Staycations: things to do in Alfriston, East Sussex

Rated as one of England’s most beautiful villages, Alfriston is surrounded by the Wealden South Downs and is just a couple of hours away from London. This charming country village has a host of galleries, cafes, pubs, boutiques shops and a scenic cathedral. A trip to Alfriston offers the ultimate relaxation, only enhanced by the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. 

Here’s our guide to some of the best of things to do in the wonderful village of Alfriston.

Rathfinny Wine Estate

The Rathfinny Wine Estate is a family-owned Sussex vineyard, established in 2010. The vineyard sits in the South Downs of Sussex and offers exceptional views of the surrounding area.  Just a short distance from Alfriston, a trip to Rathfinny will be a day well spent. You can enjoy a tour of the estate including a visit to their winery, where you can indulge in a 2 or 3 course lunch in their ‘Tasting Rooms’, all whilst enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the Vineyard and the South Downs. Rathfinny also has a beautifully restored Cellar Shop situated within Alfriston itself where you can sample a selection of their wines. 

For more on Rathfinny, their new ‘Tour & Tasting’ packages, and the chic country accommodation, they provided at Flint Barns visit the Rathfinny website to book. 

#FLOFavourite: If you haven’t tried it already you will be more then sold on their sparkling wine. Coupled with the scenic views it makes for an incredible experience on a summer day.

Location:

White Way, Polegate BN26 5TU

Badgers Tea House 

The Badgers Tea house has quite the local following and upon visiting you’ll undoubtedly understand why. From their deliciously moist Victoria sponge cake to a chocolate flapjack, all of their treats are freshly made by the owner, Michael Luttig and his team. Their mouth-watering homemade cakes are served with a selection of teas and coffees, and they are open for both breakfast and lunch. Expect to find a seasonal menu of breakfast and lunch classics, from scrambled eggs and salmon to freshly made sandwiches, jacket potatoes and a favourite among the locals is the Badgers Welsh Rarebit – cheesy and delicious.  Afternoon tea is served all day and offers finger sandwiches, perfectly moist scones with clotted cream and jam alongside a delicious homemade cake. This is all served alongside a classic silver pot of tea, by a fantastically welcoming team that will make you feel like you’re at your home away from home…

#FLOFavourite: Their homemade Victoria sponge cake is quite possibly the most glorious one that we’ve ever tried! Coupled with some Earl Grey it's the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Alfriston. Be sure to indulge in your treats out in their beautiful garden terrace. Afternoon tea is served all day so there is every opportunity to indulge.

Location: 

The Old Village Bakery, Alfriston, East Sussex 

Opening Hours: 

Monday – Friday: 9.30 am- 4 pm, Weekends 10 am -4.30 pm Lunch served between 11.30 am – 2.30 pm 

Seven Sisters Country Park 

Located in the South Downs National park, Seven Sisters is a short distance from the village and famously known for its seven chalk cliffs, river valleys, open grassland encompassing 280 hectares of land. The area offers breath-taking views of the English Channel and it’s an example of nature at its finest. With the opportunity to hike, cycle, canoe and paddleboard it's every bit worth the trip if not for its beauty alone, an absolute must in the summertime. Oh, and if you are looking for a quick snack whilst exploring Seven Sisters, Saltmarsh café and rooms are located behind the visitor's centre and offer a variety of delicious snacks. 

Visit the South Downs Website for current information on weather concerns before venturing to the Park. 

Much Ado Books 

Much Ado Books is a uniquely styled bookshop offering a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles, in-print books, second-hand books and a selection of antiquarian books. From Virginia Woolf to great British artists including Edward Bawden, and a selection of children favourites by Jacqueline Wilson to name just a few, you won’t be disappointed by the selection here. The bookshop is such an incredible space featuring outdoor sculptured, carved oak benches and unique art installations. You may forget for a short moment that you have come for the books. Their antiquarian collection is rarely open to the public. As such we recommend visiting the Much Ado Books website to get in touch with the team to make arrangements before visiting if you’re interested.  

#FLOFavourite:  They have a fantastic enclosed book bower where you can find yourself some bargain paperback and hardback books. 

Location:

8 West St, Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5UX

New Art Gallery 

New Art Gallery is a quaint gallery located right in the heart of the Alfriston Village. They have a collection of ever-changing artwork on display, but you can expect to find artwork sculptures, prints, engravings and paintings in both acrylics, and watercolours.  There is also a great selection of artwork available for purchase so you can take home a little slice of Alfriston when you leave. 

#FLO Favourites: We love the work of Dick Segal that is currently featured in the gallery. His artwork depicts realism in a surreal fantasy setting, and his work speaks to the creative mind.

Location: 

The Coach House, High street, Alfriston BN26 5TD

Opening Hours: 

Thursday to Sunday 11 am – 5 pm