It is lacking decent bars and restaurants, I tend to venture inland to village pubs, the lamb in wartling and eight bells in Jevington are superb. Jevington as a base would be ideal. As far as the old people, well they probably head for Eastbourne because it’s one of the best kept seaside resort in the South East, it does feel old fashioned, that’s it’s charm, you got Brighton if you want trendy bars etc.
BTW – Friston Forest route in latest issue of MBUK, missed out all the best trails though.
@ twiglet_monster – which one is the pit? Is the fourth steep bomb hole or the one with the tree or another?