East Sussex - the perfect staycation

As we sit at our desks, dreaming of foreign climes, it's all too easy to forget about exploring what's closer to home.

The UK often gets overlooked in favour of warmer weather, but as more people opt to save money by holidaying at home, now is the perfect time to discover what's on your doorstep.

One of England's hidden gems is East Sussex ­ just 60 miles from London or 60 minutes from the ferry port of Dover.

Home to towns like Hastings, Rye, Battle and Bexhill, this is officially '1066 Country' - ­ the place where one battle, fought all those years ago, changed the course of English history.

East Sussex can easily be explored in a long weekend and has something for everyone, whether you want to explore picturesque towns and villages or go for a gentle seaside stroll along the promenade.

If you're short on time though, I recommend starting your break in Rye ­ - a beautiful medieval town that is arguably one of the country's prettiest, and
best preserved.

With its cobbled streets, independent shops and old-fashioned charm, it's easy to fall in love with the Cinque Port town.

It has barely changed since the 1400s, so learn all about the area's past at the Rye Heritage Centre (+44 (0)1797 226696, www.ryeheritage.co.uk) where you can also play on 'End of the Pier' working models from days gone by.

The Rye Town Model Sound and Light Show will also help you find your feet for the rest of your trip ­ and let you in on some terrible tales from the last 700 years.

History buffs will enjoy a trip to Rye Castle Museum (+44 (0)1797 226728,
www.ryemuseum.co.uk) which has two sites ­ - one in the centre of town and one in the ancient Ypres Tower, which was formerly a castle and jail.

Another way you can get your bearings is by climbing to the top of St Mary's Church. From the tower of this local landmark, you can enjoy panoramic views of Rye and the surrounding area and might even catch the original 'Quarter Boys' strike on the quarter of the hour.

The best way to see Rye, though, is to meander through its cobbled streets and watch the fishermen down on Simmonds Quay. There are plenty of antique and craft shops to explore and even more idyllic old-fashioned inns where you can sample the local ales.

If you're lucky enough to visit on a Thursday or Saturday afternoon, you can also go to Lamb House, the National Trust-owned property, which was once the home of author Henry James.

Another famous Rye resident was the novelist E.F. Benson, who penned the Mapp and Lucia books and served as the town Mayor.

If you hole up in one of Rye's welcoming pubs or restaurants, you really could spend quite some time here, but when you¹re ready to head to Hastings, go via Winchelsea.

Just a short car ride away, this ancient town is on the way to Hastings and a pleasant place to stop for a short stroll. Like Rye, it is a Cinque Port town and, being high up on a hill, boasts some great views.

Foodies will love the newly opened Winchelsea Farm Kitchen (+44 (0)1797
226287, www.winchelseafarmkitchen.co.uk), which is well worth a look for its gourmet deli and coffee shop. There's also a small museum and some wine cellars nearby, which make for a good stop-off.

Compared to the picture-postcard towns of East Sussex, Hastings - less than half an hour up the road - is a completely different kettle of fish.

This sprawling seaside town is jam-packed with things to do and with its Victorian buildings and bustling promenade, it has a charm all of its own.

Hastings often gets overlooked in favour of other South Coast sun traps, such as Brighton, but ­ with its attractive Old Town and a whole host of museums, ­ it is emerging as an attractive destination in its own right.

Like many large towns, Hastings has an extensive shopping area with High Street stores but for me, the Old Town was the star attraction and like Rye, it looks like it hasn't changed for years.

With its ancient buildings and laid-back atmosphere, it's a great little find. As well as all the alternative stores, you'll find some cool coffee shops here and plenty of places to eat.

If you get the chance, make sure you check out Judges Bakery (+44 (0)1424
722588, www.judgesbakery.com), which is full of delicious organic treats and run by the couple behind Green & Blacks.

And film fans will love the Electric Palace cinema (+44 (0)1424 720393,
www.electricpalacecinema.com), which regularly shows independent movies and arthouse flicks.

If it's fish you¹re after though, head straight to the interestingly named Rock-a-nore Road, by the seafront. Not only are there a range of great restaurants here, but you could also spend hours inside the Fishermens Museum, the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Shipwreck Heritage Museum.

From here, you can take the East Hill lift up to the top of Hastings to explore the country park, or, just around the corner, the West Hill lift will transport you up to the ruins of Hastings Castle and Smugglers Adventure (+44 (0)1424 422964, www.smugglersadventure.co.uk).

In my opinion, the latter is a real must-see ­ - a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns deep inside St Clements Caves.

Much more than a museum, this creepy, hands-on attraction tells the story of the local smugglers, who used to hide their contraband goods in the actual caves.

Kids love Smugglers Adventure, but be aware that it's very dark inside and
can be deceptively scary ­ - even for adults!

During the summer months, you can hire bikes and pedal your way around the local coastline and surrounding areas.

If you're keen to suck in some more sea air, head for Camber Sands and its impressive sand dunes, or check out one of the local nature reserves, where you search for furry inhabitants.

Bikes can be hired at reasonable rates from Rye Hire (+44 (0)1797 223033,
www.ryehire.co.uk).

Both Rye and Hastings are known for their family-friendly festivals and there are often events going on all year round.

From beer to scallops, East Sussex likes to celebrate it all so it's well worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the famous festivals.

A good time to visit Hastings is during Old Town Week, which, in 2010,
starts on 31 July and runs until 8 August.

Jack in the Green is also a great excuse for a party in Hastings and from 30
April ­ until 3 May, the town will be celebrating the 'art' of Morris dancing.

East Sussex has plenty of festivals to entice food lovers, too. The famous Rye Bay Scallop Week runs from 20-28 February and on 18 and 19 September, the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival will be taking place.

From 16-24 October, visitors will also be able to enjoy a Taste of Rye, where all kinds of local produce will be on the menu.

What more could you ask for!