insideKENT Magazine Issue 137 - September 2023 | Page 49

DAYSOUT

A visit to Lewes can easily be tied into a trip to neighbouring city , Brighton . Although historic in its own right , with many seaside-loving Victorian influences remaining , Brighton is a thriving hub of activity with a much more cosmopolitan feeling of modernity . Visit The Lanes for independent shopping galore ; find your way round the maze of twisting narrow passages glinting with the gemstones of jewellers and the bright colours of boutique shops , before reaching the seafront , upon which you will discover a whole host of buzzy bars , impressive seafood restaurants and the Brighton i360 . Travel straight up in this giant glass pod , 450- feet high , with panoramic views of Brighton , the South Downs and the south coast – why not enjoy a glass of Prosecco while you ’ re up there , too ? Back on the beach , daytrippers can ’ t miss the iconic Palace Pier , a fantastic photo opportunity and wonderful spot for families with its traditional amusements , sugared doughnuts , candy floss and fish and chips . Wander down to the end to gaze back at the pebble beach , or look across to the eerie Victorian ghost of the ruined West Pier .

For those in Brighton looking for far more than a traditional fish and chips on the beach , visit Michelin guide restaurant , Kindling . Serving food that is kind to the body and the environment , here ‘ nature writes the menu , as the seasons inspire the food ’. Promising to entice , surprise and stimulate the senses , stop by for lunch and enjoy the exquisite small plates menu alongside larger meat cuts and specials from the board . Dining in the evening offers a new tasting menu only that can be paired with a wine flight . A myriad of dining delights thrive throughout the city ; wander anywhere and you are certain to come

by a place of great foodie acclaim . Walk along Western Road towards Hove and you will find Palmito , a tiny kitchen with a daily menu using seasonal local ingredients and far-flung flavours . Here , simple and eclectic open-fire cooking is central , and as well as food , good drinks are also served . Expect a handpicked selection of wines and Latin-inspired cocktails , perfect for September nights that have that golden glow of the last of the setting summer sun . Come morning , head straight to Hove . Trust us there ’ s a good reason . Nestling at the foot of the South Downs and adjoining Brighton , Hove is a genteel resort neighbour to the city and famous for its Regency squares such as Brunswick and Palmeira . Most importantly , you will find Sugardough (@ sugardoughhove ) patisserie an Instagram sensation serving highly acclaimed croissants , pastries , cakes , breakfast goodies , oat bowls , sensational coffee and more .

It is of course East Sussex ’ s invaluable combination of thriving resorts and peaceful countryside that it is so loved for , and for those wanting to appreciate the glory of the county ’ s landscape and the peace and tranquillity it provides , there are plenty of rural places to visit . One of the most beautiful is Seaford Head Nature Reserve . Lying to the west of the town of Seaford , Seaford Head is an excellent place to view the Seven Sisters . The nature reserve is home to over 250 species of plants and the reserve supports a wealth of wildfowl on its 308 acres of mudflats , meadowland and downland . Beach lovers will be in their element at Cuckmere Haven , a quiet pebble beach with yet more views of the iconic white chalk cliffs . Venture further west into the county , away from the coast , and nature lovers will appreciate the vast V-shaped dry valley of Devil ’ s Dyke : the largest chalkland dry combe in Britain and home to many associated plants and butterflies .

© Ben Collins / Unsplash

DEVIL ’ S DYKE :

© Marc Najera / Unsplash

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