East Sussex Hidden Gems Private Tour

Matt is a local guide who knows the hidden gems, most scenic routes and the best pubs, tearooms and cafes in East Sussex. We have included an indicative itinerary in the Tour Details passing through 7 of our favourite Secret Sussex spots. However, this private tour can be totally adapted to suit the interests, wishes and physical capabilities of the clients.
So, if it’s history that excites you we can focus on castles, historic buildings and monuments. If you want to sample English ale and pubs we can visit local breweries and the best village inns. If you love to stretch your legs we can include walks to beauty spots with fantastic views. If you prefer to admire the scenery from a car we can drive along hidden country lanes.

Each tour will start with a briefing session during which the guide will offer suggestions but will also listen to ideas from the clients to enable a truly unique tour. The guide will also adapt the tour in the light of adverse weather conditions.

Meeting Point

Lewes Railway Station

Lewes Railway Station, Station Rd, Lewes BN7 2UP, UK

We can pick up from Sussex locations or will meet travelers outside Lewes Station, which has direct services from/to London, Brighton and Eastbourne.

What to expect:

Duration: 6 hours

Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum

Barbican House 169 High Street, , Lewes, BN7 1YE

1. We will visit Lewes Castle, a Norman Castle built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror. A climb up the steps to the top of The Keep offers stunning panoramic views across Sussex. We will explore the history of this 950-year-old fortress and how it played a key role in the development of the town.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Anne of Cleves House

52 Southover High Street, , Lewes, BN7 1JA

2. Anne of Cleves House formed part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541, although she never actually lived there. The 16th century timber-framed hall house contains wide-ranging collections

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Long Man of Wilmington

The Street, Wilmington, BN26 5SL

3. The Long Man of Wilmington, Europe’s largest representation of the human form cut into the chalk of the South Downs, has baffled archaeologists and historians for hundreds of years. Many people are convinced that he is prehistoric, whilst others believe that he is the work of an artistic monk from the nearby Priory created between the 11th and 15th centuries.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Cuckmere Haven

Seaford, BN25 4AR

4. Cuckmere Haven is a flower-rich chalk grassland with fabulous views of the Seven Sisters and the meandering Cuckmere River. One of the geographical wonders of England, it’s a haven for wildlife and wildflowers.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Seven Sisters Country Park

East Dean Road, Seaford, BN25 4AD

5. We can walk to the Coastguard’s cottages and enjoy the views of the sea and white cliffs. The Seven Sisters Visitor Centre is a mine of local information where visitors can buy souvenirs and refreshments from the café or grab-and-go snack bar.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Alfriston

Alfriston

6. Alfriston is a beautiful medieval village, which features the 14th century Clergy House and 15th century village cross. We can enjoy a meal and a pint of local ale at one of the 15th century classic English pubs.

1 hour

East Dean

East Dean

7. East Dean is a hidden gem a stone’s throw from Beachy Head: a classic English village built around a green featuring the old smuggler’s pub The Tiger and the “home” of Sherlock Holmes.

30 minutes

Lewes

Lewes

Drive back to Lewes or prearranged drop-off point in Sussex

30 minutes