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!
Discover Sussex Vineyards in 2026
Sussex Winelands
Sussex wine is celebrated for its quality and variety, particularly its…
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
Sussex in Bloom
Discover world-class gardens, flower festivals and historic houses in Sussex this Spring
West Dean Gardens
- West Dean Gardens
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest…
Kew Wakehurst
- Wakehurst
Have a day out like no other at Kew Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres to…
Sheffield Park and Garden
About Sheffield Park and Garden The Grade I listed garden is a horticultural work of art formed…
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’. Its rich…
Arundel Castle
No trip to West Sussex is complete without visiting the magnificent Arundel Castle. Set high on a…
Pashley Manor Gardens
- Pashley Road
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas - the culmination of a…
Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a garden you can immerse yourself in, vibrant, daring and exciting. Originally home…
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden
- High Beeches Lane
High Beeches is a 27 acre woodland garden near Handcross. It is a garden of meandering paths and…
Nymans
- Staplefield Road
One of the National Trust’s premier gardens, Nymans has views stretching across the Sussex Weald…
Standen House and Gardens
Discover the arts and crafts movement at the Standen family home and explore life as it would have…
Tulleys Farm
Tulleys Farm is a large event space on the outskirts of Crawley, famous for its Halloween fright…
Borde Hill Garden
- Borde Hill Lane
Borde Hill is a 2,000-acre Estate which has been owned by the Stephenson Clarke family for over 130…
Michelham Priory House & Gardens
Explore 800 years of history at Michelham Priory House and Gardens, set on a picturesque moated…
Herstmonceux Castle Estate
- Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux Castle is rich in history dating back to the 15th Century, commissioned by Sir Roger…
The UK's newest National Nature Reserve is opened Sussex
Find out more about the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve, as opened by King Charles III on 19th March 2026!
Explore a royal coastline in Sussex
Discover the iconic Seven Sisters and the King Charles III England Coast Path in Sussex
What's on this week in Sussex
Newhaven Fort
- Jul 1, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
Rob McCann's World of the Harmonica
Get ready for an electrifying evening of world-class musicianship as Rob McCann & The…
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Release
- Jul 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH!…
Optics Day July
Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find…
Madehurst Big Night Out - Rocket Max as ELTON JOHN Murdoch's Crazy Eyes
Rocket Max as ELTON JOHN Rocket Max is a live, internationally touring stage show celebrating the…
Horizon presents Booker T
Join us for our biggest party yet! A night of House and Garage with Grammy nominated producer and DJ…
Après Beach | Alex Etchart
- Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Après Beach is Greyskull's summer programme of free outdoor live music, taking place every…
Fifth Element Afro-Beat Improv Night
A night of Afro-Beat Improv to celebrate St Leonards Concerts 5th Anniversary with British-Nigerian…
Cello Day
Join us for a day of music-making and learning for intermediate-advanced cellists. Prof Laura…
ABBA's Angels Tribute at Goddenwick Farm
Get ready for a brilliant night of ABBA classics at Goddenwick Farm! We’re excited to welcome…
Mike Hatchard's 70 Birthday Celebration Jazz Breakfast
Mike Hatchard is an outstanding jazz pianist who has spent a life time playing with top musicians…
The Jungle Book
Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring their trademark energy to their wildly entertaining musical…
Duncan Hemstock and his Super Stars
The ever popular Duncan Hemstock will return to West Chilt Jazz Club for a night of original music…
Dan Tong and Sara Trickey
Beethoven's Sonatas in A Minor Opus 23 and In G Opus 78 Schuman's Sonata in A Minor Opus 23…
Workshop | Landscape Vessels
Make a creative clay response to our British Landscapes: A Sense of Place exhibition in this…
Choral Immersion
Marcio da Silva Conductor WHITACRE: Lux Arumque | Sleep | Water Night | Go, lovely Rose | A Boy and…
Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula is a British singer. A native of Birmingham, England, Mvula gained experience as a…
Quo-incidence: Status Quo Tribute Show
Quo have had more hits in the UK than any other band, selling over 120 million records worldwide and…
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
- Jul 1, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
Don't miss the chance to visit the gardens and admire the sculptures. This is a uniqie…
Theatre Tour
- Jul 1, 2026 - Nov 4, 2026
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre Friends invite you to discover the history of Eastbourne's oldest…
Boy Band Night
Boyband night with Always4.
Summer Soul Shakedown Party
Join us for a soulful summer celebration filled with music, Caribbean flavours, dancing, community…
Optics Demo Day
Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find…
Sunset Sip & Paint at Beachy Head
Sunset sip and paint evening at Cadence Beachy Head. Ticket includes art materials plus a glass of…
Witt Fest
- Jul 4, 2026 - Jul 5, 2026
Witt Fest returns to The Wittering for two days of live music, great food, drinks and the summer…
House Tour
- Jul 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Maximum Who
Performing an authentic tribute to The Who's hits and rarities 1965 -1978.
European Polyphony and Modern Echoes Across the Atlantic
Reading Phoenix Choir will be singing unaccompanied choral music from the UK, continental Europe and…
Positive Sounds Beach Party
- Jul 4, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
We have three banging beach parties planned for 2026, featuring all your beloved residents alongside…
Goldstone Rum's - Rum School
- Jul 4, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
Join Goldstone Rum for an evening of fun and learning where you’ll create your own bespoke rum. Kick…
Durrington High School: Best of the Best
- Colonnade House
- Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 9, 2026
Join Durrington High School in celebrating the incredible creativity and dedication of their GCSE…
Janaina Tschäpe
- Hastings Contemporary
- Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Janaina Tschäpe brings the swell of the English Channel and the immensity of the world's…
Group Art Show: Liminal
- Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
Seven contemporary artists from East Sussex come together this July for Liminal, a diverse and…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
- Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. Celebrate and explore David McKee's…
Romeo & Juliet
Open Bar Theatre (Shakespeare in Fullers pub gardens) and The Dot Collective celebrate 10 years of…
Open Air Opera: The Marriage of Figaro
Open-air opera returns to Borde Hill the summer as leading touring company Wild Arts presents…
Beginner's Crochet
In this three-part course we will cover the basics of crochet. We'll talk about choosing hooks…
Extended Upstairs, Downstairs Tour of Stansted House
Join us for an extended tour of Stansted House, offering you the opportunity to visit two spaces…
Postponed Ks3 Showcase: The Odyssey
We warmly invite everyone to join us for our annual KS3 show in the Shooting Field Main Hall. This…
Murder Trial Tonight
Tigerslane Studios, renowned for its captivating true-crime productions, is thrilled to announce the…
Outdoor Theatre: The Great Gatsby
We are delighted to welcome This is My Theatre Company to Stansted Park with their family-friendly…
Hue & Cry
“They’ve lasted because they are brilliant” Radio 2 Brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane formed Hue and…
The Upbeat Beatles
Performing to sell out venues for over 20 years, 'The Upbeat Beatles' have more than earned…
Walter Sickert: Working Notes
- Jul 1, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Discover a fresh perspective on Walter Sickert, one of the most provocative figures in early…
Wind in the Willows
- Jul 3, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026
An HTC Youth Group musical production with a cast of 8 - 18 year olds. Written by Sue Langwade, with…
New Sussex Singers
River, Land & Sea - Folk songs from the British Isles and beyond. NSS’s fun and relaxed summer…
Skelton Workshops
- Jul 1, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A range of five-week courses, two- and three-day courses and short taster courses in stone sculpture…
Syd's Last Stand - Celebrating Syd Barrett
Q&A with Syd biographer Rob Chapman, plus DJs and dancing. Celebrating 58 years since Syd…
15 ideas for Solo travellers
Thinking about exploring Sussex on your own? Our guide gives inspiration for the best ways to visit Sussex as a solo traveller, with ideas that range from peaceful coastal walks to vineyard tours, historic towns and creative experiences.
Feeling inspired? Book your stay in Sussex now
Find accommodation to suit every style, and start planning your Sussex getaway.
Enjoy a taste of our vineyards...
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.
Discover Sussex stories
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…
Find your 'Wild' in Sussex
- 4 min read
Sussex is a place where nature still feels wonderfully alive. Rewilded estates echo with birdsong…
Discover the stunning gardens of Sussex
- 7 min read
If you’re looking for inspiration for a day trip where you can make the most of your natural…
Explore the Arun Valley Line with Beyond the Rails podcast
- 5 min read
Explore the Arun Valley Line: coast, castles and easy escapes from London Looking for a day out that…
7 Ways to Really Slow Down on a Sussex Calmcation
- 6 min read
The idea of the “calmcation” has appeared everywhere recently, but in practice it…
Ideas for Mother's Day in Sussex
- 6 min read
Thoughtful Ways to Treat Mum This Mother’s Day in Sussex Mother’s Day is the perfect…
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