Downoak Abbey
LODGE
Places to visit
Places to visit. Places to eat. Places to shop. Click on the images for links.
Bodiam Castle
This moated fairytale castle is one of Britain's most romantic and picturesque, set in the heart of 1066 country. With spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is the real thing. Windows where arrows were once fired, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can re-live your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot. 01580 830196
9.4 Miles (19 minutes) away.
Battle Abbey
The 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield site is operated by English Heritage and includes the abbey buildings and ruins, a visitor centre with a film and exhibition about the battle, audio tours of the battlefield site, and the monks' gatehouse with recovered artifacts. The visitor centre includes a children's discovery room and a café, and there is an outdoor themed playground. 01424 775705.
6.4 Miles (14 minutes) away.
Country Walk Route 1066
The route commemorates 1066, the year of the Battle of Hastings, and seeks to link the places and the people of that important year. It runs through East Sussex from Pevensey, where William of Normandy gathered his invading army and prepared to meet King Harold. The walk passes through rolling countryside beside oast houses, windmills and rivers.Route 1066 is on the door step
Rye
Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, this ancient town is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination. With enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from Medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. 01797 226696.
10.1 Miles (21 minutes) away.
Hastings Old Town
The Old Town Hastings offers a unique visitor experience. Independent fashion boutiques jostle for your attention with fine art galleries, antique dealers and bookshops many offering unique products you simply won't find anywhere else! The place exudes a heady bohemian atmosphere and it is hard not to fall in love with the place and the people.
5.2 Miles (15 minutes) away.
Jerwood Gallery
Situated next to the historic fishing beach in Hastings’ picturesque Old Town, the award winning Jerwood Gallery is home to the Jerwood Collection of 20th and 21st century British art, and a diverse temporary exhibition programme. Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm Saturday- Sunday 11am-6pm Closed Mondays 01424 728377
5.2 Miles (15 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Kent & East Sussex Railway
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway, often with steam engines. The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - "The Jewel of The Weald" for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. The is a great day out if you have lunch either in Tenterden or at Bodiam. 01580 765155 or for 24 Talking Timetable call 01580 762943
Tenterden
Widely regarded as one of the most charming towns in the South East, Tenterden, and its surrounding villages and countryside, is a fascinating place to visit and explore. With its unique mix of fascinating history and heritage, traditional shopping, family fun, great country activities and events. 14.4 Miles (26 minutes) away.
Great Dixter
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world. 01797 252878 ext. 3
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7 Miles (13 minutes) away.
Fairlight Cove
A lovely hidden beach in Hastings County Park on the coast between Hastings and Fairlight. The nearest car park is at Fireheights (on top of a cliff with a pretty view).It’s a steep walk down to the beach, down into a valley, then up over a headland, then back down to the top of the trail down to the beach. It’s well signposted. The last part of the trail down is "at your own risk", but quite easy. Duck under the fence by the warning sign, and carry on down steps cut into the cliff. Be aware that this beach is popular withnaturists! 7.5 Miles (18 minutes) away. Satnav: TN35 4AB.
Carr Taylor Vineyard
If you’re looking into English wines, you are probably aware that the industry’s reputation is going from strength to strength. Whether your motivation is keeping your carbon footprint low, supporting local producers, or simply that you’re interested in sourcing exciting new, good quality, authentic English wines, we hope you will like what you find here. 01424 752501
1.3 Miles (4 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Middle Farm
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. We offer a warm country welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy. Six generations of farming have given us a unique insight into British food production. The highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care show in our milk and meat products. ​
27.5 Miles (50 minutes) away. Satnav: BN8 6LJ.
Brede Steam Giants
In the 1960s many of our Victorian and Edwardian engineering masterpieces were demolished. Fortunately some survived, the Giants of Brede offer a chance to return to the ‘good old days’ and see the past in action!
Click the link for 'Open Days' http://bredesteamgiants.co.uk/admissions/
De La Warr Pavilion
The De La Warr Pavilion is a Grade One listed building, located on the seafront at Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, on the south coast of England.
The Art Deco/International Style building was constructed in 1935 and designed by the architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff. Although sometimes claimed to be the first major Modernist public building in Britain, it was in fact preceded by some months by the Dutch-influenced Hornsey Town Hall.
Charleston
Charleston was the home and country meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury group. The interior was painted by the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, and together with their collection forms a unique example of their decorative style. Situated in East Sussex, the house and gardens are open to the public from April to October each year. Firle, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6LL. 01323 811626
​27.5 Miles (50 minutes) away. Satnav: BN8 6LL
Brede High Woods
IThis stunning mosaic of ancient and secondary woodland, open heathland and acid grassland is located on the north-east shore of Powdermill Reservoir in East Sussex, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a rich history and a diverse range of wildlife. In 2013 the wood was awarded funding from SITA Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund towards key management works. The grant contributed to the annual ride management and coppicing programme which is helping to create a more diverse woodland which will benefit a wide range of wildlife.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, at Sissinghurst in the Weald of Kent, England was created in the early 1930s by Vita Sackville-West, poet and gardening writer, and her husband Harold Nicolson, author and diplomat. It is among the most famous gardens in England and is designated a Grade I listed structure. The garden comprises a series of "rooms", amounting to ten in number, and was one of the earliest examples of this gardening style. The castle, garden, and wider estate are now owned and maintained by the National Trust. It is one of the Trust's most popular properties.
Dungeness
Dungeness is a headland on the coast of Kent, England, formed largely of a shingle beach in the form of a cuspate foreland. It shelters a large area of low-lying land, Romney Marsh.
The Shingle House is a simple, monumental, black house, finished on the exterior in the traditional tarred shingles and boards of the local vernacular, and in a beautiful palette of concrete and timber within. It is adjacent to the late artist Derek Jarman’s house.
Wild Mushroom Restaurant
Elegant restaurant on the ground floor of a converted farmhouse, The Wild Mushroom offers a secluded and intimate dining experience for all. Offering Modern English Cuisine mastered by Paul Webbe and presented by Head Chef, Chris Weddle. Sample menus are available on their website.
Open Wednesday to Sunday Closed Sunday Dinner, Mondays & Tuesdays.
01424 751137
1.2 Miles (3 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
The New Inn Pub, Westfiled
The New Inn is a beautiful friendly pub situated in this great area, we offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a meal out with your family or a Sunday afternoon drink with your friends. We have an extensive menu which changes weekly, so make sure you come down and try all our new tasty dishes.
Winner of the Hastings Observer Pub Of The Year 2017. Closed Monday night.
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01424 752800
1 Mile from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Red Lion, Brede
At The Red Lion we serve food every lunchtime from 12 noon until 2.30pm; Supper from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
Our full menu is available all day Friday & Saturday from 12 noon until 9.30pm.
On Tuesday Evenings from 5.30pm we also serve Take-Away Fish 'n' Chips
in addition to the A la Carte Menu.
Sunday Lunchtimes we have our very special Carvery from 12 noon until 2.45pm,
we get extremely busy for this so book to make sure you get a table.
TN31 6EJ Tel. 01424 882188
Two Bulls Steakhouse: Hastings
A large and airy dining room in this beautiful former landmark pub with an open kitchen and very informal service is a great place to relax and enjoy a good steak. You can see the dry aging beef on display and you can see the genuine charcoal grill at work on your steak. This is definitely not fine dining but what you do get is rustic, simple, homemade food with strong natural flavours.
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Opening Hours - Wednesday to Sunday (+Bank Holidays)
61C High Street, Hastings Old Town, TN34 3EJ
01424 436443
St. Clements Restaurant
Having visited Hastings & St Leonards on day trips from London, chef patron Nick Hales soon realised the local area's abundant harvest would provide a perfect foundation from which to build and stylise a modern restaurant. Nearly a decade on, with that original idea still at its heart, St Clement's seasonal menus are crafted to showcase the area’s best produce with fish from Hastings’ beach launched fleet at its heart. Produce is sourced from traditional butchers, rare-breed farms and non-intensive dairies, local farms, fishermen & grocers to name but a few.
3 Mercatoria, St Leonards on sea,
TN38 0EB Tel. 01424 200355
The Crown: Hastings
The Crown Hastings is an independent freehouse situated on the picturesque All Saints Street between the East Hill country park and the beach. We offer a welcoming and friendly environment to enjoy high quality food and drink. Using local suppliers and seasonal ingredients we make delicious homecooked food. We serve a selection of local ales and craft beers, fine wines, specialist gins, whiskeys and cider.
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64-66 All Saints St, Hastings, TN34 3BN
11am - 11pm Mon-Sat. 11am - 10:30pm Sun
01424 465100
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15 Mins drive from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Sainsbury's Supermarket
374 Parking spaces, 18 disabled parking spaces, 20 parent and child parking spaces, 2 ATM, Petrol station, Dry Cleaning, Photo Processing, Pharmacy, Deli, Bakery, Fish Counter, Meat Counter, Hot Food Counter, Salad Bar. There is a McDonald's nearby.
Monday-Friday 7:00-Midnight Saturday 7:00-23:00. Sunday 10:00-16:00
Call 01424 756207
Sainsbury's is the closest supermarket to Downoak Abbey Lodge but there is also a small local shop in Westfield.
3.1 Miles (8 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Tesco Extra Supermarket
ATM, Petrol station, Photo Processing, Pharmacy, Optician, Travel Money Desk (close at 20:00), Deli, Bakery, Fish Counter, Meat Counter.
Opens Monday from 6:00 onwards. Then 24 hours until Saturday midnight. Sunday 10:00 - 16:00. 0845 0269561

4.6 Miles (11 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
Asda St Leonards On Sea
ATM, Photo Processing, Pharmacy, Optician, Bakery, Fish Counter, Meat Counter, George, Click & Collect.
Opens Monday - Friday 7:00 - 23:00, Sat 7:00 - 22:00,Sun 10:00 - 16:00
Battle Road, St. Leonards on Sea, TN37 7AA. 01424 857420

4.5 Miles (11 minutes) from Downoak Abbey Lodge
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the list of 'Places To Visit' in PDF
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the list of 'Places To Eat' in PDF
