East Sussex Tourist Attractions, South England
Battle of Hasting, Brighton and the Royal Pavillion, Newhaven Fort
East Sussex on England’s South Coast is steeped in history. England’s most famous battle, Hastings was fought here. The county's Cinque Ports have protected England from continental marauders for centuries, while smuggling contraband over the channel. Its coast has also attracted royal attention. The Prince Regent loved Brighton so much, he built an Indian fantasy palace, the Royal Pavilions here.
Battle of Hastings, Battlefield and Abbey
The first date all school children in Britain learn is 1066, the Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror, seized control of Britain for the Normans and poor old King Harold got one in the eye from a Norman archer, (allegedly).
The battle actually happened at a place now known, surprisingly enough, as Battle. Visitors can explore the battle site using an audio guide to learn how that fateful day unfolded. Battle is also the site of an abbey, built by William in honour of his victory.
Hastings
Hastings itself has something of a split personality. Along the seafront with its sandy beach, it is the epitome of the British, ‘Kiss me Quick’, seaside resort, lobster red sunbathers, fish and chip shops and amusement arcades.
Explore further and you find the old town. A Victorian reticular railway takes visitors to the cliff top above the town where the ruins of Hasting castle stand, the first built by the Normans in Britain. Also on the clifftop is the Smuggler’s Adventure, a themed attraction exploring Hastings’ tradition as a haunt for local sailors with an aversion to paying import duty.
Smuggler's Adventure Tel: 01424 444412
Brighton and the Royal Pavilion
Brighton came to prominence in Regency times when the Prince Regent, (later George IV), took a liking to it and built his fantasy palace, the Royal Pavilions. Developed in stages, the original farmhouse was first extended in 1787 to become the Marine Pavilions. It was then transformed by John Nash into the Indian themed palace that can be seen today.
Brighton is also home to the famous Pleasure Pier. Built in 1891, the pier has been the centre of Brighton’s popular sea front since the official opening 8 years later. The pier featured a concert hall in which many stars of the era played. Today, it offers a thrilling funfair, Horatio’s bar, and an extensive amusement arcade in the iconic dome.
Planet Earth Museum and Sussex History Trail
This museum in Newhaven, tracks the origins of the planet, with displays covering billions of years! Visitors can undertake a, ‘Jurassic Park’, style adventure as they explore the new dinosaur park. More recent history is covered in the Maritime museum, which details the history of Newhaven and its nautical past.
These attractions are set in spectacular gardens, featuring waterfalls, fountains and lakes stocked with exotic fish. The gardens have themed areas where plants from around the world are set in international designs such as the Caribbean garden and the Oriental garden.
Tel: 01273 512123
Newhaven Fort
The strategic importance of Newhaven has been known since the Bronze Age when the first fort was built here. The Romans too established a defensive structure here and there were gun emplacements here in Elizabethan times when the remnants of the Spanish Armada were in the Channel. Today’s fort dates from the Victorian era.
The fort’s displays include a film detailing its creation and the role it played in two world wars. The casemates, which were fortified gun emplacements, house displays exploring life in the fort, through exhibitions of artefacts, dioramas detailing different aspects of the history of the structure and exciting hands on activities.
Tel: 01273 517622
More Tourist Attractions in Essex
Battle of Hastings Re-enactment, Battle E. Sussex
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles