The Wealden District of East Sussex is known for its incredible landscape where you’ll find the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a section of the South Downs, Ashdown Forest, the Weald and the Seven Sisters Country Park. You’ll also find the lazy river Ouse and the start of the river Rother, along with waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and vast woodlands.
The Wealden district is also home to Winne the Pooh, some fabulous vineyards, a 15th century castle, a 1066 trail and a touch of Surrealism. Mayfield and Alfriston are both picture postcard pretty villages with tales of smugglers, while in Pevensey you’ll find the landing place of the Norman invasion amid Roman ruins and an old gaol house.
Friday afternoon arrival
You have two options for Friday evening. You could start your stay with a visit to Pooh Corner in Hartfield where they serve afternoon tea and have a Winnie the Pooh Museum (they close at 5 pm). Alternatively, if Pooh isn’t your thing, head over to Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club and book yourself for a Half Day Soother spa treatment (1 pm – 6 pm). They have a restaurant at the hotel if you want to round off your evening here. Middle House in Mayfield also has a restaurant as well as an incredible history that dates back to 1575.
Saturday morning
Ashdown Forest is a central part of this part of the world, so grab your boots for a quick explore. It is an ancient area of heathland and forest and things to look out for include Pooh Bridge, waterfalls, wild cattle and windmills. There is an information centre and a series of maps you can download. But if you fancy something less active, make your way to the west of the region to the Bluebell Railway (a heritage steam railway) and enjoy a classic journey through the Sussex countryside. Whatever you decide to do, a good place to end up for lunch is The Coach and Horses pub in Danehill.
Saturday afternoon
Jump in the car and head south now, to Muddles Green near Hailsham, where you’ll find Farleys House and Gallery. This was home to surrealist Lee Miller and Roland Penrose and saw visitors such as Picasso. They host regular exhibitions and workshops, and you can do a tour of the house and visit the sculpture gardens. On site, there is also a little shop selling lots of local produce and a café.
Saturday evening
The Star in Alfriston is famed for being owned by Alex Polizzi and has a very good restaurant for your evening meal. If you arrive early enough you can explore the village and the famous bookshop, Much Ado.
Sunday morning
Herstmonceux Castle is a stunning, red brick, 15th century, moated castle with 300 acres of carefully managed woodland and beautiful gardens. It’s now the UK campus of Queen’s University (Canada) but you can explore the grounds and walk through the courtyard. Next door is the Observatory Science Centre which is an interactive science centre set in the former home of The Royal Greenwich Observatory with the domes and telescopes of the world-famous astronomical observatory. Finish your morning with lunch at The Sundial in Herstmonceux or a visit to Henners vineyard. They do tours and tasting, and you can pre-book a charcuterie board to go with a tour.
Sunday afternoon
For Sunday afternoon you have choices. You could head to Pevensey where you can visit the castle where the Normans stayed after their invasion, built on a Roman fortification and explore the Mint House and old gaol in the village. Or you could head down to the iconic cliffs at Seven Sisters for one last cobweb blasting walk. If you make it all the way from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap there is a National Trust coffee shop where you can refuel before you head home.
Places to stay:
Ashdown Park Hotel in the heart of the forest.
- The Star at Alfriston
- Middle House in Mayfield
Getting there
Trains run from London to Uckfield, Polegate and Pevensey and take about 1 ½ hours. Car hire however is recommended.
Fun facts
Mayfield is famous for a visit by the Devil to a local blacksmith who the Devil tried to lead astray. The blacksmith, who became St Dunstan, spotted the Devil’s cloven hooves and grabbed his nose with red hot pincers. Meanwhile, in Alfriston, look out for the head of a Dutch lion with a fascinating connection to the 1690 Battle of Beachy Head.
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