Sussex. Extraordinary by nature.
Are you ready to discover a destination with a difference? Where rolling hills and chocolate-box villages are a pebble’s throw from traditional seaside towns and miles of coastline. The home to castles, cathedrals and country manors, with tales of Norman invaders and smugglers’ coves. A haven for walks and watersports, for bike rides and wellbeing breaks. Welcome to sparkling Sussex.
Culture vulture? Explore our galleries, museums, music venues and theatres. Total foodie? Savour stunning local produce at your soon-to-be favourite restaurant. Or how about hitting our independent boutiques, visiting our vineyards or booking tickets to an iconic event? It’s all here and so much more – and all right on London’s doorstep.
Easy to reach. Hard to leave.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or call the county home, you’re sure to find activities that’ll leave you feeling reinvigorated. Maybe it’ll be the sense of freedom you experience when surrounded by non-stop natural beauty. Or perhaps you’ll get your pulse racing and adrenaline pumping with an action-packed day by the water. And whoever you are, wherever you’re travelling from, you’ll always be greeted with open arms. In Sussex, we pride ourselves on welcoming everyone and anyone. Individuality is celebrated. Eccentricity is embraced.
On cloud wine
If you’re partial to a fine vintage, you can’t visit Sussex without stopping by our award-winning vineyards. And you really are spoiled for choice, in fact Sussex is home to 25% of Britain's Vineyards! From wine-tastings to tours, overnight stays to on-site dining, our vineyards offer curated experiences in incredible locations.
So, what will be first on your list? Start exploring everything Sussex has to offer, whether you’re looking for things to do, wondering what’s on, planning where to stay or researching the best food and drink spots. See you soon!
Win a 2 night stay at The View Hotel Eastbourne
Win a Sussex seaside escape with a two-night stay at The View Hotel Eastbourne, plus a memorable experience for two by land or sea.
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
Sussex in Bloom
Discover world-class gardens, flower festivals and historic houses in Sussex this Spring
West Dean Gardens
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest…
Wakehurst
- Wakehurst
Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres to…
Sheffield Park and Garden
About Sheffield Park and Garden The Grade I listed garden is a horticultural work of art formed…
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’. Its rich…
Arundel Castle
No trip to West Sussex is complete without visiting the magnificent Arundel Castle. Set high on a…
Pashley Manor Gardens
- Pashley Road
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas - the culmination of a…
Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a garden you can immerse yourself in, vibrant, daring and exciting. Originally home…
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden
- High Beeches Lane
High Beeches is a 27 acre woodland garden near Handcross. It is a garden of meandering paths and…
Nymans
- Staplefield Road
One of the National Trust’s premier gardens, Nymans has views stretching across the Sussex Weald…
Standen House and Gardens
Discover the arts and crafts movement at the Standen family home and explore life as it would have…
Tulleys Farm
Tulleys Farm is a large event space on the outskirts of Crawley, famous for its Halloween fright…
Borde Hill Garden
- Borde Hill Lane
Borde Hill is a 2,000-acre Estate which has been owned by the Stephenson Clarke family for over 130…
Michelham Priory House & Gardens
Explore 800 years of history at Michelham Priory House and Gardens, set on a picturesque moated…
Herstmonceux Castle Estate
- Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux Castle is rich in history dating back to the 15th Century, commissioned by Sir Roger…
The UK's newest National Nature Reserve is opened Sussex
Find out more about the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve, as opened by King Charles III on 19th March 2026!
Explore a royal coastline in Sussex
Discover the iconic Seven Sisters and the King Charles III England Coast Path in Sussex
What's on this week in Sussex
Gardening a Wilder Garden Workshop
- May 13, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
Led by Knepp’s senior gardening team, this in-depth workshop explores the practical aspects of…
Begin Wood Carving – Redstart
This full‑day wood carving workshop introduces participants to the craft of wildlife carving under…
Shhh... Isobel Smith & Abigail Norris
- May 14, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Shhh… explores silence as a charged force. Abigail Norris and Isobel Smith met weekly, guided by a…
A Dangerous Novelty? The Age of Electricity at Standen
- May 11, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
This new exhibition tells the story of Standen as one of the first country houses to be designed…
Magic
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 12, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known. Arthur Conan Doyle is the…
Cranford
- May 13, 2026 - May 16, 2026
This is a gentle period piece which encapsulates life in a small village in the 1830s. The village…
Beer & Cider by the Sea
- May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
One of the south coast's largest food and drink festivals in May, as 'Beer and Cider by the…
Walter Sickert: Working Notes
- May 11, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Discover a fresh perspective on Walter Sickert, one of the most provocative figures in early…
Haircut 100 - Pelican West 40th Anniversary Show
After the success of their Pelican West 40th anniversary shows in 2023, Beckenham new wave outfit…
Guerilla Girls
- May 11, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The graphic art interventions of anonymous feminist collective, Guerrilla Girls, has challenged…
Friends Guided Tour of The Bishop's Palace
On Wednesday 13th June, and with the kind permission of Bishop Martin, we are delighted to invite…
Lorelle Meets the Obsolete
Mexican duo Lorelle Meets The Obsolete make a very welcome return with their sixth album, Datura…
Ben Ottewell
As a singer and lead guitarist in rock band Gomez, Ben Ottewell is well known for his unmistakable…
Guys and Dolls - Staged Concert with full orchestra
Step into the glittering world of Guys and Dolls, performed by our Level 5 BA (Hons) Musical Theatre…
Hailsham Voices Pop Choir
Come and enjoy an hour of pop songs that you will know and love, sung by the inspirational and…
Saying Too Much
Adam Buxton has spent his career making things his own way. From his art school beginnings and DIY…
Spire Visits
- Chichester Cathedral
- May 13, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to Chichester…
Seth Lakeman
Seth Lakeman is a British folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his…
Logicaltramp
Logicaltramp bring their own unique approach to the music of Supertramp – playing full-on, two-hour…
Gladys Hynes: Radical Lives
- May 11, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
The first major exhibition devoted to Gladys Hynes (1888–1958), ‘Radical Lives’ reintroduces a…
Watercolour Painting Workshop
This watercolour painting workshop will invite you to explore sunny and vibrant illustrations…
Shhh...
- May 11, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Shhh… explores how autonomy and intimacy coexist, how two distinct practices can resonate without…
Gnod + Black Arches
Since their inception, Gnod’s musical trajectory has been one of constant fluctuation borne out of…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- May 11, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Simple Book Making
Explore the delicate art of making handmade books with artist Tracey Bush. Discover two versatile…
Nature and Close-up / Macro Photography Workshop
This all-day workshop provides an introduction to the key principles and techniques for Nature and…
Rolling Down to Rio
We will be singing a selection of songs to celebrate the life of local author, Rudyard Kipling…
Laugh-Able Comedy Cavalcade: Hastings Edition!
Come along to this Stand Comedy Taster Workshop Led by Award Winning Comedian Mark Nicholas A Bit…
Absolute Bowie
There will only ever be one David Bowie, he was unique in every way and an inspiration to millions…
Leonardslee Comedy Club
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- May 15, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
Join us at Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs! Join us at…
Excavating Bridge Farm - 13 Years of Finding More Than We Bargained For
Over the past thirteen years, excavations at Bridge Farm, Barcombe Mills, have uncovered the remains…
Halloween Ghost Walk Pevensey
- May 16, 2026 - May 30, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Ghost walk of Pevensey. Meet Castle Car Park for a guide walk hearing some of the…
May Moth Morning
Join Reserve Manager Suzi Lanaway to see what the moth traps on our survey attracted the night…
Football for adults with a learning disability - Bognor
- May 15, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026
A coach led session for adults with a learning disability and / or autism. Come along to meet new…
Three Cheers for Pooh! Centenary Exhibition and Story Trail at Nymans
- May 11, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
Extracts from A.A. Milne's much-loved Winnie-the Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's…
Toby Barelli and The King Size Slim Sound
- May 15, 2026 - May 16, 2026
The beautifully intimate setting of the famous St.Leonards waterfront venue plays host to Toby…
Behind Enemy Lines by Louise Jordan
A powerful true story of courage, secrecy and sacrifice - with deep local connections. Behind Enemy…
Gozzle
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- May 11, 2026 - May 31, 2026
This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful…
In Defence of Europe
Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, the questions it raised have not gone away. As alliances…
Cassidy Paris
Australian rocker Cassidy Paris has a very bright future ahead of her. Raised on classic hard rock…
Sculptural Ceramics
- May 15, 2026 - May 22, 2026
An opportunity to work with clay in a non-functional, sculptural way. This course aims to introduce…
The Gardening Year at Charleston: May
We will begin the workshop by taking a look at some of the key moments in the gardening year at…
Generation Why
- May 13, 2026 - May 26, 2026
As seen on HBO & BBC, Dian Cathal brings you a new comedy hour about the best and worst of the…
Exclusive Evening at High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden
With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens, and a collection of rare, exotic and award-winning plants…
Art is for Everyone
Lifelong art obsessives, curator Kate Bryan and art historian Katy Hessel believe that art should be…
Wild and Wonderful Sculpture: Alison Catchlove
- May 11, 2026 - May 31, 2026
An exhibition of flora and fauna metal sculptures which explores the intricate relationship between…
15 ideas for Solo travellers
Thinking about exploring Sussex on your own? Our guide gives inspiration for the best ways to visit Sussex as a solo traveller, with ideas that range from peaceful coastal walks to vineyard tours, historic towns and creative experiences.
Feeling inspired? Book your stay in Sussex now
Find accommodation to suit every style, and start planning your Sussex getaway.
Top reasons to visit Sussex
A foodies guide to Sussex
Sussex has a vibrant and varied food scene. From farm-to-fork restaurants and vineyard dining to award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred cuisine you…
Sussex shines in the Michelin Guide
The 2026 Michelin Guide has officially been released, and Sussex has once again earned it's place as a must-visit culinary destination. With six…
Food and drink
Sussex has exceptional local produce and world class vineyard estates on its doorstep.
De La Warr Pavilion
- Marina
A pioneering centre for the arts located in Bexhill, established in 1935. A place where everyone can experience contemporary exhibitions…
Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary is a bold, independent arts charity in the heart of Hastings Old Town. Situated on the town’s historic fishing beach, we…
Towner Gallery
Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for 100 years, Towner Eastbourne sits where the coast and the South Downs meet. Towner presents exhibitions…
Tours & Experiences
From historic landmarks and charming villages to scenic coastlines and award-winning vineyards, explore the best of Sussex with local expert guides…
Watersports
With a 100-mile coastline and calm inland waterways, there’s nowhere better than Sussex for diving into watersports. A calm paddleboard along…
Top 4 Coastal Walks in Sussex
Explore stunning walks along the beautiful Sussex coastline, following the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Discover Sussex stories
Sussex Guide: Artists Open Studios, Art Trails and Craft events
- 10 min read
Sussex offers one of the most rewarding ways to experience art in the UK, far beyond the walls of…
How to Experience the Seven Sisters: Routes, viewpoints and coastal magic
- 5 min read
Few landscapes in England feel as instantly recognisable as the Seven Sisters. These striking chalk…
Our Guide to the most unique places to stay in Sussex
- 5 min read
Unusual places to stay in Sussex to turn your break into an experience! Looking for somewhere to…
Gardens as laboratories: what Sheffield Park is teaching us about our future landscapes
- 3 min read
Joe Perkins is the designer of the A Garden for the Future at the National Trust’s Sheffield…
Explore the Wealden Wine Trail
- 5 min read
Discover the Wealden Wine Trail Tucked away among rolling hills, ancient woodland and charming…
Best budget-friendly Family Days Out in Sussex
- 6 min read
Planning a family break or day out on a budget? Experience Sussex has curated a selection of ideas…
Find your 'Wild' in Sussex
- 4 min read
Sussex is a place where nature still feels wonderfully alive. Rewilded estates echo with birdsong…
Discover the stunning gardens of Sussex
- 7 min read
If you’re looking for inspiration for a day trip where you can make the most of your natural…
Explore the Arun Valley Line with Beyond the Rails podcast
- 5 min read
Explore the Arun Valley Line: coast, castles and easy escapes from London Looking for a day out that…
7 Ways to Really Slow Down on a Sussex Calmcation
- 6 min read
The idea of the “calmcation” has appeared everywhere recently, but in practice it…
Ideas for Mother's Day in Sussex
- 6 min read
Thoughtful Ways to Treat Mum This Mother’s Day in Sussex Mother’s Day is the perfect…
Historic Sussex Pubs: Where every pint comes with a story
- 5 min read
Sussex tells its tales in the warm glow of pub firelight. Step into an old inn here and…
USA 250: Anglo-American Connections in Chichester
- 5 min read
In 2026, the United States of America commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of…
USA 250: Exploring a Legacy of Liberty in Lewes
- 5 min read
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, commemorating a semiquincentennial of…
Sussex and the Declaration of Independence: A Hidden Connection
- 4 min read
Sussex holds one of the most intriguing links to American history: an original copy of the…
Step into Sussex's Great Outdoors
- 3 min read
In the heart of Sussex, Pied A Terre Adventures has established itself as one of the region’s…
Sussex Lifeboat Stations: A Coastal Trail of Courage
- 3 min read
Discover the Lifesaving Legacy Along the Sussex Coast The Sussex coastline is a treasure trove of…
From the British Museum to Battle: visit the Sussex sites from the Bayeux Tapestry
- 5 min read
With the Bayeux Tapestry being loaned to the British Museum in London later this year, from…
9 Top Glamping Spots in Sussex for Peaceful Getaways
- 7 min read
Looking for a slower, softer escape? A Sussex calmcation offers the perfect opportunity to press…
Winnie-the-Pooh at 100: visit the Sussex locations of the beloved books
- 5 min read
Winnie-the-Pooh at 100: visit the Sussex locations of the beloved books “If you live to be a…
Top events in Sussex for 2026
- 4 min read
Looking for the best events in Sussex in 2026? From world-class festivals and historic celebrations…
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Sussex Countryside: A Storybook Journey
- 2 min read
Discover the Sussex Roots of Winnie-the-Pooh Few stories have captured hearts across generations…
Where to Stay in Sussex for Stargazing Adventures
- 3 min read
The combination of rolling chalk hills, open heathland and quiet coastal plains makes Sussex a dream…
Castles and Forts of Sussex: A Journey Through Time
- 5 min read
Sussex is a county where history is etched into every hill and valley. Its castles tell stories of…
Helpful information for planning your Sussex trip
From travel, weather and accessibility information and more, find everything you need to help plan your stay in Sussex
Visitor Information