Kent & East Sussex

My time spent in the South East of England could only be described with one word; Magical.

Why?

Because I had literally dreamt for years of wandering the English countryside down quaint 'Lord of the Rings' looking lanes, climbing up and over medieval castles and having a drink in as many 'old worldy, low beamy' Robin Hood style pubs as I could find, all of which I did and more. Good weather helped lift the already buoyant mood as the U.K I found much to my surprise, does actually get sunshine and blue skies.

KENT & EAST SUSSEX: COUNTRYSIDE, LANEWAYS & GARDENS

Kent in Summer

The vista from Sissinghurst.

An Oast house out the back garden.

Foxhole Lane. The most magical little lane ever.

Walking down here was so surreal.

And the most perfect end to a perfect stay...a fox spotted in the middle of Foxhole Lane.

Despite being somewhat busy & crowded (being summer and all) and with people parking like complete idiots (standard issue everywhere), the towns and villages that dotted the countryside were just like something out of a movie. A gorgeous day in Rye felt like I had gone back in time with uneven cobblestone streets that could, and probably have twisted many an ankle, a definite highlight for my touring Reeboks to walk over.

KENT & EAST SUSSEX: VILLAGES & PUBS

Me house in Rye.

The famous Mermaid Inn, Rye.

Oak & Ivy, Hawkhurst.

Drink in the Oak & Ivy. Done.

Battle from atop the gatehouse to Battle Abbey.

Drink in the Mermaid Inn. Done.

Ankle Twisting Cobblestones.

Looking south out over the former Rye harbour.

High above Rye.

Another magical moment from this leg of the trip had to be visiting Battle Abbey, the supposed site of the Battle of Hastings. After reading tons of books and watching hours of documentary's, being able to walk on the battlefield and touch the ground where they say King Harold fell was full on a pinch-yourself type of moment. Even just visiting the local church in Tenterden which dates back to around 1080 was a mind trip in itself.

Kent & East Sussex: Churches, Castles & Country Houses

St. Mildreds, Tenterden, C.1080

Sunshines through at St. Mildreds.

A very old grave in St. Mildreds, Tenterden.

Bodiam Castle.

Bodiam Castle.

The house at Scotney Castle.

Pretty mean looking library.

Scotney House.

Scotney Castle.

Sissinghurst.

Looking up to Battle Abbey across the field from the Normans side.

The site of the High Altar where they say King Harold died in the Battle of Hastings, 1066.

Reeboks on tour at Battle Abbey.

21 years have flown by, but it wont take that long for me to return again soon. 

Winter next time perhaps?

We will see...