Summer’s not over ’til the seagulls say so. We’re reaching the half way point of the summer holidays and there’s still time for the weather to play ball
Not that we’ve had much to complain about down on the sunny Sussex coast but it has been a bit blustery at times. With this in mind, we thought we’d share with you our summer holiday survival kit, packed full of useful suggestions whatever the weather.
We’ve a busy newsletter this month with spotlights on a selection of our hotels and self catering accommodation, ideas for the final bank holiday weekend of the year, and what’s new from a couple of our 1066 Country attractions. As ever, we have diary dates for you too, with some particularly exciting news from the White Rock Theatre, Hastings.
Dates for your diary
Rye Festival of the Sea: 1 September
Bexhill Festival of the Sea: 7 – 8 September
August Bank Holiday
Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival: 14 – 15 September
Head for Herstmonceux Castle for the country’s biggest England’s Medieval Festival; don’t miss Rye Jazz & Blues Festival, headliners include Richard Thompson and Beverley Knight; unleash your inner Potter at the School of Wizards & Witches, Rye; reveal your super hero alter ego at Hastings Pride; join in the free three day Journeys Dance Festival; chinwag with classic car fanatics at the Bexhill 100.
Kids on board?
Don’t miss Drusillas’ sizzling summer offer! Kids go half-price with a full paying adult. This summer Drusillas Park is bursting with events and activities. Meet your TV heroes including Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Paddington Bear. Plus, there’s all the usual animal magic, a Get Wet! splash pad, oodles of adventure play, amazing rides and a Hello Kitty Secret Garden.
The ultimate storybook moated castle, 14th century Bodiam (National Trust) has a summer full of children’s events. Try your hand at archery; learn about castle life from characters who lived and worked here over 600 years ago; join forces with the castle steward on his mission to protect Bodiam Castle. Or climb spiral stone staircases worn away by centuries of use to the top of the towers for fantastic views over the River Rother and grounds.
New for summer 2019
A Norman castle within a Roman fort, Pevensey Castle (English Heritage) has witnessed centuries of historic events, including the landing of William of Normandy and his longboats. A new interpretation has opened to tell the story of the castle from its Roman fortification to time as coastal fortress in World War II.
And Pevensey Castle wasn’t just occupied by soldiers. Visit the new museum which showcases jewellery, household items and weaponry which belonged to families living there over the centuries.
There’s a new children’s trail around the castle too. Climb two towers previously closed to the public, and explore the dungeon, now open all year round!
Lamb House (National Trust)
After an extensive but ongoing conservation project Lamb House, the former home of author Henry James and E.F. Benson (Mapp & Lucia) has thrown open its doors seven days a week (until 27 October) to allow public access to more areas of the building and grounds than ever before.
Climb the 18th century staircase to the first floor and at the end of your visit enjoy some refreshment in the new tearoom which overlooks the beautiful garden. This is also the film location for the popular 2014 BBC series ‘Mapp & Lucia’ starring Miranda Richardson as Mapp and Anna Chancellor as Lucia.
