Your guide to Summer in Sussex
Discover 10 unforgettable reasons to spend summer 2026 in Sussex
Summer in Sussex is a magical time, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and seaside fun. As the sun shines brightly over the South Downs and the coastline, Sussex transforms into a vibrant playground for visitors of all ages.
We've gathered the best things to do, see and experience this Summer in Sussex.
Sussex’s Glorious Gardens
Visit Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens this Summer and experience the gardens at twilight at ‘Leonardslee Lates’ where you can escape with live music, a silent disco and enjoy Leonardslee Vineyards wine with friends and family.
New for 2026 brand new Borde Hill's Summer Series brings live music to a beautiful open-air setting. Highlights include performances from Nile Rodgers & CHIC, McFly, and Becky Hill across August 2026. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music with top artists in a unique countryside backdrop.
At Wakehurst 2026 brings a vibrant line-up of outdoor experiences, including Henry Moore and more (5 June 2026 – 23 May 2027), an impressive open-air sculpture exhibition set across the landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a series of 'Latehurst' relaxed evening events, from summer meadow walks to wildlife experiences like badger watching, making the most of the gardens after hours.
Great Dixter will be in full summer splendour - A vibrant, daring, and immersive garden with a 15th century house restored by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Leading the way in ornamental gardening, gardening for biodiversity, and horticultural education.
Find your perfect garden in Sussex, there are so many to choose from!
Beaches for days...
Littlehampton. Last summer the brand-new seafront development on East Beach launched with experiences for all ages including a brand-new activity hub featuring a bouldering wall, beach volleyball and a water play area and food market. You'll find the quieter West Beach with a board walk on the western side of the river Arun.
Normans Bay & Cooden. A peaceful beach close to the landing point of the Norman invasion in 1066, a quieter alternative from Bexhill (popular with families). Cooden beach just along the coast, is a quiet spot with train links to London. Stay in a room with a view at the luxury Relais Cooden Beach, complete with dog-friendly rooms (pooches are even provided their own pyjamas!).
Worthing. More laid back than neighbouring Brighton & Hove, this long stretch of seaside has a wide shingle beach and is a foodie destination – you'll find buzzy bars, and eateries such as the CrabShack famed for amazing seafood.
Sussex Vineyard Tours
If you haven’t heard already, Sussex Vineyards account for 25% of vineyards in the UK and are renowned for their Sparkling wines. In the summer months, over 40 vineyards open for tours and tastings, as well as running pop up events for English Wine week from 20-28 June so if you need an excuse to visit, there will be plenty happening to celebrate. It’s the perfect alternative to a weekend in Provence!
Why not make a weekend of it?
Visit Sussex Winelands to find everything you need to know.
Heritage Gems
Winne the Pooh celebrates his 100th birthday this year, the Hundred Acre Wood is in the High Weald National Landscape and there are events happening throughout the summer in celebration of his centenary!
Across Sussex, USA250 celebrations mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, connecting the county to a pivotal moment in global history. Uniquely, West Sussex holds a rare historic copy of the Declaration itself, alongside links to influential figures such as Thomas Paine of Lewes, whose ideas helped inspire the Revolution. These events highlight Sussex’s surprising transatlantic heritage, offering a fresh perspective on how the ideals of liberty and democracy were shaped on both sides of the Atlantic.
Loxwood Joust Taking place over three weekends in August, this unique experience immerses explorers into a kingdom filled with adventure, music, as well as offering the chance to camp in tents and feast at lavish banquets.
Explore more Castles and Forts or Stately Homes & Manor Houses
Wild swimming wellness
Knepp At Knepp wilding campsite, visitors can take a dip in the wild swimming pond and Kindred sauna are on site offering wood-fired sauna sessions.
Arundel Lido With Arundel Castle as its stunning backdrop and nestled in the South Downs, the Lido just turned 21 and continues to host events including serene sound bath sessions. It’s a true hidden gem.
Tide Mills Discover Tide Mills forgotten village on the way to a peaceful swim at the beach, in between Newhaven and Seaford, it’s a secret bathing spot to discover.
Pells Pool The oldest freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK, in the historic town of Lewes. The pool is naturally heated, but you can warm up with Nomadic Sauna on selected days.
Shady Spots
Sussex is surrounded by ancient woodland and forests, so when the heat rises, you can find a place to cool off and get back to nature. Ashdown Forest is famous as the inspiration for the ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ and Winne the Pooh.
Friston Forest is within the South Downs National Park and is the largest area of recently established forest in South East England. It includes a section of the South Downs Way and miles of trails and paths to explore.
Near Chichester, Kingley Vale Nature Reserve has a grove of ancient trees which are estimated to be amongst the oldest living things in Britain, and one of the finest yew forests in Western Europe.
Sporting occasions
The Lexus Eastbourne Open 20-27 July. An event steeped in history, has welcomed some of the world’s greatest tennis talent onto its courts, at Devonshire Park.
Qatar Goodwood Festival 28 July-1 August. The world-famous five-day festival, ‘Glorious Goodwood’, is one of the undisputed highlights of the British flat racing season. At The Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead 22–26 July - thousands of equestrian fans are expected to flock to watch international highlights such as the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain
With a 140-mile coastline and calm inland waterways, there’s nowhere better than Sussex for diving into watersports, Book with one of the local Watersports centres, including The Beach, 2XS and Camber Kitesurfing.
Sussex is a golfers paradise, with championship courses like Goodwood, designed by James Braid and East Sussex National Golf Club. We're also home to one of England’s oldest golf clubs – Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club. Sussex also has one of the oldest cricket clubs in the form of the Sussex County Cricket Club, established in 1893.
Creative Sussex
Discover Sussex’s vibrant creative scene with our inspiring guide to open studios, art trails and craft events across the county. From coastal exhibitions to countryside studio visits, it reveals unique opportunities to meet artists, explore hidden spaces and experience creativity beyond traditional galleries. Without events throughout the Summer 2026, it’s the perfect way to plan a cultural break or add a creative twist to your visit.
Find out what's happening in Sussex this Summer
