Local to Us

Graywood Canvas Cottages is in the heart of the East Sussex countryside and there are many places to visit in the surrounding area.  Below are a few of the most popular attractions:

Michelham Priory - Just 16 minutes away, is a Tudor house and gardens set on a private island within England's largest medieval water-filled moat.  Also known for being haunted it is a regular for ghost hunts.

Sheffield Park Gardens (National Trust) Beautiful gardens set in parkland.

Bluebell Railway Steam trains running from Sheffield Park through to East Grinstead.

Alfriston Clergy House (National Trust) Medieval thatched Wealden hall-house with garden.

Seven Sisters Country Park and Beachy Head Country Park with walks along chalky cliffs and meandering rivers.

Batemans (National Trust) Jacobean House, home of Rudyard Kipling.

Bodiam Castle (National Trust)  Moated castle with ruined interior.

Battle Abbey  Battlefield from 1066.

Hurstmonceux Castle Grounds only - many different gardens and often special events.

Rye - A beautiful fishing village with lots of unusual shops and tea rooms.

Hastings - The seaside resort of Hastings has several attractions allowing a full and varied day out.  The Smugglers Adventure takes you deep into the old caves and recounts smuggler stories of long ago.  Hastings castle over looks the sea and tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. A trip up the cliffs on the Cliff Railway is a great favourite with the children, especially when there is an ice cream at the top. The Blue Reef Aquarium on the seafront houses provides a good collection of fish from the UK and the rest of the world.  Alexandra Park is considered one of the best in East Sussex.  A wander round the old town for a little shopping and cafes can easily find a couple of hours disappearing or mix in some crazy golf on the front.

Pooh Sticks Bridge - located near Hartfield on the beautiful Ashdown forest is the legendary bridge where Winnie-the-Pooh played Pooh Sticks with Christopher Robin.

Drusillas Small Animal Zoo - one of the best small animal zoos in the country, Drusillas has a mix of playgrounds, indoor climbing area, Thomas the Tank Engine ride, Hello Kitty world alongside an extensive collection of small animals which children can explore whilst completing some of the challenges throughout the zoo.

Eastbourne - 30 mins away is the seaside resort of Eastbourne.  With its pier and beautiful gardens this town is popular with all ages.  Eastbourne miniature railway is a hit with the children with an opportunity to ride on the steam trains around the parkland.  On the seafront there are two fun parks for the children - Fort fun and Treasure Island.  An open top bus tour can be taken or the town's Dotto train operates along the seafront during the summer months.  The highlights of the year are Airbourne - a free airshow which takes place over the sea and the Tennis at Devonshire Park just prior to Wimbledon.  There are several theatres with performances running throughout the year which are worth checking out.

Birling Gap (National Trust) is the best place for rock pooling.  Check the tide times first though.

Lewes - Historic market town with a river flowing through its centre.  The castle at the top of the town is open to visitors and there is the Barbican Museum close by.  Anne of Cleves House which was part of the settlement from her divorce from King Henry VIII is also located in Lewes and can be visited at specific times.  Harvey's Brewery is on the bank of the river and it has been in the town since the 18th Century.  Their beers can be bought from their shop in the Cliffe High Street.  On the first Saturday in the month there is a good Farmers' Market.

Brighton - The easily recognisable Pavilion is a favourite in Brighton with everyone.  The pier is a draw for youngsters but be warned, rides can easily empty your pockets in more than one way!  The famous Lanes provide interesting shopping whilst Churchill Square houses many of the usual suspects.  If you fancy a day at the races Brighton can offer both horse racing and greyhound racing.

Camber Sands - If you are after a sandy beach then this will be your answer. Many of the local beaches are pebbles with patches of sand but as the name suggests, it's miles of sand here - especially when the tide is out.

Glyndebourne - Famous for the Opera House there are beautiful grounds as well as many performances across the year.  The ultimate experience is in July which is the prestigious Glyndebourne Festival.