This Public area is very well managed and was once a private garden to the Southover Grange estate…read more Its so nice to stroll about knowing its free! I could imagine frequenting these gardens a lot if I was a resident. There is a cafe and arts and craft shop. I was not permitted to photo inside the shop because some of the artist were not happy with their lifes work not in their control. It looks like there is an occasional stream that runs through the centre of the estate. This is an oasis that is not very far from a bustling train station. Its level so wheelchair users can access it with little difficulty. Also there are plenty of wooden benches to contemplate lifes woes. This place seems popular with mothers and their toddlers. I think full marks to the gardeners.

The Southover Grange house and garden were built in 1572 by William Newton. In the 18th century…read moreKing George IV used to stay there occasionally, and during WWII the house was requisitioned by the War Department. It is now owned by Lewes Council. The building is largely empty, except for the Sussex Guild shop, and the Registry Office. However, the gardens are open to the public on a daily basis and are absolutely gorgeous. They are very well maintained, with neat lawns, blooming flowerbeds, a wildflower area, a stream, and even a tame squirrel. The gardens are very slightly sunk from the road, which has the effect of making it a bit of a sun trap, so it is a lovely place to go and sit. There is also a small refreshment kiosk just by the house, which does a few sandwiches, cakes, teas and coffees. The food is a bit of a rip off (my goats cheese and salad sandwich cost me £4, pretty steep considering you go up and get it yourself) but it is nice to be able to have a cup of tea whilst enjoying the sunshine.

Now a museum, this excellent example of a 16th-century timber-framed house formed part of the…read moredivorce settlement to Anne of Cleves from Henry VIII in 1541. Although there is no evidence that she ever visited it, it is a fascinating example of a substantial Wealden Hall-house. Some of the rooms are furnished to reflect the period when it was built. The house also contains a museum with a varied collection of historic artifacts from Sussex's past, though I found these only mildly diverting.

There's tons of ancient history to be seen here. A beautiful old timber-framed house that formed…read morepart of Anne's divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541. If you are interested in your Sussex history, this place is steeped in it. Old pottery and iron work are dotted all around the place. Strangely enough, for a property that was involved in a very famous divorce, the house is licensed for weddings and is very popular indeed. Personally though I'd find that a bit odd but it is a very beautiful place indeed. Please note, due to the age of the house, its not the best place to bring anyone in a wheel chair, they have installed ramps where they can but you may find it a little difficult.

Lewes Castle is one of the oldest Norman castles, built immediately after the conquest between…read moreabout 1069-1070, although its reconstruction in stone may not have been completed until 1100. It was built by William de Warenne, a close associate of William the Conqueror, who also founded nearby Lewes Priory. The original castle was much larger than the remains we see to-day: it originally had two keeps, each built on artificial castle mounds ('Mottes') at either end of the fortified compound. The reason for this unusual design is not known, but to-day only the southerly mound and keep survive, though they are impressive enough. Equally impressive, especially as you approach it, is the 14th century barbican (gatehouse), added to improve the fortifications. The castle played host to Henry III during one of the pivotal battles of English history, when his troops were defeated by Simon de Montfort in 1264, just north of the town. Although killed a year later by Henry's son, the future Edward I, de Montfort is regarded by many as the originator of representative Parliamentary government. Over the years the town has encroached on the castle, and to-day the site is a delightful mix of castle, houses, gardens and lanes. A charge is levied to visit the gatehouse and keep, and the small museum adjacent. In summer, the gardens are lovely, and the views from the Keep and Gatehouse over the town and to the South Downs beyond are stunning.

As an activity leader for an international language school, as part of the role, I have to take…read morestudents to a variety of 'educational' places, this being one of them. Having taken the kids here once, I really don't see myself doing it again. It isn't that Lewes Castle is bad particularly, it is actually relatively interesting. However, if you've been to more well known castles, Lewes won't exactly knock your socks off. It is quite small and nothing out of the ordinary, although that is really Lewes all over.

Built to defend an important port on the River Adur, Bramber Castle was constructed as a motte and…read morebailey castle around 1073 by William De Braose, who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings in 1066. Apart from a period of confiscation during the reign of King John, it remained in the ownership of the De Braose family until themale line died out in 1324. Thereafter, it passed via the Mowbray and Howard families into the estate of the Dukes of Norfolk, who held it until it until 1926. It was given to the National Trust in 1946. Very little survives of the original castle, thanks to a gradual decline over the years, damage during the Civil War in 1642 and looting of the stones as a quarry for building by the locals. The most prominent feature is the tall and unsteady-looking fragment of the Gatehouse tower, still standing to almost its full original height. In the centre of the grounds is the impressive original motte, its earthen mound rising some 30ft (10m). A short distance away is a section of the curtain wall which survives up to 10ft (3m) in places. Around the perimeter are also the remains of the castle's impressive moat. (NB be careful with small children, as there are some sheer drops in places). Although the ruins are rather fragmentary, the grounds are beautifully kept by the National Trust, and make a wonderful place for a picnic, as well as affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

This place is a bit of a let down. There seems to be no effort to make it obvious where/what parts…read moreof the ruins were. They have a lame sign at the entrance but little else. It just seems like an enclosed play field.

Thought provoking sculpture that is yet another asset to the ever increasing show that Brighton…read moreputs on. The sculpture is an aluminium panel portraying photographs of six couples kissing. The photographs were transformed by computer into a dot screen drilled through a thick alumimium sheet. Brilliantly designed by Bruce Williams, it is meant to reflect the diversity of Brighton's residents. The Kiss Wall, unveiled in 1992 is a celebration that calls for equlaity, understanding and acceptance between all individuals. It is lovely to see by day, but I feel that it's more stunning at night. Fanatastic!

Southwick is now firmly part of the suburban sprawl running from Brighton and Shoreham, and is…read moreknown to most people for the power station that dominates the far side of Shoreham Harbour. But there was a community here in Saxon times, and its church is surprisingly ancient. In fact, the walk from the station crosses the Green, an attractive and villagey stretch of tree-lined common which splits Southwick into two halves. There are some handsome cottages surrounded by well appointed semi-detached suburban homes, and a rather less appealing row of post-war shops. St Michael and All Angels was, until the 18th century, dedicated to St Margaret, and sits among a very pretty churchyard, thickly studded with trees. Although there was probably a church here in Saxon times, it first recorded in 1086, and in 1206 the right to appoint the rector was granted to the Templars, and then to the Hospitallers, although much of the early mediaeval period was taken up with disputes over these rights with the monks of Sele Priory. The ownership passed from Sele Priory to Magdelene College at the Dissolution, and patronage thereafter passed to the Crown until the 20th century. Fire in the 19th Century damaged the nave and an unexploded bomb (and the subsequent excavation to remove it) damaged the tower in 1941. The church itself is built of flint, and is essentially in three parts: the tower, nave and chancel. The tower is by far the most impressive part: its foundations and lower walls are said to be Saxon, although it mostly dates from the late 12th and 13th centuries. It is an attractive composition, with paired round-headed arches with narrow openings surmounted by paired gothic lancets and, above that, a shingle broach spire. The west door is also attractive, but a modern addition: the tower was carefully taken down and faithfully rebuilt in 1950 after the bomb damage, with vestries built either side. The chancel is mostly 13th century, with two original lancets, framed by a 14th century chancel arch. There are two round headed arches to the south, although the central column probably dates from the Victorian rebuilding. A 14th wooden screen with narrow lancets also survives in the south aisle. The nave burned down in the 1830s and was rebuilt with narrow lean-to aisles in 1834, with round-headed arcades and lancet windows. Pevsner's Buildings of England described the nave as a 'loveless cover for pew-space', which I think is a bit harsh, although there's no doubt it doesn't match the quality of the tower. The furnishings other than the south aisle screen - are limited in interest to what appears to be a mediaeval aumbry, some 18th and 19th century tombs and memorials, and a sturdy, square font, probably from the 13th century. The church is today the centre of large and busy parish, and has a vibrant church life, with services daily through the week.

Next to the impressive parish church of Saint Andrew's, the Alfriston Clergy House is also known as…read morethe Priest's House. It was the National Trust's first property, bought in 1896 for £10, and sensitively restored by Alfred Powell. It was probably built by a farmer around 1350, roughly at the same time as the church. It was acquired by the church in the 1400s, although it is not known whether it was actually used by the Priest or not. But it is still a very fine example of a Wealden 'hall house', of the type once commonly built by yeoman farmers in the area. The house is timber-framed, with closely-studded walls and a thatched roof. It was originally arranged around a central hall, with the private family rooms (or 'solar') at one end and the serving quarters at the other. The upper rooms at each end project. The house was remodelled in the 16th century, when the service wing was rebuilt in brick to include a fireplace and bread oven. The hall has a fine crown-post roof, and an unusual floor made of chalk and milk - the lactic acid in the milk reacting with the chalk to produce a sort of concrete. The lovely cottage-style gardens were laid out by Sir Robert Witt in the 1920s, and it is as much for these that it is worth a visit. Admission (2009 prices) is £3.90 for adults and £1.95 for children.

I love the bandstand. It's a real jewel on the seafront and looking good for 130 years old…read more Lovingly restored just a few years ago it's considered one of the finest examples of Victorian bandstand in the country. This attraction does nothing much but look pretty for most of the year, but it is a hive of activity during peak season. You can see all sort of bands and dancing in the summer and for six months of the year you're allowed to get married on it. It's a unique venue for weddings, including same-sex marriage as of today in England and Wales. Hooray! It's still next to the busy coast road though so keep your eyes fixed on the direction of the sea. Many couples opt to marry elsewhere and take a few choice photos at the landmark for free. It's also lit up at night and good for a reflective moment when the city is quieter. I sometimes pop down there after dark and find others have decided to do the same. But that's ok, I don't mind sharing.

The first time we visited Brighton (and then moved here) we lived just opposite the bandstand. At…read morenight there would be dance classes or live music and the light detail they have put into it is simply beautiful. Granted, unless something else has taken the initiative (such as salsa classes etc) there is not much happening, but it is a landmark, and it makes what is a beautifull town even better.

Very nice place to go for a hike or just to see the mesmerising views! I saw many dog walkers along…read morethe way; probably frequent walkers. Fortunately, there is a fence keeping anyone from going and damaging the Long Man itself. I have recently been on a 10 mile hike along the South Downs and it was amazing! I really enjoyed seeing the views of Firle Beacon, Hove, Polegate and many more towns. Definitely a lovely place for a hike on a sunny day; but remember to bring plenty of water as it can get quite hot up there! I sat down for a quick drink and sat there for a little while admiring the spectacular views! I recommend this to anyone in the East Sussex region as the South Downs stretch much further than the Long Man itself! Overall, a lovely place to visit if you need a bit or fresh, warm air!