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1066 Battle Of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield
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Battle, East Sussex
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Stand where one of the most famous battles in England's history took place – the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Discover the fascinating story behind that historic date on the audio tour of the battlefield and abbey ruins. Take a relaxing break in the café, and then explore the interactive exhibition bringing alive the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest. One of England's most important historic sites, which you just have to come and discover.
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1066 Country
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Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Pevensey, Rye
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Experience the echoes of England’s extraordinary past in this unique blend of historic coast and unspoilt countryside. With its famous arts, music and medieval festivals, enchanting gardens and walks, attractions to suit all ages, museums and castles, antique shops and unrivalled local produce.
There is no other place with such a rich past and a promising future.
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Arundel Castle
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Arundel, West Sussex
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An ancient Castle and family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over nine centuries, Arundel is set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and spectacular gardens.
Containing the cream of priceless collections created over hundreds of years, come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings dating back to the 12th century. Outside explore the Fitzalan Chapel, the Rose, Kitchen and Flower Gardens and the dramatic Collector Earl’s Garden.
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Arundel Wetland Centre
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Arundel, West Sussex
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There is something new every season at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. Springtime fills the valley with wildflowers and warbler songs; summer brings exciting pond-dipping discoveries; as winter starts the swans return and water rails emerge. All year around you can glide with a guide on free boat safari to glimpse a water vole or vividly-coloured kingfishers. Hand feed our collection birds, including the rare nene geese. Our wide trails offer gentle walks with lovely views of the South Downs and Arundel Castle. The Water’s Edge cafe and the gift shop are housed in the Visitors centre.
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Bentley Country Park
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Halland, Nr. Lewes, BN8 5AF
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Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum is a perfect day out for all the family.
Come and explore the Palladian House and gardens, the extensive bird reserve and the Motor Museum with its eclectic range of cars. Ride the Minature Railway up to the Woodland and take an atmospheric trail past bronze age and saxon houses. The childrens' playarea has an aerial walkway through trees, willow tunnels, and plenty of space to let off steam. To top it off our tearooms serve home cooked food. We have lots of seasonal activities and events taking place, see our website for more details.
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Bignor Roman Villa
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Pulborough, West Sussex
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Don’t miss this unique Sussex attraction. The stunning remains of a Roman home and farm with world-class mosaic floors in a spectacular Downland setting. Outside the Roman Villa explore the endless footpaths and stunning villages in the heart of the newly designated South Downs National Park. The site is still owned by the Tupper Family who rediscovered the villa in 1811. Enjoy refreshments in our museum tearoom and find that special gift in our shop. Guided tours available on request and school visits by prior arrangement. Free visitor parking. Visit our website for opening times, admission fees and forthcoming events.
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Bluebell Railway
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Sheffield Park, East Sussex
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The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems and stations. The railway runs between Sheffield Park and Kingscote Stations Stations through unspoilt countryside.
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Bodiam Castle
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Bodiam, Nr Robertsbridge
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In 1385 Edward Dallingridge built Bodiam Castle to both impress his friends and frighten his enemies. The exterior remains virtually complete but in the English Civil War the family backed the King and Cromwell ordered much of the interior was to be destroyed. Today you can still discover one of Britain’s most evocative castles. Have fun using the children’s activity resource, view the introductory film and enjoy our year round event programme. Climb to the top of the towers for wonderful views of the Rother Valley and imagine what it must have been like to live here with Sir Edward!
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Brighton Sea Life Centre
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Brighton, East Sussex
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The Brighton SEA LIFE centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 50 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family! Coming in 2011… Meet the Superheroes of the marine world - the creatures that would steal the honours in any sub-marine book of records! From the Giant Pacific Octopus to the incredible Coconut Crab with claws like giant bolt-cutters, plus many others with talents to amaze and astonish you.
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Charleston
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Firle, East sussex
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Visit Charleston, the heart of Bloomsbury in Sussex.Charleston, with its unique interiors and beautiful walled garden, was the home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant from 1916. Together they decorated the house over the decades they spent here, painting walls, doors and furniture and filling the rooms with their own paintings and works by artists they knew and admired, such as Picasso, Derain, Sickert and Renior. OPEN Monday to Sunday: 27th March – 27th October: Wed to Sat 1 – 6 (12 – 6 in July and August) Sun and BH Mon 1 – 6. Last Entry 5pm
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Chichester Cathedral
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Chichester, West Sussex
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This magnificent 900 year old Cathedral stands at the heart of Chichester. Visitors encounter unique architecture spanning the centuries; ranging from original Norman features to the towering Victorian Spire. The Cathedral is especially famous for its art, both ancient and modern, with medieval carvings alongside world famous 20th Century artworks.
Open every day and all year with free entry. Free guided tours available Monday to Saturday at 11.15am and 2.30pm. Special trails for children too. Groups can book a range of tours. Many exhibitions, talks, lunchtime and evening concerts, and a superb Cloisters Café and Shop.
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Coombes Farm Experience
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Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing BN15 0RS
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Tour a fully working independent family farm on an educational trailer ride. Set in the South Downs, 1,000 acres of farmland with 800 ewes, 200 Sussex cattle, cornfields and conservation areas. Open daily at lambing time, 9th March to 14th April 2013 to see over 1,000 lambs and 80 calves being born. Other trips available. Come coarse fishing at Passies Pond – open all year. For sheep shearing, summer holiday specials, open days and events visit the website. Open 9th March – Mid October. Tel: 01273 452028 to book or email berty@coombes.co.uk
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Cowdray
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Midhurst, West Sussex
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Once one of the finest houses in England, Cowdray was visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Experience life in the 16th century in the Tudor kitchen, imagine life in the gatehouse, vaulted cellars, chapel and Great Hall. Get a bird’s eye view of the remaining walls and the landscaped parkland from the top of the tower.
Cowdray re-opens for day visitors on Wednesday 17th March. Admission includes an easy to use audio guide and film presentation.Groups of 10 or more can book any time on any day, and benefit from a discounted rate of £4.75 per head.
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Drusillas Park
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Alfriston, East Sussex
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Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe and South East England’s Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010/2011, Drusillas Park offers an opportunity to get nose to nose with nature with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and otters to penguins and meerkats. But animals are only half the fun – Go Wild! Go Bananas! and Amazon Adventure are paradise for anyone who needs to let off steam and Thomas the Tank Engine offers a train service 362 days a year! Don’t miss close encounters in Lemurland or the brand new walk-through parrot aviary – Lory Landing.
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Farley Farm House and Gallery
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Muddles Green, Chiddingly, East Sussex
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Farley Farm House became home to Surrealists Lee Miller and Roland Penrose in 1949, and for the next thirty five years they built up a collection of contemporary art treasures, many of which were created by their friends and visitors including Pablo Picasso, Man Ray and Joan Miró. Guided Tours of this extraordinary house and art collection take place on Sundays between April and October each year. Sculpture Garden and Gallery. Tea and Coffee available. Free parking
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Fishers Farm Park
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Wisborough Green
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A much loved family attraction, the multi-award-winning Fishers Adventure Farm Park is arguably the number one all-inclusive, all-year attraction in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. Officially announced this year as one of the ‘Best Farm Attractions in the UK’. Fishers is undoubtedly the ultimate day out for any family, and promises a farm-tastic day of fun come rain or shine!A unique mixture of animal adventures and exhilarating indoor and outdoor play, it’s no wonder that Fishers is still “Where The Family Comes First”!
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Goodwood Flight Experiences
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Goodwood Aerodrome, Chichester PO18 0PH
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VISIT GOODWOOD AERODROME FOR THE ULTIMATE AERIAL ADVENTURE – THE PERFECT DAY OUT FOR ALL. Nestled between the stunning South Downs and The Solent, located at the famous historic motor circuit, Goodwood Aerodrome is the perfect place from which to embark on a flight experience.
Offering a range of packages in our modern fleet of luxury light aircraft, take to the skies and enjoy views of the Sussex countryside or the South Coast’s breathtaking coastline – the choice is yours. All flights are for two people and one of you will have the option to take the controls of the plane and fly yourself. Visit our Aero Club Café with views of the motor circuit and the Goodwood Shop to take home a truly memorable gift.
OPEN DAILY (except 25/26 Dec and 1 Jan) Dec to Jan 9am-4pm,
Feb to Mar (until BST) 9am-5pm, Mar to Oct (BST ends) 9am-6pm, Oct to Nov 9am-5pm,
Tel: 01243 755066 – Advance booking recommended
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Harbour Park
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Littlehampton, West Sussex
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A must for an exciting family day out by the sea. Splash land on the Log Flume, take a turn on the Caterpillar Rollercoaster. Try family favourites like the Dodgems and Adventure Golf. Rides for younger children include a Giant Slide, and Mini Car Circuit. Inside offers a soft ball play area, prize ticket arcade games and eateries such as The Galley serving freshly battered Fish & Chips, Harbour Cafe provides delicious coffee and the Ice Cream Parlour offers creative flavours like Bubble Gum!
Free Entry. Price: Pay n Play Tokens, Ride Books or Unlimited Wristbands. Book online for discounts.
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Herstmonceux Castle
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Hailsham, East Sussex
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Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 600 acres of beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Our gardens and grounds embody the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Starting at the front of the castle, visitors have the perfect opportunity to take some photographs before walking around to Chestnut Tree Walk and heading towards Chestnuts Tea Room and the Visitors Centre where you can refresh yourself, learn a little about the history of the castle and relax before taking a gentle stroll around our formal gardens. As you head through the themed gardens you will work your way towards the woodland trails where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and take in the carefully managed flora and fauna of the estate. Discoveries such as 300 year old Chestnut Trees,the Folly and Secret Garden as well as our Lake and Moat Walk all add to the escapism of everyday life.
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High Beeches Gardens
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Horsham, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
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High Beeches Gardens is a beautiful and historic woodland and water garden covering some 27 acres. Open from 21 March to 30 October 1-5pm everyday except Wednesdays. High Beeches is noted for spring colour and fragrance. Enjoy Camellias, Magnolias and daffodils in early spring followed by sweetly scented bluebells, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Bonsai Weekend 29/30/31 May. The wonderful, wildflower meadow flowers in June – come to the Wildflower and Wildlife Weekend from 11am 26/27 June. Heavy Horses harrow the meadow 11am Sunday 15 August. Through September and October delight in glorious autumn colour. Autumn Gift Fair, 11am Sunday 17 October.
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Kent & East Sussex Railway
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Tenterden to Bodiam
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The Kent & East Sussex Railway owes much of its charm to its origin as the world’s first light railway. Opening in 1900, the tightly curved line with steep gradients is typical of rural railways that were developed to bring the ‘iron horse’ to sparsely populated areas.
Today it is one of Britain’s most loved, most original heritage railways, running steam and heritage diesel trains for 10½ miles from Tenterden in the Kentish Weald through the Rother Valley past Northiam to Bodiam – where it terminates a stone’s throw from the magnificent Bodiam Castle.
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Middle Farm
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Firle, East Sussex
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A working dairy farm at the foot of the South Downs. Meet all your farmyard favourites and watch the Jerseys being milked each afternoon. Visit the award-winning Farm Shop for the finest local farm produce including our own beef and raw Jersey milk, more than 80 British cheeses and delicious baking from our own kitchens. Relax and enjoy a quiet coffee, luscious lunch or sumptuous cream tea in the family-friendly restaurant and marvel at the flavours to be found in the National Collection of Cider and Perry. Pick up a memento of your visit in the Skies and Scarecrows giftshop.
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Newhaven Fort
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Newhaven, East Sussex
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An award-winning attraction and fine English fortification, Newhaven Fort has the sights and sounds of the past, offering a unforgettable day out for the whole family.
Let your imagination run wild as you explore the vast tunnels, massive walls and cliff-top gun emplacements which are sure to fire any imagination. Visit the Blitz shelter simulation where you can experience how it would have felt being caught in a real air-raid.
Stroll along the ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast, whilst under 12’s discover the outdoor adventure playground.
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Pallant House Gallery
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Chichester, West Sussex
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A unique Gallery space holding one of the best
collections of Modern British Art in the country
Featuring a regularly-changing, internationally-important
exhibition and events programme,
a specialist bookshop and critically-acclaimed
onsite restaurant with landscaped courtyard garden,
Pallant House Gallery is a must-see for any art
enthusiast and a day out for all.
Open all year, Tues-Sun. Closed Mon (except BH).
Tel: 01243 774557
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Paradise Park
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Newhaven, East Sussex
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The Heritage Trail and Gardens at Paradise Park are the perfect day out for all ages. The Museum of Life is one of the finest exhibitions of its type in the country with life size moving dinosaurs and a spectacular collection of fossils, minerals and crystals. The Planthouses have a spectacular collection of the world’s flora. The gardens are one of Newhaven’s hidden secrets with several small lakes, waterfalls and fountains. The Sussex History Trail meanders through the gardens with handcrafted models of Sussex landmarks. Children’s activities include Crazy golf, miniature railway, play areas and amusements.
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Pashley Manor Gardens
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Ticehurst, East Sussex
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'One of the finest gardens in England.’ Award-winning Pashley Manor Gardens offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.
Whenever you choose to visit there is always something to delight the senses. From bluebells and tulips, to perfumed roses and lilies, then dahlias and asters.
As well as coming to see the beautiful gardens you should 'allow time to sample the fabulous homemade food and warm hospitality at arguably the best garden cafe in the county, much of which is sourced from the abundant kitchen garden' (Leigh Clapp in 'Sussex Life' 2012).
Permanent exhibition and sale of sculpture and art; Garden Room Café with terrace; Gift Shop; Plant Sales; Special Events.
Gardens Open from 30th March to 28th September 2013, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Bank Holiday Mondays and Special Event Days, 11am to 5pm.
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Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
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Ringmer, nr Lewes
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Raystede aims to give animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary and people the support and knowledge they need to treat animals with care and respect. Approximately 1500 unwanted and abandoned animals are brought to us each year. We are passionate about the wellbeing of all animals and are committed to giving them the best possible life.
We rehome dogs, cats and small companion animals and provide life-time care for our sanctuary animals such as our Equine herd.
Raystede houses the biggest aviary of its kind in Europe.
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Smugglers Adventure
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Hastings, East Sussex
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Journey deep into the heart of Hastings’ historic West Hill to discover the fascinating world of the Smugglers Adventure in St Clements Caves.
Join notorious smuggler ‘Hairy Jack’ as he leads you through acres of underground caverns, passages and tunnels on a voyage back through time to the heyday of smuggling.
Smugglers Adventure, St. Clements Caves, West Hill, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3HY.
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South Downs Heritage Centre
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Hassocks, West Sussex
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Discover the vanished rural crafts of Sussex. The South Downs Heritage Centre displays a wide range of fascinating exhibits such as the
blacksmith and wheelwright. Vintage ploughs and other rural antiquities give an insight into days gone by. The heritage garden displays herbs, vegetables and flowers grown by rural households from Roman to Victorian times.
Explore the garden centre with almost everything you can imagine for your
garden and a gift shop full of unusual gifts and collectables. All areas are designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users. Relax in the Olive tree Café overlooking the Heritage Garden.
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St. Mary’s House & Gardens
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Bramber, West Sussex
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Enchanting medieval house with five acres of delightful gardens in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Features in Simon Jenkins’ England’s Thousand Best Houses. The fine panelled interiors include the unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’. The formal gardens with amusing topiary include an exceptional example of the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba, and mysterious ivy-clad Monks’ Walk. The Victorian ‘Secret’ Garden has original fruit wall and pineapple pits, Rural Museum, Jubilee Rose Garden, Terracotta Garden, woodland walk and newly-established Poetry Garden. OPEN: May to end Sept, Suns, Thurs, BH Mons, 2-6pm (last entry 5pm). Group visits at other times.
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The Novium
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Chichester
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Discover intriguing stories from Chichester District connected with extraordinary artefacts in a contemporary, state-of-the-art museum. Built above the remains of the Roman bath house, The Novium offers three floors of interactive exhibitions, exciting events and award-winning learning programmes, tourism services and the shop@thenovium - Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1QH - 01243 775888
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The Observatory Science Centre
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Wartling Road Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East sussex
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Hands-on science and discovery among
the domes and telescopes of a world-
famous astronomical observatory.
Set amid beautiful Sussex countryside,
there’s plenty of picnic space, and ample
free parking. Café, Gift Shop, Telescope Tours,
Science Shows and Special Events throughout the year.
Groups, schools and birthday parties catered for.
Open daily from the 26th January to 1st December 2013.
Plus weekends of 12th / 13th, 19th / 20th January and 7th / 8th December.
10am – 5pm (Jan/Mar, Oct/Dec)
10am – 6pm (Apr – Sep). Last admission 2 hrs. before closing.
No dogs, except registered assistance dogs. Tel: 01323 832731
www.the-observatory.org
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The Royal Pavilion
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Brighton, East Sussex
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Built as King George IV’s pleasure palace when Brighton was the heart of fashionable Regency society, the Royal Pavilion was also used by King William IV and Queen Victoria. Today it has been restored to its original 1823 splendour with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China.
Features include the restored Regency gardens, the Royal Pavilion Tearoom situated on the first floor and a gift shop.
Open daily Oct to March 10am-5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm),
April to Sept 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission 5.00pm)
Closed 24 December (from 2.30pm), 25 & 26 December
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