The drive from Brighton around to Dover was picturesque, with some amazing views across the English Channel. We saw white chalk cliffs, and passed through several pretty coastal and inland villages. 

One place to note was Hastings, which is famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a defining moment of English history. Hastings is also known for the East Cliff Railway, an 80 metre high railcar that rides down a steep cliff face - see photos 5 and 6. The views must be spectacular!

Evidence has been found of prehistoric settlements in this area dating back to 10,000 BC, the time of hunter-gatherers. I was amazed at how lush and green everything was at the end of summer, so I imagine it would have been a fruitful area back then too. It was a very different feel to our summers in Australia, and the contrast made me think of Dorothea McKellar's poem 'I love a sunburnt country'.

Also see my post about Rye.

PS. See if you can spot the fox in Bridie's photo of the sheep in the field!