Our outstanding local area
Poppinghole Farm Spa & Cottages is ideally situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the heart of Sussex countryside. It is close to many historic towns, castles and buildings, seaside resorts, glorious gardens and within easy reach of London.
Our local attractions include Bodiam Castle, Battle Abbey, Rye Harbour, Bedgebury Pinetum and many more.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam, one of Britain’s most romantic and immediately recognised castles, was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge to impress friends and frighten enemies. The castle’s timeless setting is host to a few events a year, including a medieval weekend with jousting.
Battle & Battle Abbey
Historic Battle offers an array of interesting gift shops and tea rooms. Battle Abbey, built by William the Conqueror, is at the heart of this picturesque market town. Take an interactive audio tour to find out what really happened at the famous 1066 battle field.
Bedgebury Pinetum
Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place to walk, cycle, ride or play in a spectacular world of trees. Spanning 2,000 acres, this national pinetum is host to a world-leading collection of conifers, beautiful in all seasons. Visitors can also experience award winning ‘Go Ape’, the high wire forest adventure course.
Pashley Manor Gardens
This quintessential English garden offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds. Its programme of special events include a tulip festival in spring and sculpture exhibition around May.
Local Vineyards
Explore our local vineyards where you can take a tour and taste the wines. Carr Taylor provide self-guided tours on their traditional sparkling wine and a picnic area. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard have a nature trail and offer red, white and sparkling wines and farmhouse Sussex ciders.
South Downs National Park & The Seven Sisters
Its chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland are a popular place for walking, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing. The Seven Sisters form one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines.
Tenterden
A unique mix of fascinating history and heritage, and traditional shopping. The town boasts a vibrant high street and adjoining lanes full of quirky shops. Follow the Heritage Trail to museums, historic churches, and Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
This historic spa town offers a combination of history, boutiques, high street shops and farmers markets. Wander the cobbled streets of the famous pan tiles where you can still taste the spring water, just as visitors such as Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Samuel Pepys did before.
Rye
Perched on a hill, Rye is a medieval gem of the Cinque Ports. The enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times surround art galleries, boutique shops, charming tea rooms and great restaurants.
Hastings
The old fishing town of Hastings is situated between two hills, east and west. The old town bustles with quirky shops, cafes and restaurants. Hastings offers many attractions including the Castle & 1066 story, Smugglers Adventure in the caves, museum & art gallery, The White Rock Theatre, Blue Reef Aquarium and adventure golf.
Wilderness Wood
Wilderness Wood is a 62 acre award-winning, sustainably-managed working woodland park in the Sussex High Weald. Learn about the woodland and it’s wildlife, slide down a zip wire at the adventure playground, enjoy a Sussex cream tea and BBQ in the picnic area.
The Hop Farm
A fun filled family day out, the Hop Farm Family Park is packed full of features, rides and undercover wonders to fuel imaginations. Attractions include Pirate Cove, 4D cinema, Victorian carousel and a children’s driving school. Touring bands perform live shows here too. For current events visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Bateman’s
This 17th century historic house and gardens, formerly loved and owned by Rudyard Kipling, provides a fantastic day out in the beautiful Sussex Weald. See oriental rugs and artefacts that reflect the author’s strong association with the East, and stroll along the river Dudwell which flows through the garden.
Leeds Castle
Quoted “The loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle combinines a blend of heritage and history with 500 acres of beautiful parkland. The castle has been a Norman stronghold, private property to six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous. It is now one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.
