Activities

Firle Place

Sheltered in the South Downs, Firle is proud to be part of some of the most beautiful countryside in Sussex. It has been described as ‘frozen in time’, but also ‘charming’ and ‘quaint’.

Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years and is a house with a rich history. Originally Tudor but remodelled in the 18th century, today the house showcases remarkable collections of Old Masters, including portraits by Van Dyck, Reynolds and Gainsborough, complemented by a curated ensemble of English and European furniture and an impressive array of Sèvres porcelain.

Firle Place has been used as a location for many films, including the 2019 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Emma, as well as in the TV series, Bridgerton.

Anne of Cleves House

This stunning timber-framed medieval house in Lewes dates back to the 15th century and formed part of Queen Anne’s annulment settlement from King Henry VIII in 1541, although she never even visited the property.

There are well-preserved interiors including a Tudor kitchen, a light and airy parlour, and a beautiful bedroom complete with four poster bed. There is also a fascinating collection of historic domestic artefacts. The garden is inspired by a traditional Tudor planting scheme and includes herbs, shrubs and fruit trees appropriate to the Tudor period.

It is home to wide-ranging collections of furniture and artefacts of Sussex interest. The bedroom and kitchen are furnished to resemble their appearance at the time of Anne’s ownership.