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Sussex ChristmasHere in Sussex Christmas is magical. Whether it's bright and frosty or grey and misty with the South Downs wreathed in the soft low light of December, the landscape, sky and seascape are a watercolour of muted greens, pale blues and greys, with the defining curves of the Downs marking the transition between coast and weald. While it has been many years since we had snow at Christmas, this is such a beautiful area that you can visit Sussex and enjoy the simple pleasures of large log fires and hot punch following brisk wintry walks, or carol sing-alongs in the village pub and a Christmas Eve nativity tableau in the old barn on the Green, complete with braying donkeys!
Even if you decide to stay at home (and you don't live in Sussex), you can still buy your Christmas turkey from one of our great farm shops or Sussex butchers, and stock up on fresh, locally grown veggies. Try some of our wonderful Sussex wine much of it organic, especially our light sparkling wines which are so appropriate for festive celebrations. Simply choosing Christmas decorations and gifts is such a pleasure, as you can combine your Christmas shopping trip with a special treat at one of our coffee shops or pubs. Watch the traditional
Mummers' play and Morris Dancers
at lunchtime on Boxing Day. Find out more about old Christmas traditions from the
Weald and Downland Christmas Traditions page.
Where can you buy Christmas Trees in Sussex?
East Sussex Christmas PubsWant to go out with a group of work colleagues and/or friends for a pre-Christmas lunch? Check the menus of some of our Sussex pubs; most offer great value for money ... your Sussex Christmas starts here.The Griffin, Fletching Situated in the village of Fletching, near Uckfield in East Sussex, this delightful old pub, which also offers accommodation, is full of character and the food's great too! Fresh fish is delivered daily from Rye and some of the vegetables and salad leaves are locally sourced. It's not cheap, but there are some delicious bar meals for under £10. Available from 1st-23rd Dec'09, check out their Christmas menu. You may want to read a few reviews. The Sussex Ox, Alfriston Delightfully located on the edge of the ancient East Sussex village of Alfriston, 'The Sussex Ox' is a family-run pub offering seasonal food and real ales. The interior has been very pleasantly updated and the menu includes a wide range of meals at reasonable prices, for example, there is a good choice of main courses for under £15, many under £10. With an interesting Xmas menu and the facilities to cater for parties from 2-40 between 1st and 23rd December'09, it's worth considering the Sussex Ox for a group booking. To check out their Sussex Christmas menu click here. If you're still in any doubt, read some of these reviews. The Bull, Ditchling This is one of our two local pubs, (the other being the White Horse, just opposite the church on West Street). With a history going back centuries, into a less-than-salubrious past involved in the lucrative Sussex smuggling trade, 'The Bull', dating it is believed from 1563, is now a warm and welcoming village pub, serving delicious food, much of it locally sourced. A couple of years ago, a flattering review appeared in 'The Telegraph' newspaper; and as well as the Londoners who regularly trek down to eat and stay here, us locals also enjoy a drink and a meal in the Bull. Check out their range of menus, including a special Sussex Christmas Day menu. The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington This is one of the most delightful pub/restaurants in this part of East Sussex - just north of the South Downs, between the M/A23 and Lewes. In good weather we cycle or walk from Ditchling for a drink in the lovely garden, complete with views towards the Downs. For special occasions, we book a table for a celebratory meal in the evening or at lunch-time. Follow the link to read some reviews. The Juggs, Kingston, near Lewes This is another of our favourite pubs. It is extremely popular in the Summer, as it has a delightful garden and the food is very good. Dating from the 15th Century, the interior is a classic old Sussex pub, with low beams and interesting nooks and crannies. At present, the owners do not seem to have a website, but you can phone on: 01273 472523 and you can check the reviews here. The Cricketers' Arms, Berwick We actually have not been to this pub, however, we have heard good reports. Located fairly close to Charleston Farmhouse (originally home of Bloomsbury artists, Vanessa and Clive Bell), it's a traditional flint Sussex pub with pretty gardens within sight of the South Downs. THe menu looks good and between October and March it is offering a two course meal for £10 between 6-9pm each evening. A three-course Christmas meal costing £17.95(lunchtime or evening), will be available for groups of 8+ from 10th December'09. The Cock Inn, near Lewes I've taken my elderly parents here several times; it is a pretty, traditional clapboard Sussex pub, which serves good home cooking at reasonable prices. The Christmas menu (excluding Xmas day), looks promising with three courses for £18.95; book and pay a deposit to secure. The Half Moon Pub, near Plumpton Recently refurbished, the 'Half Moon' is a lovely old pub set at the foot of the South Downs, near the village of Plumpton. It's a great place to drop into if you're walking or cycling the South Downs Way, and it's conveniently located on the main Ditchling to Lewes road. Good home cooking, reasonably priced, and local Sussex beers are served. Live music Thursday evenings. The Ship Inn, Rye Built in 1592 as a warehouse to store smuggled contraband, the 'Ship Inn' now offers B&B accommodation, as well as good beer, inventive cocktails and a range of menu choices, all home-cooked with most of the produce locally sourced. Check out their Christmas menu. The Eight Bells, Jevington This is one we're saving for the next Birthday treat! We stopped off in the pretty village of Jevington on our walk along the South Downs Way from Eastbourne. The Christmas menus look really appetising at £21.95 for three courses. Will add further comments once we have eaten here. Sussex Christmas EventsA Sussex Christmas - Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
26 Dec'09 to 1 Jan'10 10.30am-4pmHere you can experience the traditions of a Sussex All in a beautiful downland setting. Christmas panto listings follow shortly ...
Ditchling Village nestles in the snow at the foot of the Sussex South Downs.
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