Whether you want to immerse yourself in the landscape and life style of the iconic and trailblazing Bloomsbury Group or just enjoy a soupcon of their talent and the land of their inspiration, these Bloomsbury Group Sussex walks provide an eclectic mix of wide open spaces and wildlife combined with fascinating architecture and art.
There are a number of sites in Sussex where the Bloomsbury Group left their mark. These include Charleston at Firle, Monk’s House at Rodmell, Berwick Church and Firle. There is also now a dedicated Bloomsbury exhibition space in Lewes, namely Charleston in Lewes. In addition to which, the surrounding area is rich in a cultural heritage which includes the home of Surrealism in Sussex at nearby Farleys House, Glynbourne and the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path.
The ultimate two day Bloomsbury Group Trail
If you have the time, book some overnight accommodation, and try our two / three day Bloomsbury Set Sussex Trail. You need to be reasonably fit and you can find all the details here:
Shorter Bloomsbury Group Sussex walks
If you don’t have time for an overnight trail, then try one of these shorter walks:
Charleston, Firle and Berwick
This walk can be adapted to suit your level of fitness. Park at Charleston or catch the bus there. There is an Art Shuttle Bus that runs from Eastbourne and Lewes (limited timetable). Charleston in Firle is open Wednesday to Sunday (and bank holidays) from 10am to 5pm. Spend a a couple of hours at the house and then head off. You want to set off by 12 noon.
Option 1 is 15.5 km walk and involves one very steep up hill climb. You start from the concrete track in between the house at Charleston and their offices and café. Follow the farm track west, past the farm buildings and towards Firle. You will soon see Firle Tower (a folly that sits on top of a small hill) ahead and you pass very close to this.
There is something about walking along the foot of the Downs which is very different from the lofty, inspirational and grand paths above on the top of the Downs. With the slopes to your left and views to your right, the atmosphere on the lower path is quietly evocative, emotive and introspective and you walk in the knowledge that Virginia Wolf, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and others would have walked this path and taken inspiration from the land left, right and ahead of you.
Firle Tower was built between 1819 and 1822 by the Gage family of Firle for the gamekeeper on the estate to send signals from.
Shortly after the folly, you cross a quiet track (go straight ahead) and through the trees you get your first glimpse of Firle Place. Known as a popular film location for period dramas, this magnificent mansion was originally built in the 15th century and redesigned in the 18th century and your walk takes you through its parklands. You half expect a character from a Jane Austen novel to come cantering across the lawns towards you.
Lunch at Firle
It is 2.5 km from Charleston to Firle and should take about 30 t0 4o mins to walk. Visit the graves of Vanessa, and Vanessa’s children Quentin and Angelica at St Peter’s church and then head to The Ram Inn for a quick lunch. The risotto is superb. Or grab supplies at the shop if you are short of time. You really want to be on your way by 1.30 pm as Berwick church shuts at 5pm.
The second part of your walk starts with a steep climb (to avoid this – see option 2 below). Walk back up towards the church and past it and follow the track. About 1 km from The Ram, bear right (Option 2 walkers bear left here – see below) and follow the path along the foot of the Downs until you come to a country lane where you turn left. You can see it goes straight up the Downs. It is a steep climb but it gradually rewards you with views that just keep getting better and better.
At the top, you meet the South Downs Way and head east towards Firle Beacon where you will see a pillbox, a trig point and a Bronze Age burial ground. If you look carefully you can also see Firle Tower and then Charleston far below you.
From the Trig point, you will follow the South Downs Way east for approximately 2.8 km. You have to look carefully for the path down to Berwick but it is the third turn from Firle Beacon on your left and it winds his way down all the way to Berwick church. From the top of the Downs to Berwick Church is about 2.5km.
The wall paintings at Berwick Church are quite remarkable and you may wish to linger here for a while. From Berwick Church, it is 4 km back to Charleston along the foot of the Downs. If you are worried about timings, do this walk in reverse order, heading to Berwick from Charleston.
Option 2. 13.5km
Although only a little bit shorter, this version takes you along the foot of the Downs from Firle to Berwick so is flatter and easier. Follow the route as per above but where the path turns right just after Firle, you bear left.
It is just over 5 km from Firle along this track until you come to a turning for Berwick. From Berwick, you follow the Cuckmere Pilgrim Way signs to and through Alciston and then when you come to the little lane, you turn left (west) and follow the path back to Charleston.
Charleston to Berwick
Charleston to Berwick is a shorter 8 km circular option. You walk east along the farm track outside the farmhouse and towards Tilton Farm and then you bear right as if you were heading to the Downs. You will come to a crossroads with a gravel path. You are facing the foot of the Downs but you turn left and follow this track to Berwick, heading home via Alciston as described above.
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The Bloomsbury Group: In Conversation with Charleston’s Head of Collectiosn & Research
