Explore Science and Nature in Herstmonceux

For a wonderfully varied day out that will appeal to all ages, visit Herstmonceux Castle, gardens and Observatory Science Centre (7 miles / 11km north of Pevensey).  Conveniently located all on the same site, there is plenty to do (indoors and outdoors) for everyone.  If you plan to cycle (or walk!) to Herstmonceux, see the Cycling or Walking sections.  There is no direct or easy public transport between Pevensey and Herstmonceux, so if you want to go by car, call a taxi.  There are plenty of local cabs in the area.  For more information visit http://www.eastbourne.gov.uk/transport/taxis.

Herstmonceux Castle is a magnificent moated castle built in the 15th Century.  It is set in beautiful parkland and Elizabethan gardens.  There are also many woodland trails leading to delightful areas such as the Rose Garden, Herb Garden and Rhododendron Garden.  For more information see http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com, or call the castle on 01323 833816.

The Observatory Science Centre is set in buildings that were once home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory.  It has over 100 interactive exhibits both inside and outside, so it is an ideal place to go whatever the weather.  For more information see http://www.the-observatory.org or call the observatory on 01323 832731.

Throughout the year there are many special events taking place in both the castle gardens and the observatory.  For up-to-date information check the websites listed above.

If you have the time whilst in Herstmonceux, you may like to take a relatively easy circular walk along country lanes and across fields.  The route passes a number of pubs and restaurants.  For more information see Walks Around the East Sussex Countryside (call ESCC on 01273 482354) or visit http://frs.accesseastsussex.org/pathstoprosperity/WalkDetail.aspx?walkid=78.

A Day at the Beach - Pevensey Bay and the Martello Towers

Pevensey’s shingle shore beach has a Seaside Award for the highest quality of bathing water; visit http://www.seasideawards.org.uk for more information.  Its amenities, which include provisions for disabled visitors, makes the beach an attractive place for all to visit.  The landing place for William the Conqueror is also a must see for history enthusiasts and those who fancy a beach with a bit more to offer.

Five of the 74 Martello Towers, built between Folkestone and Seaford to protect the vulnerable coasts of England against invasion during the Napoleonic wars, are also located on the beach in the bay.  Some are empty ruins, whilst others are now houses.  Take a stroll along the beach to see Towers 55, 60, 61, 62 and 64, which are in various states of repair.  For more information visit http://www.martello-towers.co.uk/.

A Train Ride East to Bexhill and Hastings

There is an excellent rail service operating along the south coast between Pevensey, Bexhill and Hastings, with around two trains an hour in each direction.  The journey time to Bexhill is around 12 minutes, and around 20 minutes to Hastings.  For train times see http://nationalrail.co.uk or call 0845 7 48 49 50.

In Bexhill, head to the seafront to gaze at Erich Mendelson’s modernist masterpiece, the De La Warr Pavilion.  Officially opened in 1935, its contemporary design ensured it was the most talked-about building of the decade.  Recently refurbished, it is now a centre for the arts, with an excellent programme of events and a restaurant and bar overlooking the seafront.  For more information visit http://www.dlwp.com.  From the Pavilion, you are well situated to explore the rest of Bexhill.  Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade, through Bexhill old town, or visit the Museum of Costume and Social History, or the Bexhill Museum.  For more information visit http://www.bexhill-on-sea.org/ or www.1066country.com.

If you have more time, or want to explore further, travel on to Hastings.  There is something for everyone in Hastings, from heritage sites such as Hastings Castle, the Old Town, Cliff Railways and museums, sites of maritime interest such as the Stade (Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet), the Fishermen’s Museum and Shipwreck Heritage Centre, parks and gardens - in particular Hastings Country Park, through to funfairs, bars and restaurants.

There is a tourism information centre in Hastings (see Where Can I Get More Information for more details).  For more online information visit http://www.visithastings.com.