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!
Sussex Wine
Sussex wine is quickly becoming a standout in the world of English viticulture, thanks to this sun-drenched region on the south coast of England, with…
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
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest…
Wakehurst
- Wakehurst
Have a day out like no other at 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
Tom Smith with Alice Milburn
Award-winning UK vocalist Alice Milburn joins acclaimed alto saxophonist Tom Smith for an evening of…
Summer Programme
- May 18, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
Mystery Mission
- May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
A top-secret message has gone missing at Battle Abbey – and we need you to find it before it falls…
We Will Rock You
- May 19, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Haywards Heath College proudly presents our amateur production of Queen and Ben Eltonsworldwide hit…
Make a Monster Mask
Get creative in the Orchard Tent! Our family workshops are designed for sparkling imaginations and…
Wrestling Live In Lancing
Unmissable family show. The UK's number 1 live wrestling experience.
The Jive Aces
Having become the first ever band to reach the semi finals of *Britain's Got Talent* in 2012…
Funny Girls! (Worthing)
FUNNY GIRLS! The longest-running all-girl comedy night in Brighton is now established in sunny…
Sounds at the Distillery
We've got your May Bank Holiday plans sorted. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of music, drinks…
Children’s Spring Tote Bag Workshop
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- May 24, 2026 - May 27, 2026
Get creative and design your very own spring-themed tote bag using a colourful selection of stencils…
Two-Day Course: Spring Landscape Painting
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- May 21, 2026 - May 22, 2026
This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Material Things XIX 2026
- May 18, 2026 - Jun 2, 2026
Wendy Dolan and Louise Bell return with their beautiful, handmade quilts and stitched textile…
Backstage Tours
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 18, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Our 75-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover our backstage…
St Nicolas Annual Flower Festival -'Bells Galore!'
- May 23, 2026 - May 25, 2026
Come and see beautiful flower displays in our historic church. This year's theme is 'Bells…
Lewes Ghost Walk
- May 22, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Walk through Lewes introducing you to some of the darker stories from the Towns…
Newhaven Art Club Platinum Anniversary Exhibition
- May 20, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Join Newhaven Art Club for their Platinum Palette art show. The showcase brings together generations…
Rainbow Voices - Pre-Pride Fundraiser
Join our Rainbow Voices for a musical celebration to help raise funds for Chichester Pride 2026!…
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Get ready for an unforgettable night of legendary hits as our Fleetwood Mac tribute band brings the…
Junior Musician of the Year
Tickets available here for our Junior Musician of the Year concert. This is our annual competition…
Gozzle
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- May 18, 2026 - May 31, 2026
This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful…
Spire Visits
- Chichester Cathedral
- May 20, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to Chichester…
Rosie Jones: Every Joke is a Tiny Revolution
George Orwell once observed that “every joke is a tiny revolution”, a subtle act of defiance against…
Sussex Tree Festival
- May 23, 2026 - Jun 4, 2026
The Tree Festival – a celebration of trees in Sussex – is back! This year's festival includes…
Birdsong Identification
Take an early morning amble through the spring woods to discover and learn some birdsongs. Sarah…
Hannah Wicklund
Fast-rising American singer Hannah Wicklund develops her art into a psych-rock trip.
Seal Safari Boat Trip on Solar Heritage
- May 23, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
Experience the wonderful seals and natural beauty of Chichester Harbour on our eco-friendly…
Arundel Museum Exhibition: Women’s Land Army
- Arundel Museum
- May 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
War affected every section of society, not just the military. More food needed to be produced and…
Leonardslee Lates & Sparkling Wine Tasting Tickets
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Enjoy a special evening at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, beginning with a 45-minute guided…
Wrestling Live In Heathfield
Unmissable family show. The UK's number 1 live wrestling experience.
Performing Arts Showcase
Our termly Performing Arts Showcase which this time will feature a range of Drama, Dance and Singing…
Medieval Festival - A Skirmish
- Arundel Castle
- May 23, 2026 - May 25, 2026
The year is 1480 and England is finally at peace after years of civil war, known as the War of the…
Spring Walk with our Head Gardener
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is famous for its display of spring colour and our recently…
Jeremy Hutchinson Memorial Lecture: Impunity
In an era marked by conflict and civilian suffering, how robust are international law and…
Brush With the Blues
The evening sees the first appearance in Uckfield of the incredible Tom Waters Band featuring Geoff…
Beer Festival
- May 22, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Once again, there will be a great selection of cask and keg beers, as well as a dedicated Cider Bar…
Not Giving Up Yet
Sandi Toksvig is one of Britain's most beloved writers, broadcasters and activists. She is…
Halloween Ghost Walk Pevensey
- May 23, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Ghost walk of Pevensey. Meet Castle Car Park for a guide walk hearing some of the…
Jazz Breakfast at Kino - Mike Hatchard: The OWL, the PUSSYCAT, ALICE and ALL THAT JAZZ
Mike Hatchard invites three of the best musicians known to him for another of his legendary Jazz…
Silent Sky
- May 20, 2026 - May 21, 2026
Performed by our Level 4 Acting students - Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory…
Shhh... Isobel Smith & Abigail Norris
- May 21, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Shhh… explores silence as a charged force. Abigail Norris and Isobel Smith met weekly, guided by a…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- May 18, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
House Tour
- May 18, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Curious About Chichester
- May 18, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Unlock Chichester's Hidden Stories: Quirky Walks & Treasure Hunts Await! Ditch the ordinary…
Eclipse
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 18, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make…
The Butterfly House
Gather round and be enchanted by a stunning collection of handcrafted butterfly puppets. Follow the…
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.
Top reasons to visit Sussex
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.
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.
Discover Sussex stories
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…
Historic Sussex Pubs: Where every pint comes with a story
- 5 min read
Sussex tells its tales in the warm glow of pub firelight. Step into an old inn here and…
USA 250: Anglo-American Connections in Chichester
- 5 min read
In 2026, the United States of America commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of…
USA 250: Exploring a Legacy of Liberty in Lewes
- 5 min read
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, commemorating a semiquincentennial of…
Sussex and the Declaration of Independence: A Hidden Connection
- 4 min read
Sussex holds one of the most intriguing links to American history: an original copy of the…
Step into Sussex's Great Outdoors
- 3 min read
In the heart of Sussex, Pied A Terre Adventures has established itself as one of the region’s…
Sussex Lifeboat Stations: A Coastal Trail of Courage
- 3 min read
Discover the Lifesaving Legacy Along the Sussex Coast The Sussex coastline is a treasure trove of…
From the British Museum to Battle: visit the Sussex sites from the Bayeux Tapestry
- 5 min read
With the Bayeux Tapestry being loaned to the British Museum in London later this year, from…
9 Top Glamping Spots in Sussex for Peaceful Getaways
- 7 min read
Looking for a slower, softer escape? A Sussex calmcation offers the perfect opportunity to press…
Winnie-the-Pooh at 100: visit the Sussex locations of the beloved books
- 5 min read
Winnie-the-Pooh at 100: visit the Sussex locations of the beloved books “If you live to be a…
Top events in Sussex for 2026
- 4 min read
Looking for the best events in Sussex in 2026? From world-class festivals and historic celebrations…
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Sussex Countryside: A Storybook Journey
- 2 min read
Discover the Sussex Roots of Winnie-the-Pooh Few stories have captured hearts across generations…
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