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!
Win the Perfect Chichester Evening: Light Show and Dinner at The Ivy
Win tickets to the breathtaking Light Experience by Luxmuralis at the iconic…
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
What not to miss in Sussex this Autumn
Planning an autumn escape? Explore Sussex's harvest events, stunning gardens, pumpkin festivals, cultural experiences and historic traditions.
What's on this week in Sussex
Discover what’s happening this week and plan your perfect day out in Sussex.
Graham Parker
Regarded as one of the UK's most distinguished and original songwriters Graham Parker is perhaps…
Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush
Cloudbusting’ brings this experience to Kate Bush fans across the UK. The new concert showcases the…
National Garden Scheme Open Day
Join us for our second open day of the year. A chance to enjoy the early autumn colour. Explore the…
An Evening with Joanna Mattrey
Joanna Mattrey is a violist, composer, improviser, and multimedia artist, whose works blend…
Academic Life Drawing
- Sep 23, 2026 - Dec 2, 2026
Life Drawing at Paddock Art Studios Lewes. Come and learn how to "See like the Masters…
Perfume Creation Workshops
Discover some of the hidden secrets of perfumery and take home a bottle of fragrance created by you…
Isthmian League: Bognor Regis Town vs Egham Town
Bognor Regis Town take on Egham Town in this South Central Division fixture.
Sky Bet League Two: Crawley Town vs Barnet
Crawley Town take on Barnet in this Sky Bet League Two fixture.
Chop Chop
Minds Eye Promotions brings genre fluid music events to Eastbourne. Weird and wonderful sounds, with…
The Paint Club: Sunflowers
Join us for this month's event as we paint late summer sunflowers.
Race Meeting
Afternoon Jump Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
UB40 Tribute
UB40 Tribute with Rats in the Kitchen.
Simon Brodkin: Unleashed
Acclaimed comedian and professional hoaxer He’s the comedian who showered FIFA president Sepp…
Isthmian League: Eastbourne Town vs Faversham Town
Eastbourne Town take on Faversham Town in this South East Division fixture.
The Paint Club: Sunflowers
Join us for this month's event as we paint late summer sunflowers.
Horsham Late Rock Choir
Are you looking to join a choir? The Horsham Rock Choir is led by singing teacher Georgie Standage…
Legends Of Motown
Legends of Motown is a high energy tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with…
Quentin Bell
- Sep 21, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027
Discover the work of Quentin Bell (1910-1996), son of artist Vanessa Bell and art critic Clive Bell…
Hannah East: Express Yourself
Hannah East’s brand-new show is a hilarious deep dive into the highs and lows of parenting…
Theologist - Oli Riordan
Eastbourne's longest running alternative comedy night returns this autumn with a stunning line…
Benoit Viellefon Hot Club
Benoit Viellefon will perform with his Hot Club a program comprising of classics from the swing era…
Legends Of Motown
Legends of Motown is a high energy tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with…
The Paint Club: Flowery Beach
At this month's painting workshop we are painting a flowery beach.
The Cureheads & Siouxsie and the Budgees
The Cureheads & Siouxsie and the Budgees tour together for their joint 'Story of Goth…
Anastasia the musical
The University of Chichester Conservatoire proudly presents Anastasia: The Musical in Concert, the…
808 State
Chunky electronica from the Mancunian group who paved the way for the likes of Underworld and…
Creative Taster Sessions
- West Dean Gardens
- Sep 26, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Horsham Comedy Night
John Ryan (compere), Ninia Benjamin, Mike Mc Clean and Terry Alderton.
Backstage Tours
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Our 75-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover our backstage…
Summer Programme
- Sep 21, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026
Our Summer Programme unfolds through earthworks, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and large-scale…
Antigone Exits
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Antigone's brother has died in a bloody civil war. The king - her uncle - has forbidden anyone…
National League: Worthing vs FC Halifax
Worthing take on FC Halifax in this National League fixture.
Nadia Reid
Nadia Reid’s Enter Now Brightness is an album of departure and questioning, a reminder that…
Textile Tour
Explore the Cathedrals rich textile heritage, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Piper…
Back To School!
- Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
Looking for the next term time treat? Knockhatch Adventure Park, just north of Eastbourne, has you…
That'll Be The Day
From humble beginnings, the show has grown into a “must see” attraction all over the UK, coming up…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
- Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
UnSeen
- Colonnade House
- Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Five West Sussex women artists. Five distinct mediums. A long history of exhibiting together. So…
Heritage Makes at Standen
Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations…
Art History Course | Framing the Landscape in 20th Century British Art
- Pallant House Gallery
- Sep 23, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
Join us for a three-part series of engaging art history lectures exploring the British landscape…
Arm Knitting Blanket Workshops
Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and…
Maximum Who
Performing an authentic tribute to The Who's hits and rarities 1965 -1978.
Brewery Tours
- Sep 26, 2026 - Jan 23, 2027
Curious to know what goes on at Firebird, and what it takes to bring our beers to life? Join us for…
Little Folk Ceilidh
Little Folk Ceilidh is back for another joyful afternoon of live folk music, dancing and family fun!…
Printers Playhouse presents: A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Sep 23, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
Printers Playhouse presents: A Midsummer Night's Dream Ft. DJ Plucky 'Boo-Bastic' Bottom…
Think Floyd
For over 25 years Think Floyd have prided themselves in faithfully recreating the timeless music of…
Isthmian League: Littlehampton Town vs Cobham
Littlehampton Town take on Cobham in this South Central Division fixture.
Edge: Where the Land Meets the Sea
- Hastings Contemporary
- Sep 26, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027
Edge: Where the Land Meets the Sea is a major new exhibition exploringe the fundamental connection…
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.
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!
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
Why Sussex Is Your Perfect Autumn Escape This Year
- 5 min read
As summer gives way to crisp mornings and golden afternoons, Sussex transforms into one of the…
Step into the 1066 Battle of Hastings
- 4 min read
On the 14 th of October 1066, the most famous battle in English history took place. Now, every…
Best Vineyard Harvest Experiences in Sussex: Grape Picking, Wine Tastings and Harvest Festivals
- 3 min read
Harvest season is one of the best times to visit a vineyard in Sussex, with late Summer sunshine and…
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…
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