Cowslip, Westmeston

About this property

Take a few days off at this superb one bedroom accommodation beneath Ditchling Beacon - a walker's paradise!

Westmeston is one of a line of delightful small hamlets between Ditchling and Lewes in East Sussex that sit at the foot of the scarp slopes of the South Downs. Cowslip is found along the appropriately named 'Underhill Lane' that formed part of the route taken by the Tour of Britain before the infamous climb up Ditchling Beacon when the tour came to Sussex in 2014!

This very comfortable and superbly appointed one bedroom accommodation is on the edge of the hamlet and has views to the South Downs. For those who enjoy walking it is just a perfect base from which to enjoy the Downs anywhere from Lewes in the east, to Wolstonbury Hill or even Devil's Dyke for the very keen walker in the west.

In the grounds of the owners' home, Cowslip offers modern contemporary accommodation that is presented to the highest standard. There is great space here with a large downstairs living space and a comprehensively equipped kitchen offset from the main living area. Upstairs the bedroom which has a king sized bed offers an outlook towards Ditchling Beacon. There is a fabulous shower room wet room as well that would revitalise any guest at the start of the day!

Westmeston and beyond

Westmeston is a tiny hamlet at the foot of the South Downs amongst great countryside. The small and picturesque village of Ditchling lies just one mile to the west. Ditchling has remained unspoilt over the centuries and has many examples of period Tudor buildings. Wings Place is a fine Tudor building once known as "Anne of Cleves House". The house looks particularly imposing when viewed from the church opposite with the backdrop of the Downs immediately behind. It makes for a good photograph. The village has kept the period tradition well and tea rooms such as Dolly’s Pantry and Chesterton’s the village deli fit so perfectly into these traditional village surroundings.

Ditchling Beacon, a major landmark along the Downs is a short but testing climb starting from the other end of Underhill Lane and less than one mile from Cowslip. At 248 metres (814 feet) it is the third highest point along the South Downs and offers fantastic views both along the Downs and north across the Sussex Weald. The South Downs Way passes through the Beacon giving you the opportunity to walk both east and west along this national trail virtually from your doorstep.

Head south over Ditchling Beacon and the Downs gradually slope away towards Brighton. It is a vibrant city with much to offer. It is lively and bustling with a lot of culture and many say it is quite unique. One of its most famous landmarks is the Royal Pavilion the spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent, (George IV) and the Regency heritage of this period is much in evidence in the city. You can read about the palace on our Places to visit pages for East Sussex.

Six miles east, Lewes is the county town of East Sussex. Its castle overlooks the town and is open to visitors, as is the Barbican Museum opposite. In such an historic town there is much to see. Lewes is famous for its bonfire celebrations and each year these are attended by thousands of visitors. Visiting on the first Saturday of the month is recommended when a thriving Farmers' Market takes place with lots of delicious fare on offer.

Glyndebourne the world famous and world class opera house is a further three miles east from Lewes. Glyndebourne restarted and reinvigorated country house opera in England and today it offers unique presentations in the Sussex countryside attracting world leading performers. We provide a link into Glyndebourne under our “What’s On In Sussex” heading should you want more information.

Places to visit

Firle Place

Lewes Castle

The Royal Pavilion

What's on

Brighton Festival — May

Glyndebourne — July

Lewes Bonfire Societies — November

Local shop — 1 mile Ditchling

Nearest supermarket — 3 miles Hassocks

Nearest restaurant — 1 mile Ditchling

Nearest pub — 1 mile Ditchling

Mainline rail service at Hassocks for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Brighton

Gatwick Airport — 30 miles