Alfriston is one of the most popular villages in East Sussex and one of the oldest as is was founded during the Saxon period and later during the Middle Ages become a thriving Market Town. The village is home to inspiring architecture many of the heritage buildings house the Alfriston Hotels presenting excellent accommodations, facilities and amenities suitable for the business guest, the family group and the honeymoon couple.
The Market Cross an intriguing historic Inn found at its centre was once a famous smugglers haunt during the 18th century, the headquarter of a gang headed by Stanton Collins and it was author Rudyard Kipling that immortalised the exploits of Collins and his gang through his poem ''A Smuggler's Song''. The Star Inn is an attractive building which dates back to the 15th century and was built as a stopover place for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St Richard at Chichester.
The most famous building is probably the Clergy house, a thatched, half timbered Wealden hall house built in the 14th Century and the first property acquired by the National Trust in 1896. The House offers a privileged glimpse of the past and exhibits the way in which people lived during the medieval period, how their homes were built and is surrounded by a traditional cottage garden. Those who enjoy wines and its history may visit the English Wine Centre a museum of the vinters craft housed in a delightful thatched building.
The Alfriston Hotels offer a perfect springboard to all the fascinating history and architecture found in the area for example the Parish Church of St Andrews is an ancient building that has been called the Cathedral of the Downs and was built around 1360 in shape of a cruciform topped by a central tower and slender spire. A fascinating custom that has recently died out is to bury local shepherds with a clump of sheep's wool in their hand, the wool was supposed to signify to the gatekeepers in heaven that the dead man's poor record of church attendance was due to his obligation to his flock.
The village is home to a compelling collection of accommodations that present destinations within themselves and may be housed in 14th century Inns detailed through Oak beams and open log fires elegantly combining the past with the present hosting intimate atmospheres and welcoming ambiences. Airport transfer may be arranged in advance and staff process check in seamlessly whilst luggage is dispatched to pre booked accommodations.
Alfriston hotels accommodations are showcased through elegant and quaint en suite rooms described through antique furniture, original paintings; views are seen through leaded windows over the village towards the country. There are suites offering seating and dining areas and dedicated work stations presenting high tech communication devices and entertainment systems. The family rooms offer travel cots and extra beds, there is a hospitality tray and complementary bottled water. En suite bathrooms display designer fittings, bathrobes, slippers and signature toiletries.
Dining rooms are described through finely dressed tables the canvas upon which is found silver cutlery, fresh flowers and crystal glass guest may avail themselves of international menus and fine wines. Traditional Bars host local ales and local atmosphere and much may be gleaned from the locals who frequent these quaint watering holes, some offer light snacks and Sunday roasts.
On the fringes of the town are found country hotels presenting green English countryside views and outdoor pursuits including walking trails and hiking tracks, fishing and horse riding. Honey moon couples may choose one of these hotels to celebrate their big day as the venues offered host romantic ambiences and spill onto manicured grounds.
The Alfriston Hotels offer excellent location, delightful views and inviting ambiences encouraging returns to this quaint corner of England.
