Hotel in East Sussex
Built in the 1260's The Star is a half timber-framed building, typical of East Sussex. Whether you are looking to relax and get away from it all or activate your sense of adventure, The Star makes the most perfect place to escape to.
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’.
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.
The Story of our Historic Sussex Hotel
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!
