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!
Seen it on TV?
Find the locations and people featured in Episode 5 of the Channel 5 series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
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 Big Nibble
Come along to discover local produce through a vibrant food and drink market, a live cookery theatre…
Tales from the Cathedral Library: Why does Matthew Parker deserve our sympathy and praise?
Discover the stories hidden within Chichester Cathedrals historic library through our Tuesday…
CPRE Sussex Countryside Day
The CPRE Sussex Countryside Day is back! Held at the stunning Seven Sisters Country park this is a…
Ghost Walk Pevensey
- Sep 12, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Ghost walk of Pevensey. Meet Castle Car Park for a guide walk hearing some of the…
The Maker's Fair at Standen
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Featuring artists and makers showcasing heritage craft and contemporary design. Meet the makers at…
One Day More: An evening of musical theatre
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Jumbo Ensemble are back for their fourth year in The Dream Centre at Chailey Heritage Foundation…
Batty about bats!
Bat-detectors in hands, we'll discover which bats call Pagham Harbour their home and even…
Willow Fairy & Dragon Trail
This summer, High Beeches Garden welcomes the return of the magical Willow Fairy and Dragon Trail…
Sussex Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers & Illustrators Exhibition
- Sep 6, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The SSP is the longest running Society of exhibiting artists in Sussex. Founded in 1924 as a…
Tuesday Blues
Albany Down + 2 supports to be announced
The Hypnotist and Mind Reader Live
Join one of the UK's top stage hypnotists & mind readers - direct form London's West…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Seed Saving Course
Join our market gardeners for a hands-on workshop on how to select, collect and winnow healthy seeds…
Fermenting & Pickling with MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt
Dive into the delicious world of pickling and fermentation with MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt! In…
Ashdown Forest Open Studios
The inaugural Ashdown Forest Open Studios 2026.The studios will be open from Friday 4th to Sunday…
Curious About Hastings
- Sep 6, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Artwave Festival
- Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Goldstone Rum's - Rum School
Join Goldstone Rum for an evening of fun and learning where you’ll create your own bespoke rum. Kick…
Rainbow Kaleidoscope-Making Workshop
A fun Rainbow Kaleidoscope-Making Workshop at Chichester Cinema. Inspired by the animated film ARCO…
Forest Bathing
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Sep 12, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
Emma Weaver is back for another soothing Forest Bathing session, taking you on a slow 5km walk in…
House Tour
- Sep 6, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
The Paint Club: Palm Tree Beach
Join us for a relaxed painting workshop as we paint a palm tree beach.
Cabaret Cerises: 10 Years of Burlesque
Cabaret Cerises is celebrating 10 fabulous years of burlesque in Eastbourne! For the past decade…
Backstage Tours
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 6, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Our 75-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover our backstage…
Kevin Armstrong
Kevin Armstrong has played guitar for some of the biggest names in music from the mid 1980s to the…
Ska Night
Ska night with The Skandalizers.
Nature on Tap
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the wild side of Lewes, where soaring peregrines, ancient…
The Blockheads
Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys’ album ‘New Boots and Panties’ on the first Stiff Records tour…
Football for adults with a learning disability - Bognor
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
A coach led session for adults with a learning disability to come and learn some new skills, meet…
Sounds Familiar Music Quiz
- Sep 11, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Sounds Familiar is more than just a Music Quiz, it’s the perfect combination of your favourite…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- Sep 7, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
- Sep 11, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
Connor Selby
Authentic, roots-based voices have penetrated the mainstream in recent years; from the soulful…
Ashdown Opera
'Amore', the music of love performed by the renowned Ashdown Opera in the beautiful…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Fontwell Family Festival
Round off the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Fontwell Family Festival! If…
Janmashtami Bhajan Jamming
An unforgettable celebration filled with live bhajans, raas, dancing, music, delicious food, stalls…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- Sep 7, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Moore / Freud
- Hastings Contemporary
- Sep 6, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Moore / Freud will be the first exhibition to explore the distinctive ways in which Henry Moore and…
Abseil for The Clock Tower Sanctuary
Glide over the cliffs at Peacehaven, take in the views, embrace fear, and do something great for…
National League: Worthing vs Barrow
Worthing take on Barrow in this National League fixture.
UK Pink Floyd Experience
Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd live in concert, this highly authentic…
Beginners Steelpan Taster Session
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026
A free taster session for those wanting to learn to play steelpan. No musical experience needed.
Guided Tree Tours at Nymans
- Sep 6, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
Join one of our expert volunteer Tree Guides for a 90-minute tour showcasing the magnificence of the…
Summer Programme
- Sep 6, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
Fleetwood Mac
See the fantastic tribute to Fleetwood Mac - Our Own Way - at the beautiful Lewes Little Theatre.
Austin Gold/Electric Black
Austin Gold Modern Classic Rock with Uncompromising Authenticity In an era where rock music…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
- Sep 6, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. Celebrate and explore David McKee's…
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
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…
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…
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