Places of interest   Herstmonceux Castle Pevensey Bodiam Castle Scotney Castle Brightling (Jack Fuller) Batemans Gardens at Sissinghurst Gardens at Great Dixter Places to Eat   Pubs & Restaurants Childrens Days Out   Knockhatch Adventure Park Drusillas Zoo Park The Bluebell Railway Treasure Island, Eastbourne The Enchanted Forest at Groombridge    Place   Historic Towns   Battle Hastings Lewes Tunbridge Wells Walking and Riding   Local footpaths & Bridle ways More local information can be found at : www.allaboutsussex.co.uk

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Places of Interest Herstmonceux Castle - Approximately 5 miles

Built in the 15th Century the Castle is surrounded by a moat and sits in beautiful parkland containing an Elizabethan garden. It was the marriage of a Saxon lady, Idonea de Herst, and a Norman nobleman, Ingelram de Monceux, in the 12th Century that gave place to its name. Visitors are able to walk around the Elizabethan gardens and woodland trails that lead to the Rhododendron, Rose and Herb Gardens. There is also the opportunity to take a guided tour of the interior of the castle.

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Places of Interest Pevensey - Approximately 12 miles
	Pevensey is one of the Cinque Ports, a group of towns that pledged to supply men and ships to fight against invasion in the late Anglo-Saxon era. The village itself is actually 4 miles inland but was originally allied to Hastings. Here you will find the remains of Pevensey castle, the fort which was one of nine that defended the south coast against Norse invasion.

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Places of Interest Bodiam Castle - Approximately 15 miles
	Bodiam Castle is one of the most famous castles in Britain set in beautiful parkland surroundings. The medieval castle was built in 1385 as a home but also in anticipation of a French invasion, which never actually happened. The exterior is extremely well preserved and the castle is found rising out of its extensive moat which is now filled with carp. Website link : nationaltrust.org.uk/...

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Places of Interest Scotney Castle - Approximately 20 miles

Scotney Castle was built as a fortified manor house towards the end of the 14th Century. For some 350 years it was the home of the Darell family who then sold the estate in the mid 18th Century to Edward Hussey. It was Edward Hussey who began to create the spectacular gardens for which it is now very famous. Within these gardens you will find the ice-house, boathouse, the Old Castle and the Henry Moore sculpture. The 800-acre estate in which it is situated has many walks open to the public and a working hop farm. Website link : nationaltrust.org.uk/...

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Places of Interest Brightling (Jack Fuller) - 4 miles

Brightling village was built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066 but is now most famous for its ‘mad’ resident of 1757, Jack Fuller. His family became famous for its iron furnace at Heathfield and produced guns and cannons for the navy. Jack Fuller however, built a collection of follies in and around Brightling, such as, the Brightling needle, the sugar loaf, the Temple, the Observatory, the Watch Tower and the Pyramid.

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Places of Interest Batemans - 7 miles

The interior of this beautiful 17th-century house, Rudyard Kipling's home from 1902 to 1936, reflects the author's strong associations with the East. There are many oriental rugs and artefacts, and most of the rooms – including his book-lined study – are much as Kipling left them. The delightful grounds run down to the small River Dudwell with its watermill, and contains roses, wild flowers, fruit and herbs. Kipling's Rolls-Royce is also on display. Website link : nationaltrust.org.uk/...

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Places of Interest Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens - Approximately 22 miles

Sissinghurst Castle was once a splendid mansion built for Sir Richard Baker in the mid-16th Century, and is famous for being one of the first brick buildings in England. In the 18th Century, however, the house was left derelict and decayed considerably. It would probably not be here today if it was not for Vita Sackville-West, who rescued the ruins and gradually began the repair work. They created the most beautiful gardens, the rose garden being the most famous, with the Tudor buildings adding a romantic backdrop. Website link : nationaltrust.org.uk/...

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Places of Interest Gardens at Great Dixter- 18 miles

Great Dixter is most famous for its gardens that are regarded as epitome of English plantsmanship. The house is dated back to the mid-15th Century but underwent some major restoration work when the property was brought by Nathaniel Lloyd in 1909. Dixter is still owned by the Lloyd family and it was Christopher, the son, who, with his bold designs created a number of ‘outside’ rooms in the gardens surrounding the house. The house and garden are open to the public on a regular basis and study tours are also available.

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Historic Towns Battle - 7 miles

Battle is a small town that is aptly named after the Battle of Hastings, fought by Harold, King of England and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant that it changed the course of English History. The town developed around the Abbey of St Martin which was built by William the Conqueror after the battle, and its ruins and battlefield are now cared for by English Heritage. The town also has a number of Georgian buildings along its high street, as well as the Norman parish church of St Mary. There is also the Battle Museum of Local History.

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Historic Towns Hastings - Approximately 15 miles
	Hastings is also named after the famous battle between the King of England and William the Conqueror in 1066, although the actual battle took place in Battle. It is now a busy seaside town and lends most of its time to day trippers and those seeking the delights of British Fish and Chips. Hastings castle can be found here and was the first castle to be built in England after the Norman Conquest.

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Historic Towns Lewes - 23 miles

Lewes is dominated by the remains of the Norman Castle built by William de Warenne, a strong ally of William the Conqueror. He established the Priory of St Pancras, which became a casualty of Tudor England’s religious persecution under the dissolution of the monasteries. The town also hosts the handsome townhouse of Anne of Cleves. Lewes is a small town of specialist retailers, which are found in amongst the medieval streets. Very close by is the internationally renowned opera house, Glyndebourne, found in the grounds of a stately home.

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Historic Towns Tunbridge Wells - Approximately 23 miles

Royal Tunbridge Wells, as it is otherwise known, was founded in the 17th Century following the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606. The waters from the spring were said to have restorative properties and so Tunbridge Wells became a thriving spa resort town. It gets its ‘Royal’ prefix from regular visits to the Spas by Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. The very attractive heart of the old town is known as the Pantiles and here you will find a number of boutiques, restaurants and bars.

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Places to Eat Local Pubs & Restaurants
	There is an abundance of pubs and restaurants locally to Redpale cottages. Recommending a few, all within 5 miles: The Horse and Groom in Rushlake Green, The Star in Old Heathfield, The Lamb at Wartling, Merrier Harriers in Cowbeech, The Swan at Woods Corner.

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Walking and Riding Local Footpaths & Bridleways
	There are numerous footpaths & bridleways criss-crossing the surrounding area. For details of these, see Ordnance Survey maps..

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Childrens Days Out Knockhatch Adventure Park - Approximately 6 miles
	Everything to keep the kids amused including mini quad bikes, laser adventure game, dry ski slope, grass karting, rowing boats, crazy golf, trampolines, and children's farm. Website link : knockhatch.com

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Childrens Days Out Drusillas Zoo Park - Approximately 13 miles
	Set at the foot of the South Downs, Drusillas Park is a small zoo that has been in existence for over 70 years. Featuring a wide variety of animals in natural environments, learning related play activities, miniature railway, indoor play barn and outdoor play area, plus lots more. Website link : drusillas.co.uk

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Childrens Days Out The Bluebell Railway - Approximately 27 miles
	Starting with only two steam engines and two carriages, August 1960 saw the Bluebell Railway become the first volunteer run preserved railway to operate a passenger service. A museum, restaurant and real ale bar can be found at the southern terminus, Sheffield Park Station. Website link : bluebell-railway.co.uk

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Childrens Days Out Treasure Island, Eastbourne - Approximately 10 miles
	Let the children play to their hearts content in this adventure play centre, Treasure Island. Features sand pits, paddling pools, slides, indoor play area, climbing frames and café. Royal Parade Eastbourne East Sussex BN22 7AA

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Childrens Days Out The Enchanted Forest at Groombridge Place - Approximately 27 miles
	Set on the hillside overlooking Groombridge Place, the forest's many features are designed to intrigue, amuse and entertain. There are exciting playgrounds, stunning views, unusual animals, fun activities, quiet seats, beautiful flowers, huge swings, strange plants and shy deer. Website link : groombridge.co.uk

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