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

Hastings Fishermen’s Museum

A former fishermen’s church by old net shops, now a museum on local fishing with ship models, nets, old photographs and the Lugger ‘Enterprise’, built in 1912. An adjacent net shop may also be viewed, together with 4 more fishing … more

Rye Water Sports

We offer lessons in Windsurfing, Sailing, Kitesurfing and Paddleboarding for children and adults, and during the Summer holidays Children’s Activity Days. It’s so easy to learn watersports with modern light equipment on our safe inland lake. We are a Royal … more

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

For almost 900 years the Parish Church of Rye, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, has dominated the hill on which the old town stands. It has stood through good times and bad. In 1377 when the town was looted … more

Accommodation

Rye Windmill B&B

Rye’s white smock windmill is a grade II listed building and one of its most famous landmarks. Tucked away in one of England’s quaintest coastal towns, our welcoming Bed and Breakfast is ideally located with the High Street and the … more

Landgate Cottage

15th century cottage opposite the medieval Landgate arch. Refurbished with to modern standard, retaining period features. Landgate Cottage has a cosy woodfire, pretty courtyard and WIFI. Close to galleries, restaurants, National Trust properties and wonderful beaches.