DAWDLEDOWN - East Sussex

A wonderful large group holiday awaits you at the end of a private lane in the tiny village of Wilmington. Dawdledown is a lovely place to stay, whether you’re here with friends or family; it’s all about taking it easy, making extra special memories. With snooze space for 12 (2 more aged 16 years and under at no extra charge), a private swimming pool, a hot tub and a huge rambling garden, that’s a breeze.

And with all that Dawdledown has for you, the chances are you might not bother venturing far from this quiet corner of East Sussex at all; you’ll be so relaxed and happy exploring the garden, doing cartwheels on the lawn and watching dragonflies dance over the pond. Watch cotton wool clouds drift by from the hot tub, have a splash in the pool together.

Oh, but if you do, you’ll find so much to entice you! Put on some sensible shoes and amble along the South Downs Way to the Long Man of Wilmington; see the huge giant carved on the chalk hillside, stop for lunch at the Long Man Inn, then venture on into the South Downs National Park. Those hills seem to roll gently on forever, with plenty of surprises tucked among them, like Alfriston on the River Cuckmere. This is such a pretty village to browse around, with shops, galleries, tea rooms and very good pubs and restaurants.

If you walk across the fields from Alfriston you’ll get to Berwick, another quintessential English village, where the church is famous for its murals, painted by the Bloomsbury artists during the Second World War. Just along the road is The Cricketers Arms where you can have a leisurely lunch in the garden when it’s sunny. Opera fans will only have a short drive to Glyndebourne, so Dawdledown is a great base for the lavish events they host.

It’s not far to the coast from Dawdledown so have a day by the sea; Cuckmere Haven is one of the best beaches on the Sussex Heritage Coast, with the backdrop of the Seven Sisters white cliffs. Seaford is unspoilt by commercialism and tends to be a quieter seaside town, while Eastbourne is good for watersports and the annual Eastbourne Airbourne, one of the biggest free seafront airshows in the UK. Brighton is buzzing, with its long seafront, the pier and Royal Pavilion; take a wander round The alleyways of The Lanes and discover an upbeat, quirky shopping experience at East Lanes, where all the cool cats hang out.

You won’t need to go far for exciting family outings either, not with Drusillas Park and Knockhatch Adventure Park close by, or for pirate themed fun, go to Treasure Island Adventure Park in Eastbourne, me hearties! If arts and culture are right up your street, just take a look what’s on the doorstep round here; just a few miles away is Charleston, for more of the Bloomsbury Group. Almost every surface is painted in their unique style and the gardens are a living work of art. For photography and contemporary art go to Farleys House & Gallery, and if you like historic houses and landscaped gardens there’s Firle Place, Sheffield Park and Michelham Priory.

Lewes also comes highly recommended for a day out, with all its warm red brick and historic buildings, including the Fifteenth Century Bookshop. There are independent shops and heaps of places to eat, a castle to visit, and the chance to step inside a Tudor house as it was back then.

Whether you decide to stay put at Dawdledown throughout your stay, or go and see what’s out and about, you’ll have a brilliant time, sharing special moments, making memories. Come for big family holidays, days away with friends, or celebrations with the chosen few, find your happy place.

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