East Sussex – Steeped in History

Everyone knows that East Sussex was home to one of the most important battles of English history – the Battle of Hastings in 1066. But East Sussex has much more to offer history lovers than just one battle, and has a wealth of visitor attractions which are open all year round to inspire and fascinate. From the first National Trust property at Alfriston Clergy House to restored steam railways and Nepoleonic forts. East Sussex – Steeped in History

Bodiam Castle 

If your idea of history is crenellations and arrow slots, then you won’t be disappointed with Bodiam Castle. Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dallyngrigge, visitors are greeted with open parkland and a series of medieval water features before reaching the castle itself. This is a typical ‘fairytale’ castle, complete with an exceptionally rare portcullis, spiral staircases and battlements. The castle also holds events all year round that bring the history of this medieval marvel to life. Knights resplendent in tabards and armour joust and battle one another, and falconry displays give you a real taste of what it was like to live during the castle’s medieval heyday.

Shipwreck and Coastal Heritage Centre

East Sussex has a strong connection with the sea, and you can find out all about the county’s nautical history at the Shipwreck Museum and coastal heritage centre in Hastings. The south coast is a graveyard for ships from the Bronze and Iron Age through to modern vessels that have found the currents and the unique topography of the ocean floor too much to handle. The result is a museum full of fascinating artefacts charting the history of seafaring in this part of the world. The museum holds events and special exhibitions all year, and is all on one level, making it wheelchair and buggy friendly.

The Bluebell Railway

One of the UK’s best preserved and most loved steam railways, the Bluebell line has been chuffing its way through the Sussex countryside for over 50 years. Today it’s a unique way to see this part of the world from a very different perspective, and a great opportunity for all ages to experience the lost age of steam railways. It’s open all year round.

Pre History Chalk Figures

Sussex has been inhabited for thousands of years, and our ancient ancestors quite literally left their mark on the landscape. One of the most striking examples of this is the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant chalk figure that dominates the landscape. There are also ancient hillforts littered across the South Downs, such as Highdown Hill, Cissbury Ring and Mount Caburn. One of the most famous is Chanctonbury Ring, with its characteristic crown of beech trees and a distinctly mysterious air!