Weekend Wanderlust: Rye, Hastings and Eastbourne

Located two miles inland from the East Sussex coast, Rye exudes historic charm; step off the train on Friday evening and you’ll discover Victorian and Georgian grandeur alongside medieval buildings and quaint cobbled streets. Then take a wander towards The Globe Inn Marsh, a cute clapperboard pub where the Military Canal meets the River Rother. After enjoying a pizza (or maybe a generous portion of mussels), take a five-minute stroll to Rye Waterworks Micropub, a 300-year-old former water pump that champions local craft beers. When it’s time for bed, head to the 600-year-old Mermaid Inn, where you’ll find lovely, cosy rooms and the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, perfect for a nightcap. 

Journey by Southern to Hastings: 20 minutes
It won’t be easy saying goodbye to Rye, but it’s time to explore an equally beautiful town only a short train journey away. You’ll know this south-eastern town for its historic significance, but there’s a whole lot more going on here. The old town of Hastings is a 15-minute walk from the station; make sure you explore the quaint, narrow streets, antique shops and ancient buildings. Then it’s just five minutes to the gorgeous pier: a Victorian gem restored to its former glory. Hungry? You can’t go past Undercliffe House, where fresh seafood awaits. In the afternoon, admire the modern art at Hastings Contemporary, which hosts leading international artists. Depending on how much time you have, you’ll want to drop by the beautiful ruins of Hastings Castle. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the elevated pub fare at atmospheric pub The Crown. It also happens to be a five-minute walk away from The Laindons, a luxurious boutique guest house where you’ll feel right at home for the night.

Journey by Southern to Eastbourne: 28 minutes 
First things first: breakfast! The Laindons does a hearty full English, which will put you in great stead for your next adventure. Bid Hastings farewell and hop on your Southern train to Eastbourne, a buzzing seaside town that topped our list of the best places to visit in the UK in 2023. Make the most of your afternoon here by doing the coastal walk to beautiful Beachy Head, snapping pictures of gleaming chalk hills as you go. Finally, head to the excellent Urban Ground café for a fabulous lunch (pastrami flatbread with dill pickles, anyone?). 

Plan your journey via Southern Railway today