VISIT - ALFRISTON
Follers Manor Garden
Award winning garden which has featured on Channel 4's Landscape Man, BBC's Gardeners World, and in numerous publications (as far afield as Shanghai) and next year appearing on the new ITV Alan Titchmarsh show.
We open twice a year as fund raising events in support of charity
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Charities we have supported include:
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The Chestnut Tree Children's hospice. (www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk)
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The National Garden Scheme (NGS) (www.ngs.org.uk)
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Typical entrance fee is £5 per adult, children free, sorry no dogs. As well as walks around the garden we have a team of volunteers offering home made teas and cakes, and a variety of stalls.
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We can also organise private visits for groups of 20 - 60. Buffet lunches for large groups can be arranged via the Alfriston Village Store Deli.
Arlington Reservoir Nature Reserve
Arlington Reservoir is set in 120 acres of beautiful, tranquil countryside with the South Downs National Park and the Long Man of Wilmington as a backdrop.
In 1980 Arlington Reservoir was designated a Local Nature Reserve, and since 1985 a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is a haven for wildlife – several of which are rare, protected species – and a wide variety of visiting and indigenous birds.
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Walkers enjoy the circular, level four kilometre footpath around the reservoir which takes around an hour to complete at a leisurely pace. Pick up an Osprey Trail leaflet in the car park with a map of the reservoir and follow the numbered waymarker posts to see points of interest along the footpath. After your walk, enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious homemade cake at the kiosk in the car park.
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Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead at all times and remember to pick up after them.
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Alfriston Clergy House, Garden & Shop
This rare 14th century Wealden 'Hall House' was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust in 1896.
The thatched, timber-framed house is in an idyllic setting, with views across the River Cuckmere and surrounded by a delightful, tranquil cottage garden.
On your visit:
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Admire the first house the NT saved.
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Enjoy the tranquility of our English cottage garden.
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Discover the chalk and sour milk floor in the hall.
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t: 01323 871961
St Andrews Church
Dating back to 1360, the aptly-named 'Cathedral of the South Downs' is unique as a village church.
Thousands of visitors come to marvel at its beautiful location on the Tye (village green), at the architecture, or simply to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere inside.
St. Andrew's is set on a small mound by the river and built in the form of a cross. The central tower and spire dominate the skyline, with a peal of six bells which are rung from the centre of the church. This feature is only seen in about 16 churches in the country; and one of only 2 in the Diocese.
Because of its location, St. Andrew's is often used for concerts and other special events. We also welcome visits from schools and other organisations, and can provide a guide by arrangement.
St. Andrew's is also a living church - with two Sunday Services held at 8.00am and 11.00am. Full details are found in the monthly 'Cuckmere News'
Drusillas Park
Widely known as the best small zoo in Europe, Drusillas Park offers a fun-tastic day out that includes animals, adventure play and rides! With the zoo at the heart of Drusillas you’ll come face to face with hundreds of exotic animals, from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas, and be sure not to miss the walk-through enclosures – Lemurland and Lory Landing. However, animals are only half the fun! Your little monkeys will adore themed adventure play areas including Go Wild!, Go Bananas!, Amazon Adventure and Get Wet! - the ultimate splash pad experience! And don’t miss both Hello Kitty Secret Garden with three popular rides in a beautiful garden setting or the roar-some attraction Go Safari! where you’ll soar into the skies with the exciting Hippopotobus and Flying Cheetah rides or adventure through the zoo on the Safari Express train.
Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, East Sussex, about 7 miles from Eastbourne.
Middle Farm
Meet your farmyard favourites at our 625 acre working family farm, home to the oldest farm shop in the U.K. with butcher’s shop, delicatessen, bakery and the National Collection of Cider & Perry.
Browse the largest array of Sussex produce available anywhere and enjoy coffee and cake, light lunch or afternoon cream tea in our own farmhouse kitchen restaurant.
Get up close to our Jerseys being milked every afternoon in the milking parlour, play in the Hay Play Barn, discover the wildlife on our Farm Trail and pick a beautiful memento of your visit in Skies and Scarecrows, our stylish country gift shop.
Open 7 days a week, all year round
Rathfinny Wine Estate
The Estate Tour (pre bookable) takes you to the outstanding new Winery, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Vineyard and the South Downs as you sample the Winemaker’s Lunch, or Afternoon Tea, in the gorgeous Tasting Room.
You can walk the Rathfinny Trail or stay in the carefully renovated Flint Barns, a real “home away from home”.