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 4 of the Channel 5 series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a garden you can immerse yourself in, vibrant, daring and exciting. Originally home…
Restaurant Interlude
"OUR STORY in·ter·lude \ ˈin-tər-ˌlüd A period or event that comes between two others and is…
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’. Its rich…
Sussex Dolphin Project - Newhaven
- West Quay
Join the Sussex Dolphin Project on our relaxed Sunset wildlife boat cruise to learn about our…
Sussex Boat Trips
- Beacon Drive
No visit to East Sussex is complete without a boat trip along the South Downs coastline. Experience…
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.
Summer Programme
- Aug 20, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
Yarnbombers for St Michael's Hospice Seaside Trail
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
A vibrant, seaside-themed trail of 18 intricate yarnbombing installations is set to launch across…
Thursday Late | August
We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after…
Charity Croquet Tournament
The not to be missed event of the year! Knockout Charity Croquet on the lawns at Tottington Manor…
Discovery Day – Grappling with Grasshoppers!
Discovery Day – Grappling with grasshoppers! Whilst hunting for mini-beasts and pond dipping in our…
Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War
- Farleys House & Gallery
- Aug 20, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
A major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026…
Willow Fairy & Dragon Trail
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
This summer, High Beeches Garden welcomes the return of the magical Willow Fairy and Dragon Trail…
The Too Bad Jims
The Too Bad Jims got their name from the seminal Fat Possum album "Too Bad Jim" by the…
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…
Poor Visibility By Stuart Smithers
- Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
This play is being revisited after first being performed in 2012! A comedy based around a bag lady…
Dead Divas
Behind every great hit lies an extraordinary story. Treat yourself to Dead Divas, a sparkling…
Circus Workshop
Roll up, roll up! Come and experience the circus with Circus Brighton – specially designed…
A Quirky History of St Nicolas
The Normans brought us St Nicolas, but who was he? What are some of the lesser known and interesting…
Summer of Colour
- Chichester Cathedral
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 4, 2026
Discover a kaleidoscope of colour at Chichester Cathedral this summer. Inspired by the iconic John…
Nature Connect
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and…
Art Tour
- Chichester Cathedral
- Aug 26, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
The Cathedral is home to a significant collection of art, designed to inspire and challenge…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
- Aug 21, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
Dragonfly Photography Walk
Join wildlife expert Paul Stevens on a 45 minute walk, off-piste, along the back of Wetland…
Creative Taster Sessions
- West Dean Gardens
- Aug 22, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Isthmian League: Eastbourne Town vs Peacehaven & Telscombe
Eastbourne Town take on Peacehaven & Telscombe in this South East Division fixture.
9 to 5 - The Musical
- Connaught Theatre & Studio
- Aug 25, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Get ready to clock in for a night of laughter and iconic songs! Join us for the ultimate feel-good…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- Aug 20, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Casks & Vines - An Evening With Ole Bison Bourbon
One welcome glass of Leonardslee Family Vineyards sparkling wine. A guided flight of three Ole Bison…
Discovery Day – Pollinators and Pond dipping
Whilst hunting for mini-beasts and pond dipping in our Discovery Zone, we'll take a look at some…
Mark Morriss
Best known as the lead singer for The Bluetones, and now also having been a solo artist since 2008…
Brewery Tours
- Aug 22, 2026 - Jan 23, 2027
Curious to know what goes on at Firebird, and what it takes to bring our beers to life? Join us for…
Curved Air
- Aug 23, 2026 - Aug 23, 2027
Curved Air is a unique band, synthesising an eclectic blend of musical styles into an instantly…
Into The Wild
- Aug 24, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Food vendors, stall holders, wildcraft, sauna and children’s area.
Janaina Tschäpe
- Hastings Contemporary
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Janaina Tschäpe brings the swell of the English Channel and the immensity of the world's…
Captain of the Lost Waves and Gabriel Moreno (Double-Header)
Join The Captain of The Lost Waves and Gabriel Moreno for an exclusive and unique performance from…
Ropetackle Comedy Club
- Ropetackle Arts Centre
- Aug 20, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
Shoreham’s funniest night out is back – and we’ve handpicked SIX of the very best comics on the…
My Fair Lady
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- Aug 20, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
Vintage Market
Your perfect Revival look starts here. Join us at The Kennels' Vintage Market and browse a…
Children's Clay Workshop
Make some ~Roman Tiles or a Saxon jug or look for some historic inspiration in the Court House
Children's Story Telling Workshop - Here Be Dragons
Hear the tale of the Dragon of the Knucker Hole in Sussex and his defeat and create the tale of the…
Moore / Freud
- Hastings Contemporary
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Moore / Freud will be the first exhibition to explore the distinctive ways in which Henry Moore and…
Romeo and Juliet
Award-winning Immersion Theatre Company proudly presents an unforgettable adaptation of William…
The Taste of Nature on Tap
- Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Explore the remarkable inland chalk cliffs of Lewes with a drink in hand and a spectacular view…
A Night To Remember Motown Show
A Night To Remember: Motown Show takes you back in time to 1960’s Detroit. Be prepared for a high…
Walter Sickert: Working Notes
- Aug 20, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Discover a fresh perspective on Walter Sickert, one of the most provocative figures in early…
Ghost Walk Pevensey
- Aug 22, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Ghost walk of Pevensey. Meet Castle Car Park for a guide walk hearing some of the…
Summer Holiday Adventures
- Go Ape Crawley
- Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in West Sussex this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape…
Curious About Hastings
- Aug 20, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Open Week
- Aug 24, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Be among the first to paddle on the tranquil, spring-fed lakes of Duncton Mill! Ahead of our full…
Make Your Own Patchwork Elmer
Make your own bright patchwork Elmer using colour, shape and texture. You will then have your very…
Family Dragonfly Walk
Chasers, hawkers, emperors and demoiselles. What’s the difference and where are they? Join wildlife…
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
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…
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…
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