#the lake the woodlands the mountains… the fresh air the long days the beautiful sunsets

[thesunsethour]

every day. every single day i miss the mountains in germany

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/27-things-to-do-sussex/

27 Super Things to Do in Splendid Sussex

From the rolling countryside and medieval villages in the East to the serene hills, valleys and remarkable Roman ruins in the West, Sussex is a rural county abundant in charm. Plus a gloriously rugged and beautiful coastline, which is as iconic as they come.

Characterised by striking chalk cliffs and dramatized by the most incredible sunsets, the coastal stretch alone is enough to draw you to this quaint corner of the UK. The treasure of Southeast England and home to some of the prettiest towns and villages in the country, Sussex is well worth a visit.

And with beautiful holiday manors and beach homes available for group hire all year round, it’s the ideal destination for a weekend or week away. Here are some of the things you can do in splendid Sussex!

1. Beachy Head & The Seven Sisters

A visit to Sussex County is not complete without a trip to Beachy Head and The Seven Sisters. This series of chalk cliff drops is the most iconic attraction of the area and provides the most spectacular views of the English Channel. This long stretch of cliffs is really a sight to behold, with lush grasslands and on a warm day, the ocean turns a stunning turquoise blue.

2. Bognor Regis Pier Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Sussex and a great place to come in groups or with your family because there’s so much to do. The beachfront features an amusement arcade, shops and cafes, bars and nightclubs, and awesome fish and chips. Enjoy great views along The Esplanade and soak up the sea air.

3. Wakehurst Botanic Garden

Wakehurst is a spectacular botanic garden in the West Sussex area, owned and managed by the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The site is spread across more than 450 acres, boasting landscaped gardens, woodland, a beautiful nature reserve as well as the impressive Elizabethan mansion set on the estate.

4. Harbour Park

The ultimate kids’ day out! If you’re holidaying with the little ones, don’t miss Harbour Park by Littlehampton Beach. It has everything kids could dream of, including fairground rides, water rides and water chutes, a family arcade, ice cream and sweet treats, and plenty of places to grab a bite for the whole family.

5. Bodiam Castle

One of Britain’s most beautiful castles and a great day out for all ages. Key features of the castle include its spiral staircases and battlements, plus portcullis and murder holes. Climb the towers and take footsteps where kings, queens and knights use to roam. The kids will love Bodiam Castle and there’s also a superb tearoom serving delicious cakes and snacks.

6. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

The Weald and Downland Living Museum is a fantastic opportunity to experience life in the past. Taking you on a journey of a 950 year period, these rescued buildings will make history come alive. Informative and fun at the same time, with lots to do such as cooking in the Tudor Kitchen or watching demonstrations from the Victorian Smithy.

7. Arundel Castle

This ancient castle and stately home is one of the longest inhabited country homes in the UK and it really is one of the most magnificent estates to explore. The impressive ancient structure is almost ethereal in its beauty, and lives to be a wonderfully restored and remodelled fortress like something out of a medieval fairy tale. Explore the grounds, walk through the many gardens flourishing in colourful flowers and unique plants, take a tour of the castle rooms, and refuel at the on-site restaurant.

8. Borde Hill Garden

A heritage garden filled with rare shrubs and champion trees. Borde Hill is a gardener’s dream and is a great place for enjoying a light stroll and some fresh air for all ages. The display of plants has accumulated over time by great plant collectors and have been tended with passion for over four generations. The perfect spot for a woodland walk or a picnic by the lakes, so don’t forget to pack some sandwiches.

9. The Brighton Pier & Beach

There’s so much to see and do in the county’s biggest city, Brighton. And Brighton Pier is a must for anyone coming here for the first time. Spend the day shopping, playing in the arcades, riding the fairground rides, and strolling along the sea front. There’s so much street food here too, including fish and chips (the seaside classic), hot dogs, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, pizza, shellfish, Brighton rock and much more.

10. Drusillas Park

Take the kids to Drusillas Park to meet all the animals! There’s also a Hello Kitty Secret Garden, a huge outdoor play area, and a Get Wet Splash Pad. So children will be entertained for hours on end. Plus with 4 different cafes / buffets available, the whole family will be fed and watered.

11. A Day Out in Hastings

Travel back in time to 1066 and discover the gorgeous coastal town where the famous Battle of Hastings took place. Visit the Battle Abbey, explore Hastings Castle, and book a tour of St. Clements Caves (the town’s historical underground tunnels)

12. The Village of Amberley

This pretty village and civil parish is one of the must-see chocolate box villages of the region. Renowned for its beauty, old fashioned cottages and timeless charm. Walk around the village and make sure you drop in to the village tea rooms for a cream tea.

13. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

The Bedgebury National Pinetum is open to the public all year round, and it is recognised as the famous home of the National Conifer Collection and a central hub for global conifer conservation. The National Conifer Collection is the most complete collection of conifers in one site anywhere in the world, featuring over 12,000 trees in total. Within this huge tree collection, there are rare and endangered species as well as many historically important specimens. Out in the forest, guests can enjoy walking around, cycling and mountain-biking. And other attractions include an adventure play area, nature walks and talks, and a cafe with panoramic views across the Pinetum.

14. Aldingbourne Country Centre

Aldingbourne Country Centre is open all year round and there’s so much to do. So if you’re travelling in a mixed group, this is a great place to bring the rabble. Take a relaxing woodland walk to soak up some fresh country air, discover the on-site gardens, meet the animals on the open farm, see the birds of prey at Hawking About, play mini golf, or enjoy a pedal tractor ride!

15. Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle is such a fantastic attraction for kids and adults alike. It’s a Norman castle dating back more than 1000 years and it has a series of spiral staircases that lead to its high tower. It’s worth the climb if your legs can take it because the views from the top are just breath-taking. The Barbican House is just next door and features a museum, a mini cinema and much more.

16. Nutbourne Winery & Vineyards

Wine connoisseurs will love visiting Nutbourne Winery & Vineyards, open from May to October every year. Nutbourne is a family-run boutique wine producer and they’re known for their award-winning still and sparkling wines. It’s all a part of the new English wine renaissance, and all wines are made from grapes grown on the estate. Open Tuesday to Friday (2pm-5pm) and Saturdays (11am-5pm).

17. Blackberry Farm

Farm days are so much fun for kids and Blackberry Farm promises excitement for all ages. Home to more than 180 different animals, there’s plenty of chances for meeting, feeding and getting up close to farm creatures. Kids can even enjoy a tractor ride, a pony ride or just go wild on the outdoor play areas whilst parents can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and snacks in the café.

18. West Wittering Beach

If you’re looking for the most beautiful beach along the south coast, West Wittering is worth a look in. It’s particularly popular with windsurfers, but the low tide also makes it a great location for sea paddling and building sand castles. There’s also a grassy area which is perfect for picnics and wildlife spotting.

19. Devil’s Dyke Circular Walk

The view from the top of Devil’s Dyke has been described as “the grandest in the world” by Suffolk born painter John Constable. So if you’re searching for a picturesque spot to spread your picnic blanket, this walk is ideal. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset if you’re here with your other half.

20. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the Royal Pavilion garden, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is the city’s cultural beacon and attracts visitors from all over the country every year. The museum’s collections tell the story of the city and history of the world, and there are new exhibitions to check out every season, with everything from fine art and photography to 20th Century design.

21. Afternoon Tea at West Dean Gardens

Afternoon tea is a great way treat yourself for a special occasion, especially if have a spectacular setting to enjoy your champagne and nibbles in. West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored gardens in England and the Garden Restaurant is the perfect place for enjoying your favourite refreshments in style. Home to a 300 ft. Edwardian pergola, an award-winning Sunken Garden, stunning Victorian glasshouses, plus a 50-acre arboretum.

22. Booth Museum of Natural History

The Booth Museum is another museum that is a must-see when visiting Brighton. Featuring collections of birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones to tell the story of living creatures through time. These artefacts were originally founded as a Victorian collector’s private museum, and now they are open to the public and entry is free of charge.

23. Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre

If you visit the beautiful village of Amberley, don’t miss the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre. Set on a 36 acre site in South Downs National Park, this museum is dedicated to local industrial heritage. There’s much to see, including the electricity exhibition halls, the working printshop, stationary engines, lime kilns, the narrow gauge railway and historic bus.

24. Anne of Cleves House

As the fourth wife of King Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves is a significant figure in British and Tudor history. And this house is a fine example of her legacy which lives on as part of the East Sussex in Lewes. Formed as part of Anne’s annulment settlement from the king in 1540, this house is vision of beautiful historical architecture. The earliest parts of the building date back from the 1400s with further additions later in the 17th Century. Take a walk back in time as you wander through the kitchen, the bedroom and parlour, as well as the garden. The café is located in the tea garden, so you can enjoy refreshments in the spectacular Tudor setting.

25. Arundel Wetland Centre

From the annual Giant Duck Hunt at Easter and the LEGO Brick Animals Trail in May/June to free boat rides and 8 wildlife hides, the Arundel Wetland Centre has fun things to see and do pretty much all year round. The Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari can even accommodate wheelchairs, making it one of the most accessible attractions in the area.

26. Herstmonceux Castle, Gardens & Grounds

The magnificent 15th Century moated Herstmonceux Castle is truly impressive, set within 300 acres of carefully managed woodland and stunning formal gardens. This beautiful fort is one of the best examples of a mighty medieval stronghold, whilst also embodying the romance of renaissance Europe. Enjoy the views as you take the Chestnut Tree Walk, order tea and cake at the Chestnuts Tea Room and Visitors Centre, or take a tour of the gardens and woodlands.

27. Blue Reef Aquarium

A great day out for the whole family – the Blue Reef Aquarium is home to some truly spectacular marine life species that are just fascinating to watch. Take a tour through the underwater tunnel and be completely mesmerised by the sea turtles, seahorses, native sharks, giant octopus, and hundreds of colourful fish. There are also daily talks and feeds, making the experience all the more interactive and memorable.

Get in touch with us today and let us help you find your perfect accommodation.

[butchstolemysweetroll]

Tagged by @saxrohmerwon ages ago on my brief other blog and just noticed it, thanks bruh ily <3

Rules:  Always post the rules, answer the questions given to you, then write 10 questions of your own, and tag some friends!

1. Favorite city (or town/small island/et cetera) in the world and why?

I guess it’d be Avalon. I basically spent every summer of my life there with family and it’s really small (only seven miles long) so you wind up going to the same few ice cream places or antique stores or pizza shops all the time but you never really get bored of it. The whole place has a quiet, old-timey shore town nostalgia to it too that’s super sweet. And like some of my all time favorite memories were staying on the beach until sunset when the lifeguards were gone so we could swim wherever we wanted, or climbing on the outfall pipe and walking to see how far out I was brave enough to go (it got “higher” ((read: the sand started to disappear)) the further out over the water you went), or walking on the beach at night. That was my favorite part, the nighttime. It’s weird how quiet but how alive everything got after dark, and I could hunt for ghost crabs or watch fireworks and the lights from town on the water, and the sand never bothered me as much when it was cool from the dark.

2. Describe your favorite scent/s.

Autumn, if that counts as a smell. But the combined scent of really brisk air and smoky burning leaves and fresh damp ones and hay and I guess plant life generally decaying, but in a sweet way? I also like flower smells obviously, and food smells, but those are boring to talk about. Gasoline, the specific kind of fake (cotton) paper money is printed on. Coffee. I’ve learned to kind of like the smell of cigarettes on clothes, because my boyfriend smokes and I like waking up in the sweater I wore the night before with that smell still on it. People have smells too. Like my mom smells like perfume even when she isn’t wearing any, and it’s nice. And babies smell rad and trigger ALL of my maternal impulses (cannot wait to reproduce, it’s gonna be gr8). And the boy smells really nice... Not even in like a what-deodorant-are-you-wearing kind of way but like skin and sweat and waking up warm in a cold house on Wednesday mornings. And when he comes home from work smelling like fresh cut grass and wet dirt it’s v nice.

3. Who is/was your favorite teacher and why?

My Romantic Lit professor currently, because he teaches exactly what I want to teach and I have a career crush on him. He’s also just super excitable and enthusiastic (let’s talk about that WEIRD weekend in Geneva the Shelleys took guys! Blake was an EDGELORD!) which I love.

I also had a professor at my old school who was super cool and helped me through a lot of shit? I took her personal essay class right as I was sort of in recovery for depression following a terrible, low key emotionally unhealthy (abusive? I still don’t know if I can use that word? Either way, OVER-SHARING YAY) romantic relationship and I explored that and a lot of other stuff pertaining to my childhood and relationships and discovering my queerness in my work for her class, and she was super supportive and involved in helping me experiment with new formats and really use writing as a therapeutic tool and it helped me heal a lot. She was also just a super cool lady (lots of tattoos and wispy blonde hair and a quiet voice, kind of a hipster fairy) who hung out with me at a local music festival in town when I was like fresh out of the hospital and having trouble being around my normal friends. She just always made sure her door was open and went out of her way to make me feel better, and to this day I appreciate that.

4. What is your favorite poem?  (Substitute with “song” if you don’t have a favorite poem.)

Oh my GOD, don’t make me choose. I’m obsessed with the Romantics and a few contemporaries have my heart, but I guess I’d have to say “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. It’s just beautiful and hopeful and simple enough that tiny me could fall in love with it and appreciate it almost in its fullness when I was too young to grasp other works.

5. Weirdest thing you’ve ever heard out-of-context?

Ever? I don’t tend to remember stuff like that for a long time unless I’d like hypothetically overheard a murder or something, but last night some girl was walking back from our student center with her friends and angrily shouted that she wanted to “put her dong through a snare drum” which made me laugh.

6. Best concert experience?  (If you have never been to a concert, what do you hope your first concert will be?)

Still gotta say Green Day after just turning 15 years old. I’d never been to a concert before and they were my favorite band at the time. I was so proud to be there because I had 0 dollars to my name and no one would hire me because I was underage, so I had to earn every penny for those tickets doing gross menial work like removing and scrubbing window frames that hadn’t seen soap in maybe a decade (SO MANY SPIDERS), and teeny bopper me thought that was 'punk.’ And at one point Billie Joe Armstrong, who my pathetic little emo self wanted to MARRY told the audience he was proud of everyone who’d worked their ass off to afford to come see them play and I remember turning to my dad and screaming “HE MEANS ME!” It was so wholesome.

7. Favorite holiday (or other special occasion) and why?

Christmas! My house was THE Christmas house growing up. My parents put so much effort into it and it was the cutest thing. Besides the outrageous amount of decorations and the amazing food that takes all week to make and the cute tradition of having my grandparents spend the night to watch us open presents first thing in the morning, the best part of Christmas growing up was definitely the effort my family put into making us kids believe Santa was real for way longer than necessary. One year my uncle got a flashlight and a red solo up and climbed trees in our yard so we’d see “Rudolph’s nose” if we looked out the window. We put out reindeer food every year. My dad would stomp around shaking jingle bells and someone always climbed on the roof making noise, and my mom knew calligraphy, so she’d write us scrolls from Santa on legit parchment and toast it in the oven so it would curl. One year we had an old, old family friend who was a Santa impersonator show up with a legit sleigh and a giant book with all the family member’s names and the years they were naughty and nice in it and stories about why and it was so cute. So whereas most kids found out around like 8 my parents went to extreme lengths so that I believed it until I was like 11 and honestly, I’m really glad they did, because it was a kick ass childhood. I definitely want to be that level of extra when I become a parent.

8. Did you ever play an instrument growing up?  If so, how did it go for you?

Guitar, bass, after I learned guitar I could play pretty much anything pluckable with strings, so I had a Romanian lap harp (I was such a cool kid) and I would sometimes play my sister’s viola (often incorrectly and like a guitar, but it was fun to sample when I recorded stuff). I haven’t sang or touched an instrument in like seven years though. I kind of gave up after sad life stuff happened but I want to pick it back up again. I really miss music.

9. If you were given $100 today, what would you do with the money?

Use it toward Christmas presents for loved ones. Since I’m basically not allowed out of the house after I go home for break I have to do Christmas early with the friends and boyfriend.

10. What’s the scariest movie you have ever seen?  (Define scary however you like.)

I love scary movies so this is hard, but I guess anything in which children are genuinely evil? Like not even in a supernatural way; it’s not horror but watching We Need To Talk About Kevin fucked me up. I guess being a mom is like so much something that I want, and imagining that happening would def keep me up at night. Especially because I would not know what to do.

Now, for questions:

1. What’s your favorite article of clothing?

Dresses but also plain black leggings. And I have very soft sweatpants that fit just right.

2. Do you still sleep with a stuffed animal?

Nope. I can’t sleep with the live one either lol, Bynx likes to sleep RIGHT where I want to roll over and screams and puts his paws in my mouth when he wants attention.

3. Do you believe in heaven? Hell?

Both, Catholic.

4. Do you listen to podcasts? What are your favorite ones?

Not really, but I’d like to, in theory. It just seems like more effort somehow than watching TV and I am always tired.

5. What was your go-to game during recess?

Four square.

6. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years– not in a job interview kind of way, but actually?

Awwww this is cute to think about. I guess I’d like to be living in like a really woodland but not isolating place, somewhere where my house can be on a lake or by woods or mountains but if I drive ten minutes there’s a cozy-sized town with all I need. Maybe in like Virginia or Vermont. I’m a professor of Gothic Literature at the local college, and my students are engaged and inspiring and call me by my first name. I’m in a pretty and not-too-big house, but it’s warm and smells like our fireplace. I’m married to my lovely guy, and both our jobs are flexible enough that we can have dinner as a family and spend time with our brood of kids. And they pay well enough that we might not be wealthy but we never have to worry. The cat’s still with us and we’ve got a dog, too. We go on camping trips and The Lumberjack teaches the kids how to build fires and tie knots and dad stuff like that. One of the kids at least loves reading and the house is full of books - I’ve got a home office full of bookshelves and a reading nook. We’ve got a porch where we can bundle up and drink wine in the evening after the kids are in bed. We’re not rich but not poor, and our families get along and come to visit. My parents still ask us over for Christmas every year. Wherever I teach, my kids can go there for free.

7. Do you have a favorite visual artist? Who are they?

Oh lord, I don’t know. I mean I like art but I hate the process of liking art. It’s so much more involved than “I like how this piece makes me feel” and I don’t enjoy that. I like individual pieces and I don’t know enough about art to really speak on it.

I guess, though, I like Dali and Khalo as people. They seem unpretentious and fun. Which is surprising because I guess the way their work is talked about you’d think the opposite.

8. Do you really like a food that most people think is disgusting? Or, do you like a popular food to a disgusting degree?

Not really but like I put too much hot sauce / jalapenos on everything and it disgusts people. And I put way too much sugar in coffee, and creamer too.

9. What music did your parents play in the house/car?

My mom is a New Wave junkie like me and my dad had more complicated taste. He was never big into music, so he only really likes a few artists for their voices and some songs for nostalgia. So we listened to a lot of oldies and swing and Judy Garland, but he also loved Blondie and Boston.

10. What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

I’d tell her she’s a lot stronger than she’s going to think she is one day and to tough it out. That people love her and will love her. That when you get older, family is hard, but it’s worth it to work on things. That she’s smarter than she thinks she is and should try harder in school, because when she finally does have faith in herself, it’ll pay off. 

Tagging whoever else wants to do this - it’s cold and rainy (here at least) and we could all use a day of warm socks and procrastinating with asks, honestly.