Middle Farm is one of my favourite places to visit any time of year. It lies just off the A27. Every year in Oct they hold an apple festival to celebrate all things appley, with an amazing selection of ciders. Grown ups can enjoy a cheeky pint and some great local music in two tents dotted with hay bales for a real country feel. For small ones there are play areas, a fun fair and animals galore. There is a proper hog roast to help fight off the hangover plus loads of other stalls selling food, locally made bits and bobs and other treats. If you can't make the festival the farm is open seven days a week and has an amazing shop where you can taste about a hundred different ciders. This is truly cider heaven.

It is situated on the main A27 Lewes to Eastbourne road, between the villages of Firle and Selmeston. The nearest stations are Glynde (2 miles) or Lewes (5 miles).

Middle Farm
Firle
LEWES
East Sussex
BN8 6LJ
United Kingdom

Telephone +44 (0)1323 811411
Fax +44 (0)1323 811622
Email info@middlefarm.com
www.middlefarm.com/02_whatson.htm
Google map: bit.ly/bVvBdv

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You've obviously tried a pint or two of Harveys while in town (you have, haven't you?) Pop in to the Brewery shop and you can take some home. Bottles of more ales than you'll have seen in the pubs, plus draught, from 2.4 litres (4 1/2 pints or so) to 20. The smallest containers will cost you less than a tenner.

There's also a small wine selection and the staff are knowledgable and friendly.

6 Cliffe High Street, BN7 2AH
www.harveys.org.uk/inlewes.php

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I know English wine escaped the blinkers of prejudice several years ago, but I've only just started to open my eyes.

A little like how I found Breaky Bottom. I'd been cycling past it over the downs for years, not knowing that a tiny valley of typical South Downs beauty and incredible tranquility was a mere hundred yards or so over the brow of a hill which I had never actually crossed.

Drop down into the valley and you feel as if you're in your own private vineyards. I've rarely met anyone else down here other than the owner.

Phone ahead if you want a tasting, don't bother with driving there along the track, just get on the downs and wander along there. Try and arrive early evening for some exceptional hospitality (but don't quote me on that).

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A friendly shop that my son thought was actually someone's house.

1 Malling Street, BN7 2RA
Tel: 01273 471269

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