Lewes, Seaford and the South Downs

Lewes is the county town of East Sussex. It is located within the South Downs National Park and is a historic town located on the slopes of the Downs. The town has two distinct areas, the main High Street and the Cliffe High Street. The River Ouse flows through Lewes separating the two parts of the town.
With its classic location in the heart of the South Downs National Park it is has many traditional holiday cottages. The historic castle and Ann of Cleves House are central to the town so your holiday cottage accommodation in Lewes is within walking distance of these visitor attractions. All holidaymakers can enjoy the history, charm and character of this lovely town.

Lewes has many antique shops, restaurants and bars with outside terraces, and once a year comes alive when the seven Bonfire Societies in Lewes converge on the town on 5 November. Holiday cottages are also available for you to attend this famous fireworks display and bonfire celebrations in Lewes.

The beautiful South Downs stretch due south from Lewes where heading east they first meet the sea at Seaford. This is a lovely area for many rural holiday cottages. Both Lewes and Seaford are close to Newhaven, a port where the cross channel ferries connect with the French port of Dieppe. Seaford is a charming town boasting seaside holiday cottages that are perfectly placed to explore the local area. The cosmopolitan city of Brighton is within a twenty minute drive and for nature lovers the South Downs border the town.

Next door to Seaford, the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, including the meandering river valley at Cuckmere Haven and open chalk grassland. Holiday cottages in this area are perfect for those who enjoy walking, bird watching, horse riding, cycling and canoeing. The views are spectacular from Seaford Head.

During your cottage holiday there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy long lunches in the countless country pubs. The popular village of Alfriston is such a place to visit, with pretty cottages and the famous Alfriston Clergy House, the first property to be purchased by the National Trust. It is only a short distance inland from Seaford. Drusillas Zoo Park is also in Alfriston and is a great place for young families to visit. There is plenty of family holiday accommodation nearby.

Woodland walks abound from your holiday cottage in Seaford with glorious walks through Friston Forest where you soon reach the famous White Horse etched into the chalk downs high above the Cuckmere River. There is also the Long Man of Wilmington seen on the northern slopes of the South Downs not far from Glyndebourne. All rural cottages here tend to have fantastic outlooks offering a wonderful relaxing atmosphere and cosy log fires for that winter’s evening.

The world famous Glyndebourne Opera House is just east of Lewes. Why not experience a spectacular and unforgettable opera whilst staying at a holiday cottage in Barcombe?

Other charming holiday cottages can also be found in Rodmell and at Offham, while cottages at Plumpton are ideal for Plumpton Races, close to the South Downs. Further east the picturesque springline village of Ringmer is also a great cottage holiday destination.

Come and enjoy a holiday cottage short break in Lewes and the South Downs with Amberley House Cottage Holidays.