Top 25 reasons to visit Sussex in 2025

Discover why Sussex should be at the top of your travel list in 2025

Our curated list of the top 25 reasons to visit Sussex this year will guide you through the must-see places, unmissable events, and unforgettable adventures awaiting you. Prepare to explore a region where tradition meets innovation and breathtaking views meet rich heritage. Let Sussex capture your heart in 2025!

 

External view of De La Warr Pavilion on a sunny day

Comedy  

Let's have a laugh...

Hastings Comedy Festival showcases a large variety of professional comedians and emerging comics from around the UK and the world. Shows are performed over 7 days in June at various venues throughout Hastings & St Leonards in East Sussex 

De La Warr Pavilion has an exciting line up of comedy including Jason Manford, Dara O’Brien and Sara Pascoe. 

Other comedy in Sussex highlights include Katherine Ryan in Worthing and Omid Djalili performing in Horsham and Chichester.   

Find your next Comedy event

Two children looking at religious artwork at Chichester Cathedral

Discover Sussex’s heritage  

950 years of Chichester Cathedral

Chichester950 will be a year-long celebration featuring exhibitions, choral and orchestral concerts, and community events, culminating with a spectacular light show in October.  

In 1075 the decision was made to move the seat of the Bishop from Selsey to the more populous Roman settlement of Chichester, then Noviomagus. This was followed by the construction of the Cathedral, a sacred place of worship and Mother Church to the Diocese - a flourishing Christian community that falls within the boundaries of East and West Sussex 

Find out more about the 950 Celebrations

 

A tennis match played at Rothesay International tennis with busy crowds in the stands

Celebrate Women in sport  

Let’s hear it for the girls, with a world-class line up of athletes taking centre stage in Sussex this Summer:  

In September the Women’s Rugby World Cup comes to Sussex with two matches hosted at the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on 6th and 7th September.

For tennis lovers, The Rothesay International Eastbourne  (21st to 29th June).  Played at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne is an event steeped in history and has welcomed some of the world’s greatest tennis talent onto its courts, watched on by thousands of tennis fans and spectators every year.

If you’re planning on attending any sporting events in Sussex, plan your stay here.

library at The Star alfriston

Stay in Alfriston  

Two exciting new hotel chains have made their home in the quaint Sussex village of Alfriston,  

Coming in March, the next addition to our family of award-winning Signet hotels is The Alfriston, you can expect individually styled bedrooms and suites plus a Brasserie championing local, independent suppliers with stunning views across the front lawn. Relax in the inviting bar & orangery, or indulge yourself at the spa with treatments, sauna, steam room plus a heated outdoor swimming pool.

 

The Star in Alfriston is part of the Polizzi Collection and is at the centre of the medieval village. Its 15th century frontage and ancient beamed bar opens straight off the high street. Behind it is a small library and large restaurant, all of which give onto a newly formed courtyard which has become the heart of the hotel. 

A driver and his crew smiling as they stand in the engine of the Bluebell Railway steam train

Celebrating 200 years of the railway in Sussex  

Visit our heritage railways to celebrate a landmark 200 years in railway history, with special events planned to mark the occasion

There are two historic railways to experience in Sussex, Bluebell railway and the Kent and East Sussex Railway.

Find out more about the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway at RAILWAY 200 

A table filled with roast dinner and trimmings at the Pearly Cow

Foodie Sussex  

Learn to cook with a Masterchef winner

Kenny Tutt, Masterchef Champion 2018 has joined forces with the award winning, The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst to host a series of pop up supper clubs and food demonstration classes for 2025.  

Pearly Cow is Brighton’s hottest new restaurant. Sat directly on Brighton’s seafront and spread across four Georgian & Regency townhouses, the restaurant is opposite the iconic West Pier. Launching on 12th January is the new Sunday lunch menu at Pearly from Head Chef Andrew MacKenzie. Serving a choice of roast meats, including Sussex Wagyu Beef Topside from Trenchmore Farm and Rolled Porchetta with roast apples and fennel from Woodhouse Butchery

Visit our Food & Drink page for more inspiration

A bottle of English sparkling wine and flowers on a picnic bench at Roebuck Estate vineyard, with vines in the distance

English Wine Week

Raise a glass of Sussex Sparking wine to celebrate English wine week from 21 – 29 June.

Sussex vineyards account for 25% of all vineyards in the UK so there will be plenty to celebrate, with events and tours happening across the region.

Explore Wine & Vineyards 

Wooden board with a selection of seafood laid on a marble table top, at Seapearl in Worthing

Naturally Sussex

Get up close to some unusual Sussex residents this year.

Knepp Safari: Experience the thrill of the dawn chorus and wild animals undisturbed in their natural habitat with a Dawn Safari at Knepp Estate. Set out  with your guide in search of roe deer, fallow deer, Exmoor ponies, longhorn cattle, weasels, foxes, badgers and turtle doves. But don’t leave as soon as the safari is over, extend your stay and bed down in a yurt, tipi, tent or one of the cosy shepherd’s huts.

Sussex Dolphin Project - Join the Sussex Dolphin Project on their relaxed Sunset wildlife boat cruise to learn about our amazing marine wildlife here in Sussex while cruising along the Sussex seafront. You might even see a humpback whale, which has been spotted in January of this year splashing in the channel 

Two cars on the start line at the vintage car festival with crowds in pit lane and grandstand, Goodwood Revival

Speedy Sussex

Fast cars and vintage vehicles...

Two of the biggest events in the Motorsport calendar take place at Goodwood in Sussex this summer; Goodwood Festival of Speed, from 10th–13th July 2025, themed ‘The Winning Formula – Champions and Challengers’, will celebrate 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship and 125 years of motorsport history. The only historic motor race meeting to be staged entirely in a period theme, Goodwood Revival is an immersive celebration of iconic cars and fashion. Taking place 12-14 September.

A couple dressed in pride colours at Eastbourne Pride

Pride of Sussex

Sussex is home to some amazing Pride celebrations.

Worthing Pride  Weekend of 4-5th July - a weekend of celebrations with live music and so much more.

Chichester Pride Saturday, 24th May 2025 "Get ready for another unforgettable day. We can’t wait to see you there!" Fun and festivities in Chichester City Centre

Brighton Pride Weekend of 2-3rd August - Firmly established as the UK’s most popular international Pride Festival, Brighton &  Hove Pride attracts a diverse demographic audience from across the globe and is singularly the most popular visitor attraction in the City’s event calendar.

Eastbourne Pride Saturday 19th July 2025 - The award winning Eastbourne Pride event is back and promises a day full of fun, love and support for the LGBT community.

Two knights in a jousting battle at Loxwood, Sussex

Historic Horses

Sussex is home to some of the oldest and most famous equestrian spectacles in the calendar.

Loxwood Joust  Enter a magical kingdom where you’ll be transported back to times of Olde to revel in the annual jousting festival of Loxwood! 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th August.

Cowdray Polo Club hosts the internationally famous British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup Final on 20th July. The Gold Cup attracts the largest single polo audience in the UK.

Qatar Goodwood Festival The world famous five-day festival, affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, is one of the undisputed highlights of the British flat racing season. It's a social and sporting occasion like no other, where some of the greatest stars in horse racing are crowned. 29th July – 2nd August.

The Autumn Show & Horse Trials brings countryside pursuits and equestrian excitement to life. Watch elite riders compete in the South of England International Horse Trials with dressage, show-jumping and cross-country.  27th & 28th Setpember.

south lodge camelia food

The Michelin stars in Sussex are spread across a variety of dining styles, from luxurious country house settings to more contemporary dining experiences. Each offers something unique, with a common thread of high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship.

Gravetye Manor holds 1 Michelin star and throughout the year the produce from the walled kitchen garden, created by William Robinson at the turn of the last century, is the driving force behind the inspiration and seasonality of the menus.

Spring 2025 will see the launch of The Cordia Collective, a new culinary venture from Green Michelin-starred chef Chantelle Nicholson. Located within Borde Hill - the stunningly beautiful and historic 2,300-acre estate in West Sussex - the project will bring Chantelle’s regenerative ethos into the English countryside for the first time. Find out more about Borde Hill here

Paddleboarding at Littlehampton's The Beach

Learn a new hobby

Sussex is famed for it’s 140 mile coastline, perfect for Watersports, Give it a try at one of our Watersports centres:

The Beach Watersports at Littlehampton is a purpose-built beach club with a cafe, facilities and a range of fun, thrilling and accessible sports on offer. Located on the beach at the eastern end of Littlehampton, here visitors will find one venue that does it all. If you want to get on the water, choose from paddleboarding, kitesurfing, wing-foiling or windsurfing. 

Buzz Active have something for everyone.  Sailing and windsurfing at Eastbourne seafront centre, located right on the beach.

Battle Abbey exterior

Sussex on Screen

Starring Sussex...

New historic epic TV series ‘King and Conqueror’ starring James Norton, is due on our screens in 2025, based on the Battle of Hastings in 1066 - see the historical sites in real life in 1066 Country 

Sussex has played host to many film locations over the years, discover where to find some of your favourite moments on screen

rye scallop week

Discover Local produce

Sussex is home to vineyards, breweries, distilleries and of course a veritable array of freshly caught seafood...

Sussex Food and Wine Show, Eastbourne  – 18th & 19th July

Come along and sample some delicious English sparkling and still wines. Plus, a range of locally produced gin, brandy, rum, beers, and fruit juices. There will also be a range of locally produced cheeses, bread, pastries, cakes, and other delicacies on offer for you to taste.

 

Rye Scallop Festival  22nd Feb – 2nd March

The 21st Rye Bay Scallop Week in Rye, East Sussex offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in seafood delights! Throughout Rye Bay Scallop Week, restaurants in and around Rye showcase an array of different scallop dishes.

 

 

Family walking along coastal path at Seven Sisters, with a view of the sea and white cliffs

King Charles III England’s Coast Path opens

Take in the beautiful Sussex seaside on foot

The latest 28 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path are now open, bookended by Eastbourne and Rye Harbour, the new section becomes part of what will be the world’s longest managed trail when all 2,700 miles are joined up.

Starting at Eastbourne Pier, this panoramic and varied coastline of nature, country parks and beaches takes you east to Sovereign Harbour and the shingle front at Pevensey Bay. Then, Normans Bay and Cooden Beach before Bexhill Promenade and the wondrous grade I-listed De La Warr Pavilion. 

Coastal walks to explore in Sussex

Red arrow display over the seafront at Eastbourne Air Show

Eastbourne Air Show

Look up, you won't want to miss this!

One of Europe's biggest free seafront airshows, Eastbourne International Airshow attracts huge crowds along the 2-mile flying display line on Eastbourne seafront.

Featuring four days of flying displays, military exhibitions, ground attractions, children's entertainment, fireworks, tribute shows and more, marvel at the fast jets, historic warbirds and precision aerobatic teams, as they perform across Eastbourne's stunning seafront. 14th – 17th August.

Butlins PlayXperience laser

New experiences at Butlin’s Bognor Regis

Fun for all the family!

Butlin’s, the Home of Entertainment, will open its biggest ever indoor Soft Play centre and Puppet Theatre space at its Bognor Regis resort. Opening in time for Easter, this £1.8m investment follows the £15m investment in the new indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE, which opened in October 2024. 

This incredible new space has over double the capacity than the current Soft Play at Bognor Regis, offering soft, interactive and sensory play across four storeys and over 3,000 square feet. With up to 200 playing in this huge space, there’s also a 100-person seating area and refreshments for adults to enjoy while the children explore and play. 

Check out Butlins' newest additions 

 

Pashley Manor wisteria with tulips in foreground

Sussex in Bloom

There’s a floral display for every season in Sussex, here’s just a few to inspire your Instagram-worthy pictures this year.

Spring

Bluebells at Abbotts Wood

Daffodils & Rhodedendrons at Leonardslee

Tulips at Arundel Castle and Pashley Manor Gardens

Summer

Lavender at Lordington

Wild flowers at Sussex Prairie Gardens

Autumn

Woodland colour in the Ashdown Forest

 

Find more Parks & Gardens in Sussex to enjoy!

A grassy meadow with a view of the buildings of the Millenium Seed bank, Wakehurst

Wakehurst Millenium Seed Bank 25th Anniversary

Sussex is home to the world's largest collection of seeds from wild plants

2025 marks 25 years since the doors opened to the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex. Home to the world's largest collection of seeds from wild plants with over 2.4 billion seeds.

Seedscapes, July - September

For Wakehurst visitors, the summer will offer a chance to show the interconnectivity between humanity and horticulture, shining the spotlight on the global partnerships that have helped to build the MSB into what it is today. Through a series of art in the form of ceramics, AR visualisation, soundscapes and more, visitors will be encouraged to draw a connection between themselves and the inspiring science taking place at Wakehurst.

 

A person looking at a pink sculpture at Towner Eastbourne

Art lovers paradise

The arts and culture scene in Sussex is second to none and 2025 features some of the best exhibitions and festivals to enjoy

Goodwood Art Foundation  will open its doors in Spring 2025. Building on the Estate’s long history of supporting art and delivering world-class visitor experiences, it will showcase the work of the very best international artists and curators, set against an environment crafted by leading landscape designer, Dan Pearson OBE.

Charleston From Van Gogh to Vanessa Bell Charleston present two dynamic seasons of exhibitions across two sites. Visit Charleston in Firle, adjacent to the modernist home and studio, or at Charleston in Lewes – a new cultural centre just a three-minute walk from Lewes station.

Hastings Contemporary  Exploring the mysteries, myths and life that lurk beneath the waves, Undersea at Hastings Contemporary brings together paintings, prints, drawings and objects from across different cultures and artistic movements.

Towner Eastbourne Two major exhibitions have been announced for Towner Eastbourne in the summer of 2025. The first, Sussex Modernism 21 May – 21 Sept, brings together artists not usually included in the story of modernism – including those who opposed it, those who came before and after it, and an array of countercultural artists.  The exhibition will bring together monumental artworks including a sculpture by Jacob Epstein and one of the largest paintings Ivon Hitchens ever created.  From 14 May – 31 August Paule Vézelay: Living Lines curated by Simon Grant will celebrate one of the UK’s first abstract artists with more than 60 works on display, revealing how she became a prominent figure within the European avant-garde. 

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester has an exciting season ahead including major exhibition ‘Dora Carrington: Beyond Bloomsbury’ which will be the first exhibition of Carrington’s works for almost 30 years and ‘Maggi Hambling: Nightingale Night’ a new series of paintings by Hambling inspired by birdsong in the Sussex woodland.

 

Elderflower Fields Festival

Festivals for all in Sussex

We've got festivals to suit everyone, young to old, music lover to art-appreciator. Here are just a few...

Elderflower Fields 23-26th May Uckfield, A family friendly festival nurturing young minds through new experiences in performance, sport, nature, art, science and outdoor fun.

Love Supreme Jazz Festival 4-6th July Glynde Place, Jazz music in style

Petworth Summer Festival 17th July 2nd August, A world class arts festival in the South Downs

Stansted Summer Festival 19-20th July near Brighton, An eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment and a little bit of the eccentric all within the setting of a Quintessential Country Estate

FakeFestivals Horsham 16th August,  SIX sensational Fake Bands

The Wake  23rd August, Loxwood, The new festival set up by Green Man founders, Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan is returns in 2025, with headliner announced as King Creosote.

Roadhouse Weekender  4-6th July Bodiam, The UK's biggest Country Music Line Up! Welcome to the Roadhouse Weekender, a country music festival created by country music fans.

Hope Freedom Music Festival 22-25th August Battle This festival is about Beautiful and High Vibes, Love, Community, Good Times and ultimately FREEDOM! 

Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival 26-29th June Rye/Peasmarsh,  Bringing world-class musicians to this charming corner of rural East Sussex allowing audiences to enjoy international chamber music, as well as food and drinks, in a beautiful setting.

Chiddfest Music Festival, 18 - 20 July, Nash Street, Near Chiddingly. Now in its 11th year, this year's festival will see indie-rock band, The Feeling headlining on Saturday. It's much loved 'Tribute Sunday' will conclude the three days. Plenty of food on offer, licensed bars and lots to entertain the kids. Weekend and day tickets available, as well as camping and glamping.

Beverley Knight singing with a guitar in the stage production of Marie and Rosetta

World Class Culture

You’ll find some of the biggest stage productions here in Sussex, with a season of incredible plays, opera and performances at two iconic venues

Glyndebourne is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world. Their flagship summer series of outdoor performances  starts from 16 May to 24 August.

Chichester Festival theatre - Over the past six decades, countless productions originated here in Chichester have transferred to the West End or toured nationally and internationally, from musicals to significant new plays and classic revivals. From 25-26 July the UK premiere of George Brant’s Marie and Rosetta, the roof-raising play with music telling the true story of American singer and songwriter Rosetta Tharpe and her protégé Marie Knight. Multi award-winning singer and actress Beverley Knight, whose many West End performances include Memphis, The Drifters Girl, Sylvia (for which she won an Olivier Award) and Sister Act, plays Rosetta Tharpe.

For more theatre listings take a look at our Theatre & Comedy in Sussex events

Samphire Sauna Hastings

Sauna with a view

With Sussex’s south-facing coastline, you can see the sun rise above the water in the east and watch it set below the waves in the west.

Our coastline is the perfect location to enjoy a Sauna in one of the growing number of beach saunas on offer, with proven mental and physical health benefits.

Hidden away on Hastings Pier, Samphire Sauna is a cosy, Nordic-inspired sauna in a beautifully converted horsebox. Unwind while getting hot under the collar, as you look out over the sea, with the waves lapping beneath you.

Or get closer to nature at Kindred Sauna, nestled under the arms of an ancient oak, on the banks of the wild swimming pond at the Knepp Estate.

Aerial view of the grounds and red brick buildings of Newhaven Fort with sea in the distance

Newhaven Fort reopens

History at your fingertips

Newhaven Fort will be reopening to the public in February following a £7.5 million restoration of this 19th century site. With a packed schedule of events and activities, visitors will be able to explore history and enjoy family-friendly fun at this beautifully restored heritage site.  There are a variety of events taking place at the Fort from March onwards, including workshops, tours, exhibitions, and talks. 

As part of the 2025 season, the Fort will explore the little-known role of birds during WWII on 11 May with the Raphael Historic Falconry display, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness these feathered friends in action and up close. The following week, on 18 May 2025, the Fort will host the first of two Past ‘n’ Curious Car Shows, showcasing vintage and classic cars and vans from around the world.