Under starter's orders at Brightling Park
Once known as Rose Hill, Brightling Park is a country estate in East Sussex run by Grissell Racing; the Brightling International Horse Trials are held here annually. The house was built in the 18th century and stands in approximately 490 acres of parkland. The estate is also notable for its many follies, including an obelisk. Look out for The Alcove or Summerhouse, a semicircular alcove built of red brick with a four-centred archway entrance, The Temple, a small circular building consisting of a colonnade surmounted by a dome, and The Observatory, a T-shaped one-storey building with slits for the telescopes; it is now a private home.
Bateman's cultural blast
Less than 10 miles away is the National Trust-owned Bateman's, a 17th century Jacobean property best known as the home of writer Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. Most of its rooms are open to the public, and give a sense of the atmosphere in which Kipling created some of his best-loved works, including If and Puck of Pook's Hill.
No need to fight at Battle Abbey
Just over 7 miles from Brightling Park is Battle Abbey, a partly ruined abbey owned by English Heritage. The visitor centre includes a children's discovery room, cafe and a film featuring information about 1066's Battle of Hastings, which took place Nearby. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Brightling Park? Travelodge Tellingly Eastbourne Hotel, Travelodge Hastings Hotel and Travelodge Eastbourne Willingdon Drove Hotel are all close by.