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 the Perfect Chichester Evening: Light Show and Dinner at The Ivy
Win tickets to the breathtaking Light Experience by Luxmuralis at the iconic…
Sussex takes centre stage in new TV series
Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Tune in to Channel 5, starting Saturday 25 July at 8pm to see Sussex on screen!
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
What's on this week in Sussex
Discover what’s happening this week and plan your perfect day out in Sussex.
The Paint Club: Sunflowers
Join us for this month's event as we paint late summer sunflowers.
Space
Indie-rock outfit from Liverpool who hit the charts in the mid-90s with the quirky 'Female of…
Curious About Chichester
- Sep 15, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Unlock Chichester's Hidden Stories: Quirky Walks & Treasure Hunts Await! Ditch the ordinary…
Nature Connect
Learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent…
Painting in the Garden
Charleston's garden, designed by the renowned artist and critic Roger Fry, was planted as a…
Lewes Ghost Walk
- Sep 18, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Walk through Lewes introducing you to some of the darker stories from the Towns…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Tropicana Nights
Transport yourself back to the neon-soaked era of the 1980s with Tropicana Nights: The Ultimate 80s…
Abseil for West Sussex Mind
Join West Sussex Mind's Abseil Challenge at Peacehaven Cliffs on Saturday 19 September 2026 and…
Coffee Concert: Viola Lenzi & Isabella Gori - Piano Duo
Coffee Concert: Viola Lenzi & Isabella Gori - Piano Duo Two fantastic Italian pianists bring…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Autumn Plant Fair
The ever-popular Specialist Autumn Plant Fair returns to Borde Hill on Sunday 20th September from…
Après Beach | Alex Etchart
- Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Après Beach is Greyskull's summer programme of free outdoor live music, taking place every…
Newhaven Fort
- Sep 15, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
Joni Mitchell's Blue: An Evening in Laurel Canyon
Perched above the neon glow of Los Angeles Sunset Strip, Laurel Canyon became a sanctuary for…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Phil Collins & Genesis Tribute
Phil Collins tribute with Easy Lover.
Poetry Day: September
Join us for a day-long poetry workshop that takes you out onto the downland landscape surrounding…
Daniel O'Reilly: Let's Have It!
Hold on to your seats and brace yourself for a night of outrageous laughs and no-holds-barred…
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Release
- Sep 15, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH!…
Tickety-Boo Willow Weaving Day Workshop
Spend a relaxing day learning the traditional craft of willow basket making in the beautiful…
Heavy Horses - Wildflower Meaow Harrowing
Come and watch the heavy horses working in the meadow. The grass is cut in August and the hay…
Isthmian League: Three Bridges vs Leatherhead
Three Bridges take on Leatherhead in this Premier Division fixture.
Mini Quilt Competition
- RSPB’s Pagham Harbour
- Sep 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2027
Calling all textile artists, embroiderers, needleworkers and anyone interested in sewing! Are you a…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- Sep 15, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Isthmian League: Hastings United vs Merstham
Hastings United take on Merstham in this South East Division fixture.
This House We Built
The real bricks and mortar of the band are a heady mix of bands from Englands Scarborough Strip…
Leonardslee Comedy Club
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Sep 18, 2026 - Nov 12, 2027
Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a…
The Real Thing
- Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Multi-million selling soul band The Real Thing are ready to give their much loved disco-inspired…
Let There Be Love
- Sep 16, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
Greg Chapman's Discovery of Witchcraft
A show of magic, storytelling, history, comedy and thought. In 1584, Reginald Scott released his…
Joe Webb @ Henry Ward Hall, Hastings
Mercury Music Prize nominee Joe Webb performs debut concert in Hastings. Pianist Joe Webb has…
Dream Smotherers Presents: Irked
Irked Caustic class ragers unleashed from the North East with slaloming riffs and beats that slam…
All Things Fungi Festival
- Gravetye Estate
- Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Situated on the edge of Ancient woodland in the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside. Join us for…
The Choral Pilgrimage: Chichester
Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of…
John Barrowman: My Life In Musicals
John Barrowman is back with his brand new show - My Life In Musicals, a glittering evening…
Guided Walk: Pagham Migration Magic
Join our enthusiastic and friendly team of guides at the RSPB's Pagham Harbour Reserve walking…
Urzila Carlson: Fatty on a Yacht
Multi-award-winning South African-New Zealander Urzila Carlson is one of Australian and New…
The Paint Club: Flowery Beach
At this month's painting workshop we are painting a flowery beach.
Atom Heart Floyd
Atom Heart Floyd, a tribute to Pink Floyd, return to the Phoenix Theatre on 17th October 2025…
Thursday Lates
We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after…
Spire Visits
- Chichester Cathedral
- Sep 19, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to Chichester…
Bottle Alley Art Market
Now in it's 4th year with the usual eclectic mix of disciplines, styles, mediums and experience…
The Prat Pack
Inspired by the performances of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Joey Bishop and Peter…
Botanical Painting
Join award-winning botanical artist Nessie Ramm in this one-day botanical painting workshop at the…
Harbour Discovery boat trip on Solar Heritage
Experience the beauty, wildlife and history of Chichester Harbour National Landscape on our…
The Making of Poetry: Adam Nicolson & Tom Hammick
Join writer Adam Nicolson and artist Tom Hammick in conversation with Pallant House Gallery Chief…
Tibbs Hop Fest
Come and celebrate with us as we conclude our family's 336th annual hop harvest. A day for the…
The Sussex coastline is Calling
Set your own pace along Sussex’s shore, with carefully crafted routes & itineraries that reveal sweeping views, charming seaside stops and hidden coastal treasures.
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
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.
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.
All about the Sussex Coast
The Sussex coastline stretches 140 miles along the English Channel, bookended by Camber Sands in the east and Chichester Harbour and West Wittering in the west. This stunning coastline is filled with diverse beaches, nature reserves, seaside towns, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation! The area stretching from Worthing to Newhaven and Seaford to the South Downs National Park, is designated as a UNESCO Living Coast Biosphere, covering 700Km2 of rare and unique landscapes.
Discover Sussex stories
Step into the 1066 Battle of Hastings
- 4 min read
On the 14 th of October 1066, the most famous battle in English history took place. Now, every…
Best Vineyard Harvest Experiences in Sussex: Grape Picking, Wine Tastings and Harvest Festivals
- 3 min read
Harvest season is one of the best times to visit a vineyard in Sussex, with late Summer sunshine and…
See Sussex Differently: Active Adventures around Newhaven
- 10 min read
How to spend an active break in Newhaven If you're looking for an active break in Sussex with…
Explore historical Sussex for free: Heritage Open Days 2026
- 3 min read
Every September, Heritage Open Days unlock the doors to some of England’s most fascinating…
Bonfire Night in Sussex: A Proud Tradition of Fire, History and Community
- 4 min read
Each autumn, Sussex bursts into life with the glow of bonfires, the rhythm of marching bands and the…
Tide Mills, Newhaven: discover the history of Sussex's lost village
- 4 min read
Tide Mills, Newhaven: discover the history of Sussex's lost village Just outside Newhaven, on…
Three Newhaven heritage walks that uncover the stories behind the harbour town
- 9 min read
Newhaven is a town that rewards a closer look. Its working harbour, railway, ferry terminal and…
Best Saunas in Sussex: Coastal, Outdoor & Wild Sauna Experiences
- 13 min read
Looking for a sauna in Sussex? From wood-fired beach saunas overlooking the English Channel to…
Take Time to Discover Midhurst: A Historic Gem in the Heart of Sussex
- 3 min read
In the heart of the South Downs National Park, Midhurst is one of Sussex’s most captivating…
Luxury holiday homes in Sussex
- 4 min read
Sometimes the greatest luxury is having the space to slow down. A private hot tub beneath star…
Discover Winnie‑the‑Pooh Inspired Spots Across Sussex
- 5 min read
Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired outings in Sussex In 2026, Winnie-the-Pooh, the warm-hearted and wise…
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's Jewel of the South Coast
- 4 min read
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's New Series A new five-part Channel 5 TV series, Sussex…
5 places to keep cool in Sussex this summer
- 5 min read
Your guide to a refreshing ‘cool‑cation’ in Sussex When the temperature rises…
Crossing from Sussex to France: The Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Guide
- 12 min read
Everything You Need to Know About the Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing…
Cycling the Avenue Verte: Newhaven, Sussex & Beyond
- 15 min read
Newhaven: A Gateway Between Coast & Countryside Arriving into Newhaven from Dieppe in the…
Top 5 Arts festivals in Sussex
- 3 min read
Discover some incredible events in Sussex celebrating the Arts; from world-class Opera at…
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…
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