About the Area
Surrounded by the countryside this tranquil holiday break will give you memories that will last a lifetime
The ruins that can be seen today in Crowhurst are the only remains of King Harold’s Manor House built in the 13th century. Its builder, Walter de Scotney was the chief steward to the Earl of Gloucester, but after being accused of trying to murder his employer, Walter was executed in 1259. In the church yard beside the ruins, an ancient yew tree can be seen. Estimates for the age of this yew range from 1000 to 3000 years.
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The Plough Inn Local Pub
The Plough Inn set in the picturesque village of Crowhurst, Battle welcomes you under new management since September 2022. Refresh your mind after a long country walk with local ales and lagers. Still your cravings with pub classics and modern european cuisine with a twist besides lighter options for lunch. Make sure to book a table in advance for our roasts where slow roasted pork belly is the star of every Sunday. If you are looking for a space to hold a special event or even your wedding get in touch and the team of The Plough Inn is happy to cater for your needs on your special day.
Food served 12-8 pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Sunday roasts are served 12-4pm on Sundays.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
(Advance booking recommended)
Fore Wood RSPB Nature Reserve
Fore Wood is one of the larger blocks of seminatural ancient woodland remaining in East Sussex. The use of Fore Wood as a coppice woodland dates back at least 500 years. Roman bell pits are found throughout the reserve and reflect the intensive use of the woodland during the peak of the local iron industries. The coppice and open ride system provides a home for many colourful insects, including silver-washed fritillary and white admiral butterflies.
Visit Fore Wood RSPB Nature Reserve
Visit 1066 Country
Smugglers Adventures at St Clements Caves, Battle Abbey, Herstmonceux Castle & Observatory Science Centre, Pevensey Castle, Bodiam Castle, Bedgebury Pinetum and Go Ape, Bewl Water, Bexhill and Hastings beaches.
The Funicular Railways
While some resorts may boast multiple funicular railways, Hastings stands out with its unique pair, each originally designed based on the water balance principle. The East Hill railway captures attention as a prominent feature in the town, thanks to its visible location. It’s skillfully carved into the cliff’s face, offering a stunning spectacle. Conversely, the West Hill railway remains largely concealed within a tunnel that tunnels through the cliff. Known locally as the East Hill Lift, this railway grants access to Hastings Country Park, which offers panoramic views overlooking the Old Town and Rock a Nore. The lift also treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of the Stade, home to Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet.
The West Hill Lift stands as the steepest funicular railway in the United Kingdom, not only holding national significance but also instilling immense local pride. Nestled at the enchanting lower station in the traffic-free George Street, you’ll find a delightful assortment of continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores. Ascend the West Hill, and you’ll be treated to some of the most astonishing vistas the town has to offer, spanning from Beachy Head in the west to the vast expanse of the Channel, one of the world’s busiest sea lanes. It was upon this very hilltop that John Logie Baird, a resident of Hastings and the inventor of television, conducted his pioneering radar experiments. In contrast to some resorts boasting multiple funicular railways, Hastings distinguishes itself by offering two railways that couldn’t be more dissimilar, despite their shared origins rooted in the water balance principle.
Visit the following web page for opening times and a price list for the funicular railway.
World’s Largest Underground
Skatepark Hastings UK
Source Park is a huge underground skatepark located in the heart of Hastings. Source Park houses 2 skateparks, the UK’s largest BMX and skateboard shop as well as an open courtyard packed full of the best restaurants, pubs, juice bars, and coffee shops in town.
Old Roar Gill
A lovely, atmospheric place, and well worth a visit Tingles Dingle to Alexandra Park, a much-loved childhood memory of my Dads, otherwise known as Old Roar Gill. A steep sided valley running along the upper reaches of the stream, it is a fascinating nature reserve and takes its name from one of the two waterfalls Old Roar and Little Roar waterfalls at the head of the ghyll. You can park and walk from Ghyllside Avenue or 275 St Helens Road. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes into Alexandra Park and The Park Café.
The Pump House cafe and deli are based at the top end of the park, near the miniature railway at the former Pump House building.
PLEASE NOTE: If it is raining or had recent wet weather the ground conditions will be slippery
Further out and about leaflets and maps of the local footpaths are in our Guest Information Kiosk on site. The Kiosk is a rare British 1924 K2 Old Red Telephone Box. It is older, larger and more ornate than the more widely used classic K6 Red Telephone Boxes, which are more commonly seen on some of our streets today.