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
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
Don't miss the chance to visit the gardens and admire the sculptures. This is a uniqie…
Othello
Join The Lord Chamberlain's Men this summer for Othello, one of the most captivating and…
A Dangerous Novelty? The Age of Electricity at Standen
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
This new exhibition tells the story of Standen as one of the first country houses to be designed…
The Young Vocal Gala
A celebration of singing ranging from Operatic favourites, to choral gems and haunting folk songs…
Guerilla Girls
- Jun 13, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The graphic art interventions of anonymous feminist collective, Guerrilla Girls, has challenged…
Volya Voices, Summer Concert
Come and see amazing singing and dancing at Beulah Baptist Church. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at…
Fifty Years of Print
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
Celebrating UK Graphic Art From The Harvey Lloyd Archive. This month-long exhibition celebrates the…
The Bevis Frond
The Bevis Frond (guitarist and songwriter extraordinaire Nick Saloman) have ultimately become the…
Les Miserables School Edition
- Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
We are very excited to bring to you the incredible 'Les Miserables School Edition'.
The Irish House Party
At last, an Irish music show that has come out of Ireland without the clichs that usually follow!…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- Jun 13, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Rose Alchemy - Aromatherapy Workshop
Join us for a relaxing, hands-on workshop where you’ll capture the essence of roses. Learn to infuse…
Model Boats on the Lake
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Jun 13, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
See the Schooner Radio Control Group in action on the Lakes at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, and…
Grand Tasting of English Wine at Winelands Festival
Raise a glass to English Wine with Winelands – an exciting festival in Lewes to showcase the…
Nowhere Fancy: An Evening with Fitzcarraldo Editions
An evening of writing and conversation exploring queerness and the domestic, inspired by…
Moths and coffee!
Join us for a brew and chance to encounter these fascinating insects. There are over 2500 species of…
Contemporary Art at Sullington
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
An exciting exhibition bringing in contemporary artists, all curated by esteemed duo Penny Gambrill…
Ludwig
LUDWIG: Beethoven unleashed! His days numbered, relentlessly pounding the keyboard, knowing he will…
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - New Musical Workshop Performance
Students on our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance degree programme have the opportunity to…
Heli Hike in Sussex
Grab your friends, family, and even the dog, and embark on our hike through stunning Sussex…
Arundel's Great Big Green Week
- Denmans Garden
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
Arundel is not just a town. Arundel is our river, our fields, our woodlands, our hedgerows, our…
Miguel Rothschild
- Hastings Contemporary
- Jun 13, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Miguel Rothschild brings a dramatic new seascape installation to Hastings Contemporary, exploring…
Skelton Workshops
- Jun 13, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A range of five-week courses, two- and three-day courses and short taster courses in stone sculpture…
Wonderland
- Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
iJust moments away from a promotion, Alice has been estranged from her husband and alienated from…
Scandinavian modern designs : behind the scenes Festival of Chichester ASCE Lecture
Popular lecturer James Vaux returns to The Arts Society Chichester Evening with Scandinavian modern…
Roof Visits
- Chichester Cathedral
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to theroof spaces of…
Curious About Chichester
- Jun 13, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Unlock Chichester's Hidden Stories: Quirky Walks & Treasure Hunts Await! Ditch the ordinary…
Sussex Day Morris Dance
Join us at Trenchmore Farm for our Sussex Day Celebration with Sussex's very own: Mythago…
Nigel Price
It's The Jazz Club as part of Festival of Chichester! We are excited to present Nigel Price, one…
Darwin's Cleaner
This sad and fascinating one-woman-show of historical fiction imagines what it would have been like…
Race Meeting
Evening Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick
Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick. Whats the link? Of course, its Carry On! Cor Blimey! We all know…
Blood Brothers
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
A powerful story of family, fate, and the lives we might have lived. What if everything you knew…
Summer Programme
- Jun 13, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
The Sussex Peasant Big Summer Markets
The Sussex Peasant’s much-loved Big Summer Markets return this June, bringing together Sussex…
Walter Sickert: Working Notes
- Jun 13, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Discover a fresh perspective on Walter Sickert, one of the most provocative figures in early…
Curious About Hastings
- Jun 13, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
East Sussex College: Musical Theatre Showcase
Come and join East Sussex Colleges Musical Theatre students celebrating a fantastic year of studies…
Seal Safari Boat Trip on Solar Heritage
Experience the wonderful seals and natural beauty of Chichester Harbour on our eco-friendly…
Carmen and Turandot
Two abridged Operas, Carmen and Turandot, semi-staged with principals and chorus, sung in English
The BIG Sussex Day
Come and join in the celebration of ALL THINGS SUSSEX in our big celebration at Newhaven Band Stand…
Solar Heritage Boat Trip - ISC Keelboat racing week
- Jun 17, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026
Experience the action of Itchenor Sailing Club's historic keelboat week from the water on a trip…
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…
Thursday Late: Celebrating Pride
Join us for our fifth annual evening of performance, art and celebration in collaboration with…
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…
Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers display
The carvers display their beautiful work and demonstrate carving techniques. Drop in for a chat…
Janaina Tschäpe
- Hastings Contemporary
- Jun 13, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Janaina Tschäpe brings the swell of the English Channel and the immensity of the world's…
Atonement
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
On an English country estate during the blazing summer of 1935, 13 year-old Briony Tallis witnesses…
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
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…
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…
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