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!
Discover Sussex Vineyards in 2026
Sussex Winelands
Sussex wine is celebrated for its quality and variety, particularly its…
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
Guerilla Girls
- Jun 15, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The graphic art interventions of anonymous feminist collective, Guerrilla Girls, has challenged…
The Sussex Peasant Big Summer Markets
The Sussex Peasant’s much-loved Big Summer Markets return this June, bringing together Sussex…
A Dangerous Novelty? The Age of Electricity at Standen
- Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
This new exhibition tells the story of Standen as one of the first country houses to be designed…
Nowhere Fancy: An Evening with Fitzcarraldo Editions
An evening of writing and conversation exploring queerness and the domestic, inspired by…
Hastings Comic Con
- Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
From The Guildhall Trust, the producers of Portsmouth Comic Con - the biggest family friendly Comic…
Les Miserables School Edition
- Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
We are very excited to bring to you the incredible 'Les Miserables School Edition'.
Talk: Queer Art with Mollie Barnes, Gemma Rolls-Bentley & Simon Martin
Join Gemma Rolls-Bentley and Mollie Barnes as they discuss their new book, Art Essentials: Queer Art…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- Jun 15, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Cheese and Chilli Festival
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
Get ready for a weekend of flavour, fire, and family fun at the Cheese and Chilli Festival an…
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
- Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
First held in 1961, the Hickstead Derby is one of the most historic and popular classes in…
A little Jazz Mass
Join us on Mid Summers Evening for A Little Jazz Mass composed by Bob Chilcott, A Sprig of Thyme…
Let There Be Love
- Jun 17, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
Contemporary Art at Sullington
- Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
An exciting exhibition bringing in contemporary artists, all curated by esteemed duo Penny Gambrill…
Midsummer Theatre in the Vines
Come and enjoy Midsummer Evening sat out in our magical woodlands, entertained by performed readings…
Eastbourne International
- Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
June will see Eastbourne's Devonshire Park open its doors once again to the Lexus Eastbourne…
Strummerville On Sea - Silverwingkiller + More
Strummerville On Sea - bringing a taste of Strummerville to the South Coast this summer…
Coffee Concert: Beatrice Nicholas
Coffee Concert: Beatrice Nicholas (piano) Black and Classical: A celebrated programme of music by…
Wonderland
- Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
iJust moments away from a promotion, Alice has been estranged from her husband and alienated from…
Summer Rock, Roll 'N' Soul
A charity event run by Lewes Barbican Rotary Club featuring several live bands plus a selection of…
45 Years
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Jun 15, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
Buried for decades, the body of a young woman is found in the melting ice. A thousand miles and 45…
Sunset Harbour Discovery boat trip on Solar Heritage
- Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
Cruise into the sunset at this special time of day on our eco-friendly solar-powered boat, Solar…
System
Ladies & Gents we have arranged another one for you lovely lot. This time we go full on dnb…
Designing a Wilder Garden Workshop
- Jun 17, 2026 - Aug 5, 2026
Led by Knepp’s senior gardening team this in-depth workshop shows you how to design wildness into…
Father's Day
Looking for a truly special way to celebrate Day this Father's Day? Treat him to a leisurely…
The 39 Steps
- Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39…
Race Meeting
Evening Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Sparkling Run
Experience a relaxed 10km trail run (or walk) through the Leonardslee estate, with four sparkling…
Groovy Stereo Summer Festival
This summer, we return bigger than ever for our biggest event to date at The Top House. With a brand…
Atonement
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
On an English country estate during the blazing summer of 1935, 13 year-old Briony Tallis witnesses…
Moore / Freud
- Hastings Contemporary
- Jun 15, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Moore / Freud will be the first exhibition to explore the distinctive ways in which Henry Moore and…
Hope and Play Fundraiser
Join us for an afternoon of family activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor play, and games…
East Sussex College: Dance Showcase
Come and join East Sussex Colleges Dance students celebrating a fantastic year of studies with two…
Darwin's Cleaner
This sad and fascinating one-woman-show of historical fiction imagines what it would have been like…
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
- Jun 15, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
Don't miss the chance to visit the gardens and admire the sculptures. This is a uniqie…
Ecco Community Orchestra
Join us as the ECCO Encore Chichester Community Orchestra presents musical favourites including the…
Studio Safari
Studio Safaris are back again for Sussex Craft Week - get ready to go behind the scenes with the…
Water performed by The Boundstone Chorus
Join The Boundstone Chorus for a memorable concert inspired by the beauty, power, and mystery of…
Nigel Price
It's The Jazz Club as part of Festival of Chichester! We are excited to present Nigel Price, one…
Maison Mac - New Musical Workshop Performance
Students on our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance degree programme have the opportunity to…
Razzle Dazzle
- Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 17, 2026
One hat, one spotlight, a thousand possibilities...and a lot of musical theatre students. Come and…
Thursday Late: Celebrating Pride
Join us for our fifth annual evening of performance, art and celebration in collaboration with…
Three Cheers for Pooh! Centenary Exhibition and Story Trail at Nymans
- Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
Extracts from A.A. Milne's much-loved Winnie-the Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's…
Ludwig
LUDWIG: Beethoven unleashed! His days numbered, relentlessly pounding the keyboard, knowing he will…
Friday Lates
- Jun 19, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026
Make the most of the summer evenings & experience the garden in a new light. Pack up a picnic…
Woven by Atelier Weftfaced
- Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
An exhibition of recent handwoven tapestry by Atelier Weftfaced: Caron Penney and Katharine Swailes…
Funny Girls! Worthing
FUNNY GIRLS! The longest-running all-girl comedy night in Brighton is now established in sunny…
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.
Enjoy a taste of our vineyards...
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
How to Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday in Sussex
- 4 min read
Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday in Sussex A magical summer in the real Hundred…
Off the Beaten Track: 5 Hidden Food & Drink Spots in West Sussex
- 3 min read
There's something satisfying about finding a place that feels like a reward for getting off the…
Unmissable walks across Sussex
- 3 min read
Sussex is a county of incredible geographic contrast, offering everything from ancient woodland…
English Wine Week 2026 in Sussex
- 8 min read
Sip, sip, hooray! Celebrate English Wine Week in Sussex between Saturday 20 June and Sunday 28 June…
Coastal Hotels in Sussex with Sea Views: Where to Stay by the Sea
- 4 min read
Few things rival waking up to the sound of waves and uninterrupted sea views. Along the Sussex…
48 hours in Eastbourne: how to spend the weekend in England’s sunniest seaside town
- 5 min read
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and Eastbourne is the epitome of English coastal nostalgia…
Step into Sussex: Things to Do Near London Gatwick Airport
- 8 min read
Flying into, or out of, London Gatwick Airport? The UK’s second-largest airport is located in…
A Summer to Savour: Seasonal Vineyard Events Across Sussex
- 4 min read
Slow down and savour summer among Sussex’s vineyards If summer is your cue to slow down…
20 things you can only see and do in Sussex
- 9 min read
20 Unforgettable Things You’ll Only Find in Sussex Sussex is a wonderfully distinctive county…
Father’s Day ideas in Sussex: five ideas to treat Dad
- 3 min read
Father’s Day is about spending time together and enjoying experiences that feel thoughtful…
Sussex Guide: Artists Open Studios, Art Trails and Craft events
- 9 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…
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
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