Join the Harvard Club of the U.K.'s summer walk
Walking and sightseeing in East Sussex on Saturday, 1 July 2017
A 10-11 mile walk along and around the South Downs, including optional visits to Charleston Farm, a home and social center of the Bloomsbury Group, and the medieval, thatched Clergy House in Alfriston.
Tickets should be purchased as soon as possible for a tour of the farmhouse at Charleston, but no reservation or advance notice is needed for the walk itself. Just show up on the day.
Walking and Sightseeing in Sussex, Saturday, 1 July 2017
A 10-11 mile walk over mostly flat terrain at a moderate pace from Berwick to Glynde, taking in fine tourist sights on the way.
Train departs London Victoria at 8:50 am and Clapham Junction at 8:56 am to Brighton, arrives 9:46. Change at Brighton to the Ore train departing at 9:52 and descend at Berwick at 10:20. Buy a day return ticket to Berwick, which will cover both trips. (Attention: there are three train destinations called Berwick; this is Berwick, Sussex. Recommend buying the return ticket in advance of the day.)
After about a third of the walk, lunch at Alfriston, which features a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as a lovely spot with benches for picnics. During lunch break, pay a visit to the Alfriston Clergy House -- a medieval, thatched cottage that was the first building ever to be saved by the National Trust 120 years ago. Admission 5.90 pounds or NT card. A good bookstore, ice cream and a short stroll along the Cuckmere River are also on offer.
Another third of the walk to reach Charleston Farm, home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and a social center for the Bloomsbury set. Frequent visitors included Vanessa's sister Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes. Bell with some help designed the fabrics and painted the walls and furniture. (Note: The Dulwich Picture Gallery is showing a major exhibition of Vanessa Bell's art and design until June 4.)
There is an hour-long tour of the small farmhouse limited to 10 people that departs every 15 minutes. For the tour, please purchase your own tickets for July 1 at 3:15 pm. If that is full, then 3:30 (www.charleston.org.uk at 11.50 pounds including a one-pound discount for people arriving on foot) For those who do not book the house tour, the site includes a tea room with assorted goodies, a gift shop, and a lovely garden.
Leaving soon after the second tour finishes at 4:30 to reach Glynde in good time to catch a return train that departs only once per hour. We are aiming for 6:22 pm to arrive in London just before 8 pm.
No reservation or notification is required to come on the walk. Just show up. But buy tickets as soon as possible for the tour of the farmhouse at Charleston, which typically sell out in advance of the day.
Leader: Jane Baird Queries in advance: janebbaird@yahoo.com or 02077711385 and leave a message. On the day 07790262051, but group cannot wait for you if you miss the train. Those who come in cars can park at Berwick and take a train back from Glynde.