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Destination of the Month

February 2012: Leisure, Luxury and Retail Heaven in Leeds

Those who don’t know the thriving city of Leeds – the UK’s biggest legal and financial hub outside London – may still have a very ...More
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1066 Country

Most of you know about the Battle that took place in 1066 when the Normans invaded, and King Harold was defeated, but did you know that the towns of Battle, Hastings, Rye and Pevensey have so much to offer you will want several visits?

Whatever your interests they will be satisfied, Hastings is a terrific place to start, the history oozes like warm honey. Situated 34 miles East of Brighton and 62 miles South East of London offers places of interest such as Hastings Castle built by William the Conqueror .

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is certainly a gem, where a wealth of treasures can be enjoyed.

If you, like me, have a fascination with the sea you will enjoy (I'm sure) the exciting experience offered at Smugglers Adventure , you can explore the labyrinth of tunnels inside St Clements Caves, and obtain a real insight to smuggling.

A good day out is to be had at the Fisherman's Museum and also the Fish Market. Close by is the West Hill Lift operating since 1890, starting in George Street climbs through a tunnel and arrives on West Hill, the stunning views over Hastings and the sea are breathtaking. Ideal way to travel when you visit St Clements Caves and the Castle.

Catherine Cookson spent 46 years in Hastings and launched her writing career in this inspiring place. If historical places are not your thing, don't despair, Priory Meadow Shopping Centre with oodles of shops and restaurants are on hand.

Close by is Battle which is home to Battle Abbey , if you visit during October make sure it's on either the 13th or 14th when a fabulous re-enactment of the battle takes place, The town has many antique shops, and the stunning De La Warr Pavilion built in the 1930's it's modernist architecture is impressive, houses a contemporary art gallery and huge auditorium.

Pevensey is approx 8.5 miles away from Battle, buses and trains forge a link and a visit to the castle which is where William 1 landed on his way to Hastings is well worth it.

Rye and the beauty of the surrounding countryside and historical links will not disappoint, with it's cobbled streets and medieval houses that make this hilltop town of Rye on the River Rother and Walland Marsh (which is part of the Romney Marshes ) a joy to visit or paint.

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First English Prince of Wales - 1301, The Beatles arrive in America - 1964, IRA Fires Mortar at 10 Downing St - 1991, Ellen Macarthur sails solo around the world - 2005
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