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!
Seen it on TV?
Find the locations and people featured in Episode 5 of the Channel 5 series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Sussex takes centre stage in new TV series
Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Tune in to Channel 5, starting Saturday 25 July at 8pm to see Sussex on screen!
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
What's on this week in Sussex
Discover what’s happening this week and plan your perfect day out in Sussex.
UK Pink Floyd Experience
Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd live in concert, this highly authentic…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Lewes Ghost Walk
- Sep 11, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Walk through Lewes introducing you to some of the darker stories from the Towns…
Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress
Mark is back on tour in 2026 with Jest To Impress, a brand new show packed with even more expertly…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- Sep 5, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
The Big Nibble
Come along to discover local produce through a vibrant food and drink market, a live cookery theatre…
Motown Tribute
Motown night with Soultown Collective.
The Blockheads
Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys’ album ‘New Boots and Panties’ on the first Stiff Records tour…
A Small and Quiet Light
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a…
Backstage Tours
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 5, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Our 75-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover our backstage…
Family Summer Holiday Activities
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Discover a summer of art, creativity and outdoor adventure. Enjoy free creative activities designed…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Positive Sounds Beach Party
We have three banging beach parties planned for 2026, featuring all your beloved residents alongside…
Sussex Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers & Illustrators Exhibition
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The SSP is the longest running Society of exhibiting artists in Sussex. Founded in 1924 as a…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
- Sep 11, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
Crafted End of Summer Pool Party
One last swim. One last margarita. One last dance by the lake. Before summer slips away, we're…
Austin Gold/Electric Black
Austin Gold Modern Classic Rock with Uncompromising Authenticity In an era where rock music…
Skelton Workshops
- Sep 9, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A range of five-week courses, two- and three-day courses and short taster courses in stone sculpture…
The Taste of Nature on Tap
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Explore the remarkable inland chalk cliffs of Lewes with a drink in hand and a spectacular view…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- Sep 5, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
To see yourself as the world sees you may be very brave, but it can also be very foolish. As we…
Moore / Freud
- Hastings Contemporary
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Moore / Freud will be the first exhibition to explore the distinctive ways in which Henry Moore and…
One Day More
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
The Jumbo Ensemble presents for the 4th year running, an evening of musical theatre featuring a live…
To Improvise A Mountain: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye Curates
- De La Warr Pavilion
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
This Summer, we are pleased to present To Improvise A Mountain: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye Curates, a…
Big Little Gig 2026
The Big Little Gig on Saturday 5th September 2026 will feature live music from more than a dozen…
Fontwell Family Festival
Round off the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Fontwell Family Festival! If…
Children's Crafty Saturday Afternoon
A fun afternoon for kiddies 6 years and under. Charley Lowe will be in charge to help the children…
Medieval Market – Chichester City Council at 800
Step back in time on Saturday 5 September, from 10.00am to 5.00pm and experience the sights, sounds…
Arundel 1940s Revival
A glorious family day of nostalgia and celebration, experiencing the sights, sounds, and spirit of…
Tuesday Blues
Albany Down + 2 supports to be announced
One Day More: An evening of musical theatre
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Jumbo Ensemble are back for their fourth year in The Dream Centre at Chailey Heritage Foundation…
Guided Tour of Stansted House
Join one of our knowledgeable tour guides for a Guided Tour of Stansted House. Discover the family…
Noddy Fest Fun Dog Show and Fete
Please come along to join RSPCA Mount Noddy enjoy their annual fun dog show. It will be a pawsome…
Guided Tree Tours at Nymans
- Sep 5, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
Join one of our expert volunteer Tree Guides for a 90-minute tour showcasing the magnificence of the…
Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War
- Farleys House & Gallery
- Sep 5, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
A major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026…
Miguel Rothschild
- Hastings Contemporary
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Miguel Rothschild brings a dramatic new seascape installation to Hastings Contemporary, exploring…
Let There Be Love
- Sep 9, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
A Cazalet Literary Lunch with Louisa Young
Published in the 1990s Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet Chronicles won the hearts of British…
First Foodie Sunday
Monthly food market, 30+ stalls, live acoustic music, community stalls, accessible site
Artwave Festival
- Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Vibroniks
Vibroniks are back! Expect 6 hours of bass heavy vibes in typical Vibroniks style, house, old skool…
My Fair Lady
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of…
Seed Saving Course
Join our market gardeners for a hands-on workshop on how to select, collect and winnow healthy seeds…
Janmashtami Bhajan Jamming
An unforgettable celebration filled with live bhajans, raas, dancing, music, delicious food, stalls…
Fermenting & Pickling with MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt
Dive into the delicious world of pickling and fermentation with MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt! In…
Beginners Steelpan Taster Session
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026
A free taster session for those wanting to learn to play steelpan. No musical experience needed.
Dahlia Days
- Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
As summer turns to autumn the gardens at Pashley, on the border of Sussex and Kent, are ablaze with…
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience @ East Sussex
Embarking on its 29th year of touring, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience continues its universally…
The Sussex coastline is Calling
Set your own pace along Sussex’s shore, with carefully crafted routes & itineraries that reveal sweeping views, charming seaside stops and hidden coastal treasures.
Feeling inspired? Book your stay in Sussex now
Find accommodation to suit every style, and start planning your Sussex getaway.
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.
All about the Sussex Coast
The Sussex coastline stretches 140 miles along the English Channel, bookended by Camber Sands in the east and Chichester Harbour and West Wittering in the west. This stunning coastline is filled with diverse beaches, nature reserves, seaside towns, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation! The area stretching from Worthing to Newhaven and Seaford to the South Downs National Park, is designated as a UNESCO Living Coast Biosphere, covering 700Km2 of rare and unique landscapes.
Discover Sussex stories
Explore historical Sussex for free: Heritage Open Days 2026
- 3 min read
Every September, Heritage Open Days unlock the doors to some of England’s most fascinating…
Bonfire Night in Sussex: A Proud Tradition of Fire, History and Community
- 4 min read
Each autumn, Sussex bursts into life with the glow of bonfires, the rhythm of marching bands and the…
Tide Mills, Newhaven: discover the history of Sussex's lost village
- 4 min read
Tide Mills, Newhaven: discover the history of Sussex's lost village Just outside Newhaven, on…
Three Newhaven heritage walks that uncover the stories behind the harbour town
- 9 min read
Newhaven is a town that rewards a closer look. Its working harbour, railway, ferry terminal and…
Best Saunas in Sussex: Coastal, Outdoor & Wild Sauna Experiences
- 13 min read
Looking for a sauna in Sussex? From wood-fired beach saunas overlooking the English Channel to…
Take Time to Discover Midhurst: A Historic Gem in the Heart of Sussex
- 3 min read
In the heart of the South Downs National Park, Midhurst is one of Sussex’s most captivating…
Luxury holiday homes in Sussex
- 4 min read
Sometimes the greatest luxury is having the space to slow down. A private hot tub beneath star…
Discover Winnie‑the‑Pooh Inspired Spots Across Sussex
- 5 min read
Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired outings in Sussex In 2026, Winnie-the-Pooh, the warm-hearted and wise…
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's Jewel of the South Coast
- 4 min read
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's New Series A new five-part Channel 5 TV series, Sussex…
5 places to keep cool in Sussex this summer
- 5 min read
Your guide to a refreshing ‘cool‑cation’ in Sussex When the temperature rises…
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…
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