The George Inn, Alfriston: 13th Century Gem
The George Inn, located in Alfriston village, is a beautiful half timbered building dating from 1250.
Alfriston, one of the most popular villages in East Sussex, is renowned for its rich history and charming architecture.
The village features an array of historic buildings, such as a medieval church, a thatched clergy house, an ancient stone market cross, and several timber-framed inns.
As one of the oldest villages in the county, Alfriston dates back to the Saxon period and flourished as a market town during the Middle Ages.
The George Inn, lined with 14th century beams, is the perfect place for a relaxed drink in the heart of the village.
They have a large walled garden, with views to the Cuckmere River and the South Downs beyond, a haven in the summer months.
First licensed in 1397, the foundations of the splendid flint stone and half-timbered building date back to c.1250, and there is even a network of smugglers' tunnels leading from the cellars.
One of their rooms even has wall paintings dating back to the 16th century.
They actually offer five beautiful bedrooms, most of which feature charming period details and modern amenities.
Breakfast is included with your stay, but there is a two-night minimum stay requirement for weekends.
We recommend booking The Suite that overlooks the gardens and the South Downs beyond.
It includes a separate lounge area and can be converted into a family room upon request.
The suite features an ensuite bathroom with a bath and shower.
Someone who recently visited the pub said: “Cannot thank the team at the George enough for looking after 4 totally drenched and freezing cold walkers.
”We were directed straight to a table next to the wood fire and invited to dry our clothes there too. Great menu (with many vegetarian options), the food was wholesome and tasty.
”On hearing that we were carrying too much, the guys offered to post a heavy item back to us to lighten our load. This level of service (and kindness) from a pub is worthy of a 6 star hotel.”
The village contains four pubs in total: the Star Inn, the Smugglers' Inn, the George Inn, and the Six Bells.
A Channel 5 archaeology programme, Pub Dig, uncovered evidence of long-term occupation at the site of the Smugglers' Inn, including signs of smuggling, animal butchery, and Neolithic activity at the rear of the building.
In 2021, the Star Inn was featured in another Channel 5 programme, Alex Polizzi: My Hotel Nightmare, which documented the renovation of this 15th-century, 37-bedroom coaching inn.
The east side of the village, situated by the River Cuckmere, features the village green known as the Tye.
At the heart of the Tye stands St. Andrew's Church.
Nearby, the 14th-century Alfriston Clergy House, originally a farmhouse and later a vicarage, is now maintained by the National Trust.
This historic building, the first property acquired by the Trust in 1896, exemplifies a classic Wealden hall house with its thatched roof and timber-framed walls.
It also boasts a serene garden and orchard along the Cuckmere's banks. Additionally, the Tye is home to the Georgian Unitarian Chapel.
The village's wooden sign at the Tye's entrance was carved by a former village vicar who also restored the Star Inn's red lion.
The village centre, Market Square, features a wonderful 15th-century market cross. We highly recommend a visit :)
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