Champagne picnics, alliums in bloom and stiletto heels sinking into the lawn can only mean one thing: Glyndebourne's opera season has begun. Established in 1934, Glyndebourne Festival turns 90 this year, with five operas performed from May to August, and an autumn season in October.
Just six kilometres away lies the historic market town of Lewes, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Not to be outdone, Lewes has its own celebrations (11th-12th May) in honour of the 760th anniversary of the clash between Henry III and Prince Edward's Royalist forces, and Simon de Montfort's rebel barons. The town will mark the occasion by re-telling the events of 14th May 1264, with a battle reenactment on the High Street and around Lewes Castle & Museum, culminating at Lewes Priory. Combat displays and demonstrations by historians take place at a medieval camp on Convent Field, nearby.
If you tend to favour shopping and pottering over battle reenactments, then Lewes has plenty to offer here, too. With its meandering river, pretty markets, antiques shops and eateries, it makes a charming weekend destination all year round.
Shop
Lewes Flea Market
Established in 1990 in a former kilt factory that was once a Victorian redbrick Methodist chapel, this daily market is held over two floors. Up to 70 local dealers, and one based in France, sell stock all year round. You can spend hours in here, rummaging through cabinets and shelves stuffed with English and French antiques, from ceramic pots and apothecary bottles to military jackets. There's a large selection of furniture, too, such as tasselled velvet armchairs and French Louis XV wardrobes. 14a Market Street: flea-markets.co.uk
Lewes Antiques Centre
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Animal magic
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Bright, bold and BRILLIANT
Small homes don't need to compromise on character. In Nick Kenny's two-up, two-down terrace, natural light, upcycled pieces and colourful accents make a big impact
Petite et chic
Amanda Grant and Kristian Dean's compact apartment encapsulates the essence of continental country house style
A thrifty MIX
Jill De Búrca's home was once a buy-to-let. Now that she's finally moved in, she has begun to furnish it with a quirky combination of antiques, vintage pieces and high street finds
Scholarly SANCTUARY
Statement antiques create drama in this one-bedroom former school hall, owned by antiques dealer Jean Hill
HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE - FLORA JAMIESON
The stained glass artist talks to Dominique Corlett about the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and capturing the English countryside at its best
Armillary sphere
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Six of the best HERITAGE RAILWAYS
Plying an 84-mile round trip route through the Scottish Highlands (current licensing woes willing), the Jacobite Steam Train starts at Fort William and skirts the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and spectacular beaches on its way to Mallaig.
TRAVEL
48 hours in Stockholm and the best heritage railways.
A PERSONAL PASSION
For opera lovers, Glyndebourne Festival is the highlight of the summer, beloved for its magical setting as well as the calibre of its productions. Celia Rufey steps behind the scenes as it celebrates its 90th birthday