Explore the Local Area
The Great Outdoors
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll, an afternoon exploring or planning a long hike the beautiful countryside of South Downs National Park is literally on the doorstep - no car required!
From The Dairy and Shepherd’s Hut there are many footpaths and tracks through woods and fields, leading to the beautiful downland villages of Ditchling, Plumpton and East Chiltington.
The rolling hills of the South Downs Way, with it’s panoramic views from the top, are just 1.5 miles away. From our location just next to Streat Church a ‘V’ of trees can be clearly seen, they were planted on the northern slopes of the South Downs to commemorate Queen Victoria’s coronation.
Nearby notable spots to walk up on to the South Downs are at Black Cap, Ditchling Beacon, Clayton Windmills, Saddlescombe Village and Wolstonbury Hill, a little further afield are Firle Beacon and the Long Man of Wilmington.
The stunning and iconic chalk coastline of the Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven are at the eastern end of the South Downs Way and just 40 minutes drive away. Alfriston and Steyning, amongst others, are beautiful downland villages with lovely old-world high streets.
Grand Days Out
It’s easy to peacefully while away time at The Dairy and Shepherd’s Hut, in the garden and surrounding countryside. Should you fancy exploring further the historic town of Lewes with it’s long high street of independent stores, galleries, antique shops and cafés is just 7 miles away and bustling, eclectic Brighton and Hove is 10 miles away, great for shopping, 24 hour entertainment and, of course, the beach.
These collection of places are all within an hours drive.
Arts & Culture
Glyndebourne Opera, near Lewes
Charleston Farmhouse, near Firle
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
Farleys House & Gallery, Chiddingly
Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne
Anne of Cleves House, Lewes
Lewes Castle
Vineyards & Brewery (tours & tastings)
Artelium Wine, Streat
Wolstonbury Vineyard, Hurstpierpoint
Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney
Longman Brewery, Littlington
Gun Brewery, Gun Hill
Houses & Gardens
Monk’s House, Rodmell
Standen House & Garden, near East Grinstead
Wakehurst, Ardingly
Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath
Sussex Prairie Gardens, Henfield
Sheffield Park & Gardens, near Chailey
Nymans, Handcross
Outdoor Activities
Bike & Boat Hire, Amberley
Bike Hire, Cuckmere Haven
Kayak & Paddleboarding, Rivers Ouse & Cuckmere
Gentle Rowing, Barcombe
Family Days Out
Plumpton Races, Plumpton
Bluebell Steam Railway, near Chailey
i360, Brighton
Weald & Downland Museum, near Chichester
Amberley Museum, Amberley
The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux
Eating Out
There are some wonderful places to experience just a stones throw from The Dairy and Shepherd’s Hut. You can walk on footpaths through fields or along a farm-track to reach the first 3 of these gastropubs (a sure way to increase the appetite!), alternatively they’re all just a short drive away.
The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington (30 mins walk)
The Bull, Ditchling (30 mins walk)
The Half Moon, Plumpton (40 mins walk)
The Sloop Inn, Scaynes Hill
Even closer to The Dairy and Shepherd’s Hut, indeed at our entrance gate, Suzy’s Streat Food has an honesty-box cupboard selling her seasonal, home-made jams and marmalades along with delicious chocolate brownies and cakes.
Also in the village there is Tiny Thai who, with 12 hours notice, can make and deliver your take-away order from Thursday to Saturdays.
We also recommend
The Green Welly Café, Ditchling (30 mins walk)
The Pelham Arms, Lewes Flint Owl Bakery, Lewes
Food For Friends, Brighton & Plateau, Brighton
Eating In
We are fortunate to have an abundance of local farmers, food growers and producers close by - many are brought together at the fortnightly Lewes Farmer’s Market and at the fantastic Sussex Peasant, a mobile farm shop, which is in Ditchling every Thursday and Cuckfield every Friday - well worth a trip!
For food provisions we also recommend these local, independent stores: Townings Farm, just north of Plumpton for their own free-range reared meat, fresh local bread and pastries, seasonal fruit and vegetables and a wide range of local produce and store cupboard provisions;
Middleton Common Farm Shop, just north of Streat for fruit and vegetables, local meat and frozen ready-meals;
Plumpton Village Stores, Plumpton is a very well stocked village shop and post office.
The following supermarkets are also nearby, some of which can deliver - Budgens in Hassocks; Waitrose in Lewes, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill; Tesco in Lewes and Burgess Hill; Sainsburys in Haywards Heath.
Dog Friendly
We are a dog-friendly property and are happy to accommodate your pet in The Dairy, with prior arrangement for a small additional fee. Many of the places on this page will also be dog-friendly but do check in advance!
Helpful Links
South Downs Walking Trails
South Downs Way Route Planner
Sussex Modern Guide
Sussex Top Attractions