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 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.
The Paint Club: Peacock
Join us for this month's painting event as we paint a colourful and majestic peacock.
Hayao Miyazaki's Dreams
The Miyazaki Dreams concert is an immersion in the fabulous atmosphere of the films of the…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Isthmian League: Burgess Hill Town vs Ramsgate
Burgess Hill Town take on Ramsgate in this Premier Division fixture.
A Country Night in Nashville
A Country Night In Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville…
Tuesday Blues
Albany Down + 2 supports to be announced
Rustic Jar Craft Workshop
Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for this popular workshop, where you'll craft beautiful…
Cellar Tour
- Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
Cellar Tour ... NB:This is a WAS operated tour organised by FOAM box office to help raise funds for…
Evening Bat Walks
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
As the sun sets over the estate, some of Borde Hill’s most amazing residents – the bats – are waking…
Sussex Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers & Illustrators Exhibition
- Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The SSP is the longest running Society of exhibiting artists in Sussex. Founded in 1924 as a…
A Small and Quiet Light
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a…
Outdoor Theatre: The Great Gatsby
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American…
House Tour
- Sep 9, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Miguel Rothschild
- Hastings Contemporary
- Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Miguel Rothschild brings a dramatic new seascape installation to Hastings Contemporary, exploring…
Newhaven Fort
- Sep 8, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
The Paint Club: Rainbow Tree
Join us for this month's sip and paint as we paint a crowd favourite - a rainbow-splattered…
Ska Night
Ska night with The Skandalizers.
Cine-Mini Workshops
A magical first cinema experience especially created for children under five. Part of Chichester…
Curious About Chichester
- Sep 8, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Unlock Chichester's Hidden Stories: Quirky Walks & Treasure Hunts Await! Ditch the ordinary…
Harbour Tots - Parent and Toddler Group - Harbour Harvest
'Harbour Tots' is a fun outdoor session for toddlers and their parents/carers to discover…
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…
West Dean Gardens Autumn Plant Fair
West Dean Gardens is hosting the Plant Fairs Roadshow for the second time! Set at the foot of the…
Two Ship improvised music
Two Ship #22: improvised music by top improvising musicians from Switzerland, London and Hastings!…
Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War
- Farleys House & Gallery
- Sep 8, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
A major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026…
The Western Jazz Quartet
A melodious and eclectic mix of jazz standards from the American songbook from the 30s through to…
The Paint Club: Palm Tree Beach
Join us for a relaxed painting workshop as we paint a palm tree beach.
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Release
- Sep 8, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH!…
Dingbats Improv
- Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
Learn to improvise, gain confidence in performance, and have a laugh in these fun and supportive…
Creative Taster Sessions
- West Dean Gardens
- Sep 12, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Nature on Tap
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the wild side of Lewes, where soaring peregrines, ancient…
Bugsy Malone
- Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Get ready for a splurge-filled night of laughs, music, and mayhem! Award-winning Durrington…
Artwave Festival
- Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The 33rd Artwave Festival returns with 176 free-to-visit exhibitions and open studios across Lewes…
Rewild Your Vegetable Garden Workshop
Join us on a tour of Knepp’s two incredible vegetable gardens and take a deep dive into how…
Forest Bathing
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Sep 12, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
Emma Weaver is back for another soothing Forest Bathing session, taking you on a slow 5km walk in…
East Sussex Care Business Networking Session
Care Business Networking is a new programme designed specifically to support care providers in…
Wendy Ma'ys Locomotion Presents a Sunday Shakedown Sept 13th
DJ WENDY MAY returns to the beautiful & intimate Regency Rooms in Crown House St Leonards for…
Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k
The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural…
UK Pink Floyd Experience
Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd live in concert, this highly authentic…
Cabaret Cerises: 10 Years of Burlesque
Cabaret Cerises is celebrating 10 fabulous years of burlesque in Eastbourne! For the past decade…
The Blockheads
Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys’ album ‘New Boots and Panties’ on the first Stiff Records tour…
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience @ East Sussex
Embarking on its 29th year of touring, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience continues its universally…
Dream House Tours at Nymans
- Sep 8, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Join a tour around the outside of the house at Nymans, looking at the building and seeing how it…
90s / Spice Girls Tribute
Spice Girls tribute performance.
Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers Showcase Sept
Discover the art of wildlife wood carving at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with the Bentley Wildlife…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- Sep 8, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Football for adults with a learning disability - Bognor
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
A coach led session for adults with a learning disability to come and learn some new skills, meet…
Rotary Opera Evening
Lewes Barbican Rotary Club are hosting a charity opera evening featuring 4 opera singers who have…
Tales from the Cathedral Library: Why does Matthew Parker deserve our sympathy and praise?
Discover the stories hidden within Chichester Cathedrals historic library through our Tuesday…
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
See Sussex Differently: Active Adventures around Newhaven
- 10 min read
How to spend an active break in Newhaven If you're looking for an active break in Sussex with…
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…
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