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BISC MINIBUSES

Your FREE Transport Service

Summer 2019

EXPLORE!

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Take advantage of the FREE minibus service 7 days a week during term time.

Our friendly and knowledgeable drivers Darren, Lynne, Katie and Libby will take you to local towns and villages, volunteering opportunities, places of interest, beaches, walks and sports facilities. The minibus also links you to public transport buses and trains.

HOW IT WORKS

Monday through Thursday Minibuses run to local towns for trains and public buses, shopping and banking, cinemas, sports facilities and volunteering opportunities.

Friday through Sunday Get out and explore the local area. Each week there are minibus trips to various places, as well as railway station drops and pick-ups.

WHAT YOU DO

• Check out the weekly schedules and destination leaflets displayed at: o Bader Hall Reception (plus destination leaflets) o Castle Reception o Online at:

https://www.queensu.ca/bisc/current-students/getting-around/minibus/minibus-schedule (Plus, destination leaflets, maps of local towns, train and bus timetables)

• The destination leaflets give you an idea of what there is to do, frequency of trips and how long it will take you to get there.

• Choose the trips you want to take and sign up at Bader Hall Reception. Please also sign up for any special trips put on at your request.

• If you change your mind, take your name off the list so someone else can ride the bus.

• Arrive a few minutes before the departure time and get on the bus at Castle Reception. Note: buses depart precisely on time according to the onboard clock.

• To request a trip, email minibus@bisc.queensu.ac.uk by 5pm Tuesday of the week before your planned trip (e.g. by 5pm on Tuesday of week 2 for a trip during week 3) and tell us:

1. where you’d like to go (check Google maps to check it’s no more than 1 hour away); 2. what day; 3. what time to leave the Castle; 4. what time to arrive back at the Castle;

and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

• THREE FINAL ESSENTIALS: o NO alcohol may be carried or consumed on any vehicle owned or hired by the BISC. o The buses will not divert from their scheduled trips and times. o Please treat our experienced professional drivers with respect.

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LINKS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Use the minibus as a ‘jumping off’ point for more travel options

Railways Railways are usually the fastest, though not the cheapest, form of public transport. For Eastbourne, Lewes or Brighton, use Polegate station. For London Victoria and further afield use: Polegate, Eastbourne, Lewes, Battle or Brighton. For Gatwick Airport use Polegate, Eastbourne, Lewes or Brighton. For Hastings, Rye or Ashford International use Polegate or Eastbourne. For Tunbridge Wells (great shopping here!), Hastings, London Bridge, London Waterloo East, London Charing Cross and further afield use Battle. Southern Railway general information: http://www.southernrailway.com/ Southern Railway timetable: http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/plan-your-journey/timetables/ South Eastern Railway general information: http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/ South Eastern Railway timetable: http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/timetables/

Buses Buses are a cheaper way to travel than train, but slower. However, you can get to places the train doesn’t reach. You might also get a better look at some towns and villages as you pass through. For comprehensive bus timetabling, maps, street views and lists of stops see https://bustimes.org.uk/regions/SE for our area ‘East Sussex’. Lots of information here, but quite easy to use: Example 1: to go to Hailsham, select ‘Wealden’ then click ‘Herstmonceux’ for buses passing through the village. The 98 goes to Hailsham (and Polegate station). Click ‘98’ to find the detailed timetable. Example 2: to get from Sovereign Harbour Asda to Eastbourne centre, select ‘Eastbourne’ then click ‘Sovereign Harbour North’. The 51 goes to Eastbourne (and Hailsham). Click ‘51’ for the detailed timetable.

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REGULAR MINIBUS DESTINATIONS

Herstmonceux village 10 minutes’ ride away, the nearest place for: public buses (see p3), post office, cash machine, pharmacy, health clinic, small grocery shop, other small shops, bakery, fish and chip shop, pubs and restaurants. Above: Herstmonceux in the early 20th century

Hailsham market town 25 minutes’ ride away: an ancient market town and the largest of the five towns in the Wealden district of East Sussex. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book, where it is called Hamelesham. Visit Hailsham for: Asda (Walmart) and other supermarkets, Boots drug store, tearooms, restaurants and/or pay a visit to the Pavilion cinema/theatre (below).

Polegate train station 25 minutes’ ride away: nearest railway station for trips to Eastbourne, Hastings, Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London and further afield (see p3). You can also catch public buses here (see p3).

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Sovereign Harbour 25 minutes’ ride away for: large Asda supermarket, large Boots drug store, clothing shops, restaurants, cafés and a large cinema showing the latest movies.

Battle town 30 minutes’ ride away: this is where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066. Visit the 1000-year-old Battle Abbey where Canadian servicemen were stationed during the 1939-45 war. The railway here will take you to Tunbridge Wells, London Bridge and Charing Cross (see p3).

Battle Sports Centre 30 minutes’ ride away: Battle Sports Centre aims to offer a variety of sporting activities and classes, whether you wish to follow a sporting interest, keep fit, or simply have fun trying something new. Membership is £24 per annum. There is a broad range of facilities that include a fitness gym, fitness classes such as Zumba dance, sports hall, climbing wall, 3G artificial pitch, dance studio, grass pitches, netball courts, orienteering course, tennis courts and a roller disco held every Friday evening. For more information visit: http://www.battlesportscentre.com/

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Alfriston village 30 minutes’ ride away: a truly picturesque Sussex village, steeped in history, with narrow streets, a church known as ‘the Cathedral of the Downs’, tea shops for real English cream teas*, individual shops including ‘Much Ado’ books, the Clergy House National Trust property, river walks and access to the South Downs.

*cream tea is a light meal: regular tea or coffee to drink and a scone (kind of like a North American biscuit but not quite) on which you spread thick ‘clotted’ or double cream and jam. ‘Devon-style’ is cream with jam on top; ‘Cornish-style’ is jam with cream on top. Try it!

Eastbourne town 40 minutes’ ride away, the nearest large town for: tourist information, railway and bus stations (see p3), banks, post office, all kinds of large and small shops, coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, cinema, night clubs, theatres, art gallery, museums, churches, swimming pool at the eastern end of town, the beach and lots more… The railway will take you to Polegate, Lewes, Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London Victoria, or Bexhill, Hastings, Rye and Ashford International.

Lewes town 40 minutes’ ride away: another ancient town; this one has a castle to visit. Henry VIII gave his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, a house here, Thomas Paine (Rights of Man) lived at Bull House and the Bloomsbury Group writer Virginia Woolf lived in Pipe Passage near the castle. There are restaurants, banks, a post office, small independent shops and a few large shops. There’s also a regular Saturday street market with lots of delicious local food to try! Public buses and railway here.

Hastings Old Town 50 minutes’ ride away: an historic fishing town; see the old sheds on the beach once used to dry fishing nets and the fishing boats still in use. Enjoy the quintessential British meal of fish and chips fresh from the sea and explore the narrow, cobbled streets and quirky individual shops. If you have a taste for the macabre, try the True Crime Museum! Or if not, the pier is newly re-opened. Public buses and railway here.

The Star Inn

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Rye town 50 minutes’ ride away: this historic port has a very colourful history. Explore the fascinating narrow cobbled streets and buildings, such as the haunted Mermaid Inn (re-built in 1420!), used to billet Canadian officers during the 1939-45 war. Lots of interesting shops and tea rooms. You can also catch the train from Polegate to Rye.

Tunbridge Wells 1hour’s ride away: there are two sides to Tunbridge Wells; the elegant Pantiles with its charming Georgian colonnades, tearooms and unique shops, or a short stroll up the hill is the indoor, modern Royal Victoria Shopping Centre.

Brighton city 1hour and 20 minutes’ ride away (or around 30 minutes by train from Polegate): known as ‘London by the Sea’, Brighton is a large, vibrant city where there is always plenty happening. Visit the amazing Chinese- and Indian-influenced Royal Pavilion, and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

Explore the North Laine area which is buzzing on a Saturday, sometimes with street performers; always with pubs, restaurants, funky clothing shops, great second-hand book shops and see if you can find Oliver’s which sells Harry Potter paraphernalia!

The main area of Brighton also boasts nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, cinema, theatres, many large and independent shops and of course the beach and pier; plus, a railway line to Gatwick Airport, London and further afield (see p3). Brighton’s a favourite with BISC students because there’s so much to see and do.

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OTHER SUGGESTED DESTINATIONS

Winnie-the-Pooh tour Hartfield, Ashdown Forest 1 hour away, visit Pooh Corner shop for Pooh merchandise and dine upon Smackerels, Tigger’s Treats, Pooh’s Specials, Whatnots and Etceteras in Piglet’s tea room. Then take a walk to play Pooh Sticks on the bridge and explore A.A. Milne’s inspiration for his timeless tales. This is a favourite trip with BISC students. http://www.pooh-country.co.uk/

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill 35 minute ride away is the De La Warr Pavilion; cinema, music, comedy, art, sculpture, all housed in an architecturally important 1930s building. https://www.dlwp.com/

Birling Gap and East Dean For the beach or a hike. WARNING: If you plan to hike over the cliffs from Cuckmere Haven, Seaford Head or Birling Gap DO NOT GO NEAR THE EDGE OF THE CLIFF. The cliff faces are very unstable. CLIFF FALLS HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY TIME. For the same reason DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB THE CLIFFS FROM THE BEACH.

Cuckmere Haven A refreshing walk in wonderful scenery. Follow the Cuckmere river’s meanders to the beach at Cuckmere Haven.

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Seaford Head Lovely walks and breath-taking scenery. See one of the locations used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The Long Man of Wilmington The Long Man is one of two major surviving human hill figures in England. When the weather is clear, the views and atmosphere are breath-taking, and you can always stop off at the Giant’s Rest or Sussex Ox for some refreshments!

Michelham Priory 800-year-old moated former priory. http://sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/michelham-priory

Bodiam Castle Semi-ruined castle which bears a strong resemblance to our own from the outside. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle

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Sheffield Park Railway

The Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country resulting in one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages, many of which were preserved straight out of service from British Railways. Experience a Harry Potter-style journey on an old steam train across beautiful English countryside. Booking in advance is advised. https://www.bluebell-railway.com/

The National Trust The National Trust is a charity founded in 1895 with a view of preserving Britain’s heritage and open spaces for everyone to enjoy. More than 120 years later, these values are still at the heart of everything they do. The National Trust look after special places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking care of coastline, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages, historic houses, gardens, mills and pubs and one of the world's largest art collections.

The National Trust has so many delightful places to visit: for example, Sheffield Park, Scotney Castle, Standen House, Bateman’s (home of Rudyard Kipling) are just a few places in Sussex which are perfect for stunning autumnal woodland walks and entrance is free for members. So why not take advantage of the National Trust Young Person’s annual membership which is only £34.50 or £10.00 if aged under 18. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Remember, this is your minibus so don’t be shy about contacting us, as we always amenable to destination suggestions (within one hour’s drive) at minibus@bisc.queensu.ac.uk

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MINIBUS DROP OFF & PICK-UP POINTS

DESTINATION DROP OFF & PICK UP POINT

ALFRISTON Back of Coach Park, North Street

BATTLE TOWN Coach Park at Jempsons, Market Road

BEXHILL De La Warr

BIRLING GAP & EAST DEAN Birling Gap Car Park Only

BRIGHTON YMCA, Old Steine

CUCKMERE HAVEN Cuckmere Haven Car Park

EASTBOURNE Station Bus Park

HAILSHAM Layby outside Freedom Leisure, Vicarage Lane

HASTINGS OLD TOWN Museum Old Town

HERSTMONCEUX VILLAGE Outside Post Office

LEWES Tesco Car Park

RYE Rail Station Car Park

SEAFORD HEAD Seaford Head Car Park

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Rail Station Car Park

SAINSBURY'S Car-park

SOVEREIGN HARBOUR Outside Frank & Benny's

WINNIE THE POOH TOUR Car Park with Trail Shop in Hartfield

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WHERE CAN I FIND…?

Herstmonceux Village

Hailsham Town

Polegate Sovereign Harbour

Battle Eastbourne Alfriston Lewes Brighton

Cash machine √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bank √ √ √ √ √

Post office √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Supermarket √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Small grocery store √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Hairdresser √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Pharmacy √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Doctor √ √ *

Railway station √ √ √ √ √

Public bus stops √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Public bus station √ √ √

Swimming pool √ √ √ √

Cinema √ √ √ √ √

Tea/coffee shop √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Restaurants √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Pub/bar √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Nightclub √ √

Theatre √ √ √ √

Art gallery √ √ √ √ √ √

Beach √ √ √

Sports facilities √ √ √ √ √

*Walk in service only.