Robertsbridge

Railway buffs know this East Sussex town as the hub where three heritage lines converge. The Kent & East Sussex Railway runs steam trains through the surrounding countryside, with proper old carriages puffing their way between Robertsbridge Junction and stations like Bodiam and Northiam. It's that kind of place where you'll hear the distant whistle before you see the smoke.

Robertsbridge sits in the heart of the High Weald, surrounded by ancient woodlands like Greenden Wood and Cherrygarden Wood that date back centuries. The ruins of Robertsbridge Abbey, founded in 1176, still command respect on the town's edge. Not much left standing, but what remains tells quite a story.

Bodiam Castle draws the crowds - rightly so. That's just a short hop on the heritage railway or by car. Bodiam Boating Station offers a gentler perspective of the Rother Valley if you fancy messing about on the water. The surrounding villages of Staplecross and Newenden each have their own character, marked by village signs that locals are rather proud of.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The town sits on the A21 between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells, making it accessible from London in about 90 minutes by car. Regular trains from London Charing Cross stop at the mainline station.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of East Sussex. You're well-placed for day trips to the coast at Hastings or inland to the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, while the Rother Valley's woods and waterways provide plenty of gentle walking right on your doorstep.