Great Dixter House Credit Jack McCoy
Eastbourne
Hastings
Mermaid Street, Rye
Pashley Manor Gardens Credit Kate Wilson
True Crime Museum
UPDATED TOUR
Sussex is a county rich in history, scenery and culture and our tour features visits to famous gardens, a 17th century Jacobean house and the fascinating True Crimes Museum. We also enjoy free time to explore two delightfully contrasting towns – Eastbourne and Rye.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Hastings & True Crime Museum & Pashley Manor Gardens
We start with a visit to the True Crime Museum. It is a chilling, yet fascinating insight into the world of serial killers, forensics, gangsters, prisoners, poisoners and more! Explore the exhibits and uncover the stories behind some of the most notorious crimes in history. You will have free time in Hastings with time for lunch before travelling to visit the award-winning Pashley Manor Gardens for a guided tour, where we see romantic English landscaping at its finest.
Day 3 Bateman’s & Eastbourne
This morning, we visit Bateman’s, the impressive 17th century house nestling in the East Sussex countryside, which was Rudyard Kipling’s home from 1902 until his death in 1936. Kipling and his wife instantly fell in love with the house, its wooded landscape and the sanctuary it afforded them. Our introductory talk explains more about the house and the Kipling connection. After our visit, we head back to the coast and Eastbourne where we have time for lunch. We spend the afternoon at leisure here, perhaps enjoying a stroll along the pleasant promenade and the 19th century pier or visiting the Towner Art Gallery which features some modern British works.
Day 4 Great Dixter House & Gardens & Rye
This morning is spent at Great Dixter House & Gardens. Having been the family home of gardener and gardening writer, Christopher Lloyd, the arts and crafts style gardens are particularly impressive here. We then head to the historic port town of Rye where we find a mix of medieval half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes. Browse the art galleries and collectable shops or walk up to St Mary’s Church with its Norman tower and look back down on this pretty little town.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
The Victorian York House Hotel is located on the seafront, having beautiful sea views and just a short walk to the pier and centre of town. The 76 bedrooms are bright and well decorated and there is a comfortable restaurant with beautiful sea views, a good-sized bar, a sea view terrace at the front of the hotel and a small indoor swimming pool.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £416pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £88
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to True Crime Museum
• Entrance to Pashley Manor Gardens & guided tour
• Entrance to Bateman’s house & garden
• Entrance to Great Dixter House & Gardens
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
