East Sussex

Sussex by the sea: this part of England's south coast has been civilised for a long time, and it's impossible to travel anywhere here without encountering reminders of the past.

This tour begins at the site of the Battle of Hastings, in the intricate, green landscape of the Weald. Moving later into the medieval period, it reaches Bodiam Castle before steering a course to visit two marvellously well-preserved sea ports, Rye and Winchelsea.

Hastings itself is something quite different, with one of the most spectacular sites of any town in the south-east. On the way there are plenty of unspoilt pubs and tea rooms.