the very first time, we have made it part of our role to go out and explore so that we can help tailor itineraries. But in that time, we have also seen some changes. The Sussex wine scene is now world-renowned and the number of vineyards has bloomed. Alongside, other Sussex produce is also getting its time in the limelight with beautiful cheeses, organically-reared meats and beers produced in micro-breweries that dot the countryside.
We are also seeing a beautiful boom in eco-tourism. The rewilding project at The Knepp Estate has become a model for nature regeneration in the British Isles and beyond. The safari - which takes in the growing colony of white storks - is one of our top five family adventures in Sussex.
But there are also firm favourites that have been on the list for Sussex sightseers for decades. We have tried to create an itinerary that will have something for everyone in your party; but do have a look at other blogs for more inspiration.
Day One: Slow start, gentle wanderings
Enjoy a gentle wake-up and linger over breakfast at The Grain Store. Don your trainers and go for a wander up The South Downs. We have included some details in your welcome pack but there are also plenty of options to browse on the South Down National park website. We have a great selection of Ordnance Survey maps of the area too, which you can spread out on the table to ponder over.
Next it’s off to our local town of Lewes for lunch. With its cobbled streets, artistic vibe and a plethora of marvellous shops, you can easily spend a whole day in the town (indeed if you have the time, here’s what you can squeeze into 24 hours). There are superb eating options from pubs like The Pelham Arms to bakeries where you can grab a sandwich. A favourite among The Grain Store team members is the Cafe du Jardin, which is tucked away and has a gorgeous garden.
In the afternoon, visit the town’s castle, which has watched over Lewes for 1000 years. You can also contemplate monastic life in the 11th-century ruins at Priory Park; or admire the Grade II listed houses along Keere Street.
Feeling learned, it’s time for a cuppa at Taith, which also boasts a pottery studio before wandering down the High Street where independent shops abound. Don’t forget to visit the Flint Owl Bakery for breakfast goodies.
End your visit on Cliffe High Street where you can get lost in the antique shops which are packed with wonders. Book dinner at Dill, a tiny eatery that has caught the Michelin pundits’ eyes and offers intricately designed small plates bursting with unusual flavours.
Day Two: Seaside strolls
After a beautiful night’s sleep and satisfying breakfast, it’s time to visit Brighton - Sussex’s noisy dame of the city. Parking is notorious so opt for the bus. There are details in your welcome pack.
If it is sunny and warm, why not start your visit with an energizing plunge. You can opt for a paddle in the sea but there is also Sea Lanes, a 50m, six lane pool that sits around a very acceptable 23℃. Reward yourself with a hot drink and a pastry at Scandi hangout, Fika.
Wander from there along the beach with pebbles under foot and perhaps stroll along Palace Pier. Formerly a landing stage for passenger ships from Dieppe in France, it is now famous for fish and chips, audacious seagulls and classic fairground rides.
Next, meander through the South Lanes for a spot of shopping and then head to The Royal Pavilion. The pleasure palace for King George IV, it is a wonder of Regency grandeur with extravagant nods to India and China. After so much exploration, find a lunch spot. The seasonal small plates and organic wines at Plateau in the South Lanes are always superb but if you prefer more casual dining, Shelter Hall on the waterfront is a European style food hall with plenty of different options.
Spend a slightly slower afternoon in the North Laines, admiring the street art and pastel hues of the houses. Snoopers Paradise is a legendary treasure trove of beautiful clothes and things you didn’t know you needed. Author of Secret Sussex, Ellie Seymour, shares her tips as to what to see here.
As the sun starts dipping below the horizon, you could opt to see what’s on at the Brighton Dome or Theatre Royal, but make sure you leave time for Fish and Chips. Bardsleys has been going since 1926, and ticks all of the boxes for taste and ambiance.
Day Three: Vines and villages
Back to the bucolic for your final day in Sussex. Head over the Downs to the village of Alfriston, which has long been a hub of creativity. Winding through the village is the Cuckmere River. Make time to sit on its banks before a quiet stroll through the village. Much Ado Books is a magical place where you can browse, create and have a very pleasant chat with owners Cate and Nash. Make sure you also visit the vintage clothing shop, The Dressing Room, have a drink at The Star and browse in arts and curiosities shop Objet Trouvé.
From Alfriston, drive to Firle for lunch at The Ram. This brick and flint inn has been at the centre of village life for hundreds of years. Buried in the nearby churchyard are Vanessa Bell and her companion Duncan Grant - two prominent members of the Bloomsbury Group. And it is to admire their work and hear more about their tangled lives that you should next head to Charleston, the farmhouse, which was their home for decades. The garden alone is stunning but inside, nearly every surface is painted. Lovingly restored, this is a place of wonder. You feel as if you have just wandered in as Bell herself has left the room, perhaps to pick flowers in her garden or to visit her sister, Virginia Woolf.
Head to Rathfinny Wine Estate to watch the sun go down over the vines and sip a cool glass of sparkling white wine. This stunning vineyard sits not far from the Long Man of Wilmington and above the Seven Sisters Country Park.
You can choose to visit the Tasting Room - which is Michelin-recommended or book a table at The Flint Barns, which serves a spectacular Sunday roast and also hosts the Seafood Kitchen. You’re then only a short distance from The Grain Store, where cosy beds and quiet await.
We have plenty of other ideas to share - from craft experiences to outdoor adventures. Get in touch with our team, let us know what your perfect trip would include and we will be happy to guide you.
