Column Wood Campsite

There are plenty of places in and around the High Weald where it’s easy to imagine yourself in the olden days. First up is Bodiam Castle (15 minutes’ drive), a 14th-century moated castle built by a knight of Edward III for the Hundred Years’ War. Around the castle you can spot steep towers, murder holes and a medieval bread oven. For place number two, make your way to the National Trust’s Bateman's (10 minutes) to see the 17th-century home of Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book. Herstmonceux Castle (25 minutes) is another nice place to stroll around and think about how things used to be; the 300-acre estate has a 15th-century brick castle. In Hastings (half an hour), take a stroll around the old town and the East Hill Lift to Hastings Country Park for views of Beachy Head. The West Hill Lift will take you to the ruined Hastings Castle. Hastings Pier and seaside amusements are also along the seafront of this splendid town.