1

Hope you're not disappointed by southern England, then!

St Austell, Cornwall is a lovely spot in a tourist area, so you'll probably want to book accommodation, particularly if you're visiting during high season (mid July to early Sept, bank holidays in summer 2012 on Mon 4th June (Queen's Diamond Jubilee, so an unusual date) and Mon 27th Aug (normal Summer bank holiday date).

I had to look up The Dicker, East Sussex, as I'd never heard of it before - it's postcode BN27, about 1 mile NW of Hailsham and about 4 miles east of Lewes, for the benefit of others. Nearby, you have lots of options, including Brighton / Hove, Eastbourne, Hastings etc on the coast and Lewes and Hailsham further inland - it all depends what you're seeking.

When you say "my family" do you include children? If so, what ages? Brighton probably has the most to offfer in terms of places to stay, eat, visit eg Brighton Pavillion, which I remember being enthralled by when I visited aged about 7 years - particularly the stuffed rat in the kitchen! Admittedly in the nearly 40 years since then, it's gained other features, particularly a vibrant gay scene, but I haven't been back, but would happily go back if in the area.

For public transport, http://traveline.info/ is a good place to start.

2

While the area around St Austell is lovely, the town itself is a dump (sorry Copepod, but I know it well!) There are lots of nice places to stay nearby but almost anywhere in Cornwall is difficult to access easily without a car - unless you are happy to pay for a taxi to get you to the beaches and prettier places. Try looking at Mevagissey, Charlestown, both on the coast and near St Austell, Fowey, Polperro and Polruan are also nearby. These are all much nicer places! St Austell isn't on the coast and since the sea is a major attraction here, seems pointless to stay in a depressed, rather ugly town... You can, however, get the train or bus from St Austell to Truro (the main town in Cornwall) which is much nicer but again, inland. You are also a long way from some of the spectacular rugged coastline of the north - Padstow, St Agnes and St Ives if based in St Austell and the main beaches.

3

I used to live in Arundel.
It's a lovely old town - soaked in history, from one end to the other.
I could write numerous paragraphs about the place - but to cut a very long story short....

http://www.arundel.org.uk/

If you want any bits on the best (and rubbishest) eateries, places to go - and not to, give me a nudge and I'll send a bit more your way.

I had to look up The Dicker, East Sussex, as I'd never heard of it before

Dicker is a big - and very old family surname in both East and West Sussex.

4

Thank you to all of you who replied! Your input is very much appreciated.

5

Bellart1 knocks it on the head. Couldn't agree more. I spent a week in Cornwall at the beginning of July in 2011 (still finding it hard to refer to 2011 as last year'') and there is an abundance to see and do but most of it will require a car. If you decide to change plans and drive, then message me and I will tell you what is worth seeing.

6

Hi, I can highly recommend The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate just on the outskirts of St.Austell.
They also have woodland homes which are great for families. Make sure you try the Tribute Ale from St.Austell brewery !!

If you fancy doing something different (I know you said no driving) but do have a look at
http://www.roccamlife.co.uk for inspiration - we have classic VW Campervans for hire
to make your trip through Cornwall even more authentic !!!

Enjoy your trip....

RoccamLife

7

You can't advertise here!

Edited by: bellart1