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Alfriston, East Sussex

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

One of the most popular villages in East Sussex, and for good reason. Alfriston is one of the oldest villages in the county. It was founded in the Saxon period, and became a market town in the Middle Ages.

The village boasts a pair of intriguing historic inns. The Market Cross was a famous smuggler's haunt during the 18th century, headquarters of a gang headed by Stanton Collins. Author Rudyard Kipling used the exploits of Collins and his gang as inspiration for his poem, 'A Smuggler's Song'.

The other inn is the Star Inn, an attractive building which dates to the 15th century. The Star was built as a stopover place for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St Richard at Chichester.

But the most famous historic building in Alfriston is probably Clergy House, a thatched, half-timbered Wealden hall house built in the 14th century. Clergy House was the very first property acquired by the National Trust in 1896. Clergy House offers a wonderful glimpse into how our ancestors lived during the medieval period, and how their houses were built. The house is surrounded by a traditional cottage garden.

Also in Alfriston is the English Wine Centre, a museum of the vintners craft in England, housed in a historic thatched building.

And while visiting Alfriston, pop in to the parish church of St Andrews. This lovely old building has been called The Cathedral of the Downs. It was built around 1360 in a cruciform shape topped by a central tower and slender spire. An interesting Alfriston custom which has only recently died out is to bury local shepherds with a clump of sheep wool in their hand. The wool was supposed to signify to gatekeepers in heaven that the dead man's poor record of church attendance was due to his obligation to his flock!
Alfriston, East Sussex, England

About Alfriston
Attraction Type: Village
Location: On a minor road off the A27 3 miles west of Polegate
Location map
OS TQ523038

Heritage Highlight: A plethora of historic buildings in a lovely village setting. 14th century Clergy House demands a visit.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Alfriston Clergy House - 0.6 miles (Historic House) Charleston - 2.5 miles (Historic House) Firle Place - 3.7 miles (Historic House) Newhaven Fort - 3.9 miles (Historic Property) Michelham Priory - 4 miles (Abbey) Newhaven Local & Maritime Museum - 4.7 miles (Museum) Glynde Place - 5.3 miles (Historic House) Chart Gunpowder Mills - 5.9 miles (Museum)

Nearest Towns and Villages Glynde - 5.4 miles away Lewes - 7.8 miles away Charmouth - 9 miles away Brighton - 13 miles away Ditchling - 14.1 miles away Brightling - 14.5 miles away Hove - 15.1 miles away Clayton - 15.3 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Alfriston

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

2 Kingsway Court - 3.9 miles from Alfriston Seaford, East Sussex Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £450

Barn Owls - 4.2 miles from Alfriston Newhaven, East Sussex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £185

Snowy Owls - 4.2 miles from Alfriston Newhaven, East Sussex Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £210

More Self Catering near Alfriston

Nearest Hotels

The Star Inn - 0.5 miles from Alfriston Polegate, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

Deans Place Hotel - 0.7 miles from Alfriston Polegate, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

Crossways Hotel - 1.7 miles from Alfriston Wilmington, East Sussex Stay from: £70.00

More Hotels near Alfriston

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Ab Fab Rooms - 4.1 miles from Alfriston Bishopstone, East Sussex From: £30.00

Ocklynge Manor - 5.3 miles from Alfriston Eastbourne, East Sussex From: £90.00

Camelot Lodge Hotel - 5.8 miles from Alfriston Eastbourne, East Sussex From: £30.00

More bed and breakfasts near Alfriston

Seaford
Tourist Information Centre
37 Church Street
Seaford
East Sussex
England
BN25 1HG
Tel: 01323 897 426
Fax: 01323 897 426
Email: seaford.tic@lewes.gov.uk
Web: http://www.enjoysussex.info/
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