Fairlight
Fairlight in East Sussex Village Guide
About Fairlight in East Sussex
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Fairlight is situated five miles from the ancient towns of Rye, Hastings and Battle. It has the area known as “The Firehills” which forms part of Hastings Country Park with 500 acres of cliff walks, unspoiled wooded countryside and magnificent coastal views. Here there is free parking for walkers and bird watchers, with a tearoom and picnic area.
The parish church, built in 1845, has an 82 ft tower which is open to visitors during the summer.
The village is mentioned in records of 1220 as Farlegh. William the Conquerer gave Fairlight Manor, which is now Stonelynk Farm, to a French Countess.
In the days of smuggling, contraband goods were landed at Fairlight and brought inland by a tunnel. Stream House was used by smugglers which, in those days, was three cottages known as Stream Houses.
At the turn of the century a local gun battery practised firing at Fairlight which probably gave rise to the name “The Firehills” and nearby Battery Hill.
Attractions and Activities
Rye Sports Centre
Modern facilities, friendly staff and great value … all at Freedom Leisure Rye! Situated just behind the railway station, parking is free to Centre users. Please collect a parking ticket from reception
Rye Hire
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Closed weekends unless by prior arrangement for bike/wheelchair hire. CYCLE HIRE Good quality all-terrain & touring cycles for hire £20 per day or £15 for 4 hours (conditions apply) Close to railway … more
RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station Visitor Centre & Shop
Hastings Lifeboat Station visitor centre and shop is open daily from 10am-5pm. Our knowledgeable guides provide a free (donations welcome!) tour of the station where you can learn about its’ history and the lifesaving work we do today. The shop … more
Accommodation
Ockman Cottage
Ockman Cottage is a boutique holiday cottage located in a quiet twitten situated in the heart of the citadel of Rye. An ideal base for exploring the towns cobbled streets, antiques, restaurants, inns,independent boutiques and galleries together with the surrounding … more
The Mermaid Inn
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more
Cadborough Cottages
There are four delightful one bedroom cottages, which have been lovingly renovated from the farm building at Cadborough Farm. One mile from Rye town centre yet in the heart of beautiful countryside. Peaceful location with plenty of on-site parking and … more
Restaurants
River Haven Hotel
A Warm welcome awaits you at the River Haven Hotel & Restaurant. This family run comfortable Hotel of 22 en-suite rooms in the Ancient town of Rye is situated on the Strand Quay over looking the River Tillingham. Our conservatory … more
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more
The Mermaid Inn
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more