Day out today. We pootled off down to Alfriston. I wanted to have a leisurely look around after visiting the village briefly on a WI garden group visit to Alfriston Clergy House recently.

Cheekily, we parked in the massive car park of the Deans Place Hotel. Parking is a bit of an issue in such an old place, with narrow streets. We did find a car park that you could park in for free for 3 hours, which is fine for a poke around and a spot of lunch, but not enough for a walk as well.

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We wanted to get a bit of a walk in, so explored a public footpath almost opposite the car park. It led gently uphill, past an absolutely huge camping site that had quite a few tents and camper vans there already. We passed a field that was completely full of these litle yellow flowers. It was quite a sight.  Anyone know what they are?
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This sign was on one of the waymarkers, I’ve tried googling it, but haven’t found it yet. It could well designate the South Downs Way.

At the top of the hill, we popped out to this magnificent view over to the sea and the Cuckmere valley. We’re going to map out a circular walk there, it looks wonderful.

Today however, we went back down the hill and off to the pub for lunch.

Alfriston is a very old place, quaint and interesting. It’s stuffed full of eateries, little cafes, pubs and places selling interesting things. The 14th century pub The George Inn is one of the first establishments in England to be granted a licence. I wanted to have lunch there, but Mike didn’t fancy the menu, so we went over the road to the Star Inn. We both had beef short ribs, with truffle mash, greens and gravy. It was stunningly good! I thought we were in a tiny, old, pub. But when I went to the loo, it was like the Tardis, it was huge!

While we were having lunch, a large group of people with Newcastle or Sunderland accents came in for a drink. They were delightfully boisterous and enjoying their day.

 

 

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After lunch we poked around the village. Admired some beautiful houses.

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And some lovely old walls with lovely clematis in full bloom.

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One of the many cafes is Badgers.

On looking at the menu, as you do, I noticed a cake called Molly Cake. From the description, this can’t be anything but the 3 ingredient cake we explored recently! So our SHTF cake is served in a posh tourist place at £3.50 a pop! Doesn’t that gooseberry and elderflower one sound gorgeous! 

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One of the little shops was selling glass plates with oyster shells and quail eggs embedded in them. They were eerily beautiful, although I don’t know if I actually liked them or not.

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We popped into a fantastastic deli and bought a couple of slices of chocolate peanut cake, which we had this afternoon with our coffee. It was utterly delectable! We were both eyeing up the artisan made chocolate bars which looked lovely,  but at nearly £5 a bar, was a bit rich for us.

We still want to try the hotel for lunch, and I still want to go to The George, plus there were lots of little streets to explore still.

If you’re in the area, do pop in to Alfriston, I’m sure you would enjoy it. We’ll definitely be going again!