| The Cuckmere Valley is bisected by a winding river and crossed by the famous South Downs Way, as well as numerous other trails. For hikers and walkers, for cyclists and equestrians, for naturalists of all abilities it offers a wealth of pleasures.
The Cuckmere Valley's attractions are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The outstanding natural beauty reveals itself to walkers more readily than to visitors speeding past in cars. The pubs are fine retreats from modern life; meals in the restaurants are to be savoured rather than gulped. Whether on Alfriston's high street or in neighbouring villages, the shops will reward browsers with memorable treasures. The Valley offers fun for families in attractions such as Drusilla's Zoo. For the more culturally-minded, Charlestone Farmhouse is a treasure house displaying the works of the Bloomsbury Group-artists and authors whose lives centred on this Sussex farmhouse. Historians amateur or professional will relish the area, where almost every building offers a record of generations past. Alfriston boasts an extraordinary concentration of Medieval buildings, as well as one of the most famous churches in Sussex - St Andrews so imposing it is often called 'The Cathedral of the Downs'. The Clergy House, next to St Andrew's, was the first building acquired by The National Trust. Visitors will especially enjoy the Alfriston Festival, held annually during the last week in August and highlighted by a weekend of traditional games on the Tye, or village green. NB. This year, Alfriston will be hosting a weekend-long Christmas celebration which replaces the road closure that was a part of the Dickensian Night event. Read more about the plans by clicking here... . |