iTravelUK > Attractions > Natural Attractions > England > Southeast > Sussex
Walks in the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
For a bit of fresh air, gentle walking and historic fortifications from the 16th, 19th and 20th century. You'll find a good network of footpaths which begin at Rye Town , Winchelsea Beach and Rye Harbour. There are 3 circular walks from Rye Harbour which take between one and three hours. The reserve is a protected home for fauna and flora and a good spot to do some birdwatching (Redshank, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Oystercatcher). On your trip, you can also visit Camber Castle. Developed by Henry VIII as part of his extensive fortifications against the French, the castle now lies two miles inland providing a peaceful home for some specialised flowers. On the walls, you'll see Wall Pennywort, Wall Germander, Wall Pepper and Pellitory of the Wall. For more information on routes, pick up a leaflet from the Rye Tourist Information Centre.
Hastings Country Park
Spanning an area of 660 acres, this country park lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Beauty. A nature reserve, it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an Area of Archaeological Interest. There's something for everyone to enjoy here. Lying within the boundaries of Hastings Country Park, you'll find ancient wood, heath and grassland, some 5kms of beautiful coastline with sheer cliffs and an ancient Iron Age Promontory Fort at East Hill. Well-marked paths run through the park. For more information visit the Hastings Tourist Information Centre.
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Located in the surrounds of ancient woodlands, you'll walk amongst a rainbow of geese, ducks and swans from all over the world. The paths provide easy walking which will take you past ponds and lakes hosting some of the rarest and most endangered species of birds. You can also view the art work on display at the new wildlife art gallery on site.
Southover Grange
This magnificent building was constructed in 1572 by William Newton, the Earl of Dorset from Caen stone from the demolished Lewes Priory. Once the home of John Evelyn the diarist, it has been extensively restored and now houses the district registry office. Unfortunately, unless you're getting married you won't be able to see the interior. However, most visitors will be delighted with the beautiful walled gardens. You'll be able to see one of the oldest Mulberry trees in England (over 350 years), Copper Beach, Indian Bean tree, and one of the largest Magnolia trees in the country. Each season the flower beds come alive in a blaze of colour. Just the place to get a load off after all that sightseeing and enjoy a little tranquillity.
The Elms and the Kipling Gardens
The former home of Rudyard Kipling, this was the 18th century house where the author retreated to write his work. During his stay between 1897 and 1902 he wrote some of his most popular classics, such as 'Kim', 'Stalky and Co.', the 'Just So' stories and the poems 'Recessional' and the 'Absent Minded Beggar'. Fortunately, a plan for a housing development here was stopped by the Rottingdean Preservation Society. Most of the original walled garden was saved and developed. Open to the public, the garden is a real pleasure. Kipling Gardens has a large array of colourful flowers and offers peace in an elegant setting. Complete with a croquet lawn, this little retreat provides all the pleasures of an English country garden.