The two of us will be spending five days in the Downs and Channel Coast in April, and are looking for a small town to use as our base. We don't mind if it is a little touristy--after all, we are tourists, but not Stratford-upon-Avon. We thought Stow-on-the-Wold was perfect, and Fowey was great, but lacked enough antique shops. I know this is subjective, but would appreciate any suggestions.

Fodors <BR> <BR>You might think of two places. I know Lewes, and it will suit you well, especally if you take the train 15 minutes to Brighton to window-shop in the Lanes. I don't know Chichester, but that too might meet your tastes. You'll get an idea of each if you go into http://www.yahoo.com, then enter "Lewes Travel" and "Chichester Travel". <BR> <BR>After which, please write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR>

I haven't been there yet but Rye looks like it might be a nice place to stay.

If its antique shops you are after take a look at Petworth in Sussex, there are loads of antique shops there and Petworth House a National Trust property should be open in April. You are fairly near to such places as Chichester which is certainly worth visiting and also the Wheald and Downland museum, a fascinating outdoor museum of old buildings, a mill and also some rare breeds farm animals.

Fodors just ate my reply! Here we go again. A couple of years back we stayed 5 days in Lewes - used it as a base for seeing many of the sights in Kent, Sussex, etc. Went to Hastings (Battle), Rye, Hever Castle, Herstmonceau and Bodium Castles, Tunbridge Wells, to name a few places. It worked well for us, we hate packing & unpacking and the town was centrally located.

Thanks Ben, Adina, Jan, and Lori for the tips. We are seriously looking at Lewes and Rye, but get distracted by Hastings, Pevensey, Chichester, etc. But of course, planning is at least half the fun. Thanks again, for your help.