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!
Sussex Wine
Sussex wine is quickly becoming a standout in the world of English viticulture, thanks to this sun-drenched region on the south coast of England, with…
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
Magic
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 14, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known. Arthur Conan Doyle is the…
Shhh...
- May 14, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Shhh… explores how autonomy and intimacy coexist, how two distinct practices can resonate without…
Seth Lakeman
Seth Lakeman is a British folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his…
Sheila's Island
- May 19, 2026 - May 22, 2026
"Sheila's Island" is a comedy play about four female executives, Sheila, Denise…
Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room
Hugh Bonneville, beloved by many as Mr Brown in the 'Paddington' films, introduces his first…
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…
Home, I'm Darling
- May 14, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Step back in time with Home, Im Darling by Laura Wade a sharp, stylish, and romanticised rock n roll…
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…
Arundel Museum Exhibition: Women’s Land Army
- Arundel Museum
- May 14, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
War affected every section of society, not just the military. More food needed to be produced and…
Theatre Tour
- May 16, 2026 - Nov 4, 2026
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre Friends invite you to discover the history of Eastbourne's oldest…
Gnod + Black Arches
Since their inception, Gnod’s musical trajectory has been one of constant fluctuation borne out of…
Adrien Brandeis presents Handmade
Adrien Brandeis presents Handmade, his fifth album, recorded live at Bechstein Hall in Manchester. A…
Hip Hop State of Mind
Hip Hop State of Mind is the newest over 25's hip hop night in Worthing. Three themed nights…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- May 14, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Rolling Down to Rio
We will be singing a selection of songs to celebrate the life of local author, Rudyard Kipling…
Race Meeting
Evening Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
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…
Make Magical Wings
Get creative in the Orchard Tent! Our family workshops are designed for sparkling imaginations and…
Backstage Tours
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 14, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Our 75-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover our backstage…
Macro Photography Workshop
This all-day workshop provides an introduction to the key principles and techniques for Nature and…
Logicaltramp
Logicaltramp bring their own unique approach to the music of Supertramp – playing full-on, two-hour…
Supper for the Soul with Self Space
An evening designed to slow things down. Supper for the Soul is a shared dining experience that…
Guerilla Girls
- May 14, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The graphic art interventions of anonymous feminist collective, Guerrilla Girls, has challenged…
Begin Wood Carving – Redstart
This full‑day wood carving workshop introduces participants to the craft of wildlife carving under…
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
- May 14, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
Don't miss the chance to visit the gardens and admire the sculptures. This is a uniqie…
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Saturday Stage School Present their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Junior.
Curious About Hastings
- May 14, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Let There Be Love
- May 20, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
The 39 Steps
- May 14, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Adapted by Patrick Barlow. From the novel by John Buchan. From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock…
Designing a Wilder Garden Workshop
- May 20, 2026 - Aug 5, 2026
Led by Knepp’s senior gardening team this in-depth workshop shows you how to design wildness into…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
- May 14, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. Celebrate and explore David McKee's…
Musical Revue
A spectacular celebration of musical theatre at its very best. Our Musical Revue Showcase brings…
Billy Fury meets Elvis Presley
Let us take you back in time with the music of two kings of rock and roll. With hit songs: Jealousy…
Haircut 100 - Pelican West 40th Anniversary Show
After the success of their Pelican West 40th anniversary shows in 2023, Beckenham new wave outfit…
House Tour
- May 14, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Horrid Henry
Join much-loved author Francesca Simon as she brings the irrepressible 'Horrid Henry' to…
Not Giving Up Yet
Sandi Toksvig is one of Britain's most beloved writers, broadcasters and activists. She is…
Newhaven Art Club 70th Anniversary Platinum Palette Exhibition
- May 20, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Newhaven Art Club proudly presents our 70th Anniversary Platinum Palette Exhibition. Celebrate 70…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- May 14, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Hadestown: Teen Edition
- May 19, 2026 - May 20, 2026
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical…
Mtma Present A Midsummer Night's Dream
MTMA presents William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream. Step into a world where moonlight bends…
Performing Arts Showcase
Our termly Performing Arts Showcase which this time will feature a range of Drama, Dance and Singing…
Laugh-Able Comedy Cavalcade: Hastings Edition!
Come along to this Stand Comedy Taster Workshop Led by Award Winning Comedian Mark Nicholas A Bit…
Skylines
Skylines is an exciting band playing the music of the legendary progressive rock band Camel. Our…
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…
Beau Bowen
Minds Eye Promotions Eastbourne return with another monthly instalment of their genre fluid curation…
Material Things XIX 2026
- May 14, 2026 - Jun 2, 2026
Wendy Dolan and Louise Bell return with their beautiful, handmade quilts and stitched textile…
Art is for Everyone
Lifelong art obsessives, curator Kate Bryan and art historian Katy Hessel believe that art should be…
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
- 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…
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