9.30am start until 5.30pm approx including Lunch - Wed, Thu, Sat
(Sat - no Anne of Cleves' House)
£ 67.50 per person inclusive of all entrance fees and tasting
(Group Rates available - please enquire)
This whole day tour takes you all over the county, exploring the History of Brighton, Sussex and 1066 County, as well as giving you the chance to sample some of Sussex 's home produce.
First stop of this journey will be into the old Market Town of Lewes (from the old Saxon word 'hluews' meaning Slopes or Hills), renowned for its historical and architectural past. Lewes Castle is your first stop, situated high above the valley of the River Ouse, on the edge of the South Downs. Built in the late 11th / early 12th Century, this impressive stone Motte and Bailey Fortress has a magnificent Barbican, added in the late 14th Century. This Barbican and much of the Shell Keep are still standing and you can climb to the top of both. After a stroll around the castle grounds and in the Barbican House Museum, you have time to wander through the town, browsing the antique shops of the Cliffe.
Then onto Anne of Cleves' House. This 16th Century timber-framed Wealden hall-house formed part of Anne of Cleves' divorce from Henry VIII, and contains wide-ranging collections of Brighton & Sussex, including Sussex Pottery, early 18th Century tapestries, examples of Victoriana and an entire room dedicated to the people and events of Lewes.
From there it is on to Alfriston, the most English of English villages, to visit the Alfriston Clergy House, a fine medieval hall with chalk and sour milk flooring, and home to a rare array of traditional flowers and scents. Whilst there take in the stunning views across the Cuckmere Valley or glimpse a look at the thatched houses, village green and old inns.
Next you will take a leisurely bus ride to Hastings where you have free time to partake of one of many local café's or bars for your lunch.
After lunch visit the Fisherman's Museum, housed in a former church and built on the beach. It looks after one of the famous net huts next to the building where you can also find the 'Edward & Mary' which, in 1919, became the first locally-built fishing boat to be installed with an engine, and 'The Valiant', which was built in Newhaven in 1953 and worked from Hastings until 1999. Exhibits in the museum include model ships and boats, fishing gear, historic paintings and photographs illustrating the Hastings fishing industry.
Then onto Sedlescombe to visit England's oldest organic vineyard, with all wines grown and bottled in England. Have a guided tour around the vineyard with information presented by an expert guide, presented in a lively and informative style. It also takes the visitor on the Woodland Walk, home to many species of birds, crossing the Hewen Tree Trunk at Judge's Bridge, a highlight of the walk, and onto the Winery, where participants can learn first-hand about the art of wine making in the traditional, organic way, including a tutored tasting.
Last stop on our journey is one of 1066 County's most popular attractions, 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield - a visit you won't forget! Relive one of the most famous days in history and experience being at heart of the battle with interactive exhibits , dramatic film, the atmospheric abbey ruins and the original site where the battle actually happened. You can even walk the battlefield with an audio tour and stand on the very spot King Harold was slain, before resting your feet for our journey back to Brighton.
