Vineyards and breweries

We are close to several local vineyards that are worth checking out, including Artelium, who are our neighbours, have a cellar door and restaurant and regularly host events and markets.   Also close by are Ridgeview Estate Winery and Court Garden. All are worth a visit. Ridgeview has a restaurant.

If you prefer beer over wine – try the Hairy Dog Brewery in Wivelsfield Green. They often serve various street food.

Country pubs

Lewes and Brighton are crammed full of great pubs and restaurants and there are many that are closer, in Wivelsfield, Plumpton, Hassocks etc. Our favourites for atmosphere and pub food are The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington, The Bull in Ditchling and The Griffin in Fletching.  Plumpton also hosts three pubs - The Plough, The Fountain Inn and The Half Moon.

Restaurants and coffee stops

We hear about new restaurants opening all the time. It’s hard to stay up to date. Here are a few of our recent favourites.

• FIKA - coffee and breakfast (in Brighton and Hove)

• Constantinople - Mediterranean and middle eastern fusion

• Terre a terre - Vegetarian and vegan

• Halisco - Mexican (with Margarita!)

• Wabi Sabi - Japanese / Sushi

• The Ginger Pig - traditional sussex-sourced food

• One Garden Brighton - walled garden, cafe, farm shop and events, managed by Plumpton Agricultural Collage.

• TERRA at Tottington Manor - afternoon tea and fine dining.

Take away (delivered)

Despite the rural location, take away meals are possible. They arrive hot and can be good! Here are a few we’ve tested.

• Indian - Wild Mango, Bengal Spice.

• Thai - Green Mango

Farm shops and local, seasonal produce.

If you prefer to buy in some local produce and cook up a storm, we have lots of farm shops nearby. If you want to walk for a pint of milk or grab quick lunch snacks – Middleton Common Farm Shop (and Butterfly Gardens) is your best bet. Oaks Poultry Farm Shop is also close and includes a well stocked butcher.  The Sussex Peasant (pop-up farmers market) is at The Bull in Ditchling every Thursday (9am to 2pm). Local small batch jam and other occasional sweet treats from Suzy’s Streat Food. You may need to ask for instructions!

Walking and cycling

We are spoilt for walking routes and lanes for cycling. Whether that’s 5-mile circular with a pub on route, or an all-day cycle with a sea dip – we are happy to help. See our “Walking and Cycling” section for a selection of our favourites. Check out The Pink Pitstop for coffee at the top of Streat Hill.

Music and culture

We are not far from Glyndebourne if you like Opera, or Charlestown (Firle or Lewes) for Exhibitions, Events and Festivals. There are also frequent gigs and theatre in Brighton and Lewes. The Brighton Centre and The Brighton Dome are worth a look, but otherwise see Brighton Gig Guide. For theatre - Theatre Royal Brighton. Of course Brighton also hosts Jazz clubs, Cabaret clubs and Nightclubs.

For cinema, we love the not-for-profit community cinema in Lewes, The Depot.

Sport, Health and Fitness

Football, rounders, frisbee all possible in the garden. Beyond that…

• Golf - We are very close to Mid-Sussex Golf club, and there are plenty of other courses nearby - including Pyecombe and Piltdown.

• Racquet sports - You can enjoy Padel Tennis at Game4Padel in Hove or indoors at The Paddle Hub. You can book a tennis court at The Weald Racquet Club in Hassocks.

• Water sports - SUP, wind surfing, wake boarding try Hove Lagoon. For kayaking, sailing try Ardingly Activity Centre. The national open water swimming centre Sea Lanes in Brighton is also well worth a visit. Pells Pool in Lewes is also lovely and is the oldest freshwater outside pool in the UK.

• Leisure centres - The Triangle in Burgess Hill has a large pool, gym, climbing wall and badminton and squash courts.

• Massage - Kate at Sussex Mobile Massage is great. She’s busy so book before you arrive!

• Book tickets at the American Express Stadium if you want to see the mighty Seagulls play in the Premier League!!

Villages, Towns and Cities

We love exploring Lewes, Brighton and Hove and you can find plenty to do in these local centres. Check out Visit Lewes and Visit Brighton. We are also fond of the village of Hurstpierpoint.

Photos: Artelium Terrace, Streat, Sussex Peasant Farmers Market, Ditchling, Charleston House, Firle and Sea Lanes and The Amex Stadium, Brighton,