About Alfriston
Alfriston is a beautiful village set in the South Downs National Park and is a perfect holiday destination.
A short walk from The Dene is the Old Clergy House, which is a the first property bought by the National Trust (in 1896 for £10!). The beautiful village church, known as “the Cathedral of the South Downs,” reflects the history of Alfriston and the fact that it was a Market Town, granted a Royal Charter in 1406. The market cross is still in the village square.
Alfriston has many fantastic shops which include Much Ado Books; Diana Kelly Interiors has done a fabulous job with the interior and exterior design of The Dene. She has a fantastic eye for detail and we would recommend her to anyone who is looking for an interior designer. The Village Stores which has a lovely deli counter and all your food and drink needs, and Emmett and White Antiques and Interiors, to name a few.
If you are thinking of eating out, there are many places in Alfriston including a great Italian restaurant Poco; Badgers Tea House and The Singing Kettle; Wingrove House Restaurant; The Smugglers Inne, The George pub; and just out of the village there is the fabulous Rathfinny Estate. The Star Inn does a delicious Sunday lunch and is owned by Olga and Alex Polizzi of Hotel Inspector fame. Objet Trouvé is a must-visit distinctive arts and curiosities gallery; The Apiary is on the High Street along with many other interesting shops.
There are many attractions near Alfriston, including walks along the South Downs Way; Drusillas — the great childrens’ zoo; Cuckmere Haven; and Birling Gap where you can enjoy a trip to the beach and view the amazing white cliffs of Sussex. The Long Man of Wilmington is nearby, and Lullington Church (the smallest church in England) is a twenty-minute walk from Alfriston. Berwick Church has beautiful murals by the Bloomsbury group of artists, and Glyndebourne opera is 15 minutes’ drive away. Charleston Farmhouse, base of the Bloomsbury set, hosts interesting tours and has a beautiful garden, is an hour’s walk or 10 minute drive from Alfriston; and Monk’s House, Virginia Woolf’s house in Rodmell is a 20 minute drive away.