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 3 of the Channel 5 series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
The White Hart Inn
The White Hart Hotel is a charming 16th century coaching inn located on Lewes High Street. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2024, Heartwood…
Fly Sussex Paragliding
- Tollgate
Take to the skies and learn to Paraglide on the beautiful South Downs. Solo and tandem flying experiences available. Suitable for complete beginners…
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.
Mark Morriss
Best known as the lead singer for The Bluetones, and now also having been a solo artist since 2008…
National League: Worthing vs Forest Green Rovers
Worthing take on Forest Green Rovers in this National League fixture.
Family Summer Holiday Activities
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Discover a summer of art, creativity and outdoor adventure. Enjoy free creative activities designed…
Sunday Jazz
Ease into Sunday with an afternoon curated by the wonderful Saltdean Jazz Band. Expect an eclectic…
Casks & Vines - An Evening With Ole Bison Bourbon
One welcome glass of Leonardslee Family Vineyards sparkling wine. A guided flight of three Ole Bison…
Sky Bet League Two: Crawley Town vs Crewe Alexandra
Crawley Town take on Crewe Alexandra in this Sky Bet League Two fixture.
Interpreting Walls - Interpreting the history and architecture of Pevensey
- Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
A walk with Rod, Court House volunteer, starting at the Court House and looking at some of the walls…
Mudlarks & Crafts!
Mud, glorious mud – that's what a lot of our wading birds think! But what is in it that attracts…
Nature on Tap
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the wild side of Lewes, where soaring peregrines, ancient…
Garden Explorer Trail at West Dean Gardens - Summer Holiday Activities
- West Dean Gardens
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Discover a summer of imagination adventure at West Dean Gardens with our family-friendly Garden…
Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club
Mixed line-up of comedians.
Circus Skills Drop-In Workshop
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026
Brush up your circus skills with instructors from Circus Allstars who'll give guidance and…
Holiday Thursday Make & Take - Lolly Stick Families
Come along and create your family in lolly stick form! You can draw and decorate the sticks however…
The Wind In The Willows
- Tilgate Forest
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Following the success of 2025s A Comedy of Errors we are excited to be returning once again to the…
Summer Gymnastics Funday Session
- Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Come and enjoy Wickers Gymnastics non-structured, parent/ carer supervised session, where you can…
Mnda Comedy
An evening of stand up comedy raising vital funds for people living with MND. Acts TBC
Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Voted UK's Best Free Airshow - Airbourne returns with 4 days of spectacular flying and its all…
The Brighton Big Band Cream Tea
Join us for an amazing afternoon of music and food with the Brighton Big Band! Classic tunes with a…
Musical Theatre Workshops
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026
Join Top Hat Stage & Screen School for this drop-in, musical theatre workshop. A chance to sing…
Evening Jazz with Big House
Join us for an evening of fun with live jazz in The Old Workshop with snacks, wine & soft drinks…
Newhaven Fort
- Aug 15, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
Summer Holiday Adventures
- Go Ape Crawley
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in West Sussex this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape…
Willow Fairy & Dragon Trail
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
This summer, High Beeches Garden welcomes the return of the magical Willow Fairy and Dragon Trail…
Heritage Makes at Standen
- Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- Aug 15, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Learn to play beginners Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026
Get started with Pokémon TCG with guidance from expert local Pokémon Professors. Perfect…
Shakespeare Open-Air Theatre: As You Like It
- Arundel Castle
- Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
Experience Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It in Arundel Castle's Earl's Garden, which…
Fireman Sam Live! - The Lost Pirate Treasure
Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a…
80s & 90s Night
80s & 90s night with DJ Mikey.
Trenchmore's Big Asado Weekend
- Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Join Chef Diego and Viki from Palmito at Trenchmore Farm for a weekend of locally grown food cooked…
Spire Visits
- Chichester Cathedral
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to Chichester…
Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War
- Farleys House & Gallery
- Aug 15, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
A major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026…
Summer of Adventure
- Weald and Downland Living Museum
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 4, 2026
A summer of play, discovery and unforgettable family adventures! Where will your adventure take you…
Yarnbombers for St Michael's Hospice Seaside Trail
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
A vibrant, seaside-themed trail of 18 intricate yarnbombing installations is set to launch across…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- Aug 15, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Elvis: Up Close and Personal
Elvis Up Close and Personal is a tribute show dedicated to the legacy of the King of Rock N Roll…
Bell Tower Open Days
- Chichester Cathedral
- Aug 15, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
Step back in time and explore the only surviving medieval detached bell tower of any English…
Discovery Day – Who’s on the menu?
Whilst pond dipping and hunting for mini-beasts in our Discovery Zone, we'll be investigating…
Art Laughs: Art History’s Funniest Bits with Verity Babbs
What do we miss when we take art too seriously? Some brilliant stories! Join art historian and…
South Farm Maize Maze
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
2 mazes, 2 games, hours of fun! South Farm Rodmell has grown a 7 acre maze for you to come and enjoy…
Emo Club Night!
An explosive emo club night with live metal cover band + epic emo DJ! Get your mates together for…
East Grinstead Jazz Festival Presents Jazz Africa - From Roots To Right Now!
An all-star band, led by keyboardist Basil Hodge, featuring Tony Kofi the award winning British jazz…
Behind the Hives: Bee Tour & Talk
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Aug 19, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
Step behind the scenes at Leonardslee and discover the fascinating world of honeybees. Hidden within…
Creative Taster Sessions
- West Dean Gardens
- Aug 15, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Nature Connect
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent…
Lewis Capaldi Tribute
Lewis Capaldi tribute act, Lewish Capaldi.
Moore / Freud
- Hastings Contemporary
- Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Moore / Freud will be the first exhibition to explore the distinctive ways in which Henry Moore and…
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
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…
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…
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