The Star at Alfriston (East Sussex)

A character 13th century hotel. offering 37 ensuite rooms. Free parking. Restaurant. Bar.

Summary 17th century buildings Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Children welcome Facilities Free broadband access Private/enclosed garden Garden furniture Children's cots Children's highchairs Television Luggage storage Linen included Towels included Iron/ironing board Hair dryers Telephone Central heating Open log fire

Food and Drinks Restaurant English breakfast (included) Lunch available (at additional cost) Dinner available (at additional cost) Bar Nearby recreations Recommended walks Beach (a short drive) Museums (walking distance) Historic houses Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Theatre (a short drive)

Introduction

The Star has been a resting place to passers-by for over 800 years. Its character and charm are still very much alive in the fabric and atmosphere of the hotel.

Built in the 1260's The Star is a half timber-framed building, typical of East Sussex.  Inside, criss-cross black beams create a striking ambience, with open fireplaces and cosy fires. The warmth continues throughout the hotel from the welcoming hospitality offered by all the staff.

The village of Alfriston is a blend of great history and cultural aesthetics. Crammed with period buildings, it offers a mix of fine shops to explore and various places of interest, such as ‘The Cathedral of The Downs’, accessed by a narrow Sussex lane or ‘twitten’. 

Situated in a prime position in the centre of the village, which immerses the hotel in the Tudor atmosphere of the village. Along the high street are a variety of interesting shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, chocolates, antiques and numerous other curios.

The discovery doesn't stop here. Take one of the many walking routes through the beautiful Cuckmere Valley, visit Charleston Farmhouse – a summer retreat for the Bloomsbury Group.  Perhaps travel further and experience the gentility of Eastbourne or the vibrancy of Brighton. Days out are many and varied from The Star – but of course if you prefer, simply opt to relax and let us look after you.

History to the present day

The Star at Alfriston is reputed to be one of the country’s oldest inns. Built in the 13th century, it has served as a hostelry to pilgrims, smugglers and even royalty.

Known as ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ until at least 1520, the hotel was then run by the monks of Battle Abbey and offered shelter to friars and pilgrims on their way to the Shrine of St Richard at Chichester. Considered at that time to be a Holy House, a wooden ‘Sanctuary Post’ gave fugitives, and very probably smugglers, instant church protection. The Post can still be seen in the bar today, its powers of sanctuary, however, are long past.

At the front of the building stands a lion figurehead, thought to be from a Dutch warship, which sank in the English Channel. It is believed that the lion was washed ashore in Cuckmere Haven and then brought into Alfriston by a gang of well-known local smugglers. The figurehead was restored in 2003 by the local rector and re-positioned on the opposite corner of the hotel for its own protection!

Food and Drinks

Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, our style is modern English cuisine at its best.

The Capella: Our AA rosette restaurant offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, combined with a warm and friendly service.  

Bar Lounge: From a light snack to a hearty meal, our menu offers a wide choice of tasty options. Dine in the cosy Bar area or in front of the stone fireplace in the Lounge areas, surrounded by black beam ceilings and brick floors.

Sunday Lunches: Whether a family affair or just a relaxed lunch for two, The Star is famous for it’s delicious Sunday lunches, served in our Capella Room. Not just excellent value for money, you can also enjoy traditional waiter service.

Grounds and gardens

We have a 35 car capacity Car Park at the rear of the hotel, accessable from Star Lane (which is adjacent to the property). This is free of charge for hotel guests.

The old Rose Garden at the rear of the hotel retains many old roses mixed with new ones and other border plants and shrubs.

The garden is available to enjoy a cream tea or a relaxing drink during the summer months.  It also makes an ideal location of our Wedding guests to take photos and enjoy their reception drinks.

Other facilities

WIFI - The hotel has WiFi throughout the public rooms and bedrooms. 

Library Room - This sunny morning room enjoy coffee with our newspapers or a pre-dinner drink or board game. 

Night Porter - Service from 11.00pm to 07.30am.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: The Star at Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TA, United Kingdom

Address: The Star, High Street, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5TA

Check-In: is from 2.00pm onwards Check-Out: 11.00am

Directions: From: London, take the M23 southbound until it changes to the A23. Follow the A23 for approximately 20 miles then take the A27 (signposted Lewes then Polegate). Follow the A27 for approximately 15 miles until you reach Drusillas Park roundabout. Turn right following the B2108 to Alfriston. The Star Inn is located in the middle of the High Street on your right hand side. Turn right into Star Lane and then right again in to the residents' Car Park which is situated at the rear of the hotel.

By Train: Polgate station is approximately 3.5 miles away, or 10 minutes by car. Mainline trains run from London Victoria to Polgate on the Eastbourne line. Taxis can be pre-booked for you by The Star. Alternatively contact Direct Travel Taxis on 01323 484444

Taxis: Are available for outside the station.  Alternatively the hotel Reception will be happy to book a taxi for you.

More photos of The Star at Alfriston

Standard Double Room	Bar	Heritage - Conference Suite
Mini Suite

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