Rottingdean village

A world away

Another place close to Brighton which seems a world away is the village of Rottingdean. The undercliff walk is a particular favourite of mine, enhanced by the dazzling light thrown off the chalk cliffs. A steep walk up to the windmill is rewarded by spectacular views of the sea and surrounding countryside.

A mix of old and new

The Grange, home to Rottingdean Library is a tranquil historic building, shared with a walled tea garden and local history museum. Housing developments in the village with interesting histories include Rottingdean Place and Tudor Close. Rottingdean Place set behind high gates on Falmer Road was built by Reverend Wagner as a home for “fallen women” and the original buildings, including the chapel were converted into luxury flats in the 1980s.

A good community atmosphere

Tudor Close has a more glamourous past and was a hotel in the 1930s, being frequently visited by film stars such as Bette Davis and Cary Grant. The Green, with its pond is the real centre of the village and is surrounded by beautiful buildings. Several weekends ago I spent an enjoyable day there on the Libraries stall at the Rottingdean Lions Fayre, one of several annual events hosted by the village, which to me always seems to have a good community atmosphere.