Wake up and make yourselves a ‘full English’ breakfast using freshly laid eggs from our free range hens on the farm. We can also provide honey from our bees, made from pollen gathered from crops on neighboring farms, wild flowers and herbs in the hedgerow and heather from the Ashdown Forest – although demand usually exceeds supply so we sometimes run out.
Whether you’re looking to make up a picnic from local produce or experience fine dining in a Michelin starred restaurant, Sussex has it all. We are lucky to have traditional English country pubs nearby serving locally-brewed beer and wholesome food using fresh ingredients.
Family restaurants, tea rooms, coffee shops and takeaways can all be found within a few miles of Woodside Farm.
Why not make Woodside Cottages your base for a walking holiday? Our farm is close to a number of footpaths – some of which run almost past the door – and within easy reach of:
Ashdown Forest
www.ashdownforest.org/
6,000 acres of heathland – a haven for wildlife enthusiasts
The Cuckoo Trail
eastsussex.gov.uk/walks/cuckootrail/
Traffic-free surfaced nature trail along the former railway track
Chailey Common Nature Reserve
eastsussex.gov.uk/walks/chaileycommon/
450-acre nature reserve and site of special scientific interest
Sheffield Park Gardens
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland
South Downs National Park
www.southdowns.gov.uk/
With over 3,000km of footpaths with breathtaking views
We have provided some walking route maps in the cottage to give you more ideas during your stay at Woodside Cottages.
Woodside Cottages is the perfect base for a cycling holiday. And what better way to enjoy the countryside whilst keeping yourself fit and healthy?
You can explore the hidden corners of East Sussex whilst escaping traffic congestion, parking problems and timetables. The unspoilt landscape of the Weald means that there’s a route, site or terrain to suit everybody. We have route maps available with details of local places of interest.
In the south, the rolling Sussex Downs and the Cuckmere Valley lead to the Sussex Heritage coast. The area around the Seven Sisters Country Park and Friston Forest is particularly suitable for families and less confident cyclists but also offers plenty of challenges for experienced off-road cyclists.
The Cuckoo Trail, which forms part of the National Cycle Network’s (NCN) Route 21, offers a 10-mile traffic-free route through the Sussex countryside. Or you could ride the South Downs Way or follow the NCN Route 2 into the heart of ‘1066 Country’ near Hastings.
Throughout East Sussex bicycles are allowed on bridleways and byways. Please remember to give way to horses and use your bell to let them know you are approaching. Cycling along footpaths is not allowed without the landowner’s permission.
Bring your own bicycles and we’ll keep them in our locked store when you’re not using them.
Woodside Cottages are perfectly located to explore historic houses, castles, ancient buildings and country estates. We’ve included just a small selection of these below and some links where you can find lots more.
Battle Abbey
www.english-heritage.org.uk/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield
On 14 October 1066 an army of invading Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex. Now the whole family can discover the exciting story of that fateful day at the very place it happened.
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/
This was once the magnificent seaside residence of King George IV. The exterior, which was inspired by Indian architecture, contrasts with interiors decorated in Chinese taste.
Michelham Priory
sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/michelham-priory
A very beautiful historic property offering much to its visitors – history, exhibits, superbly kept gardens, art exhibitions, wildlife, working watermill. Disabled access is reported to be good for most of the site. Whilst the upstairs floors of the main house are only accessible on foot, the ground floor is disabled-friendly. The main grounds and restaurant are accessible with a wheelchair, apart from the area outside the “moated island”.
Arundel Castle
www.arundelcastle.org/
Restored medieval castle and stately home. The castle has served as a home since the 11th century and has been in the ownership of the family of the Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years. It is the principal seat of the Norfolk family. It is a Grade I listed building
Borde Hill Garden
www.bordehill.co.uk/
Described as ‘One of the country’s truly great gardens’ by Country Life magazine, Borde Hill is more than just a beautiful and historic garden. It not only boasts outstanding views across 200 acres of Grade II listed parkland and woodland, but also a nationally important collection of fine trees and shrubs, including 80 champion trees.
Sheffield Park Gardens
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
Just a few minutes away, this beautiful 120 acre woodland garden is set out on the edge of the Sussex Weald. Landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the basic design of trees, sweeping lawns and two serpentine lakes was enhanced in the 20th century by the inspired planting of Arthur G. Soames. In 1954 the magnificent woodland garden was acquired by the National Trust.
Wakehurst Place
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wakehurst-place
Situated just 6 miles west of Piltdown, this magnificent garden is affiliated to Kew Gardens and is home to the Millenium Seed Bank.
With its interactive exhibition: visit the heart of this £80m international conservation project; see scientists at work and discover how Kew is helping to safeguard the world’s most endangered plants; and learn how the seeds survive for hundreds of years,
There’s something for everyone in Sussex. Families are catered for with adventure parks, animal centres, fun rides and the seaside resorts of Brighton and Eastbourne. For those seeking something a little more sedate, why not experience the beauty of Sussex from the Bluebell railway or simply explore the local villages.
Bluebell Railway
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/
The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line running for 11 miles along the border between East and West Sussex. Travel on steam trains between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, with intermediate stations at Horsted Keynes & Kingscote. A new line connects to East Grinstead – and mainline services to London.
Ashdown Forest Llama Park
www.llamapark.co.uk/
Home to 100 friendly llamas and alpacas, and three reindeer. Watch them in the fields or get close to them in the barns. Exceptional views, farm walk, museum, picnic area, coffee shop and adventure play area. Shop with extensive range of alpaca knitwear and accessories as well as South American crafts and toys plus a coffee shop
Heaven Farm
www.heavenfarm.co.uk/
Set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland, Heaven Farm is steeped in 600 years of farming history, and includes the Bluebell nature trail (featured many times on BBC TV), wallabies and rural life museum.
Fort Fun
www.fortfun.co.uk/
Outdoor and indoor fun in Eastbourne. Enjoy the thrill of the outdoor rides, such as a water flume ride, dodgems and carousels, or visit Rocky’s Adventure Land, a huge indoor soft play area. If it gets too much for the under fives they have their own area of slides, ball pool and sounds.
Drusillas Park
www.drusillas.co.uk/
Get nose to nose with nature, with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and crocodiles to penguins and meerkats. But animals are only half the fun – Go Bananas! Monkey Kingdom and Amazon Adventure are paradise for anyone who needs to let off steam, plus Thomas & Friends™ offer a train service 362 days a year.
Knockhatch Adventure Park
www.knockhatch.com/
A range of outdoor and indoor activities, including a large adventure playground, go-karting, indoor soft play and bungee trampolines. The Birds of Prey Centre stages daily flying displays and you can find some small friendly animals in the Children’s Farm. For a relaxing activity, take a family rowing boat out on their 3-acre lake.