Why not head for Michelham Priory, a grade I listed house, near Hailsham this autumn. Spend an hour or two meandering in the tranquil gardens and a take tour of the Elizabethan manor house which incorporates parts of the former medieval monastery. Surrounded by England’s longest water-filled moat, the priory was founded in 1229. It was visited by King Edward I, has been owned by both Thomas Cromwell and Anne of Cleves during its long history, and housed evacuees during World War II – if it's history you're after, come and get your fill.