Alfriston &
Beyond
Welcome to the heart of Sussex — where time seems to slow, landscapes unfold, and culture and countryside meet. From ancient village lanes to sweeping downland and artistic legacies, this region invites you to explore, breathe, and be inspired.
Alfriston itself is a picture-perfect gem in East Sussex, with thatched cottages, a charming high street, and the historic Clergy House — the first property ever acquired by the National Trust.
Nearby, you’ll find Firle House & Gardens, part of the broader Charleston milieu, along with the Bloomsbury heritage of Charleston Farmhouse (in Firle) — a must-visit for lovers of art, light, and design.
Explore the Market Cross in Waterloo Square, a Grade I listed relic echoing Alfriston’s medieval trading past.
Drusillas Zoo is just a short drive away — ideal for families looking for animal encounters, adventure play, and fun days out.
St. Andrew’s Church, often called the “Cathedral of the Downs,” is a striking Grade I building built in c.1370, situated in the village “Tye" overlooking the River Cuckmere.
Art & Culture
For lovers of the arts, this region is rich territory. The Glyndebourne Opera House, just a short drive away, hosts world-renowned opera seasons and draws audiences from far and wide.
In nearby Eastbourne, the Towner Gallery exhibits contemporary & modern art and is now part of a new “Sussex Art Shuttle” linking venues like Charleston House and The Seven Sisters cliffs in The Southdowns National Park on weekends.
Charleston Farmhouse — home to the Bloomsbury set (Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant) — is a visual treasure trove. Its gardens, artwork, and ambience continue to inspire.
Walks & Nature Trails
This is walker’s country. You’re right on the edge of the South Downs National Park, which offers miles of paths, woodlands, ridges, and sweeping vistas.
The South Downs Way passes through the heart of the village of Alfriston, offering long-distance strolls across chalk ridgelines, tranquil fields, and river valleys.
For coastal drama, take the Seven Sisters Trail — iconic white chalk cliffs plunging to the sea from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap. It’s about a 5-hour walk, with dramatic panoramas and a must-do if you’re up for it.
The Cuckmere River valley offers gentler walks, riverside meanders, and the peaceful path down to the estuary — a perfect morning or evening stroll.
Local
Producer's
Sussex is rich in craft, terroir, and tradition. Just up the road, Rathfinny Wine Estate produces English sparkling wines you can tour and taste in atmospheric vineyard surroundings.
In Alfriston’s neighbourhood, you’ll find small-batch gin and artisan spirits making their mark, drawing on local botanicals and the wild Sussex landscape.
The legendary Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes has been brewing Sussex ales since 1790 — many of which you’ll find at the Smugglers bar.
Close by in Litlington, Long Man Brewery crafts contemporary and characterful beers inspired by the downland.