Things To Do

Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is perfect for walking, with 6500 acres of mainly heathland to explore. Pony trekking is available, or you can walk a friendly Llama in the park. The forest is home to Winnie-the-Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood, and children will love to play poohsticks on the bridge and visit Pooh Corner in Hartfield.

Batemans was the home of Rudyard Kipling, where you can see his Rolls Royce, the mill and gardens. It is in the pretty village of Burwash, which offers wonderful views across Sussex. Nearby is the hamlet of Brightling where the most famous resident (Mad Jack) John Fuller built a collection of follies - The Sugar Loaf, Brightling Needle, The Temple, The Observatory and The Watch Tower.

Battle Abbey was founded to commemorate the Battle of Hastings and the visitors centre with its hands on exhibits and film brings the Norman Conquest to life. The market town of Battle also has museums, many restaurants, cafes and independent shops.

Bodiam Castle was built in the late 14th Century by Sir Edward Dalyngrygge. You can see the original wooden portcullis and explore the battlements. The Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway runs from Bodiam to Tenterden or you can cruise the River Rother on the Bodiam Ferry to Newenden. If all this makes you hungry, the Curlew, formerly a coaching inn is now a Michelin starred restaurant. Alternatively, the award winning Weald Smokery can supply special picnic hampers.

Drusillas Zoo Park in Alfriston is a fun day out for the whole family. There is an adventure playground, indoor play centre and a Thomas & Friends train. It is home to many small animals - including a colony of Meerkats - and has a restaurant, and cafes. Nearby is the restaurant where Banoffi Pie was invented, so those with a sweet tooth should be sure to visit The Hungry Monk.

John Harris has setup a fantastic website with hundreds of walks throughout the wonderful Sussex countryside. Their walk descriptions are available free of charge and they have information on group walks. Hundreds of FREE walks to download, details of all the books, maps and walking clubs in the county