Comphurst Farm

Once you've seen the ins and outs of Herstmonceux Castle (roughly 20 minutes' walk from base), there's also the Observatory Science Centre next door, an interactive museum that hosts workshops, stargazing events and a huge astronomical telescope. Also within a mile is Brick Farm Lakes Trout Fishery, where anglers can while away a happy few hours, or falconry lessons by appointment in the castle grounds. Heading south, Pevensey Bay (15 minutes' drive) has a scenic stretch of shingle beach, bordered by the equally interesting Pevensey Levels National Nature Reserve. Next up there's Eastbourne (25 minutes), which has an impressive seascape of its own. Families looking for activities for all ages will probably end up passing through the town at some point during their stay – it's home to a miniature railway, a bevy of golf clubs, Fort Fun waterpark and Treasure Island Adventure Park. Finally, if history's the thing, you have a wealth of historic buildings like Battle Abbey (20 minutes), Michelham Priory (20 minutes) or Bodiam Castle (30 minutes) close by, plus Hastings (30 minutes) and its fascinating shipwreck museum.