Guidebook for Herstmonceux
Food Scene
The food is excellent, we often go here. It’s run by the guy who used to run my favourite Indian restaurant in Brighton, the Hove Tandoori. If you say you’re staying with me and pay cash you get 5% off.
Eastern Promise
Gardner StreetThe food is excellent, we often go here. It’s run by the guy who used to run my favourite Indian restaurant in Brighton, the Hove Tandoori. If you say you’re staying with me and pay cash you get 5% off.
The Bull's Head
Really good pub, delicious food, lovely garden.,
This is a French bistro that is somewhere to go for a very special treat. The food is outstanding and you have amuse bouche between courses. It's in the village so you can easily walk there in about 15 minutes.
The Sundial
Gardner StreetThis is a French bistro that is somewhere to go for a very special treat. The food is outstanding and you have amuse bouche between courses. It's in the village so you can easily walk there in about 15 minutes.
Really good food and very reasonable and excellent service. They did the best saute potatoes I've ever eaten (with venison steak and beautifully cooked mediterranean veg). They've been doing takeaway throughout the lockdowns.
Callenders Restaurant
80 High StreetReally good food and very reasonable and excellent service. They did the best saute potatoes I've ever eaten (with venison steak and beautifully cooked mediterranean veg). They've been doing takeaway throughout the lockdowns.
They do an amazing deal where you can order as much food as you like for a fixed price - about £16. It's very good and right by the seaside.
Happy Dragon
4 North RoadThey do an amazing deal where you can order as much food as you like for a fixed price - about £16. It's very good and right by the seaside.
It's a really good garden centre with a huge range of gifts, a great cafe and lovely views. They also have a lake that they hold Tai Chi and Yoga classes next to and they have lake swimming sessions.
Lime Cross Nursery and Garden
It's a really good garden centre with a huge range of gifts, a great cafe and lovely views. They also have a lake that they hold Tai Chi and Yoga classes next to and they have lake swimming sessions.
Quirky in a very traditionally rural way - they do great eggs benedict (my favourite) and cream teas and lunches.
Scolfes Tea Shoppe, Bed & Breakfast and Gardens
Quirky in a very traditionally rural way - they do great eggs benedict (my favourite) and cream teas and lunches.
Winner winner chicken dinner and/or saucy ribs. Extra napkins needed and they also have art classes.
Ribs & Co
8a George StWinner winner chicken dinner and/or saucy ribs. Extra napkins needed and they also have art classes.
In the village, so walking distance and so much more than a fish and chip shop! They also do gourmet burgers, chicken fillet burgers and fillet bites and nuggets, fried halloumi, scampi, home made fish cakes (yummy), onion rings, garlic mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, pies, sausages... Open Tuesday to Saturday usually from lunchtime until about 8 or 9, depending on the day.
Willows fish and chips shop
Gardner StreetIn the village, so walking distance and so much more than a fish and chip shop! They also do gourmet burgers, chicken fillet burgers and fillet bites and nuggets, fried halloumi, scampi, home made fish cakes (yummy), onion rings, garlic mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, pies, sausages... Open Tuesday to Saturday usually from lunchtime until about 8 or 9, depending on the day.
Lovely pub in a neighbouring village with a lovely big garden and good food. Walkable if you're into walking (not a short stroll, but a pretty one and worth the effort).
The Merrie Harriers
Lovely pub in a neighbouring village with a lovely big garden and good food. Walkable if you're into walking (not a short stroll, but a pretty one and worth the effort).
Alex Polizzi, The Hotel Inspector from the TV recently bought and refurbished this beautiful establishment with her mother Olga, also a hotelier. I'm very pleased that the restaurant is now open - check out the menu! Alex, who is a member of the Forte family (as in Forte Hotels), has extremely high standards so you can expect a truly 5 star experience.
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The Star
High StreetAlex Polizzi, The Hotel Inspector from the TV recently bought and refurbished this beautiful establishment with her mother Olga, also a hotelier. I'm very pleased that the restaurant is now open - check out the menu! Alex, who is a member of the Forte family (as in Forte Hotels), has extremely high standards so you can expect a truly 5 star experience.
Nice pub with a garden and they do really good food. Their Sunday roasts are highly recommended.
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The George Inn
Nice pub with a garden and they do really good food. Their Sunday roasts are highly recommended.
In the village, walking distance. They do really nice bread and cakes and pastries. They also do sandwiches, paninis and a hot lunchtime special every day that's usually really good, especially if it's hog roast :)
The Little Bake Shop
Gardner StreetIn the village, walking distance. They do really nice bread and cakes and pastries. They also do sandwiches, paninis and a hot lunchtime special every day that's usually really good, especially if it's hog roast :)
In the village, so walking distance (15 mins). Really good coffee and they do a mean panini :)
Geo's Coffee House
West EndIn the village, so walking distance (15 mins). Really good coffee and they do a mean panini :)
This place is about 3 miles from here and it's just opened recently. They make all their pasta fresh that day - website looks really good.
Romeo & Juliet Authentic Italian Cuisine
7 High StreetThis place is about 3 miles from here and it's just opened recently. They make all their pasta fresh that day - website looks really good.
The nearest Chinese takeaway that's good. They also do chips and burgers etc. Normally very busy so order before you're hungry :)
Lucky Star
13 George StreetThe nearest Chinese takeaway that's good. They also do chips and burgers etc. Normally very busy so order before you're hungry :)
This place is a gem! It's about half an hour away by car in a lovely little village. Inside there are candles in the inglenooks and on the tables with some very impressive drip formations that Gaudi would have appreciated. The menu is extensive and the food is outstanding, as in gourmet. I had Carre D'Agneau (rack of lamb) with Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables - it was utterly delicious - it's making my mouth water just remembering it. They have a really good selection of decadent puddings too. Worth the trip and every penny.
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The Red Lion
This place is a gem! It's about half an hour away by car in a lovely little village. Inside there are candles in the inglenooks and on the tables with some very impressive drip formations that Gaudi would have appreciated. The menu is extensive and the food is outstanding, as in gourmet. I had Carre D'Agneau (rack of lamb) with Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables - it was utterly delicious - it's making my mouth water just remembering it. They have a really good selection of decadent puddings too. Worth the trip and every penny.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's in walking distance, has a little garden with picnic tables, does food including steaks and wood fired pizzas and everything is cooked from fresh, nothing is reheated.
The Brewer's Arms
Gardner StreetIt's in walking distance, has a little garden with picnic tables, does food including steaks and wood fired pizzas and everything is cooked from fresh, nothing is reheated.
The Woolpack
Howard AvenueUnfortunately it's closed down so don't plan to eat here!
It's at the other end of our lane and they do good food reasonably priced and the atmosphere is nice.
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The White Horse Inn
It's at the other end of our lane and they do good food reasonably priced and the atmosphere is nice.
It's about 20 mins by car but worth a taxi because their food is great and they have good bands on at weekends. It's the liveliest pub near here.
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The Six Bells Chiddingly
The StreetIt's about 20 mins by car but worth a taxi because their food is great and they have good bands on at weekends. It's the liveliest pub near here.
Open at weekends for tastings and tours. In Horam - about 20 mins lovely drive through country lanes.
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Hidden Spring Vineyard
Vines Cross RoadOpen at weekends for tastings and tours. In Horam - about 20 mins lovely drive through country lanes.
Sightseeing
Herstmonceux kastali
Beautiful medieval moated castle and grounds.
I listed the pub because a) it's a great pub that does great food and is really pretty and b) it's right next to the Long Man of Wilmington and beautiful walks.
The Giant's Rest
The StreetI listed the pub because a) it's a great pub that does great food and is really pretty and b) it's right next to the Long Man of Wilmington and beautiful walks.
Historically interesting, beautiful grounds, great musuem, great cafe and kids play area too.
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Michelham Priory
Historically interesting, beautiful grounds, great musuem, great cafe and kids play area too.
This is really magnificent and great walking but beware - the cafe is really pricey and not all that much cop in my humble opinion and there are no local shops I could find to buy something better more reasonably, so if you go, bring a picnic. And possibly your swimming/paddling gear because the beach is really nice.
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Seven Sisters þjóðgarður
East Dean RoadThis is really magnificent and great walking but beware - the cafe is really pricey and not all that much cop in my humble opinion and there are no local shops I could find to buy something better more reasonably, so if you go, bring a picnic. And possibly your swimming/paddling gear because the beach is really nice.
Pebble beach with lots of pubs and restaurants. There's also a castle you can go around.
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Pevensey Bay Aqua Club
Sea RoadPebble beach with lots of pubs and restaurants. There's also a castle you can go around.
Bateman's
Bateman's LaneSheffield Park
Sheffield ParkBeautiful gardens.
Arlington Reservoir
Lovely place for a walk
Butts Brow
Butts LaneLovely place to walk, amazing views.
Michelham Priory
Pevensey kastali
Castle RoadIt's a stunningly beautiful beach and a great place to go walking. However, take a picnic as the cafe is overpriced in my humble opinion for what they're offering and I couldn't find a shop when I was there last.
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National Trust Birling Gap og Seven Sisters
Beachy Head RoadIt's a stunningly beautiful beach and a great place to go walking. However, take a picnic as the cafe is overpriced in my humble opinion for what they're offering and I couldn't find a shop when I was there last.
Alfriston is a lovely medieval village with quirky boutique shops and lots of good places to eat. It's on the Pilgrims' Way which goes all along the South Coast - the part that goes through Alfriston is by the river and a lovely place to walk.
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Alfriston
Alfriston is a lovely medieval village with quirky boutique shops and lots of good places to eat. It's on the Pilgrims' Way which goes all along the South Coast - the part that goes through Alfriston is by the river and a lovely place to walk.
Entertainment & Activities
I've been here lots of times with lots of people aged from 2 to 80 and we always have a great time. There's plenty to do and learn and their gift shop has brilliant educational toys. They have stargazing events sometimes.
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Vísindasetur Stjörnufræðistöðvarinnar
I've been here lots of times with lots of people aged from 2 to 80 and we always have a great time. There's plenty to do and learn and their gift shop has brilliant educational toys. They have stargazing events sometimes.
Loads to do and lots of animals. Massive indoor soft play. You will have fun here!
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Knockhatch ævintýraparkur
Hailsham BypassLoads to do and lots of animals. Massive indoor soft play. You will have fun here!
Good facilities and around the corner. They also have go carts, paintballing and It's A Knockout style activities.
Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre
Hailsham BypassGood facilities and around the corner. They also have go carts, paintballing and It's A Knockout style activities.
Middle Farm
Lovely farm shop with straw bales to jump on and animals to pet.
PGL in Windmill Hill have big outdoor climbing equipment and zip wires and outdoor sports. There's also the Windmill which you can go round on open days, and a really good pub called the Bull's Head which does good food and has a lovely garden.
Windmill Hill Windmill
Gardner StreetPGL in Windmill Hill have big outdoor climbing equipment and zip wires and outdoor sports. There's also the Windmill which you can go round on open days, and a really good pub called the Bull's Head which does good food and has a lovely garden.
Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding - they also have sites in Hailsham where they have climbing and archery and Cuckmere which is more water related.
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Buzz Active Eastbourne
Royal ParadeSailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding - they also have sites in Hailsham where they have climbing and archery and Cuckmere which is more water related.
This place is about half an hour away and you can book a flight experience and actually take control of the plane (they have dual controls, so you're safe).
Flight Sport Aviation
Ripe LaneThis place is about half an hour away and you can book a flight experience and actually take control of the plane (they have dual controls, so you're safe).
Great place to see opera and classical concerts and also beautiful gardens to picnic in (its a tradition there).
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Glyndebourne
New RoadGreat place to see opera and classical concerts and also beautiful gardens to picnic in (its a tradition there).
Bexhill promenade is really nicely kept and the Pavilion has lots of events and concerts - see their website for details.
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De La Warr Pavilion
MarinaBexhill promenade is really nicely kept and the Pavilion has lots of events and concerts - see their website for details.
You can learn to Paraglide solo here or take a tandem flight for fun. Its about half an hour away by car.
Airworks Paragliding Centre
You can learn to Paraglide solo here or take a tandem flight for fun. Its about half an hour away by car.
This is another place where you can learn to Paraglide or Paramotor.
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Fly Sussex Paragliding
TollgateThis is another place where you can learn to Paraglide or Paramotor.
Horam Manor Riding Stables
A267This is a nice place to go riding abut 20 mins away by car.
Horam Manor Fishery
This is about 20 mins awway by car and you can go fishing here.
Brick Farm Lakes Trout Fishery
Good fly fishing here for trout and only 3 miles away.
Pevensey Bay Aqua Club
Sea RoadBurwash is a lovely place to visit in its own right, but Mary's pottery classes are the jewel in it's crown. She's a great teacher, classes are small and very reasonably priced. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes with her. Check out her website for details of classes and courses available - I recommend her weekend Raku firing workshops.
Burwash Stores
High StreetBurwash is a lovely place to visit in its own right, but Mary's pottery classes are the jewel in it's crown. She's a great teacher, classes are small and very reasonably priced. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes with her. Check out her website for details of classes and courses available - I recommend her weekend Raku firing workshops.
Lovely walks in Ashdown Forest including to the actual bridge where A A Milne invented Pooh Sticks with Christopher Robin. There are so many walks in that area I still haven't done them all. Also a very nice pub which does great food (The Anchor Inn) and usually ice cream vans in the car parks.
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Pooh Sticks Bridge
Lovely walks in Ashdown Forest including to the actual bridge where A A Milne invented Pooh Sticks with Christopher Robin. There are so many walks in that area I still haven't done them all. Also a very nice pub which does great food (The Anchor Inn) and usually ice cream vans in the car parks.
Bexhill has got a really nice seafront with lots of flowers and plenty of parking. Plenty of shops and cafes but less busy than Eastbourne or Brighton. Also has the Del A Warr pavilion which has lots of world class entertainment. During the pandemic Eddie Izzard was doing gigs on the roof to support the venue because he comes from Bexhill.
Bexhill Beach
583 Bexhill RdBexhill has got a really nice seafront with lots of flowers and plenty of parking. Plenty of shops and cafes but less busy than Eastbourne or Brighton. Also has the Del A Warr pavilion which has lots of world class entertainment. During the pandemic Eddie Izzard was doing gigs on the roof to support the venue because he comes from Bexhill.
If you like to be beside the seaside, Eastbourne is the sunniest beach in the UK. The headland protects the area from the weather, so even if it's cloudy in Brighton it might still be sunny in Eastbourne. There's loads to do, lots of shops and cafes and restaurants and a little train to take you up and down the prom.
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Eastbourne Beach
23 Royal ParadeIf you like to be beside the seaside, Eastbourne is the sunniest beach in the UK. The headland protects the area from the weather, so even if it's cloudy in Brighton it might still be sunny in Eastbourne. There's loads to do, lots of shops and cafes and restaurants and a little train to take you up and down the prom.
If you prefer your beaches without hordes of people, Cooden is a good bet. It's pebbles and groins without town built around it. There's a pub called the Star Inn that has a nice garden and standard pub grub/carvery and there's also the Cooden Beach Hotel which has a really nice restaurant and a spa.
Cooden Beach
Herbrand WalkIf you prefer your beaches without hordes of people, Cooden is a good bet. It's pebbles and groins without town built around it. There's a pub called the Star Inn that has a nice garden and standard pub grub/carvery and there's also the Cooden Beach Hotel which has a really nice restaurant and a spa.
Lovely little old fashioned cinema and theater, very reasonably priced too :)
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Hailsham Pavilion Theatre
George StreetLovely little old fashioned cinema and theater, very reasonably priced too :)
Leisure centre in Eastbourne with a big swimming pool with flumes and waves.
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Sovereign Centre
Sovereign CentreLeisure centre in Eastbourne with a big swimming pool with flumes and waves.
Devonshire Park Tennis
College RoadYou can watch professional tennis here :)
Lovely theater with a range of productions and events - in Eastbourne, about 25mins away.
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Devonshire Park Leikhús
8-10 Compton StLovely theater with a range of productions and events - in Eastbourne, about 25mins away.
An escape room in Eastbourne, about 25 mins drive from here. There's another called Xcape Station which this software doesn't recognise but you can easily find on the internet.
The Locked Room
13 Gildredge RdAn escape room in Eastbourne, about 25 mins drive from here. There's another called Xcape Station which this software doesn't recognise but you can easily find on the internet.
My Skateworld
16A Maple RoadRoller rink with skate hire.
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure (Eastbourne)
Soft play for grown ups!
Sweeny Todd - Escape Room
35 The GoffsI love a puzzle :)
Escape Room Sussex
North Street3 miles away - nice thing to do on a wet day :)