HASTINGS

In the 19th century Hastings became one of England’s most popular spa resorts. Hastings is a mix of fishing port and unpretentious resort. Fishermen winch their boats onto the shingle beach below tall black sheds called deezes, where their nets are stored. Behind, weatherboard houses on narrow alleys characterize the old town.  A Victorian funicular railway takes you up to fragmentary ruins of a massive castle built by William, where the events of the Norman invasion unfold in a fake siege tent in The Story of 1066. The animated figures of the Smugglers' Adventure, set in caves once used for storing contraband, are also entertaining. The adjoining Regency resort of St. Leonards is a must for those with a fondness for backstreet antique shops. 

 

 

FISHING BOATS AT HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX

 

Tall Victorian row houses painted in lemony hues still cover the cliffs around the deep blue sea, and the views from the hilltops are extraordinary. The Old Town, on the east side of the city, offers a glimpse into the city’s 16th-century past. Hastings has been through difficult times in recent decades, and the town developed a reputation as a rough place. It’s handsome, if tattered, and the seafront has all the usual English accoutrements—fish-and-chips stands, candy stores, shops selling junk, miniature golf, and rocky beaches that stretch for miles.

 

Received from Thomas Goatherd

 

BRIGHTON

Only 60 kms from London, Brighton's nickname in the 19th century was 'London-by-the-Sea'. The town earned a reputation as the classic rendezvous for adulterers. The Brighton of today is a mix of seaside resort, elegant well-to-do Regency town, major conference venue, and a top nightclubbing scene. The seafront is the place to come for fish and chips and a snooze in a deckchair. Poking out of the shingle beach is the decrepit West Pier and the quarter-mile-long Palace Pier, with souvenir stalls, fortune-tellers, fairground rides and the Sea Life Centre, an excellent aquarium.

ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON

The Royal Pavilion at Brighton, which was originally built between 1784 and 1820, has recently been restored, allowing the brilliant coloring, gilt and chandeliers to shine once again. A riot of domes and minarets determines its unmistakable outline - "like a collection of stone pumpkins and pepperpots," according to the essayist William Hazlitt. This extraordinary pleasure palace is in loose pastiche of Chinese and Indian styles.

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

BEAUTY SPOTS OF SUSSEX

Sussex  is a historic county in South East England. It is bounded to the west by Hampshire, north by Surrey, northeast by Kent, south by the English Channel. The emblem of Sussex consists of six gold martlets, on a blue field, blazoned as azure.  

Situated in Sussex on the south coast of England between Brighton and Eastbourne, Rottingdean is a few minutes from Brighton and 90 minutes from London by road. There is plenty to do and see in Rottingdean with its beach and seafront, picturesque village green, gardens and pond as well as the famous windmill. The village has a rich and fascinating story. Rottingdean offers a blend of traditional village life, contrasting coastline and rolling countryside – a rich and diverse experience.

The village of Alfriston bustles with visitors: it has medieval medieval-framed inns, flint cottages, tea and antique shops. A trip to Alfriston makes for a relaxing break to explore the historic heritage of the village as well as the surrounding countryside. Nearby, carved into the chalk of the Downs, is the Long Man of Wilmington, a 227-foot figure, probably of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Rye today is much-visited, classic medieval town with a stone gateway. Timber-framed and tile-hung houses stand along cobbled streets, of which Mermaid Street is the prettiest. From a picturesque cobbled street, step back in time into one of England’s oldest & loveliest inns. The Mermaid's quiet, unassuming facade looks down on famous cobbled Mermaid Street and although the sign outside the olde worlde black and white timbered hotel says ''rebuilt in 1420'' the cellars are some 300 years older, dating back to 1156.

Eastbourne is a world-famous tourist destination with five miles of unspoilt beaches, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and is gateway to the beautiful South Downs National Park. Located on the South East coast of the UK Eastbourne has won awards such as “Best UK Resort” and “Most Welcoming Town in Britain”. There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do from theme parks and zoos to exploring the area's history, discover 1066 castles, museums and art galleries.