Our journey begins with a tribute to two literary giants whose lives were inextricably linked to East Sussex. In Crowborough, in front of the Constitutional Club, stands proudly a statue of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (rating 4.4/5), creator of the immortal Sherlock Holmes. This statue is not only a tribute to his literary genius, but also a symbol of the writer's connection to the region. Crowborough residents treasure the site as a friendly social gathering space, which perfectly captures the spirit of the community Conan Doyle so beloved.

Moving south, in the picturesque village of Burwash, we come across a statue of Rudyard Kipling (rated 4.6/5). Located near the war memorial and St. Bartholomew's Church, it pays tribute to the author of 'The Jungle Book' and Nobel Prize winner. Interestingly, at the foot of the statue there are bricks with the titles of his works engraved on them, which adds an educational touch to the whole thing. Many visitors remark on the statue's 'vivid' look, which seems to penetrate through time.

When comparing the two literary monuments, it is worth noting their location. Conan Doyle's statue, located in a more urban setting, emphasizes his role as a writer of urban detective stories. Kipling's statue, on the other hand, surrounded by greenery and proximity to nature, corresponds perfectly with his work inspired by exotic lands and nature.

Both sites offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the influence of these writers on culture and literature. They are also excellent starting points for further exploration of the area - in the case of Crowborough, a visit can be combined with exploring the charms of Ashdown Forest, while Burwash is the gateway to the scenic High Weald area.

It is worth noting that both statues are easily accessible and free of charge, making them attractive to families with children and literature lovers of all ages. The location of the statues in the focal points of the villages makes them natural meeting places and landmarks around which local life revolves.

Continuing our tour of East Sussex, we encounter numerous monuments commemorating monarchs and war heroes that bear witness to England's turbulent history.

In Eastbourne, on the Western Lawns, the statue of Spencer Compton, 8th Duke of Devonshire, rises majestically (rating 4.7/5). Set against the backdrop of the sea and the famous Grand Hotel, this imposing sculpture attracts attention not only for its monumental form, but also for its prime location. Visitors praise the beautiful lawns surrounding the monument and the magnificent views it offers. This place is especially popular with families, who can combine sightseeing with relaxing on the beach or taking a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Nearby, in Saint Leonards-on-sea, there is a unique statue of Queen Victoria (rating 4.9/5). This bronze sculpture, made in 1902 by F.J. Williamson, has a fascinating history - a bullet mark can be seen on the queen's knee, a remnant of shelling by a German fighter jet during World War II. This unusual combination of royal majesty and wartime history makes this monument a unique testament to England's turbulent history.

Moving on to the war theme, the Royal Sussex Memorial in Eastbourne (rated 4.5/5) is worth noting. This sturdy memorial marker, while less visually spectacular than its predecessors, plays an extremely important role in cultivating the memory of fallen soldiers from the Sussex region.

Comparing these three memorials, we can see how diverse the representation of history is in East Sussex's public spaces. From monumental statues of aristocrats, to royal figures bearing the marks of wartime struggles, to more modest but equally important war memorials, each of these objects tells a different part of the region's and country's history.

Remarkably, all of these sites are accessible free of charge and are in attractive locations, often near other tourist spots. The statue of the Duke of Devonshire and the monument to Queen Victoria, located close to the sea, offer the added attraction of beautiful views of the coast. The Royal Sussex Memorial, on the other hand, located in the center of town, provides an excellent starting point for further exploring Eastbourne.

For families with children, these sites can provide an excellent opportunity to learn history in an interactive and engaging way. Stories about the life of Queen Victoria, the role of the aristocracy in shaping the region, or the bravery of soldiers during the world wars can spark in young minds a fascination with the past and an understanding of the values of courage, sacrifice and patriotism.

East Sussex is not just about historical monuments - the region also boasts fascinating examples of contemporary art in public spaces that add a modern touch to the historic landscape.

In Bexhill-on-Sea there is a unique sculpture 'TSCHABALALA SELF: SEATED' (rated 5/5). It is the work of American artist Tschabalala Self, known for her depictions of black female figures using mixed media. The sculpture is a fascinating contrast to the traditional monuments found in the region. Its modern form and message of representation and identity bring a fresh, contemporary voice to East Sussex's historical discourse.

Moving on to more classic but equally interesting forms, the Sir Archibald McIndoe monument in East Grinstead is worth noting (rating 4.8/5). This sculpture commemorates the pioneering plastic surgeon whose work during World War II revolutionized the care of burned pilots. This monument not only pays tribute to a prominent surgeon, but also symbolizes medical progress and humanitarianism in the face of the atrocities of war.

For sports enthusiasts, a statue of Dame Kelly Holmes in Tonbridge will be of interest. Although we don't have an accurate assessment of this object, it is worth a visit because of the figure it commemorates - a two-time Olympic gold medalist who is a role model for many young athletes.

Comparing the three sites, we can see how diverse the forms of commemoration and artistic expression are in East Sussex's public spaces. From avant-garde contemporary sculptures to memorials commemorating war heroes to statues of athletes, each of these objects adds unique value to the region's cultural landscape.

Importantly, all of these sites are open to the public and free of charge, making them attractive points on the tourist map for different audiences. Tschabalali Self's sculpture may be of particular interest to lovers of contemporary art and those interested in themes of representation and identity. The statue of Sir Archibald McIndoe will certainly be of interest to those passionate about the history of medicine and World War II. The Kelly Holmes statue, on the other hand, may be inspiring to young athletes and athletics fans.

For families with children, these contemporary touches in the East Sussex landscape can provide an excellent opportunity to talk about the diversity of art forms, how art can comment on social reality, and the different ways of commemorating prominent figures. It's also a chance to show that history doesn't end with events of many years ago, but is being created before our eyes, and that contemporary heroes and artists also deserve to be commemorated.

All in all, East Sussex statues and monuments offer a fascinating journey through the history, art and culture of the region. From classic monuments to modern installations, each site tells a unique story and invites you to reflect on the past and present. Whether you're a lover of history, art or simply looking for interesting places to visit with your family, East Sussex is sure to have something to inspire and delight you.