The wonderful history of Alfriston – just a few (of many) reasons to visit and stay

Did you know the name “Alfriston” first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Alvricestone”

Our beautiful village is one of the oldest villages in the county; it was founded in the Saxon period and became a market town in the Middle Ages. The village is one of the most popular in East Sussex, boasting a wealth of historic buildings including a medieval church, a pair of picturesque historic inns, and a thatched clergy house. The Market Cross was a famous smuggler’s haunt during the 18th century, the headquarters of a gang headed by Stanton Collins. Did you know the author Rudyard Kipling used the exploits of Collins and his gang as inspiration for his poem, ‘A Smuggler’s Song’.

Alfriston, nestled in the South Downs National Park, is a treasure trove of history and charm, making it one of East Sussex’s most beloved villages. Its rich tapestry of stories, historic landmarks, and unique traditions paints a vivid picture of its evolution over centuries.

Alfriston Cabins was founded much more recently in 2020, is just a few minutes walk from the village and has some wonderful views over the Cuckmere valley. Since moving here in 2019 we have really enjoyed being part of this beautiful village and its community.

Within the village itself there are plenty of places to visit, including some with some fantastic history such as;

• The Star Inn: Built in 1345 as a religious hostel for monks and pilgrims, it became an inn in the 16th century. The inn features a wooden “Sanctuary Post” that gave fugitives protection, and a lion figurehead that may have come from a Dutch warship that sunk in the channel and washed ashore at Cuckmere Haven. 
• Dean’s Place Hotel: Built in the 17th century or earlier. Currently being refurbished and to open in 2025 as ‘The Alfriston’. 
• Alfriston Clergy House: a thatched, half-timbered Wealden hall house built in the 14th century. Clergy House was the very first property acquired by the National Trust in 1896. Clergy House offers a wonderful glimpse into how our ancestors lived during the medieval period, and how their houses were built. The house is surrounded by a traditional cottage garden.
• Alfriston Market Cross: Built in the early 15th century and restored in 1955-56 
• The George Inn: First received its liquor license in 1397 
• Thttps://www.smugglers-alfriston.co.uk/he Smugglers: The Smugglers’ Inn in Alfriston, already steeped in folklore and mystery, gained fresh historical intrigue thanks to an episode of Channel 5’s Pub Dig. The archaeology program uncovered layers of evidence pointing to the long and varied occupation of the site, revealing fascinating insights into its past. These findings further enrich the historical narrative of Alfriston, connecting the Smugglers’ Inn to stories that inspired legends like Rudyard Kipling’s A Smuggler’s Song.
• The Six Bells: Previously Moonrakers, a charming restaurant known for its picturesque black-beamed cottage and inviting terrace, nestled in the heart of this historic village. In 2018, it was rebranded as The Tavern on the Tye, a nod to its location on the Tye, Alfriston’s central green and more recently The Six Bells. We would definitely recommend the Sunday roast!

Whilst visiting Alfriston, its worthwhile to visit The Tye also for St Andrews Church which was built around 1360 and has been called The Cathedral of the Downs. A short walk over the river and up the hill takes you to the church of the Good Shepherd, Lullington, it is almost hidden amongst a clump of trees and has wonderful views. It is the smallest church in Sussex, and one of the smallest churches in the country, being 16 feet square, and seating only about 20. There is no electricity and evening services are conducted by candlelight. 

The South Downs Way National Trail runs directly through Alfriston on its way between Winchester and Eastbourne. A popular route for walkers and cyclists, and many of our guests stop off en route for a night or two whilst enjoying the trail. Taking advantage of a two night stay with the wood fired hot tub is always a welcome treat at Alfriston Cabins.