Slow Weekends in East Sussex: What to Do and Where to Stay
“Too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness”
From the Bloomsbury group visiting Firle to artists & makers setting up studios in Ditchling, our area of the South Downs has long been a place to slow down and seek inspiration.
And you can do it to, with a slow weekend in East Sussex. We’ve pulled together our favourite slow-past times and places to stay for you to make the most of a trip to the county.
The South Downs Way heading towards Ditchling Beacon.
WALKING ON THE SOUTH DOWNS
Getting onto the top of the South Downs is a must-do for any East Sussex weekender, whether you want a post-lunch-leg stretch or to fill a whole morning.
With views towards the twinkling blue sea and across rolling Sussex landscape, the scenery below is a constant companion and, as Virginia Woolf puts it, makes walking feel like floating in happiness.
If you are visiting by train, head to Lewes and then stride eastwards. You can quickly leave the town behind and walk up onto the Downs. There is a two-hour loop up to Mount Caburn and other footpaths that can take the more adventurous as far as Firle.
Ditchling Beacon is a great spot to park up on the South Downs way for those with a car. You can either walk west towards the Jack & Jill windmill and Devil’s Dyke, or go head east towards Lewes. There are a number of loops available too.
You can also base yourself at Artelium for a walk. Here are a few of our favourite routes. And, of course, the best bit is a glass of wine and a bite to eat at the end of it.
CULTURAL MOMENTS: GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS TO EXPLORE
East Sussex is lucky to have some world-class gallery spaces, all unique in what they showcase and in style. If you are heading our to explore, don’t forget to look at the Sussex Art Shuttle, a hop-on-hop-off bus connecting some of the best spots.
THE TOWNER GALLERY, EASTBOURNE
If you are coming down from London on the train, don’t stop. Go all the way to Eastbourne and take a look around the internationally renowned TOWNER gallery.
This space recently played host to the Turner Prize and has been collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for 100 years. After perusing the gallery space, head upstairs to the restaurant, Light, for a Scandinavian-inspired bite to eat.
CHARLESTON IN LEWES
Following a successful trial last year, we are delighted Charleston in Lewes is now permanent. Like the original Charleston farmhouse in Firle, the Lewes site aims to continue the legacy of the Bloomsbury group by bringing people together to engage with art and ideas.
Airy exhibition spaces are filled with ever-changing shows guaranteed to shift perspectives and inspire. And it’s all just a hop-skip-and-jump from the train station.
ARTELIUM WINE ESTATE, STREAT
Artelium is a space where people come together to enjoy contemporary art, as well as wine.
In May 2024, for example, we are presenting our first art exhibition of the year: ‘Wood, Earth’, a solo show from Walter Bailey exploring how landscape and life interconnect.
Opening Weekends: 5&6, 11&12, 18&19 May, 11.00 - 16.00
DITCHLING MUSEUM OF ART & CRAFT
Ditchling village has long been a gathering place for creatives. This lovingly restored museum in the old village school preserves the artistic heritage of the area and gives a space for it’s future.
Exhibitions often cast a light on lesser-known art forms and the stories of makers. Well worth a visit and be sure to leave time for a slice of delicious cake in the Museum café.
BEST PLACES FOR A GLASS OF ENGLISH WINE IN EAST SUSSEX
Fourth & Church, Hove: A stylish wine bar and restaurant in the heart of Hove inspired by the noisy bars of Sevilla and Jerez. A great range of English wines, among others, and delicious small plates and tapas.
Artelium, Streat: How could we not include ourselves? With stunning views across the South Downs and the exceptional wines to match, it is the Sussex Winelands at it’s best.
Jolly Sportsman, East Grinstead: A classic Country pub with delicious English wines by the glass. Sit out in the beer garden or at the bar, before moving to the dining room for dinner.
Symposium, Lewes: A wine shop-come-bar with a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for enjoying great and unique wines alike. Often have English wines available by the glass.
WHERE TO STAY: COUNTRY PUBS & B&Bs
Of course, there are no shortage of places to stay in the South Downs. But it’s the quiet old country pubs with great food and well-stocked bars that can play host to the most relaxing evenings.
Here are some of our favourites which are not too far from the Estate and are great bases for exploring East Sussex.
THE JOLLY SPORTSMAN, EAST GRINSTEAD
The closest of them all, within walking distance in fact, is the Jolly.
Not only is it a great spot for an aperitif it also offers four newly refurbished rooms with luxurious en-suite bathrooms and super king-size beds. Learn more.
THE BULL, DITCHLING
Set in the heart of historic Ditchling, the 500-year-old Bull has long been a focal point for travellers and locals alike.
With six cosy bedrooms, a menu of modern British classics and easy access to the Downs, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
BLUE DOOR BARNS, LEWES
Not quite a country pub, but too good to not include, Blue Door Barns is a bed and breakfast at the foot of the South Downs near Lewes.
The homely rooms are set around a candlelit courtyard with an open fire. Perfect spot for walkers keen to explore the Downs and not far from Charleston Farmhouse in Firle.
ABOUT ARTELIUM WINE ESTATE
We’re an artisanal wine producer based in the Sussex countryside, where we create fine English wines using traditional methods.
We love sharing our award-winning wine and the land that makes it so special, through our vineyard tours and tastings - or have some delivered to your door from our online wine shop.