Activities and Tours

Experience Sussex: Guided Walking. Mark will accompany you on guided walks over fields and through woods, linking in with footpaths to explore the natural beauty and wildlife in this unique area of the weald, and gain an insight into the 17c Iron Master history, some remains of which can still be seen. Hiking routes can be planned to include Pubs or picnic stops and tailored to the group's fitness levels, interests and weather conditions. We could visit the South Downs National Park for some unforgettable rambling, views and bird watching whilst following the old smugglers bye ways and maybe find some of their hideaways and watering holes.

You'll need stout walking boots or wellies and warm waterproofs.

Experience Sussex: Guided Cycling Tours. We will plan the routes according to your group's ability level. However, for a magnificent full day guided cycle ride we can recommend the Cuckoo Trail (National cycle route 21) where we can follow the old railway's gentle incline leaving it to pass Michelem Priory, the Long Man of Wilmington, Littlington, and Cuckmere Haven, passing through the South Downs National Park, finally reaching Eastbourne's famous seafront pier. For those who'd like a more gentle tour there are many interesting shorter loops that we can take through pleasant countryside on quiet roads.

We have a selection of bikes and safety equipment that guests are welcome to use, or please feel free to bring your own.

Experience Sussex: Driven Guided Tours in South East England. There are a whole host of tour possibilities right on our doorstep which could encompass areas of historical, archaeological, geographical, and cultural interest. Below is an example week itinerary, but we want to create a tour based on your personal preferences so we can be very flexible and we'd be happy to plan it with your own interests in mind. Either submit a booking form via e-mail, or give us a call to discuss.

A Sample Week's Itinerary could include:

Arrival: Group collection, familiarisation and settling in, evening meal at Wimbles.

Day 1: Full day in pottery with tuition, light lunch at Wimbles, evening meal at local pub.

Day 2: Visit Charlestone Farm house and Berwick Church. Lunch in Lewes, afternoon exploring for antiques or visiting the Castle. Alfresco BBQ at Wimbles sitting lakeside.

Day 3: Driven tour to Brighton to visit the Royal Pavilion and museum. Lunch in town, spend rest of the day browsing Brighton's famously quaint shopping lanes. Dinner at Wimbles.

Day 4: Guided bike ride from Wimbles along Cuckoo Trail and South Downs Way to Eastbourne, have fish and chips lunch (maybe a swim) before gently returning. Dinner at Wimbles.

Day 5: Create a willow plant support, finish pottery, light lunch at Wimbles. Guided day tour to Pevensey Castle and take walk over the reclaimed marshes. Stop at traditional smugglers pub for dinner on the way home.

Day 6: Guided Day Trip to London - leave Wimbles at 9am, arrive Charing Cross 10:15am, walk to Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey. In the afternoon visit the British Museum or go shopping in Oxford Street. Early evening meal and then visit a London Theatre (pre-booked). Return to Wimbles.

Day 7: Local Sussex guided ramble amongst the historic, wooded weald, then visit Batemans (Rudyard Kipling's house and garden) and have lunch there. Return to wimbles to collect bags and group departure.

We could alternatively make an itinerary of driven tours in sussex to include visits to National Trust properties at Batemans, Scotney Castle, The castles of Bodium, Pevensey and Herstmonceux. Haunted Michelem Priory, Alfriston and the picturesque South Downs National Park, the stunning seafront and promenade at Eastbourne, Charlestone Farm House and Berwick Church (Bloomsbury set), Great Dixter – Christopher Lloyd's beautiful house and gardens, Battle Abbey and grounds (site of the battle of Hastings) and the Cinque Port at Rye. The Historic town of Lewes, with its Castle, Anne of Cleves house, and numerous antique shops. Sheffield Park and gardens, a steam train ride on the Bluebell Railway, and visit to Ashdown Forest with Winnie the Pooh's bridge. Brighton's attractions include the Royal Pavilion and it's antique & curiosity shops in the Lanes.

Wild Camping in Sussex. We offer wild camping for up to five people who wish to experience 'Natural Camping'. We can provide tents and basic equipment and instruction, you will need to bring sleeping bags, a sense of humour and adventure, and be adaptable to the situation. You will be responsible for putting up and packing away the tents under supervision. Together we will make a camp fire and cook dinner on it.

Private Coarse fishing in Sussex. In our private, one acre, coarse fishing lake next to the house there is the opportunity to peacefully fish for Rudd, Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench, Carp and Pike.

Mark will provide basic equipment and instruction for beginners or those that need to brush up on their skills. Any skilled anglers may day fish independently, whilst other group members are engaged on alternative activities.

2006 We've really enjoyed exploring the area, in particular we appreciated the view from the window, the use of maps and the lounge.

David & Lois Bishop