Nice places to stay for long weekend near Brighton in December?

[jumpyjan]

We are very excited about a family wedding that is not until December but would like to book somewhere up before all the other guests nab the best places .

We have 2 DC under 5 so prefer self catering so we can cook etc. Not too keen on being in the city especially as it will be Christmas party season but someone nearby so its not too far to drive to the wedding would be great. We are travelling from the Westcounty so something on that side of Brighton would be good.

Nearby Christmassy attractions a bonus!

Any Brightoners able to advise?

Where a outs is the wedding? Is it right in Brighton?

Hove is nice and not far from Brighton centre.

Where abouts, I mean!

Hi Kalhua - yes right in Brighton but we want to stay somewhere a bit quieter and maybe a bit more in the sticks. I don't know the area at all though so not sure what the options are.

Hove will probably be expensive and really is the city still, Shoreham by sea is the next bit along and is nice in a cheesy old school beach kind of way, there are some nice villages on the foot of the downs on the North side like Poynings, Fulking, Upper Beeding, Steyning that aren't too far away, Ditchling is also nice, as is Lewes but this is the other side of Brighton, though frankly the by pass takes 10mins to get you from one side to the other so makes no real difference and its super easy to get into Brighton from that side too. I can't give you any actual places though as I used to live in the area so had no need :) But a quick google of any of those places and B & B should bring you up plenty.

Leni - that is fantastic thank you I shall google now

I second ditchling, but you could also try arundel or storrington. They're perhaps a bit further out but lovely little towns/villages. You've also got the bonus of the castle at Arundel.

Thanks Dolly - a castle would go down very well with DD.

I live to the West of Brighton, and I'm desperately trying to come up with some ideas... I can't think of anywhere self catering locally (but could be proved wrong with a google search) but there are plenty of nice B&Bs / hotels.

Arundel Castle is great, but the entry into the castle is quite expensive. Lovely walks around the castle, there is a play park and a lake to feed the ducks. All do-able even in the cold, wrapped up warm.

Most of the Christmassy attractions will be best in Brighton. Shoreham is a nice little town, but not a lot to do there. They do have good farmers markets, but might be boring for your DD. Worthing is the next big town, with Arundel to the West and slightly North. The villages in the South Downs are beautiful.

Have fun :)