Alfriston
Alfriston is a very attractive village in East Sussex's Cuckmere Valley with plenty of interesting things to see and do within easy reach. As a consequence the village is one of the most popular villages in Sussex for tourists to visit.
Alfriston Clergy House
The first building ever taken on by the National Trust, Alfriston Clergy House is a fabulous 14th century timber framed thatched house which is open to the public.
Alfriston Church
St Lewinna, an early Christian martyr was said to have been murdered by unconverted Saxons in the year 685 on the site of Alfriston Church. Her alleged remains attracted pilgrims to the church for centuries until a monk stole the holy relics and shipped them off to Bergues near Dunkirk to add to his own collection of saintly memorabilia.How very unchristian of him. Sometimes this story is attributed to Seaford church by the way.
St Andrew's Church is cross shaped and simply huge - earning it the moniker "Cathedral of the Downs" - one of several to be given this name from time to time.
Alfriston and smuggling
For centuries smuggling was a really big deal in East Sussex and Alfriston's Smuggler's Inn is well known for its many staircase - all designed to confuse the customs men and enable a swift getaway.The Star Inn in the village is an important building which was originally built in 1345 as a resting place for pilgrims trekking to Battle to visit the shrine of St Richard of Chichester - who was much loved because of his perceived rebelliousness.
Alfriston Festival
One of the highlights of the year in Alfriston is the annual Alfriston Festival and the Fair which takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Alfriston Market Cross
Alfriston's market cross is admittedly not much to look at, but market crosses are something of a rarity these days, so it's worth noting.
Places of interest around Alfriston
Interesting places in and around Alfriston include:- Charleston Manor, the former home of artist Sir Oswald Birley lies a couple of miles south of the village;
- Drusilla's Zoo Park is a major attraction for kids a mile north of Alfriston;
- Prehistoric earthworks abound on the hills around Alfriston, especially on Windover Hill;
- The South Downs Way wends its way right through Alfriston.
Alfriston travel notes
The nearest town is Seaford, which just three miles south of Alfriston. Lewes and Eastbourne are also close by.The nearest railway stations are at Berwick and Seaford.
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Monday November 11