Brighton Pride is iconic but your weekend doesn’t have to end there. From vineyards to wellness retreats, Sussex is bursting with LGBTQ+-friendly, soul-nourishing experiences that are just a short hop from Brighton. Whether you're craving nature, culture, or toasting the weekend with a cheeky glass of sparkling wine, we’ve got you covered.
Here are five ways to extend your Pride weekend in style:
1. Sip, Soak & Stay at a Sussex Vineyard
Looking for a chill post-Pride vibe? Sussex is home to some of the best eco-friendly vineyards and English sparkling wine estates in the UK.
- The Secret Vineyard, Herstmonceux – LGBTQ+ inclusive, sustainable, and serene. Wild swimming, yoga, and overnight stays make it a perfect nature escape.
- Ridgeview & Rathfinny Wine Estates – World-class sparkling wine with stunning views and luxe accommodations.
- Tillingham, Rye – A favourite for natural wines and wood-fired pizza. Bonus: a scenic walking route from Rye.
Because nothing says “I survived Pride” like a glass of English sparkling wine in the countryside.
Ridgeview Wine Estate
- Fragbarrow Lane
Nestled at the foot of the picturesque South Downs in Ditchling, just a 20-minute drive from Brighton, Ridgeview is a second-generation family company…
Tillingham Estate Vineyard
Tillingham Estate is a mixed farm that dates from 13th Century, featuring vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock all set in 70 acres…
Rathfinny Wine Estate
- Rathfinny Wine Estate
Family-owned Rathfinny Wine Estate is a pioneering grower-producer of English sparkling wines. Situated in a picturesque valley near the charming…
2. Discover Sussex’s LGBTQ+ Friendly Art Scene
Sussex is serving culture with a capital C. From surrealist legends to modern galleries, Sussex is bursting with creativity.
- Charleston & Sussex Art Shuttle – Hop aboard the eco-conscious Sussex Art Shuttle and gallery-hop your way from Towner Eastbourne to the iconic Charleston Farmhouse—with a dreamy detour past the Seven Sisters cliffs (yep, the ones from the opening scene of Wicked).
- Farleys House & Gallery – Home to Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, with original Picasso works.
- Marine Workshops, Newhaven – A rising art space next to the marina with exhibitions and a Middle Eastern bakery (Mamoosh, not to be missed!).
Towner Gallery, Eastbourne
3. Detox, Darling
After the Pride party, treat yourself to a wellness reset in nature.
- Cuckoo Trail – A scenic bike route perfect for a mindful ride in the Sussex countryside.
- Pells Pool, Lewes – One of the UK’s oldest outdoor lidos, ideal for a refreshing dip in a vintage summer setting.
- Hastings Country Park – discover Cliff walks, hidden beaches, and peaceful nature trails. Stay nearby at The Cove in Fairlight, the place to unwind with sea views and serious chill vibes.
- Lior Wellness Studio, St Leonards – New yoga and sauna studio for a post-Pride reset.
4. Eat Like a Local
Fuel your adventures with some seriously good eats.
- Light (Towner Eastbourne) – Art and food in one stylish spot.
- Caccia & Tails (Lewes) – Italian-American comfort food that looks as good as it tastes.
- Pestle & Mortar (Lewes) – A noodle bar meets Asian mini-market. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Coquina (Hastings Contemporary) – Gorgeous food, gorgeous people. Enough said.
5. Stay Somewhere Special
Whether you’re glamping or going full luxury, Sussex has a stay for every vibe.
- The Star Hotel (Alfriston) –It’s luxe, it’s charming, and it’s close to everything.
- Woodfire at Chapel Field (Firle) – Glamping meets gastronomy. Think fire-cooked meals and local produce under the stars.
- The Ram Inn (Firle) – A historic pub with rooms. Cosy and full of character.
- Zanzibar House (St Leonards) – A stunning group stay spot that feels like a boutique hotel meets private mansion.
- Unplugged Cabins (Robertsbridge) – Off-grid cabins where you lock your phone away and reconnect with nature (and maybe yourself).
The Star, Alfriston
Getting There: Travel Tips for Your Sussex Pride Escape
Brighton is super well-connected by rail, especially from London, making it easy to hop over to nearby gems like Lewes, Eastbourne, and Hastings to keep the Pride party going.
While you're exploring, check out the Flexibus—a bookable rideshare service. It’s perfect for getting between countryside spots (think vineyards, art galleries, and wellness retreats) and even connects to Lewes Station. The best part? It’s just £2 per person. Split it with your Pride crew and ride in style.