There's something satisfying about finding a place that feels like a reward for getting off the beaten track.

Sussex is full of hidden places to eat, drink and stay. The places people mention when you ask for a recommendation; the ones you discover on a walk, a bike ride or by taking a turn down a country lane and stumbling across a hidden gem. 

Here are five spots that do exactly that and are well worth adding to your list. 

  1. Trenchmore Farm
  2. Kinsbrook Vineyard
  3. Firebird Brewing Co.
  4. The Cabin at Berretts Farm
  5. Knepp Estate

Trenchmore Farm

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1. Trenchmore Farm

Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, Trenchmore Farm is one of those places where food, farming and community come together naturally. Home to Silly Moo Cider, made using apples from the farm's orchard and annual Apple Swap, it's also where you'll find delicious Wagyu burgers from 3 Bros, made using beef reared on the farm. But what really sets Trenchmore apart is the welcome. Whether you're visiting for an event, a bite to eat or simply a wander, there's a warmth to the place that feels unmistakably Sussex.

Two people producing cider at Trenchmore Farm in West Sussex

Kinsbrook Vineyard

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2. Kinsbrook Vineyard

Nestled beneath the South Downs, Kinsbrook Vineyard is an easy place to while away an afternoon. Whether you're stopping for a coffee and pastry, enjoying lunch overlooking the vines or settling in with a glass of Sussex sparkling, there's a relaxed atmosphere that feels special without being pretentious. The vineyard tours offer a fascinating glimpse into English winemaking, but even if you're just passing through, the views alone make it worth the detour.

 

Rows of vines with a tented building in the backgroud at Kinsbrook vineyard, Sussex

Firebird Brewing Co.

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3. Firebird Brewing Co.

Part brewery, part live music venue, part community hub, Firebird Brewing always seems to have something happening. Hidden away in a former brickworks, it's known for its craft beers, but you'll also find street food, open mic nights, Bring Your Own Vinyl evenings and a packed calendar of events. With a pint in hand and the brewery humming away in the background, it's easy to see why Firebird has built such a loyal following.

Firebird Brewery

The Cabin at Berretts Farm

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4. The Cabin at Berretts Farm

Hidden beside the Downs Link, The Cabin at Berretts Farm has become a favourite meeting spot for walkers, cyclists and anyone in need of coffee with a view. Looking out across to the South Downs, it's a lovely place to catch up with friends over coffee and cake, while food nights and community events add to its easy-going atmosphere throughout the year. Visit on a clear evening and you'll be treated to some of the best sunsets around.

Knepp Estate

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5. Knepp

Knepp Estate feels less like an attraction and more like its own little world. Best known for its rewilding project, safaris and white storks, it's also home to a sauna, pond dips, regular events and Friday night BBQs that give the whole place a wonderfully laid-back, bohemian feel. You can spend the day exploring, stay for the evening atmosphere or even camp overnight and wake up surrounded by nature. Few places capture the wild side of Sussex quite like it.

A couple sit at a table in a sunny courtyard surrounded by plants, trees and the Knepp kitchen buildings

Planning your visit

Although off the beaten track, the Horsham area of Sussex is easily accessible by public transport and by road, just over 1 hour from London. International transport links at Gatwick are within 45 minutes too. Nearest railway station: Horsham 

Some locations are also accessible by bike using the Downs Link, a 34 mile traffic-free cycle route connecting Guildford in the North, to Shoreham By Sea on the coast.  

You can plan your journey to Sussex using our Travel pages. 

 

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