Glyndebourne opera tickets go on general sale

This Sunday, 3 March, at 6pm tickets go on sale to the general public for this summer’s Glyndebourne Festival. With such an attractive line-up, including popular operas such as The Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute, there is bound to be a rush for tickets and also a shortage of accommodation, particularly for certain dates. We, therefore, recommend that as soon as you buy your tickets, you also book somewhere to stay so you are not disappointed.

On Short Stay Lewes you can see straight away which of our fabulous places are available for your required dates and you can book instantly online too, though bed and breakfast owners are always happy to discuss your requirements over the phone or by email if you would like to know more before you make your final decision to book.

La damnation de Faust, Cendrillon – a production of the Cinderella story, Rusalka and Handel’s Rinaldo are also scheduled for this summer at Glyndebourne, so there’s something for every opera lover.

So come Sunday when you have secured your tickets, make sure you find accommodation to suit your needs and book it. Then you can relax and look forward to your trip to the opera and your stay in East Sussex.

Luxury looking at the Downs

Marshlands Annexe is the latest great addition to the Short Stay Lewes group and everything about it is new. The annexe is a just-built, self-contained, beautifully appointed apartment while owners Ginny and Henry Foster are new kids on the

B and B block.

Having moved down from West London three years ago, the couple are excited about their first venture into hospitality and are looking forward to welcoming guests into their luxury apartment, which is attached to their house but has its own entrance. It is located not only a stone’s throw from Lewes but also offers easy access to the beautiful South Downs National Park.

‘The selling point is the view,’ explains Henry, ‘as well as the convenience to Lewes, which is what attracted us here.’

Although the annexe kitchen is fully equipped, there are plenty of places to eat out just a stroll away.

‘Ten minutes and you can be at The Swan Inn,’ says Henry.

‘There’s also The Juggs pub, which is a 20-minute walk across fields,’ adds Ginny.

The station isn’t far either, which makes Marshlands a great base for guests coming by train, especially as there are footpaths right from the front door as well as plenty to do in the town, such as visiting Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves house, checking out the antique shops or just relaxing at one of the independent cafes.

Back at base, the annexe has a light and airy open-plan living room and kitchen on the first floor, with stunning views towards the South Downs. The bed

room, also with views of the Downs, is on the ground floor and features a superking-size bed, which can be converted into a twin. On this level is a wet-room bathroom as well as laundry facilities too.

The kitchen may be fully equipped, but guests are well looked after every morning as Ginny brings over a generous continental breakfast basket, which includes honey from the Fosters’ own bees. If the weather is great, there is a private garden area for guests to sit out in. Parking – often a problem is Lewes – isn’t here as you have a private space.

Ginny and Henry are keen gardeners and are enjoying improving the garden not only for their own enjoyment but for their guests’ surroundings too.

If you want privacy, luxury, some splendid views and be close to Lewes as well as the countryside, you can’t go wrong with a break at Marshlands Annexe.

Stay for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a week away, so there’s still plenty of time to organise a romantic break away with your loved one. Lewes and its surrounding area, with the beautiful South Downs, is a fantastic option for a couple of days, even in the winter and

Short Stay Lewes has a group of fabulous bed and breakfasts, as well as self-catering apartments, which make perfect bases for your romantic getaway.

Wander through the charming historic East Sussex town of Lewes, with its antique shops and cafes, or wrap up warm and take a ramble up on the Downs, from which the views are stunning down to the sea. You are also close enough for a jaunt into Brighton and there are National Trust properties and gardens a short drive away. Charleston Farmhouse, home of the Bloomsbury Set and location for many a romantic liaison in its past, is open at this time of year and great for art lovers.

So don’t disappoint your partner come this Valentine’s. Book a break to make either 14th February or the weekend special. You can easily check out Short Stay Lewes’ availability by clicking the ‘Book now’ button and seeing instantly where you can stay for your chosen dates.

Happy Valentine’s Day!