This is my least favourite pier on the south coast of the country. Not many businesses operating on…read morethe pier and they shut up shop early. Not much to do on this pier, it has no life. The tea room is mediocre.

Eastbourne Pier is one of the more elaborate historical piers on the English Channel coast and…read moreoffers the usual amenities: a pub near the end of the pier, plus food stalls and souvenir booths - and, of course, the obligatory fish & chips diner ("The Chippy") at the entrance. It isn't quite as fancy or colorful as Brighton Pier, which may be a good thing. It's also not as crowded. Definitely the Number One place to vistit if you're ever in Eastbourne. It's also been well maintained. The pub at the end of the pier ("The Ocean Kitchen") offers the usual choice of lagers and a few keg beers at slightly - but not outrageously - elevated prices, plus a nice outside seating area. Smoking/vaping is only allowed in certain designated areas on the pier - not that anyone really cares. Suffice to say, entrance to the pier itself is free.

Reculver Towers is the remains of a 12th century church, which is located on the remains of Roman…read moreand Saxon buildings. The Towers themselves are perched on the top of a large cliff, which has been heavily eroded in the past and is the reason why there are only partial remains of the church left standing. Due to its location on the north coast, the towers lend themselves to some lovely photographs with the sunset to their rear and the sea to one side. There is a large stony beach at the base of the cliffs, which is ideal for dog walking rather than bathing, as the Thames Estuary leaves it somewhat muddy. Also be aware that the tide can come rather far in at certain times of the year, partially cutting off some areas at the base of the cliffs!! There are reputed to be a decent number of fossils to be found along the beach, especially following storms, though me and the dog have never found anything exciting. There is ample parking in the vicinity of the towers, good paths suitable for wheelchairs and buggies along the cliff top. There is also a pub very close by and a small shop/amusements arcade associated with the nearby caravan park. All in all, a nice place for a picnic or for a stroll.

A beautiful area to have a picnic on a sunny day. About 3k walk from Herne Bay. Not easily…read moreaccessible by public transport. Very good toilet facilities though, which is important on a picnic! Worth a visit if you're in the area, as it really is a beautiful spot.

This is a 5,400 year-old Neolithic causewayed camp or enclosure, situated on Combe Hill between the…read moreEastbourne suburb of Willingdon and the village of Jevington. Although there isn't a great deal to see unless you're an aficionado, it's a lovely place for a walk, with great views, and it is older than Stonehenge! History and what to see The camp consists of two (possibly three) sets of concentric ditches and ring is the most complete of the three, measuring 90 by 70 metres and enclosing an area of 0.53 hectares, and rising to 1.2m. That may not sound much, but archaeological finds of flints, animal bones, an unusual small carved chalk block and Ebbsfleet Ware pottery have dated the site to around 3,400BC - earlier than the first phase of Stonehenge. It's not surprising that erosion over the millennia have reduced its physical impact. Evidence also suggests that, when built, it would have been constructed in newly cleared forest. Finds from the ditches indicate the site was used up to the fourth century AD, possibly for votive offerings, but its use is unlikely to have continuous. The material includes Bronze Age Beaker Ware pottery, bronze rings and Roman coins. It's not exactly known what such enclosures were used for, but it is unlikely to have been continuously inhabited. It has been speculated that they were religious or social meeting places, cattle enclosures or trade centres, and were rare clearings in otherwise dense forest. There are three bronze Age barrows adjacent, one to the west and two to the east, and date from around 2,000BC. The western 'Bowl' barrow rises to nearly 2m, and is 20m in diameter. In 1908 four Bronze Age axe heads were found within the mound. The other two mounds to the east are slightly smaller, but all three may have been damaged by early and unrecorded amateur antiquarian investigations which have reduced their height. Practicalities The site lies a mile from Willingdon and 1.5 miles from Jevington on the 1066 Country Path, Ordnance Survey reference TQ 5702. It's 600ft up, so allow a good half hour to reach it from either starting point, and take a map and good shoes - the paths can be very steep, and the grass can be slippery in wet weather.

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!

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.

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.

Herstmonceux Castle is an almost fairytale-like castle, situated in rolling countryside in East…read moreSussex, 10 miles from Eastbourne. The castle buildings themselves are now part of a Canadian College and are not open to the public, but the magnificent gardens are open to the public. There's also a tearoom where you can have refreshments afterwards. Begun in 1441, the castle was begun by Sir Roger Fiennes and completed by his son, Lord Dacre. It was the first major building built in brick in southern England since Roman times. After the fortunes of the family declined, the castle was partially dismantled in the late 18th century and stood as a picturesque ruin until the early 20th century when it was restored to its present form. After the Second World War, the estate became home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory, moved from London because of increasing light pollution and excessive ground movement from trains and traffic. (This is now the Observatory Science centre - see separate reviews.) The Observatory closed in the 1980s and in the 1990s became part of Queen's College, Ontario, as Bader College. Access to the grounds is available daily February to November, £8 for adults and £3.50 for 4-17s. Season tickets are available for regular visitors and there are discounts for those living locally. The castle grounds are extensive, and the castle itself sits at one end of a lake with an impressive moat at the front. The gardens include the quadrangle in the middle of the castle, which is followed by a series of walled gardens. These have magnificent herbaceous borders, as well as an Apothecary's garden, Rose Garden, Elizabethan Garden, and walks around the castle moat, and across a wildflower meadow up to a Folly and lake. It's worth a visit of at least a couple of hours. There's a gift shop and cafe - we had a pot of tea for two and really excellent cakes on our visit (a toffee apple muffin and a pumpkin and ginger cake) for under £10. The ticket office entrance is on the east of the estate, accessed through the grounds of the Science Observatory. There is a small car park opposite the main entrance to the front of the castle (parking on gravel / grass). From the village and mediaeval church, access is indirect via public footpaths, but there is no vehicular access this way.

Boasting a fairly colorful history, including standing as an exterior walls-only edifice for well…read moreover a century, Herstmonceux Castle's name derived from very early 12th century owners of a manor house that existed on the site, Idonea de Herst who married Ingelram de Monceux, a Norman nobleman. At that time, the manor house was called "Herst of the Monceux." There is evidence that in 1066 some other structure existed before the manor in this location. During most of the 20th century it was vacant, Then, in 1992, it became part of Queen's University at Kingston (Ontario, Canada) and was known as Queen's International Study Centre (ISC), with primarily arts or commerce students. The name later changed, in 2009, to Bader International Study Centre, after Alfred Bader, the Queen's alum who first had the idea to turn this castle into a university study center. Gaining entry may not be possible but the exterior is incredible. Well worth the visit.

Thatcher would be proud…read more Looking around Hever, many would be left with the impression that the owners are enormous fans of Anne Boleyn. The unfortunate wife of Henry VIII is, after all, the main focus of the exhibition and makes an appearance on much of the marketing material. But look a bit closer, and the more astute visitor may notice a different, more 'true blue', streak permeating the house. Yes, Labour voters clutch your pearls, but the proprietors appear to be worshippers of none other than Margaret Thatcher. (More so than Ms Boleyn, I would wager.) In the castle, visitors are treated to a near life-size oil painting of the union basher. And for those lucky enough to stay in the guest house for the price of £300 per night, they will find a letter written by the Iron Lady to thank the castle for her stay that has been framed and hung in one of the hallways. Among the owners personal possessions, I note Ms Boleyn has not received a similar dose of affection. Of interest is also the fact that this castle, its stunning gardens and water maze, owe their amazing condition to our friends across the Atlantic. Most stately homes in Britain are now virtually on their knees, with years of decline and underinvestment in the country reflected in their faded carpets, moth-eaten curtains and peeling paintwork. Hever, however, has avoided this fate for the good reason that it was bought by... gasp... an AMERICAN. Horrifying as it may sound, Mr Astor - who owes his astounding wealth to the rise of New York City - purchased the castle and injected nothing short of a fortune into it in order to create the attraction that we see today. Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit so often absent in Britain, he then had the vision to order the construction of a second moat, a lake, a walled Italian garden complete with artefacts from Pompeii, a 'wall waterfall' and to direct the gardeners to shape some bushes like a chess set. I don't think he was involved in the water maze, so loved locally, but its presence reflects Hever's enduring ambitious spirit. Perhaps it was this spirit that so inspired Margaret Thatcher to write of Hever: 'I have seen several castles and large country houses but none as perfect as Hever.'

If you are visiting London, Hever Castle is a must do. Only a 90 minute drive from London hotels,…read morethe trip is well worth the wait upon arrival. From its sprawling vistas to the castle itself this place is a real treat. There is a large lake on site that offers rowing, an area that allows you to try your hand at archery and even a place to see falconry. There are jousting exhibitions and plenty of food from the cafe or restaurant on site. The REAL gem is the castle. Home for Queen Anne Boleyn from 5 years old to 12 one can only imagine the wonder this place brought her. The castle provides an audio tour in several languages so there is no issue there. (The staff are marvelously kind and helpful in the castle and in the dining areas and gift shop.) It's small but chock full of informative history about Anne Boleyn as well as those who lived in the castle after her death. If you are looking for a respite from the concrete jungle and noisy planet that is London, Hever provides you with lots of peace and quiet Tour the rose garden or just sit and enjoy the views and shade from the trees. It's an idyllic setting and a trip that will make your visit to the UK complete.

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.