Telham Out-Station

You won't find crowds at Telham Out-Station, which is precisely why it's worth seeking out if you're staying near Battle. This modest fortified settlement sits on the edge of the South Downs and tells the story of how communities protected themselves centuries ago. The remains are fairly sparse - you're looking at earthwork defences and the ghosts of structures rather than standing walls - but that's half the appeal for anyone with even a passing interest in medieval Sussex.

Walkers and history enthusiasts will get far more from this than casual visitors. The site requires a bit of leg work to explore properly, and you'll need to use your imagination, but there's something satisfying about picking out the outline of a settlement that once mattered to people living rough on the Sussex borderlands. The views across the Weald from here are genuine selling points too.

It's free to visit and open access land, so there's no hassle with opening hours or admission fees. Allow a couple of hours if you're thorough, less if you just want a quick look and a walk. Telham works best as part of a wider exploration of the Battle area rather than a standalone destination.

If you're based at Coghurst Hall or Seven Acre Woods - both just a few miles away - this makes a rewarding morning's walk. Don't expect anything flashy, but do come if you want to stand where people stood and understand how they lived.