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County - Sussex | Map
Tel code: 01273 | code search
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Postcode: BN8 | code search
Population: 330
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Folk Customs:
Jack in the Green
Little Edith's Treat

Firle Events

April
Garden Show at Firle Place
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Latest reviews

Ram Inn
"It was a very pleasant summer's day when I took a detour, having visited the paragliding centre near Lewes on the A27 and Firle Beacon, a site renowned for updraught ..." More

Travel Tip

"Take a walk through the narrow streets with flint cottages and you can walk up to Firle Beacon that’s got stunning views of the coast and the Weald - Sharon

Middle ..." More

Firle Reviews (1)

A guide to Firle | 10 Places to Stay

Camping | Pub and Bar | School | Activities |

Latest reviews | Events in Firle
The small village of Firle lies just off the A27 about 4 miles south east of Lewes at the foot of the northern escarpment of the South Downs. The name Firle probably derives from the Old South Saxon `fiere` meaning a `place covered with oaks`; although at the bottom of the chalk downs Firle sits on greensand and geult, perfect for Oak trees. Sitting above the village is Firle Beacon (718ft), the beacon fires were lit in 1588 to warn of the Spanish Armada; along the ridge there the remains of more than fifty Bronze Age bowl barrows. After the conquest the manor was given to the Count de Mortain (who also had Pevensey Castle), by the 14th century the Cage family began their long association with Firle which still continues to this day. In 1440 Agnes Bolne married William Cage and with it the manor, the lands were added to in 1479 when their son Sir John Gage married Eleanor St.Clair; their son John (lots of John`s in the Gage family) was made ward of the Duke of Buckingham when his father died in 1497. In 1513 he accompanied Henry VIII to France on his expedition, he was made Henry`s Vice-Chancellor and was Constable of the Tower of London. It is this Sir John that built Firle Place, one of Sussex`s finest buildings; the house is arranged around two courtyards, the Great Hall is Tudor and the frontage dates from 1745. It was a later Gage, Thomas, a botanist and traveller who brought back to England a small green plum like fruit which he cultivated at Firle Place, later to be called the `Greengage` in his honour.

Camping

Safari Britain

Pub and Bar

Ram Inn

School

Firle C of E School

Activities

Skylark Paragliding(Airsports)
Southdown School of Hang Gliding(Airsports)

Places to Stay near Firle

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Lewes Townhouse (3.04 miles)

Lewes Townhouse

Nestling in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Lewes Townhouse sits in the centre of town and set over three floors. The fully equipped kitchen/diner is on the ground floor. Upstairs is the ... more | visit website

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Decoy Cottage (3.09 miles)

Decoy Cottage

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In a lovely rural situation, close to the South Downs, this very comfortable, single storey cottage lies within grounds boasting a beautiful fishing lake and a charming ... more

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Pelham House (3.47 miles)

Pelham House

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Pelham House is a 16th Century Town House Hotel in East Sussex. Restored to create a stylish venue it combines elegance and history, and is just 10mins from Brighton.

Pelham House offers 31 ... more

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Crown Inn (3.48 miles)

Crown Inn

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Thought to be the oldest inn in the picturesque town of Lewes, this 17th century property offers comfortable B&B accommodation in a welcoming and friendly environment. The Crown is a family-run property ... more

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White Hart Hotel (3.49 miles)

White Hart Hotel

This charming 16th century coaching inn with Tudor beams and log fire has been magnificently extended to include a leisure complex with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium. Enjoy historic public rooms, carvery restaurant, ... more | visit website

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Shelleys Hotel (3.68 miles)

Shelleys Hotel
A graceful 17th-century manor house once owned by the famous poet's family. Set in the heart of Lewes, close to the remains of a norman castle and convenient for the South Downs and Glyndebourne A ... more | visit website
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Premier Inn Newhaven (3.96 miles)

Premier Inn Newhaven
An ideal location half a mile from the sea. For business this hotel is situated on Drove Industrial Estate. Newhaven town centre is half a mile away for local shops and amenities or if you ... more | visit website
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The Roebuck Inn (3.99 miles)

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The Roebuck Inn is family run and has a homecooked, locally sourced menu. Each room has ensuite facilities : Individual key card room entry system : Tea and Coffee facilities ... more

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Newhaven Lodge (4.31 miles)

Newhaven Lodge

Newhaven Lodge is a friendly, family run establishment located close to the Newhaven/ Dieppe ferry terminal. You will find that we are an ideal location for visitors to nearby Brighton, Lewes and the South Downs. Brighton ... more | visit website

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The Star Alfriston (4.43 miles)

The Star Alfriston

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Built in the 1260's, The Star Alfriston is one of England's oldest hostelries. Set in the idyllic village of Alfriston, the hotel is steps from the South Down's Trail, with easy ... more

Brit Quote:
'Tis the last rose of summer Left blooming alone; All her lovely companions Are faded and gone. - Thomas More
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On this day:
Battle of Nechtansmere - 0685, Treaty of Troyes - 1420, Cooper Floors Ali - 1966, Cutty Sark Ablaze - 2007
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