Summertime In The South Downs
Well, what a summer it has been and, as the amazing weather is still going strong, we thought it would be an idea to suggest five great things to do while staying in our fabulous cottage in the South Downs National Park.
The first thing is, of course, to take advantage of the almost limitless options for taking your dog on a walk, which can be challenging in mid-summer due to the high temperatures we are experiencing at the moment. So we suggest early morning and late evening walks for your furball, when the sun is not so high, the temperatures are much cooler and the light can be amazing.
As you might know, our holiday cottage is near to Friston Forest which can provide extra cover, and has lots of different trails and pathways to choose from. If you fancy more of a breezy walk then maybe head to Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters but please be careful of the cliffs and keep your dog on a lead.
A personal favourite of ours is the Bo Peep Car Park as a base, especially if you want to get up on the South Downs without having to make the initial steep climb and take advantage of the fresh sea air sweeping in from the English Channel about a couple of miles away or so. From here there are lots of options for circular walks in the most beautiful of landscapes.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly holiday cottage near the Seven Sisters cliffs and centrally located in the South Downs National Park then this is it !
The second thing on our list is to go and have some afternoon tea at The Star in Alfriston. To sit in the courtyard garden is a real treat, and if you like exemplary service, beautiful surroundings and the highest quality food then this is for you. Just a sixty second walk from the garden gate of our beautiful East Sussex holiday cottage, Flint Cottage.
Third on our list…a sunset boat trip to properly see the Seven Sisters clifftops from the sea. This really is a fantastic experience and the only time to do it is at sunset, at this time of year. We went with Maverick Boat Adventures and they were excellent ! A must-do !!!
Fourth on our list is a visit to Rathfinny Vineyard. There can’t be many better places to sample one of England’s greatest sparkling wines than overlooking the very vineyards that produced them.
The hut at Rathfinny is their al fresco wine bar serving hot and cold drinks, plus light bites. No need to book and you can bring dogs if kept on a lead. Cheers !
The fifth thing on our list…(and we could go on here but we’ll leave until another time) is Charleston Farmhouse, the spiritual home of the Bloomsbury set. This is a must-visit as the house is just about one of the most beautiful you’ll ever encounter in these parts of East Sussex, steeped in the history of some of the literary world’s greatest thinkers, artists and writers who used to gather here about a century ago.
It is worth buying a ticket to wander around inside the house where you’ll be met with guides who will tell you fascinating things about the characters who used to inhabit this most beautiful of houses. There is also a garden to discover, a shop and a cafe. In early summer the house hosts a literary festival with some very famous names in attendance.
If youre feeling energetic the house is walkable from Flint Cottage but you’ll need to plan your day carefully if you opt for this…otherewise you can get a bus or travel by car from your cosy Alfriston accommodation. Enjoy !
