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
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
May at Go Ape
- Go Ape Crawley
- May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Looking for things to do this May half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
Three Cheers for Pooh! Centenary Exhibition and Story Trail at Nymans
- May 23, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
Extracts from A.A. Milne's much-loved Winnie-the Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's…
Wet Wet Wet
Wet Wet Wet is a Scottish pop band formed in 1982 in Clydebank, Scotland.
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…
Still Running After All These Tears - A Talk with Lisa Jackson
Writer and runner Lisa Jackson shares her personal story of grief after her husband of 30 years…
Jackie and the Beanstalk
Jackie's mum is making her take the cow to market, when the town is being menaced by a greedy…
Skelton Workshops
- May 27, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
A range of five-week courses, two- and three-day courses and short taster courses in stone sculpture…
Mudlarks & crafts!
Mud, glorious mud – that's what a lot of our wading birds think! But what is in it that attracts…
Half Term Group Painting
Join the Colonnade House team and local artist Liz English for a group painting session in the…
Wrestling Live In Heathfield
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…
May Half term at Standen: Make a Fortune Teller
- May 26, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Make your own nature inspired fortune teller this half term at Standen at this self-led workshop…
Hey Good Lookin'
Singer, songwriter and storyteller Bev Lee Harling presents an evening of story and song exploring…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
K-Pop Party
The Non-Stop K-Pop Concert Experience! Get ready to sing, dance, and party like never before with…
House Tour
- May 23, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Join us for an intimate guided tour around the house at Charleston in Firle. A knowledgeable visitor…
Eclipse
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- May 23, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- May 23, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Moana Junior
- May 27, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Join Eastbourne Stagers cast of Moana Junior this May Half Term for a fun filled musical for all of…
ABBA Tribute Night
Sing, dance & relive the classics at this feel-good ABBA night. Live vocals and iconic hits in…
Wrestling Live In Lancing
Unmissable family show. The UK's number 1 live wrestling experience.
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…
Race Meeting
Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
- May 28, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Uckfield Theatre Guild proudly presents Disneys Beauty and the Beast: The Musical! Step into a world…
Nabihah Iqbal: Imagined, Eternal
- May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Nabihah Iqbal: Imagined, Eternal. Be among the first to experience the world premiere of a new…
Worthing FreeWheelin' FEASTival
- May 23, 2026 - May 25, 2026
Steam into Beach House Grounds for a free to enter, food focused festival weekend. Zoom returns to…
The Egg
Get ready for a night of hypnotic grooves and boundary-pushing sound as The Egg take the stage for a…
Let There Be Love
- May 27, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
Pirate Week at Newhaven Fort
Ahoy there!!! Bring your mini pirates to the Fort this week for pirate stories, quill writing…
Birds Ahoy! Family-friendly boat trip on Solar Heritage
- May 26, 2026 - May 28, 2026
Chichester Harbour is nationally and internationally important as a site for coastal birds. As a…
Curious About Chichester
- May 23, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Unlock Chichester's Hidden Stories: Quirky Walks & Treasure Hunts Await! Ditch the ordinary…
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…
Toploader
Since forming in 1997 Toploader have over two million album sales to their name and a string of top…
Newhaven Fort
- May 23, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Visitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens…
Introduction to Massage Workshop - Relax, Learn, Connect
Discover the Art of Massage Join our popular one-day Introduction to Massage Workshop – a perfect…
East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
Join Sue and Sheila from the East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers at Bayham Old Abbey…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
- May 23, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. Celebrate and explore David McKee's…
Alkanna Graeca and Max Baillie
Alkanna Graeca is a vocal trio blending raw folk traditions from the Balkans, Mediterranean and…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- May 23, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Leon Greening and Steve Fishwick Quartet - Soul Time!
Leon Greening Piano Steve Fishwick Trumpet Matyas Hofecker Bass Matt Home Drums Soul Time! - is a…
Tina Turner Tribute
Tina Turner tribute with Typically Tina.
May Leonardslee Lates
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Bask in live music as the sun sets over our vibrant spring gardens with our exciting series of…
Sounds at the Distillery
We've got your May Bank Holiday plans sorted. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of music, drinks…
An Evening with Donald J Trump
A comedic evening with Tony Harris appearing as the 47th American president. We might even find out…
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…
Three Acres & A Cow, folksong & storytelling
A history of land rights and protest in folk song and story, the show connects the Norman Conquest…
Industrial Landscape Painting
- May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
A weekend exploring contemporary painting approaches to place and space. We start the weekend…
Wild and Wonderful Sculpture: Alison Catchlove
- May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
An exhibition of flora and fauna metal sculptures which explores the intricate relationship between…
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
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
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…
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…
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