If you live here, or know it well, where would BOS residents go to do their big shopping?
We went and looked around both East and West Sussex recently as we'd like to settle in that area but don't know yet exactly where. We liked the look of BOS housing stock, the beach, the arts centre on the front, it seemed to have a nice, slightly alternative vibe about it but the town centre was a bit lacklustre to say the least. (Admittedly we only gave it a cursory glance. Maybe we missed the best bits?) Yet it's not an easy or quick journey to Brighton, nor to Tonbridge Wells. So other than day to day bits and pieces what do you do for retail parks and bigger shopping trips?
Any tips on living in Bexhill much appreciated. It certainly has lots of lovely properties.
We also went to Bognor Regis. Given that I love Lyme Regis and Sidmouth (also a regency town) I was expecting to love it. Couldn't leave quickly enough. Hated the place.
Rye was totally gorgeous but completely cut off - again, where do people go when they need access to decent shops and facilities? What is Battle like?
Also looked at Seaford. Couldn't see what all the fuss was about. There seemed to be some nice period properties in leafy avenues on the edge of the town but the town itself seemed run down with nothing much of interest in it. Dullsville. And the drive to get in and out of Seaford was a bit treacherous - the same didn't like that road at all. Lots of winds and dips that go into fog pockets, one lane each side and huge lorries everywhere. Also that area always seems shrouded in fog to me. I use the Newhaven ferry a few times a year hence wanting to be nearer to it, and every time I go there it seems foggy.
I need a decent sized, vibrant market town or small city that isn't Brighton, ideally accessible for the ferry ports and/or tunnel. Decent shopping and restaurants and lots to get involved in. Schools not a concern.
Really wasn't sure about Eastbourne, lovely properties but something about it just didn't feel right although I can't quite articulate why. Am I missing something? I really need to find somewhere this year and I am struggling. Help!
Had a very brief look at St Leonards and Hastings but we were flagging by that stage after four solid days of searches so we didn't even leave the car. But first impressions were that St Leonards was much more down at heel than I expected and Hastings was much better than I expected, going on everything I've read about the two.
I really need to find somewhere this year and I am struggling. Help!