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
A History of the Adur Valley, including Old Erringham, by Dr Janet Pennington
To most people driving along the A27 or cycling on the Downs Link, the words 'Adur valley…
Eclipse
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 30, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make…
Roman History family boat trip on Solar Heritage
- May 30, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026
Sail through history on a guided boat trip exploring Roman trade, transport and life along…
Quincey Jones tribute with 18-piece band
Get your friends together and enjoy an evening dedicated to Quincey Jones, performed by Phoneix Big…
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Uckfield Theatre Guild proudly presents Disneys Beauty and the Beast: The Musical! Step into a world…
Half Term Nature Explorers
- May 30, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
This half term, become a nature explorer at Standen. Create a nature journal of your own with…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
Shhh... Isobel Smith & Abigail Norris
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Shhh… explores silence as a charged force. Abigail Norris and Isobel Smith met weekly, guided by a…
Three Cheers for Pooh! Centenary Exhibition and Story Trail at Nymans
- May 30, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
Extracts from A.A. Milne's much-loved Winnie-the Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's…
Curious About Hastings
- May 30, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore
Our precious concert in a 19th century church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington…
Red Priest & University of Chichester Baroque Orchestra
For sheer technical wizardry, charismatic showmanship and expressive devilment, Red Priest is in a…
Arundel Museum Exhibition: Women’s Land Army
- Arundel Museum
- May 30, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
War affected every section of society, not just the military. More food needed to be produced and…
Goldstone Rum's - Rum School
- Jun 5, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
Join Goldstone Rum for an evening of fun and learning where you’ll create your own bespoke rum. Kick…
Outdoor Theatre: King Arthur and the Holy Fail
The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem. In a land of…
Richard Leach's Street Band
This will be an evening of scintillating musicality provided by Richard Leach and his band. Richard…
East Grinstead Spinners at Standen
- Jun 5, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Demonstrations of the traditional craft of spinning, dyeing and handweaving. The East Grinstead…
Halloween Ghost Walk Pevensey
- May 30, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Ghost walk of Pevensey. Meet Castle Car Park for a guide walk hearing some of the…
Summer Programme
- May 30, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
The Haunting of Hatlock Hotel
- Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
This June, Peacehaven Players brings you "The Haunting of Hatlock Hall", a new musical…
Pixies & Pirates May Half Term
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Set sail for the Aldingbourne Country Centre, for a fun half term for pre-schoolers and primary-aged…
Gozzle
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful…
Choral Evensong
This service is led by the St Mary’s Singers, who sing responses, canticles, an anthem, and the…
May at Go Ape
- Go Ape Crawley
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Looking for things to do this May half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
House Tour
- May 30, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Silent Disco at Leonardslee
After a hugely popular run of events since 2024, The Silent DJs return to Leonardslee for an…
Pigeon Printing with hello DODO
- Colonnade House
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Come along and add to the flock! Design and screenprint your very own pigeon print with hello…
Wrestling Live In Chichester
Live wrestling action at its very best! An explosive high octane show suitable for all the family…
Chris Hill's Dirty DC - Brian & Bon Show
With Chris Hill's 26 years embodying Brian Johnson, combined with a band dedicated to precision…
Kids Trail: Eco Explorers
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
This half term, bring your family and join Ethan, the Eco Explorer, who loves discovering ways to…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
- May 30, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. Celebrate and explore David McKee's…
Newhaven Fort
- May 30, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
Material Things XIX 2026
- May 30, 2026 - Jun 2, 2026
Wendy Dolan and Louise Bell return with their beautiful, handmade quilts and stitched textile…
Moana Junior
Join Eastbourne Stagers cast of Moana Junior this May Half Term for a fun filled musical for all of…
Mystery Mission
- May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
A top-secret message has gone missing at Battle Abbey – and we need you to find it before it falls…
Comedy at the Lamb: Bec Hill
Bec Hill is an Australian comedian known for her viral flipchart performances and appearances on 8…
Nouveau Cabaret - Creatures of the Night
Experience a dazzling evening of next-generation live entertainment with the University of…
Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers
- Chichester Cathedral
- Jun 3, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
The Festival of Flowers is a four day spectacular in the setting of Chichesters 950 year old…
South of England Show
- Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026
The South of England Show is a staple in the agricultural and equestrian calendar. The 2026 event…
Race Meeting
- Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026
Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- May 30, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Guerilla Girls
- May 30, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The graphic art interventions of anonymous feminist collective, Guerrilla Girls, has challenged…
Mindfulness Photography Workshop
Mindful photography is perfect for finding calm in your day, de-stressing and boosting your mood…
A Dangerous Novelty? The Age of Electricity at Standen
- May 30, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
This new exhibition tells the story of Standen as one of the first country houses to be designed…
Skelton Workshops
- May 30, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A range of five-week courses, two- and three-day courses and short taster courses in stone sculpture…
Nymans’ Outdoor Theatre - A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Join us for this adaptation of William Shakespeare's much-loved story, set against the backdrop…
Walter Sickert: Working Notes
- May 30, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Discover a fresh perspective on Walter Sickert, one of the most provocative figures in early…
Positive Sounds Beach Party
- May 30, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
We have three banging beach parties planned for 2026, featuring all your beloved residents alongside…
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
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…
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…
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