In July we went back to Sussex for just over a week which was so lovely. Our trips home are usually no more than a long weekend at a time unless it’s Christmas, so it was a real treat to spend a full week with family and friends, as well as soaking up some much needed sunshine – not something we have had lots of in Newcastle this summer!

We decided on one of the days it would be nice to explore somewhere we haven’t been for ages. It was between Rye and Alfriston, and in the end we settled on Alfriston. I am still desperate to get a proper trip to Rye in soon though, maybe next year.

Our first stop was to refuel at the Badgers Tea House. We sat outside in their beautiful garden and tucked into scrumptious cream teas. The tea house is really traditional and a must when in the area, they also serve a variety of other food such as jacket potatoes and panini if you aren’t in the mood for scones.

Once we were full we decided to have a little wander around the village. It’s such a pretty place, it’s nice to admire all the beautiful buildings and of course have a mooch around the gorgeous little shops.

There were plenty of houses I was quickly putting on my wish list (in my dreams!) and one property (just below) with a fantastic front garden. I was really impressed with all the lavender at the front and something I made a note of as an idea for our ‘forever home’ for when the time comes *cue eye-roll from Christo*

I also fell in love with this little house called Candle Cottage: just adorable. 

Our next stop was the Clergy House owned by the National Trust, it’s a 14th century Wealden hall house, and as we learnt was the first property bought by them for £10 in 1896. The volunteer who was telling us all about the property and its history was fantastic and very knowledgeable. She pointed out an oak leaf which is carved into one of the beams: it’s thought that might be where the inspiration for the Trust’s logo came from!

It was lovely to look around the building as well as the gardens which are so well looked-after. There are lots of roses in the borders and an impressive box garden to walk around, not forgetting the herb and vegetable gardens. We all came away feeling we had learnt something which is always nice when you visit somewhere new.

We packed so much into our week away I could write multiple blogs on it, in the meantime though for an overview there is a highlight on my Instagram