South Downs Holiday - September 2024

Sunday 8th September, and we were meeting at the Eagle pub for a four-day holiday in the South Downs. Eileen, Marian and I all arrived promptly but Louise was running a bit late, having got on the wrong train, but she soon joined us and we set off. However, the southbound Blackwall Tunnel was closed for works so we diverted to the Woolwich Ferry; who doesn’t love a holiday cruise, albeit only a very short one?

The plan was to visit Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill and his family from the early 1920s, on route. On arrival we headed for the cafe and a welcome brew before visiting the house and gardens. Before visiting the house, we visited the gallery where a member of staff gave an interesting talk on Churchill and in particular his love of painting; he was quite the artist, amongst other things. Afterwards we visited the house, which has been restored to how it was in the 1920s, before returning to the car and continuing to the South Downs Youth Hostel at Itford Farm, Beddingham - near Lewes - where we had our evening meal.

On Monday we visited Ann, a former group member who moved to Littlehampton three years ago. Ann joined us on a very pretty walk of about 5 miles, from the harbour, along the river before heading through the countryside and a very overgrown stretch of woodland, leading to much cursing and swearing (no that’s not a nearby village!) before returning to Littlehampton along the beach. Arriving back at the harbour we headed for a cafe for drink, cake and some rest before enjoying an evening meal at the Arun View pub, which overlooks the River Arun and enjoying the sunset (very nice).

On Tuesday we caught the train to the nearby town of Lewes. After a cafe stop, we split up to explore this historic town, before meeting up at Anne of Cleaves House Museum, which actually had little to do with Anne of Cleaves (she seems to have visited it occasionally). Afterwards, the ladies were going to walk back along the South Downs Way, while I was going to return by way of the riverside path. However I couldn’t find a way to the river and with the increasingly gloomy weather, I wimped out and caught the train back. The ladies had the map and a written guide to the South Downs Way, so what could possibly go wrong? Anyway, shortly after arriving back at the hostel I had a call saying they were abandoning the walk as the path had disappeared.

On Wednesday we left the hostel to return home via Hever Castle. Arriving at the castle we split up to explore the grounds. I headed straight for the lakeside walk and water maze, which was a very pleasant walk. Meeting up for lunch we then headed to the castle to learn about its history and the life and times of Anne Boleyn and her family, although it didn’t end well (for her anyway!). Afterwards we departed heading for home, having had a very enjoyable break.

I’d like to thank Eileen for organising the holiday and doing all the driving (and putting up with my navigating when required, especially the A26 diversion loop!).

Trev Eley.  24th September 2024