Food & drink
Hastings and Rye are famous for their fishing fleets and both towns offer great places to eat freshly caught seafood. In St Leonards, Goats Ledge has an incredible seaside menu (and their own craft beer) served on the promenade, yards from the crashing waves. Rye is known for its scallops (there’s even an annual festival dedicated to this foody delight), and the best in town are served at Webbe’s at the Fish Café. Searching for the best fish and chips in the area? Grab a window seat at Maggie’s on Fisherman’s Beach in Hastings.
This corner of Sussex has found itself at the heart of England’s booming wine industry. There are several vineyards that offer visitors tours, where you taste wine, learn about viticulture and find out what gives south coast wine with its distinct crisp and fresh taste from the chalk soil and maritime climate.
Shopping
St Leonards, Hastings Old Town and Rye are all brimming with the kind of interesting shops you won’t find anywhere else in the country. From hardware to hats, ceramics to candles, these high streets are offering a home to artisan makers and independent shopkeepers experimenting with new ideas and bringing back some old traditions.
Adventures
There are dozens of great walks from the doorstep of Wren Cottage – both short (perfect for visitors with dogs) and long. Join the 1066 Country Walk, an easy low-level trail through countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest – it passes us by at the top of the lane and will take you to the fantastic Two Sawyers pub.
For those who enjoy seeing the world on two wheels, Wren Cottage is a fantastic base for cyclists, with a vast array of interesting routes (and a few challenging climbs!) taking in the best of the Sussex countryside.
Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve