Why Lewes and East Sussex should be on your UK staycation bucket list
A look at what makes Lewes and East Sussex a contender for the UK staycation hotspot.
To celebrate English Tourism Week 22-31 May, we take a look at the key reasons why Lewes and East Sussex should be top of your UK staycation bucket list.
The region is brimming with attractions to tempt UK holidaymakers this summer (and beyond). From rich history to abundant nature including the South Downs Way and the iconic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters Country Park. Not to mention an impressive quota of top-rated visitor attractions, event spaces, eateries and drinking spaces - there’s plenty to explore.
With the Grain Store based in a secluded spot near the historic market town of Lewes, East Sussex, we offer a prime position to discover this magical part of the world. We might be biased, but we thought we’d share why we think Lewes and East Sussex is THE destination for your UK staycation.
East Sussex is a destination steeped in history
East Sussex dates back to the 5th Century AD as one of the seven Saxon kingdoms. The area has a long history of arts, culture, trade and regal affairs - plenty for history buffs to get their noses into.
Perhaps the most notorious point in East Sussex’s history was The Battle of Hastings 1066, in which William the Conqueror defeated Harold II to begin the Norman conquest. Visit Hastings and relive the action as you explore the battleground, walk around the ruins of Battle Abbey and find the marked spot where Harold fell.
Other significant historical places of interest are plentiful (we’ve got 16 hundred years of history after all). For some serious planning and history nerding, we would advise using a site such as historic-uk.com or the English Heritage.
In the meantime, we’ve also pulled together our round-up of the top historical places to see in Sussex and Kent, including Glyndebourne Country house, Bodiam Castle and Rye Citadel among many others.
See our full list of recommendations here.
Awaken the senses in abundant natural beauty
East Sussex boasts a vast, varied and beautiful landscape that ranges from sweeping farming fields, vineyards and magical woodlands to quaint country villages and quirky seaside towns.
On the south coast, you will find the magnificent and dramatic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Country Park. Visit the Seaford Head Nature Reserve for the best views of Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley.
The South Downs National Park is one of Britain’s official 2021 ‘Breathing Spaces’ and it’s clear to see why. Picture tranquil scenes of rolling hills and big open skies. From the top of the hills, it's possible to gain a 360-degree viewpoint, stretching all the way down to the English Channel. On a clear night, you can even gain a vista of the stars. In 2016, the park was granted International Dark Sky Reserve status, making it one of the best places in England to view the night sky.
As Virginia Woolf wrote in her Diaries: "The Downs ... too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness." The quote may be over-used but it still rings true. The Downs, like much of East Sussex, are spectacular. Breathe in that happiness!
Read our blog The Magic of the South Downs to find out why those loving here cherish the Downs.
East Sussex is an outdoor and adventure paradise
The sheer size of the South Downs National Park and the neighbouring beaches along the East Sussex coast, make it a mecca for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.
Cyclists, hikers, horse-riders, paragliders and other explorers come to discover the vast landscapes, including the iconic South Downs Way. This popular route is one of only 16 National Trails in the UK, spanning an impressive 100 miles from Winchester, Hampshire through to Eastbourne, East Sussex.
If water-based activity is more your thing, you can head down to the region’s many beaches for a range of activities like kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or good old-fashioned swimming.
Read our blog for recommendations on the best day hikes in East Sussex or discover our round-up of adventure holidays.
We’re home to England’s award-winning winemakers
Raise a glass to the Great British Summer at one of East Sussex’s many vineyards. Most of Britain’s award-winning winemakers can be found within the Downs, including Beacon Down Wines, a supplier to The Grain Store. The chalky soils of the South Downs present the perfect conditions to produce sparkling white wine that has been known to beat champagne in blind taste tests.
You can visit the East Sussex wineries throughout the year, many of which have on-site tasting rooms and restaurants to tickle your taste buds. In the summer months, enjoy a guided tasting tour through the vineyards with an alfresco picnic in the East Sussex sunshine.
When staying at The Grain Store, you can expect a complimentary bottle of Beacon Down Wine to enjoy. Cheers to that!
East Sussex is heaven for food lovers
From fresh seafood to free-range organic meat and locally produced cheeses, breads and organic fruit and vegetables - East Sussex offers up a feast for food lovers.
Explore the best of local produce at the region’s many farm shops including May’s farm Cart, supplier to The Grain Store; Holmansbridge Farm, butcher, deli and grocer; and Cheese Please. We also love Middle Farm, which is a great place to visit with children who can meet the newborn lambs and chickens and find out more about farming.
There are several fantastic food markets including the Lewes Friday Food Market and Lewes Farmers Market, as well as the Brighton Farmers Market.
If you’d rather let someone else take care of the cooking, there is an abundance of eateries where you can enjoy the local produce. From fine dining to cosy pubs and quirky cafes, East Sussex has it all. Brighton in particular, was ahead of the curve on vegetarian and vegan friendly options, while Hastings will serve up some seriously good fish and chips.
You can also discover a full list of local food suppliers by visiting www.eatlocal.info.
A place to meet the makers and browse our independent shops
East Sussex has long been a mecca for creatives and boasts a wealth of independent designers, makers, artists and sellers.
Lewes high street has many independent shops including FLINT for unique clothing and accessories and Freight for beautiful homeware, among many others. The ever-popular Brighton is also well known for its offbeat fashion and independent retailers, many of which are found in The Lanes. There are also regular markets across the town where you can find artisan produce, gifts and other goods.
Many more East Sussex retailers can be found entirely online including Lewes Map Store, which sells hand-drawn tea towels, greeting cards and printed maps of Lewes. They also have a Brighton Map collection.
Discover more independent makers in East Sussex through the Makers Directory.
Freight
A packed annual events calendar
East Sussex is proud to host many world-class festivities, from sporting events to music and art festivals and of course the renowned Lewes Bonfire Night. Hosted annually every 05 November since 1858, Bonfire Night is a unique and world-famous celebration that attracts thousands of participants and spectators. Visitors come to watch a series of torch-lit processions through the streets which culminate in the famous Bonfire.
Every September, art lovers from around the world come to attend the annual Art Wave festival in which local makers and artists run a series of open-house style events. East Sussex also has its share of music events. The bigger festivals include Love Supreme Jazz Festival and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, staged at Glyndebourne, a grade II listed 600-year-old English country house. You’ll find smaller festivals, gigs and performances throughout the year.
For live sporting action, many people come to enjoy a day at the races at either Plumpton Racecourse (voted ‘Best Small Racecourse in the South 2018’) or Brighton Racecourse. Lewes is also proudly home to Lewes FC, the only football club in Europe to pay men and women players equally. Catch a match and enjoy the atmosphere at the Dripping Pan.
Image courtesy of Love Supreme
We hope you agree that Lewes and East Sussex are prime contenders for the UK holiday hotspot. But whatever, the weather get out and enjoy the Great British Summer and stay safe.
Discover more things to do in East Sussex
You can discover more holiday inspiration for Lewes and East Sussex on our Things to do page or by taking a look at our blog.
Plan your East Sussex staycation at The Grain Store Lewes
Contact us for more information or book your stay now.