Fairlight, East Sussex

Fairlight is a village in East Sussex, England within Rother district, three miles (5 km) to the east of Hastings. Fairlight is also the name of the local government parish forming part of the Rother district which includes the villages of Fairlight and Fairlight Cove.

The village of Fairlight lies on a minor road between Ore, Pett and Winchelsea. St Andrew's Church (built 1845) has a tall tower and beacon turret, and can be seen for some distance around. The church is one of three in the United Benefice of Fairlight, Guestling and Pett. Richard D'Oyly Carte, founder of the Savoy Theatre, Savoy Hotel, and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, which produced the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas, is buried in the churchyard. So also are Sir James Roberts of Saltaire and his wife.

Fairlight Cove, the neighbouring settlement and part of the parish, suffers from coastal erosion. A number of houses there are very close to the sea edge and, whilst enjoying spectacular views, the area has suffered through demolition and abandonment of a number of properties. This has led to disputes between local property owners and government as to who is responsible for sea defences. The Fairlight Cove Preservation Trust has been set up with a view to combating the loss by erosion. A sea defence was partially built in 2007; however the money ran out before completion, raising doubts on its effectiveness. Further erosion is expected to bring about more property losses.

The nearest railway station is Three Oaks.

Landmarks
Hastings Country Park stretches from Hastings to Cliff End, where it gives access to the beach; this is a favoured spot for fossil-hunters. The park also gives access to the beach at Fairlight Glen.

The country park is part of the larger Site of Special Scientific Interest called Hastings Cliffs to Pett Beach which extends into neighbouring parishes. The site is of both geological and biological interest.

Noted residents

 * Andria Vidler, MD Magic Radio, former MD Capital 95.8.