|
Fun for Free
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, it is all too tempting to go into hibernation mode. Certainly on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon few things are quite as nice as settling down in a comfy chair by the fireside with a good book. Especially if that book is a Snake River title! However, we hope that our books are not only a good and rewarding read but also a source of inspiration that get you to don hat and coat and explore our lovely county. And in these cash-strapped times there is something particularly satisfying about having some fun for free. So here are just a few suggestions for getting out and about over the coming months that, apart from transport and tea, won’t cost a penny.
A very English pleasure
 Why not combine an enjoyable five-mile circular walk with tea and cakes in one of Rottingdean’s charming tea shops? The walk begins at the Roedean Café from where you head towards the famous school, take the footpath behind and drop down into Ovingdean. Progress over Beacon Hill past the imposing windmill and down into Rottingdean. After some restorative refreshments head for the beach and take the Undercliff walk back to Roedean. The perfect combination of gentle downland and rolling sea. For more walk suggestions see 20 Sussex Walks by Pat Bowen.
A Bloomsbury pilgrimage
 Bloomsbury groupies often begin to feel a bit culture starved as winter progresses, because both Charleston Farmhouse and Monk’s House are closed. Fear not as Berwick Church is open all year. Here you can see the lovely murals painted by Duncan Grant and Vanessa and Quentin Bell. To continue your tour of downland churches, carry on to St Peter’s Church at Firle where all three artists are buried. Do look at the wonderful stained-glass windows by John Piper inside the church, depicting William Blake’s 'Tree of Life'. Quite stunning. For more Bloomsburying inspiration see Bloomsbury in Sussex by Simon Watney.
Seeking solace?
 If you’ve recently seen the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace and are feeling a little 007ish yourself then why not take a trip out to Thorney Island, just south of Emsworth and Prinsted? Much of the island is off limits to the public as it is an army base, owned by the Ministry of Defence. Sporting a pair of binoculars as ‘cover’ (this is a great place for bird-watching after all), step up to the guardroom at the remotely controlled CCTV security gate and, speaking clearly into the press-button microphone, give your name and post code. Providing your credentials are all in order you can gain access and enjoy a (long) walk around the shoreline. For more offbeat activities see An Eccentric Tour of Sussex by Peter Bridgewater.
A walk on the wild side
 The starkness of the winter landscape makes this the perfect season to visit Eridge Rocks near Crowborough. At this time the true beauty of the rocks is unmasked. It is wondrous to think that well over a million years ago these rocks formed the bed of a river and that herds of wandering dinosaurs would have drunk at its banks. By contrast the valley beneath the cliffs is a rich woodland of oak, alder, birch and chestnut. For more wild ideas see Sussex Wildlife by David Mortimer.
Some sea air & sedums
 Garden visiting can be problematic during the winter months. Many are closed and most are naturally bereft of flowers. However, by using a little imagination the horticulturally minded need not stay at home until spring. Few people perhaps think of Eastbourne seafront as a garden to visit, but a leisurely stroll from just east of the pier along the front to the most westerly point of the promenade will reveal a surprising range of vegetation. Even in winter the architectural planting of the Wish Tower borders provide plenty of structure while the lovely elevated walkway is screened from the worst of the winds by tamarisk and laurel. And if the borders are not quite as full of interest as they are in the summer months, then there is always the sea to look at. For more horticultural outings see 20 Sussex Gardens by Lorraine Harrison.
It’s enough to make your heart soar
 Churches can be visited whatever the weather and if you choose one in a town then the visit can be combined with more earthly pleasures. St Bartholomew in Brighton fits this bill perfectly. Local legend tells that it was built to the proportions of Noah’s Ark. Although this has no factual basis it does give some idea of the sheer scale of this soaring masterpiece. Although celebrated as one of the most important late-Victorian churches in the country, I think it a safe bet that many long-time residents of Brighton have still not experienced its glorious interior. If this is the case for you, then take a vow to rectify this over the winter! For more ecclesiastical adventures see 20 Sussex Churches by Simon Watney.
Fancy a dip?
 All along the county’s coast whatever the weather brave souls take bracing daily dips in the sea. Should you be so inclined yourself, why not try the tides at Bognor? I’m sure the watching spirit of Mary Wheatland (1835-1924) will guide you on your way. Wheatland was the guardian angel of the waves along this stretch of coast and saved at least 30 people from drowning while presiding over the town’s bathing machines. She was affectionately known as ‘Bognor’s mermaid,’ feted with medals and certificates and written about in The London Illustrated News. Bognor Regis Museum now has a display entirely devoted to her and her remains rest in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, so all swimmers can visit and pay their respects. For more formidable ladies see Sussex Women by Ann Kramer.
Eat, drink & be (very) merry
 Sussex abounds with breweries, from Lewes-based Harveys to smaller operations such as Horsham’s Hepworth & Co and Fallen Angel in Battle. Cider too is a local speciality with small-scale producers such as Richard Jupp at Portslade continuing in the somewhat maverick spirit often associated with cider makers. Jupp gathers his apples for free from trees on the Downs, along the roadside and on common land. The bottled results are appropriately named Wild Thing. In recent decades Sussex winemaking has also gained prominence, with many a fine tipple coming out of vineyards such as Breaky Bottom near Lewes and Ridgeview near Ditchling. Fortunately there exist many hostelries and restaurants across the county where you can imbibe such local delicacies over the coming months. The perfect indoor activity when the winds blow and rains slash the window panes. For more gastromic delights see Good Food & Drink in Sussex by Fizz Carr.
Dogs should be kept on leads
 The village of Ditchling is a delight to visit at all times of the year. Clement weather encourages a walk on the Downs while winter chills might make the museum seem more appealing. The village has been, and continues to be, a Mecca for artists and craftsmen and the work of such illustrious former residents as Eric Gill, David Jones, Frank Brangwyn, Ethel Mairet and Edward Johnston is well represented in the museum’s collection, along with contemporary local figures Raymond Briggs and John Vernon Lord. Following the publication of a rather revealing biography of Gill (in his time it was best to lock up your dogs, as well as your daughters) the artist fell out of favour with some of the locals. But don’t let this mar your enjoyment of his work, it is simply quite stunning. For more artistic licence see Sussex Artists & Writers by Edward Lucie-Smith.
All that jazz
 Throughout the summer months musical notes of all persuasions can be heard floating on the air across the county, as outdoor musical events take place in parks, on bandstands, at festivals and even on the end of piers. But somehow the deep tones of jazz are better suited to the great indoors. Although (since the smoking ban) no longer experienced amid blue hazy clouds in basement clubs, the idiom thrives across Sussex. So switch off the telly and seek out your local jazz venue: Brighton, Worthing and Hastings have particularly rich offerings. For more noteworthy notions see Sussex Music by Marcus Weeks.
Railway children
 Rather than passively sitting on the train from London to Brighton, why not get on down to ground level and experience one of the Victorian’s engineering and architectural triumphs from below, rather than from above? The Balcombe Viaduct is a stunning soaring edifice than carries the trains on this busy route high across the Ouse valley. As our architectural expert explains ‘This is a bucolic spot, and the sight of the red-brick arches of the viaduct rising over the green fields appears an alien sight, like a giant centipede loping across the landscape.’ And whatever your age, it’s always great fun standing below and waving to weary commuters as they speed their way to the metropolis! For more Victorian valves see What the Victorians Did for Sussex by Roland Lewis.
Become a stoolball wizard
 The Sussex game of stoolball has a long history dating back to the sixteenth century. A forerunner of cricket and rounders, the original players were milkmaids who are said to have used their milking stools to mark the wicket. The game is still played and if you fancy having a go the very active Sussex County Stoolball Association will enable you to find a club nearby. However, if something a little less vigorous is more up your street, why not take up marbles? In case you didn’t know, the World Marble Championships are held annually at the Greyhound Inn at Tinsley Green in West Sussex. For more random ramblings see A Sussex Miscellany by Sophie Collins.
|
